Other people’s turntables and column speakers

I’m not an audiophile. Neither am I a musical elitist. My taste does, however, run to the slightly esoteric. Where it’s not esoteric, my favorite audiophile refers to my taste as schmaltzy. Hardcore music lovers, especially elitists, might drop the gloves if accused of such heresy. I laugh it off because I’m just a guy. Labels mean nothing.

Ten inches

I subscribe to the school of vinyl. Not necessarily because of the difference in fidelity but because I believe in the whole story told by an album. Whether part of a concept novella or simply the sum total of disparate tracks cobbled together, every vinyl LP tells a unique story. The latter can be as personal as the former. Vinyl demands patience.

In a world where media — a song, a video, a blog, a vlog — is judged in 15 seconds or less, and we invest 3 minute increments in those that pass muster, the time needed to live inside an artist’s mind for forty-plus minutes is now the equivalent of reading Tolstoy. One needs to be smart, and creatively curious in a rare way, to read War and Peace.

Get it?

1. Eddie Hazel - Games, Dames and Guitar Thangs (1977)

Guitarist Eddie Hazel is best known for his work with George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic collective, but his solo album Games, Dames and Guitar Thangs is a funk masterpiece in its own right. Released in 1977, the album features a dazzling display of Hazel's guitar virtuosity. His playing is psychedelic, soulful, and drenched in wah-wah effects, yet always rooted in a solid funk groove.

The album opens with a funkified cover of The Mamas & The Papas' "California Dreamin'," which takes the folk-pop classic and turns it into a hypnotic, spaced-out journey. Tracks like "Frantic Moment" showcase Hazel's ability to craft complex guitar riffs that are simultaneously technical and deeply funky. While the album is only a brief 35 minutes long, it's a powerful statement from one of funk's most innovative guitarists, and it's criminally underrated. For fans of guitar-driven music, this album is a must-listen.

2. Mandré - Mandré (1977)

Mandré (born Andre Lewis) is a true enigma in the funk world. His self-titled debut album, Mandré, released in 1977 on Motown Records, is a blend of futuristic synth-funk, jazz fusion, and cosmic disco. What makes Mandré stand out from his contemporaries is his use of synthesizers, creating a sound that feels more like a precursor to 80s electro-funk and boogie than the raw funk of the early 70s.

The album's standout track, "Solar Flight (Opus I)," is a smooth and spacey jam that feels like the soundtrack to a cosmic adventure. The track's shimmering synth lines and propulsive rhythm section make it one of the most unique funk compositions of the decade. Other highlights include "Masked Music Man" and "Spirit Groove," both of which push the boundaries of traditional funk into experimental and futuristic territory. For those who appreciate artists like Daft Punk and Flying Lotus, Mandré is a fascinating precursor to the electronic music of today.

3. Betty Davis - They Say I'm Different (1974)

Betty Davis was a trailblazer in the funk world, known for her raw, sexually charged lyrics and raspy vocal delivery. She was ahead of her time in many ways, and her music was considered too provocative for mainstream audiences in the 1970s. They Say I'm Different, her second album, is a testament to her fierce individuality and her ability to blend funk with rock, blues, and soul.

Davis' backing band for this album includes members of Sly and the Family Stone and The Pointer Sisters, providing a tight and funky backdrop for her commanding voice. Tracks like "Shoo-B-Doop and Cop Him" and "He Was a Big Freak" highlight her fearless approach to both music and sexuality, as she sings with unbridled confidence and attitude. The title track, "They Say I'm Different," is a declaration of her uniqueness, both as a woman and as an artist. Davis’ fusion of funk and rock influenced artists like Prince and Madonna, but she remains a cult figure rather than a household name. For those seeking something raw, edgy, and unapologetic, They Say I'm Different is essential listening.

4. Minnie Riperton - Perfect Angel (1974)

Minnie Riperton may be best known for her hit single "Lovin' You," but her 1974 album Perfect Angel is a hidden gem of 70s funk and soul. While Riperton's voice is often associated with ballads, Perfect Angel reveals her versatility as an artist, showcasing her ability to navigate both delicate love songs and funky, upbeat tracks.

Produced by Stevie Wonder, the album is a blend of smooth soul, funky rhythms, and intricate arrangements. The track "Reasons" is a perfect example of Riperton’s ability to infuse a song with a deep, funky groove while still showcasing her ethereal, high-pitched vocal range. "It's So Nice (To See Old Friends)" is another standout track, with a breezy, laid-back vibe and infectious bassline. While Perfect Angel might not be as heavy-hitting as other albums on this list, it's a beautiful example of how funk can intersect with soul and pop to create something truly magical.

5. Faze-O - Riding High (1977)

Faze-O’s Riding High is a funky, laid-back album that is perfect for those looking to groove out to smooth rhythms and tight musicianship. Released in 1977 on the now-legendary She Records, this album encapsulates the mellow side of 70s funk, with an emphasis on mid-tempo jams and extended grooves.

The title track, "Riding High," is the most well-known song on the album and has been sampled by numerous hip-hop artists, including Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. The song's hazy, relaxed vibe and infectious bassline make it a standout track, but the rest of the album is just as compelling. Songs like "Funky Reputation" and "Get Some Booty" are filled with soulful horns, syncopated drums, and smooth vocal harmonies, making the album a complete package for funk enthusiasts.

One of the most interesting things about Riding High is its ability to balance tight musicianship with a sense of looseness and relaxation. While the grooves are intricate, the album never feels rushed or overly complex, making it the perfect soundtrack for a chill weekend.

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