In 1970, The Family Stone were at the peak of their popularity, but the maestro Sly Stone had already moved his head to a completely different space. The first evidence of Sly's musical about-turn was revealed by the small catalog of his new label, Stone Flower: a pioneering, peculiar, minimal electro-funk sound that unfolded over just four seven-inch singles. Stone Flower's releases were credited to their individual artists, but each had Sly's design and musicianship stamped into the grooves-and the words "Written by Sylvester Stewart/Produced and arranged by Sly Stone" on the sticker. Set up by Stone's manager David Kapralik with distribution by Atlantic Records, Stone Flower was, predictably, a family affair: the first release was by Little Sister, fronted by Stone's little sister Vaetta Stewart. It was short lived too-the imprint folded in 1971-but it's influence was longer lasting. The sound Stone formulated while working on Stone Flower's output would shape the next phase in his own career as a recording artist: it was here he began experimenting with the brand new Maestro Rhythm King drum machine. In conjunction with languid, effected organ and guitar sounds and a distinctly lo-fi soundscape, Sly's productions for Stone Flower would inform the basis of his masterwork _There's A Riot Goin' On_. The first 45 came in February 1970: Little Sister's dancefloor-ready 'You're The One' hit Number 22 in the charts-the label's highest showing. The follow-up, "Stanga,' also by Little Sister, made the wah pedal the star. The third release came from 6IX, a six-piece multi-racial rock group whose sole release, a super-slow version of The Family Stone's "Dynamite,' featured only the lead singer and harmonica player from the group. Joe Hicks was the final Stone Flower stablemate; his pulsing, electronic 'Life And Death In G&A" is one of the bleakest moments Sly Stone ever created on disc (Hicks' prior single for Scepter, "Home Sweet Home," the first released Stone Flower production, is also included). This long overdue compilation of Sly's Stone Flower era gathers each side of the five 45s plus ten previously unissued cuts from the label archives, all newly remastered from the original tapes. In these grooves you'll find the missing link between the rocky, soulful Sly Stone of Stand! And the dark, drum machine-punctuated, overdubbed sound of _There's A Riot Going On. I'm Just Like You: Sly's Stone Flower 1969-70_ opens up the mysteries of an obscure but monumental phase in Stone's career.
Release date:
August 12, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Guenna Peak Of Jin'arrah
The Sign Records
December 31, 2025 -
Triathalon Funeral Music (White)
Lex Records
May 16, 2025 -
Volbeat God Of Angels Trust
Republic Records
June 6, 2025 -
Djrum Under Tangled Silence [2xLP]
Houndstooth
May 2, 2025 -
Kinobe Soundphiles (Translucent Blue) [2xLP]
Music On Vinyl
May 16, 2025 -
Black Majesty Oceans Of Black
Scarlet Records
June 20, 2025 -
Alien Boy You Wanna Fade? (Baby Blue)
Get Better Records
May 9, 2025 -
Josh Joplin Group GpYr
Missing Piece Records
May 2, 2025 -
Brideshead You Are The Light
Shelflife
May 23, 2025 -
lavender we're having a barn dance
Night Time Stories (NTS)
May 23, 2025 -
Matmos Metallic Life Review
Thrill Jockey Records
June 20, 2025 -
Moncrieff Maybe It's Fine
Warner Bros UK
May 16, 2025 -
Garbage Let All That We Imagine Be The Light (Orange)
Bmg
May 30, 2025 -
Mojave Phone Booth Blood Doctor Volume One
Label 51 Recordings
June 6, 2025