Earth Wind and Fire - System Of Survival - 12 Inch (all versions)

Earth, Wind & Fire were one of the most musically accomplished, critically acclaimed, and commercially popular funk bands of the 70s and 80's. Conceived by drummer, bandleader, songwriter, kalimba player, and occasional vocalist Maurice White, Earth Wind and Fire all-encompassing musical vision used funk as its foundation, but also incorporated jazz, smooth soul, gospel, pop, rock & roll, psychedelia, blues, folk, African music, and, later on, disco. Lead singer Philip Bailey gave Earth Wind and Fire an extra dimension with his talent for crooning sentimental ballads in addition to funk workouts; behind him, the band could harmonize like a smooth Motown group, work a simmering groove like the J.B.'s, or improvise like a jazz fusion outfit. Plus, their stage shows were often just as elaborate and dynamic as George Clinton's Parliament Funkadelic. More than just versatility for its own sake, Earth Wind and Fire's eclecticism was part of a broader concept informed by a cosmic, mystical spirituality and an uplifting positivity the likes of which hadn't been seen since the early days of Sly & the Family Stone. Tying it all together was the accomplished songwriting of Maurice White, whose intricate, unpredictable arrangements and firm grasp of hooks and structure made Earth Wind and Fire one of the tightest bands in funk that took all that came before them and wrapped it up into one dizzying, spectacular package.

Tracks

System Of Survival (Dub 1 mix) (Everybody Get Up/House Party Mix)
System Of Survival (12 Inch Version)
System Of Survival (With Narration 7 Inch Version)
System Of Survival (Percapella)

Personnel

Maurice White - vocals, drums, kalimba
Verdine White - bass
Philip Bailey - vocals, percussion
Sheldon Reynolds - guitar, vocals
Andrew Woolfolk - saxophones
Ralph Johnson - percussion
Sonny Emory - drums
Morris Pleasure - keyboards