Another in Mercury's class of Kool & The Gang reissues, 1972's Music Is The Message is the most notably funk-inspired.

It's got a groove that sticks to the greasiest parts of your body (whatever part that may be -- it's different for everyone) and vibrates. The horn section goes ballistic, the guitar grooves from left to right, the bass slaps your ass silly.

The record opens with the funk anthem, "Music is the Message," and segues nicely into "Electric Frog (Parts 1 and 2)." The other real winners on this disc are "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)," and the bizarre "Funky Granny." Kool & The Gang were the essential funk, the real getdown, the total poop. Rockin' the mike like limbo stix. Mr. 1984, you know what I'm sayin'. Or maybe you don't. Maybe no one does. Doesn't matter, though. Music is the message that sings universal love for one and all.

-Ryan Schreiber