Sly & the Family Stone

Sly Stone is the big toe of modern R&B, and his funky imprint can be seen in everyone from Maroon 5 to Mos Def. The tribute album Different Strokes effectively captures this range of diversity. Chuck D, D'Angelo and Isaac Hayes weigh in on "Sing a Simple Song," while the Black Eyed Peas cover "Dance to the Music." Strokes is as enjoyable as it is warranted.

It's been years since the last truly memorable tribute album; most listeners have become so
jaded about them that it would take an extraordinary effort to pull one off. The people
behind Different Strokes by Different Folks certainly made an effort: Various permutations
of rappers, rockers and neo-soulsters were invited to rework the original Sly and the
Family Stone recordings from the late Sixties and early Seventies. The results ar... More >