Music Friyay: Sly & The Family Stone, The Concretes, Minnie Riperton

By Joanna C. Valente

Here’s some music, new and old, you should listen to and check out:

Sly & The Family Stone - Fresh

This 1973 album will change your life and give you an extra spark.

The Concretes - Layourbattleaxedown

The 2005 album is like a soft whisper that you hear all day. “Miss You” is a classic.

Minnie Riperton - Come to My Garden

Riperton was one of the best singers of her time, not to mention all time. This album is often overlooked, but it should definitely be part of your rotation.

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Joanna C. Valente is a human who lives in Brooklyn, New York. They are the author of several books, including Marys of the Sea, #Survivor (2020, The Operating System), and Killer Bob: A Love Story (2021, Vegetarian Alcoholic Press). They are the editor of A Shadow Map: Writing by Survivors of Sexual Assault and received their MFA in writing at Sarah Lawrence College. Joanna is the founder of Yes Poetry and the senior managing editor for Luna Luna Magazine. Some of their writing has appeared in The Rumpus, Them, Brooklyn Magazine, BUST, and elsewhere. Joanna also leads workshops at Brooklyn Poets. joannavalente.com / Twitter: @joannasaid / IG: joannacvalente / FB: joannacvalente