#119 Sly and the Family Stone, 'Stand!' (1969)

Previously #121

I’ve already listened to 50% of the songs on this record previously in the challenge due to their inclusion on the ‘Greatest Hits’ that was included (#343). That’s the thing, why include Greatest Hits compilations when the artists have multiple records included. Released in May 1969, the album was the band’s most commercially successful record of their career, punctuated by an iconic performance at Woodstock. In 1969 alone, they sold half a million copies, and to date have reached over 3 million sales.

A song that wasn’t included on the Greatest Hits was the controversial, ‘Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey.’ Released at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the song’s title repeats for most of the song, save for one verse sung by the inimitable Rose Stone. I saw Family Stone live once, and she was just the coolest. The album was a call to arms. A no holds barred record that would give millions of African Americans a voice for years to come. It’s a psychedelic soul trip. I’d also like to make special mention of the band’s bassist, another artist I’ve seen live, another who is just effortlessly cool and is the man who evented the slapping technique on bass guitar. As for the record, it’s amazing, but we didn’t need the spoilers earlier on in the list.

#rs500albums