The Bar-Kays

The Bar-Kay's went on to release 20 or so records, but their 1967 debut is the only album featuring the original line-up. In December of 1967, four of the group's six members died on the same fateful flight that claimed Otis Redding. Though the Bar-Kay's may not be a household name like Redding, this album shows exactly what the world lost: loose rock-driven funk cut with a dollop of soul and masterfully executed by Memphis' best studio musicians. The title track is a monster of thumping funk engineered for dance floors. But really, every track is strong, and this album is timeless.