Funkadelic

Arguably the funkiest group ever to rock a stage, Funkadelic have endured thanks to timeless hits and their heavy influence on hip-hop. 1978's One Nation Under A Groove is their best selling album (the title track went to No. 1); it perfectly fuses offbeat humor, social commentary, and exceptional musicianship.

I can't figure out why some Funkateers profess themselves unmoved by this one. The twelve-incher does come up a little short on guitar, but a generous Hendrix fix is thoughtfully provided on a seventeen minute, seven-inch third side, and the title cut is as tough and intricate as goodfooting ever gets. Plus: "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?" and "Into You," two manifestos that bite close to the bone, and "The Doo Doo Chasers," a scatological call-and-response cum responsive-reading whose shameless obviousness doesn't detract from fun or funk. Fried ice cream is a reality! Or: Think! It ain't illegal yet! (Grade - A)