Friday, August 3, 2012

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Certain music seems to fit certain seasons. In the summer, I tend to listen to ska and reggae. It just seems right. However, lately I've been listening to a lot of Sly and the Family Stone. This song kind of sums it all up. I love the vocals that they had, Sly, Rose, Freddie, Larry, and Cynthia all had distinctive voices, and I love they way they spread the lines out among the different singers.

Hot Fun in the Summertime




Sly and the Familly Stone started out by embodying the peace and love and unity of the 1960, with songs like Everyday People, not to mention that they were the first multi-racial, multi-gender rock band.Then as the 1970s became darker, they reflected that darker side with the album "There's a Riot Going On".
Sometimes I wonder what would they have done if they hadn't burned out on drugs and paranoia? But then I stop to think about what they gave us. A great body of songs, the start of a new style of music - funk, and of course Larry Graham's  developing of the slapping and popping style of bass playing.
So let's hear some Sly and the Family Stone!

Everyday People/Dance to the Music



Thank You (Fallentinme Be Mice Elf Agin)



Everyday People with Tom Jones (You HAVE to check this one out!)




Family Affair



I could keep going, but here's one more.

Stand