Sly & the Family Stone formed in 1967 in San Francisco, where bands have a history of incorporating a multitude of cultural influences into a rock 'n' roll melting pot. A mulitracial mix of men and women, the band blended R&B, pop, rock and Funk with stunning group vocals on hits such as "Dance to the Music" and "I Want to Take You Higher." Prior to those glorious Funk-filled days, Sly Stone produced some catchy, danceable teenage rock 'n' roll. On those songs, featured here, you might be able to detect some changes, arrangements and singing styles that crept into his later, more popular work; but these early recordings almost fit into the mold of what the kids might have been dancing to in Beach Blanket Bingo if the tones weren't so dangerously fuzzed-out and Garage-influenced for the time.
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