207. Sly and The Family Stone - There's a Riot Goin' On

Release Date: 1971
Label: Epic

Having enjoyed 'Stand!', I was hoping for more of the same from Sly and The Stones but will confess to being a little disappointed by what I heard. Whilst the album started off fine with the punningly good 'Luv n Haight (Ashbury), I felt it dragged a little throughout and was a little deflated towards the end. 'Family Affair' sticks out due to familiarity, and there are some good instrumental passages (e.g. harmonica during 'Space Cowboy') but 'Brave and Strong' for example is tosh. Mind you, this is the 99th best album of all time according to Rolling Stone so what do I know?

Rating: 4/10
Favourite Track: Family Affair

160. Sly and The Family Stone - Stand!

Release Date: 1969
Label: Epic

Clearly with these last two records we are at the dawn of funk here. Of the two I prefer this one, and I'd only be tempted to turn down the second track because of the lyrics. It's definitely a record worth exploring further, and even the 13+ minute 'Sex Machine' does not marr the quality.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Everyday People