Sly and The Family Stone – Small Talk
Sly Stone
“In order to get to it, you’ve gotta go through it” – Sly Stone
I fully realize that the function of this blog is to review new and current albums. As I went to my local record store this week in search of material I came up with…nothing. Or should I say, nothing new. It was just a whole lot of the same. I’m sure there will be people who’ll say “you’re crazy, x, y & z was released recently, blah, blah, blah”. I know, but here the thing, I’m bored of x, y & z. I was very close to walking out empty handed when I finally saw something that got me excited. A mutton chopped genius who burned out way too early. Mr. Sylvester Stewart (aka, Sly Stone).
After the successes of Woodstock, the albums “Stand!” and the politically charged “There’s a Riot Goin’ On”, Sly’s life began unraveling. A growing drug problem in conjunction with a love of guns was taking a toll on the band. Bass player (and innovator) Larry Graham, Jr. and drummer Greg Errico left a few years earlier, unable to deal with Stone’s erratic behavior. The rest of the band soldiered on though. Stone married (famously during the middle of a concert), had a child and attempted to move into the role of family man. He expressed this quieter, more serene part of his life on “Small Talk”.
Originally released in 1974 (but was re-released last year), the album was a departure from the more exuberant albums that preceded it. It’s a mediation on fatherhood and family life with a quiet, thoughtful and generally easygoing feel. Although it’s not his most accomplished, or exciting work, it only suffers by comparison to earlier efforts. He’s one of the few artists who are in competition with only themselves.
With all the reported turmoil swirling around this era of his career it’s a testament to his staggering abilities that he was able to release such a cohesive, beautiful album. Some highlights are the laid back “Say You Will” with it’s quirky lyrics and unconventional (for the Family Stone anyway) string section. The upbeat and poignant “Time for Livin” and hazy groove of “Can’t Strain My Brain” are also standouts.
He was an incredible talent at one point in time, but not just for his writing abilities. It was also the ability to see talent in others and surround himself with it. The Family Stone was just as responsible for their success as Sly himself. There’s still hope he has a latter day hit still in him. Perhaps an album that will allow him to put into perspective the incredible highs and lows in his life. Until then (if it ever arrives), you can get a snapshot of a time where he tried to find peace on a sinking ship. Proving that you can find beauty in even the strongest of undertows.
Sly & the Family Stone – Time For Livin'
Sly & the Family Stone – Say You Will
Sly & the Family Stone – Can't Strain My Brain
Tags: album
2 Comments
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Jeff Kaliss — October 24, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
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matt — October 25, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Thanks?
I’ve tried to cover all these albums and matters in my just-published book, I Want to Take You Higher: The Life and Times of Sly & the Family Stone (Backbeat Books, 2008). Foreword by Sly, Preface by George Clinton. Check your local bookstore, online sellers, and my website.