Sly & The Family Stone's record-buying fans showed commendable taste in the late '60s and early '70s. In my opinion, these are five of the group's best songs; not coincidentally, four of them were among their biggest hits:
- Dance To The Music (The immediate command to "get up and dance to the music" sets the mood and keeps it for the duration. In addition to the studio version, the "Live At The Fillmore East" version from October 4, 1968 is also worth hearing; it's an expansive take, with resounding horns and vocals that live up to the studio rendition. In either case, "Dance..." segues well with "Heavy Makes You Happy" by The Staple Singers.)
- Everyday People (These lyrics about coexisting peacefully are appropriate in any era. The Savant Garde altered tapes rework version of Arrested Development's cover, "People Everyday," combines the Sly & The Family Stone influence with the feel of Bibio's "Lovers' Carvings" and Swing Out Sister.)
- Hot Fun In The Summertime (A well-done throwback pastiche that draws the listener in right from Stone's first note on the piano. Genesis uses a similar rhythm to propel the hit, "Misunderstanding.")
- Sing A Simple Song (One of the funkier call-and-response tunes of its time, or really any time. The beat and the unusual vocal structure make this possibly the group's strongest song. The Meters covered it compellingly.)
- Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (A strong rhythm section is crucial in pulling this off. The Crusaders also do it justice instrumentally.)
