The Walrus - Music With Big Fuckin' Teeth!

03/11/2008

Sly Stone's "If You Want Me To Stay" Is Still Fresh As Ever

Anyone with decent taste in music knows that Sly and the Family Stone's 1973 single "If You Want Me To Stay" is incredible. Sly's throaty rasp bounces over that infectious bass line while his organ playing gives meaning to the horn parts that accessorize each verse with punctual stabs. Ah, it kills me every time I hear it!

I was warily curious to know how well this song had aged, as most examples of re-done songs never live up to their original glory. Luckily, I was able to find footage from the 70's and footage from last year of Sly performing his hit live. To my delight, not too much had changed!

Here he is at the North Sea Jazz Festival in July 2007.

Ain't too shabby, is it? Even if Sly does look a little like Flava Flav, he still sounds badass. If you don't already own Fresh, shame on you. No worries, just go to Amazon immediately!