Fela Kuti
Fela is the king of world music. Inventor of Afrobeat, as it's called. It's a simmering amalgam of jazz, funk, soul, highlife, and protest music. His canon is extensive and well worth examining. I came to appreciate Fela's work somewhat tangentially, having been turned on to King Sunny Ade and wanting more African sounds. From his early "singles" period through his later side-long funky jams, you WILL move your arse to this!
Recommended: Army Arrangement (1985), Afrodisiac (1973)
Leon Russell
Almost too legendary to describe. He has played with everyone, written songs that have turned everyone on. No restrictions of genre or time.
My favorites: Carney (1972), Hank Wilson's Back (1973)
George
Clinton/Parliament-Funkadelic
Tear the roof off the sucka! When we were kids, we made fun of this stuff. Boy, were WE dumb!
Put your headphones on for: Maggot Brain (1971)
Miles Davis
My favorite jazz artist of all. Maybe the coolest dude who ever lived. Whatever--he has done everything in music. I can't diss Bird, 'Trane, nor any of the other greats, but Miles is IT.
Traffic
In my view, Traffic was one of the most original and versatile rock bands ever. The group was always in flux, but they rode it all out for a string of great albums.
My faorite: The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971)
XTC
I nearly left them out because of their aversion to touring, but that would disqualify a lot of great artists. First experienced them in the film Urgh! A Music War. That paved my way for appreciating punk and "new wave" of all stripes. No one besides Big Star wrote catchier songs without having any real "hits." But it isn't about hits, but great songs and albums. They have lots of both.
Get into: Skylarking (1986)
The Pogues
It's just a coincidence that I am posting this on St. Patrick's Day. The Pogues are the quintessential Irish band: sloppy, angry, fiery, humorous, sincere. Maybe Shane MacGowan is more famous for getting drunk, but this is one band I so regret never having seen live. I had a chance to see Shane live at Guinness Fleadh in 1997, but passed so I could see Van Morrison on the main stage. I still agonize over that one!
You won't regret spinning If I Should Fall from Grace With God (1986)
Robert Johnson
You may have heard of him. Sold his soul to the devil to become the greatest bluesman ever. Well, that's an utter crock, but he probably was anyway.
Just get it: The Complete Recordings (1990)
Lucinda Williams
She deserves a spot for songwriting alone. But that voice!
Her opus grande: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (1998)
Wrote oodles of great songs. Introduced the world to the wonders of African Music. Collaborated with a guy named Garfunkel.
Groove to: Graceland (1986)
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