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The complete Motowns — two albums and a pair of out-takes.
Consummate jazz-funk and two-step soul from their time with Wayne Henderson’s At Home, in 1975-76. Stone classic vocal takes on Ronnie Laws’ Always There and the Crusaders’ Keep That Same Old Feeling, through sublime mid-tempo harmonising like She’s A Lady, to jiggy jiggy murder like S.O.S. (which with sth assistance of gospel diva Helen Baylor trumps even Esther Phillips’ ace version).
‘A sonic snapshot of America’s steel capital, probing the fertile cavern between the departure of the Jackson 5 to Motown and the collapse of U.S. steel… a love letter to Gary, Indiana, salvaging twenty-plus lost songs from the southern-most tip of Lake Michigan. Housed in a deluxe tip-on gatefold jacket, with a 16-page booklet crammed with photos, ephemera, and an in-depth essay, Skyway Soul connects the dots between The Spaniels, Michael Jackson, and Freddie Gibbs.’
A fabulous, landmark compilation of deep, southern and bluesy ballads — originally released in 1983 — back again at last, with improved sound and numerous additions.
‘Their entire output in upgraded sound from the correct master sources, including recently discovered tapes and unissued demos, with a booklet jammed with illustrations from the group’s personal archives and a 9,000-word essay based on input from all the members, including commentary from Sly himself. Truly the last word on Sly Stone’s first phase.’
Truly pioneering electro-funk — treated, lo-fi, minimal, fundamentally desolate — this long overdue compilation of Sly’s own Stone Flower label runs the five 45s alongside ten previously unissued cuts, all newly remastered from the original tapes. The missing link between the rocky, soulful Stand! and the dark, ticking, overdubbed sound of There’s A Riot Going On, his masterpiece. The notes include an exclusive new interview with the great man himself.
‘Teenage melancholy from the original Miami Sound Machine. Backed by the infamous FAMU Marching 100 Band and Frank Williams’ crack shot players The Rocketeers, I Am Controlled By Your Love compiles sides from Helene Smith’s ‘60s tenure with the Deep City, Lloyd, Reid, and Blue Star labels. A sweltering album of twelve deeply soulful, alternate universe hits from the First Lady of Miami Soul!’
His first solo LP, from 1973, brilliantly produced by Willie Hutch. Highlights include three killers: the sublime, expansive, funky protest of Just My Soul Responding; the achingly beautiful Sweet Harmony; and The Family Song, a two-step classic.
Multi-layered, expansive, reflective, feelingly political, musically expert. Dev Hynes, Kelani and How To Dress Well all in the mix; Q-Tip, Tweet, Lil Wayne… and old man Knowles, most tellingly of all. Knockout singing.