Organize - Sly & the Family Stone, Stewart, Freddie
Le Lo Li
My World
So Good to Me
Greed
The first album attributed to Sly Stone rather than Sly and the Family Stone. One of the better straight-up funk albums of the 70's even though it's his most underrated. The title track, a career highlight, was an impressi... more »ve single peaking at number three on the R&B chart. Originally released in 1975.« less
The first album attributed to Sly Stone rather than Sly and the Family Stone. One of the better straight-up funk albums of the 70's even though it's his most underrated. The title track, a career highlight, was an impressive single peaking at number three on the R&B chart. Originally released in 1975.
CD Reviews
Most underrated Sly Stone album...worth the money!
Matt | Medfield, MA United States | 11/08/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's too bad this album is only available as an import because it truly ranks with Sly's most seminal works. Combine the raw funk of 'Riot' with the jazzy melodies of 'Fresh' and that's pretty much what you get here. Dig deep into your wallet for this one if you have to because you'll marvel at how good it is."
Sly brings the FUNK again...
B. Bowman | Jersey, United States | 03/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is one of the main reasons why I don't buy the argument that everything recorded by Sly Stone after "Fresh" isn't worth listening to. I bought this disc with low expectations, but after one listen I was convinced that this album was overlooked. To me, "High On You" is like a more upbeat "There's A Riot Goin' On". It almost seems like this album had the same production quality with the funk format of heavy bass, keyboards, backup vocalists, and driving beats. The main difference between the two albums is the lyrics: Sly seemed to be in a much better mood when this one was recorded. This disc seems a little looser and jazzier too. The instrumental "Green Eyed Monster Girl" is a good example, with a funky keyboard solo that sprawls over the entire four minute track. The liner notes indicate that Sly had a heavy hand in the recording of "High On You", stating that he played "Everything - ?!!". It makes sense then that this album was credited to him rather than Sly and the Family Stone. However, this album seems to have been dismissed, which is a shame. This may not have been his most memorable work, but this is a damn funky album and I can't find fault with that."
Sly's most underrated album...
Alex Tavares | Bronx, NY | 04/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was absolutely shocked when I listened to it. It was so hard to find, I had to import it from Sweden (back in '99).
Just thought I'd give my overall opinion of it for those who are on the fence about buying this album.I was slightly disappointed by "Small Talk" and had low expectations for this album from all the reviews I had read. The first song, the title track, forshadows the unexpected burst of energy brought forth in this entire album. Sly's vocals are as powerful as from his "STAND" album and there is a great keyboard solo in the middle of the song. The next song "Crossword Puzzle" is in my top three favorite Sly tracks, behind "Stand" and "Thank You". The bassline is hypnotizing, horns colorful, and Sly's lyrics are witty, socially poignant, and poetically brilliant.
" Woman has a baby cute
Illigitimate to boot,
Who can say it isn't right,
love shines a different light
as the world goes around,
everybody's gettin' down,
how can you wish her pain?
cause she has a maiden name?
You know why? It's a crossworld puzzle."Well, I can go on and on, but you get my point by now. If you are thinking of buying it, I highly recommend that you do. So as not to gas up the album too highly, perhaps you should listen to it with the expectation of a declining Sly record, and compare that with what you actually get from this album."
Definitely worthwhile
J. Frankel | CT , US | 12/02/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you understand the genius that Sly Stone represented and you're interested in acquiring more of his work, then this album is more than worthy of addition to your collection.
It's somewhat criminal that this release is only offered overseas and at a steep price for those in The States.
Some 'annals of funk' moments are definitely contained herein. The title track smokes, even though you get the distinct impression that Sly is smoking (read: freebasing) throughout the whole thing. His quick utterance after the chorus of "I get high on you" of "you know what I been doin'" makes it implicitly clear what Sly's been doing. De La's famously sampled "Crossword Puzzle" comes up next, and yes of course, it's far better than the "remake." "Crossword" has this bubbling Sly organ on top and combines the trademark rhythm and wit that Sly so famously left his mark with. My last standout is the far too brief "So Good to Me" which features this ridiculous booming fuzz-bass breakdown which probably made Larry Graham a little more than jealous at the time.
At times "High On You" undoubtedly suffers from Sly's preoccupations and "Le Lo Li," Organize" and "Green Eyed monster Girl" attest to that. Still, a recommended if not sensational nightcap from Sly. Sadly, his light never shined this brightly again in his abbreviated career.
"
Worth Peeping into
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 07/06/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"overall I'd say this Album is about a 3&a half because I wouldn't put it alongside His Peak? Albums like "There's a Riot Going on","Fresh" or even "Small Talk" but in His Defense the title track here is Nice&"Crossword Puzzle" is a Jam that you gotta have.He has some Good Moments on this set but this Set should be available for all as should all of His Catelog because The Guy is way too Important for Music to be not getting any Full Love for His GENIUS Contributions."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1