Greatest Hits, Sly & The Family Stone

Terre Haute Pressing - Incredible Gatefold - Pitting on Back Sleeve

Sly & The Family Stone – Greatest Hits

Artist: Sly & The Family Stone

Title: Greatest Hits

Album Type: Compilation Album (Original Vinyl Release)

Original Release Date: November 1970

Label: Epic Records (Catalog: KE 30325)

Genre: Funk / Soul / Psychedelic Rock

Background & Production Greatest Hits was released during a creative hiatus for the band, designed by Epic Records to maintain their massive momentum after the success of Stand!. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 and became the group's most successful album, eventually certified quintuple platinum. While most tracks were pulled from previous LPs, this compilation marked the first album appearance for three massive hit singles: "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Everybody Is a Star," and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)." Interestingly, because true stereo mixes for these three songs didn't exist in 1970, Epic used "re-channeled" (simulated) stereo for the original LP release.

Musical Composition & Style The album is often cited as one of the greatest "party records" ever made, capturing the band's revolutionary blend of rock, R&B, and social consciousness.

• The Anthems: Includes definitive versions of "Everyday People," "Dance to the Music," and "I Want to Take You Higher."

• The Funk Revolution: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" features Larry Graham’s pioneering "slap and pluck" bass technique, which fundamentally changed the sound of funk music.

• Psych-Soul Fusion: Tracks like "Sing a Simple Song" and "Stand!" showcase the group's signature multi-lead vocal trade-offs and fuzzy, psychedelic instrumentation.

• Length Variations: Some tracks on this compilation appear in their full album lengths rather than the shorter single edits, giving listeners the complete "jam" experience.

Original Pressing & Collector Notes Original 1970 pressings are highly sought after for their iconic design and authentic analog feel.

• Identification: The original 1970 US pressing (KE 30325) features the yellow Epic label (with "Epic" repeated in a circular pattern around the border).

• The Gatefold: Original copies feature a high-quality gatefold sleeve. The interior of the gatefold contains a large, striking photograph of the band by Stephen Paley and extensive liner notes by Morgan Ames.

• Matrix/Runout: Look for the "P" stamped in the runout, which indicates it was pressed at the Columbia Pitman plant. Common matrix suffixes for the first run include -3A and -1A.

• Quadraphonic Variant: In 1971, a Quadraphonic version (EQ 30325) was released. This version is prized by audiophiles because it contains the only "true stereo" mixes of the three non-album singles available on vinyl for decades.

• • Keywords: Sly & The Family Stone, Greatest Hits, 1970 Vinyl, Original Pressing, Epic Records, KE 30325, Funk, Psychedelic Soul, Larry Graham, Everyday People.

  • Collection Ideas: Funk & Soul Landmarks, The Woodstock Era, Essential 70s Compilations, Larry Graham Bass Foundations.

  • Related Artists: James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince, Curtis Mayfield, The Isley Brothers.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve