Sold Date: June 5, 2023
Start Date: May 11, 2023
Final Price: $24.99 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 2970
Buyer Feedback: 0

Sly and the Family Stone Dance To the Music Vinyl LP - Epic BN 2637 Very Good First Pressing (1968) 
Condition: Very Good Vinyl and Very Good + Cover. Vinyl was play-tested on both sides and plays very well with good fidelity throughout. Cover is fully intact with good color and no splits; name written on back. 
Dance to the Music is the second album by Sly and the Family Stone, released in 1968 on Epic Records. It contains the Top Ten hit single of the same name, which was influential in the formation and popularization of the musical subgenre of psychedelic soul and helped lay the groundwork for the development of funk music.
The Family Stone itself never thought very highly of Dance to the Music while they were recording it; its existence was the result of CBS executive Clive Davis' request for Sly Stone to make his sound more pop friendly. To appease his employer, Sly developed a formula for the band's recordings, which would still promote his visions of peace, brotherly love, and anti-racism while appealing to a wider audience. Most of the resulting Family Stone songs feature each lead singer in the band (Sly, Freddie Stone, Larry Graham, and newcomer Rose Stone) sharing the lead vocals by either singing them in unison or taking turns singing bars of each verse. In addition, the songs contained significant amounts of scat singing and prominent solos for each instrumentalist.
The formula not only worked in selling records, but influenced the entire music industry. When "Dance to the Music" became a Top 10 pop hit, R&B/soul producers and labels immediately began appropriating the new "psychedelic soul" sound. Many of the songs on this album (particularly the title track, "Are You Ready", "Ride the Rhythm", and the "Dance to the Medley" that closes Side A) adhere closely to the formula, and also share chord progressions. Also included is the band's first Epic single, "Higher" (later reworked as "I Want to Take You Higher").
Tracklist
A1Dance To The Music2:58 A2Higher2:46 A3I Ain't Got Nobody (For Real)4:24 Dance To The Medley(12:13) A4aMusic Is Alive A4bDance In A4cMusic Lover
B1Ride The Rhythm2:46 B2Color Me True3:08 B3Are You Ready2:48 B4Don't Burn Baby3:12 B5Never Will I Fall In Love Again3:24
Sly and the Family Stone Sly Stone - vocals, organ, guitar, piano, harmonica, and more Freddie Stone - vocals, guitar Larry Graham - vocals, bass guitar Rose Stone - vocals, piano, keyboards Cynthia Robinson - trumpet, vocal ad-libs Jerry Martini - saxophone Greg Errico - drums Little Sister (Vet Stone, Mary McCreary, Elva Mouton) - backing vocals _____________________________________________
Shipping: Calculated domestic shipping via Media Mail or Priority Mail. Will ship internationally at FLAT RATES.  Records mailed in a proper cardboard LP mailer. All records cleaned prior to shipment.
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Return Policy: I do accept returns for up to 30 days. Please let me know if you have questions about this item or any others I have for sale before you bid or purchase.  If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact me immediately and I will do whatever I can to resolve. This may be a replacement, a credit, or a full or partial refund depending on the circumstances.
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I use the Goldmine Grading System, and play-test all records. I note any differences between vinyl and cover, and make note of any inserts, special sleeves, or potential defects.

MINT (M) - Absolutely perfect in every way. Most often this is a still sealed record, records that have been opened are rarely if ever marked as Mint.

NEAR MINT (NM) - A good description is that it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it?s nearly perfect, with no visible defects. 

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Except for a couple minor things, this could be Near Mint. Most collectors will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if on the high end (VG++). VG+ records may show slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Covers should have only minor wear. 

VERY GOOD (VG) - VG records are among the biggest bargains, and for many, will be worth the money. They can lack the original gloss, may have surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages. But the noise will not overpower the music. VG covers will have signs of handling, and may have minor splits. 

GOOD PLUS (G+) - Good+ does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, but it has significant surface noise and groove wear. Cover may have significant ring wear, noticeable writing, or obvious damage.

GOOD (G) - Record may have some skipping, but is otherwise listenable. I generally avoid selling Good (G) rated records unless they are highly collectible or desirable, in order to enjoy until something better comes along. Cover has major wear or seam splits that need repair, or heavy writing like radio station call letters to prevent theft.

Feel free to contact me with any specific questions.