1. Thrust
Herbie Hancock's "Thrust" solidified the Head Hunters' trajectory, a masterclass in jazz-funk fusion. Harvey Mason's drumming is a locomotive, propelling the dense, pre-digital synth textures and chunky basslines. It's less about polite improvisation and more about an insistent, almost primal groove, a testament to how electric instruments could redefine rhythmic complexity and harmonic adventurousness in the studio. And the brass, when it cuts through, offers sharp, angular punctuation.
2. The Pavilion Of Dreams
Harold Budd's "The Pavilion Of Dreams" exists in a realm entirely separate. It’s not just ambient; it’s a shimmering, almost fragile collection of sonic sketches. The piano, treated with a delicate touch and often layered with ethereal vocal textures, creates vast, tranquil spaces. Brian Eno's influence as producer is audible in the meticulous spatialization, crafting a deeply introspective, almost liturgical quietude. This was a new kind of calm, born of careful analog manipulation.
3. 20 Jazz Funk Greats (Remastered)
Throbbing Gristle's "20 Jazz Funk Greats" is a deliberate sonic assault, a corrosive satire of its own title. Even "remastered," the original 1979 intent remains: to dismantle comfortable notions of music. It’s industrial, certainly, but also a pioneering work of controlled chaos, utilizing tape loops, crude electronics, and unsettling vocals to forge a brutalist soundscape. This was less about rhythm and more about sustained tension, a raw nerve exposed in the pre-digital age.
4. Fireside Favourites
The Sound's "Fireside Favourites" often gets lost in the post-punk shuffle, yet it’s a powerful statement. Adrian Borland's vocals are a raw, emotional core, delivered over arrangements that are both urgent and melancholic. The guitar work is sharp, angular, and the rhythm section drives with an understated intensity, creating an atmosphere of brooding introspection. This wasn't grandstanding; it was honest, atmospheric rock, recorded with a directness that resonated.
5. Deceit
This Heat's "Deceit" is a challenging, deeply innovative record. It’s a post-punk artifact that leans into pure experimentation, blending dub-inflected rhythms with abrasive textures, found sounds, and a sense of impending dread. The studio itself became an instrument, with tape manipulation and stark production choices creating an almost claustrophobic sonic environment. It was art-rock pushed to its most uncompromising edges, demanding attention through its sheer, unsettling originality.
6. Come Away with ESG
ESG's "Come Away with ESG" epitomizes minimalist funk. The band's raw, stripped-down approach, particularly Renee Scroggins' propulsive basslines and her sisters' tight, interlocking percussion, created a sound that was instantly iconic. It's all about the groove, unadorned and utterly infectious, recorded with a dry, immediate fidelity that allowed every beat to cut through. This was music made for movement, a foundational text for early house and hip-hop.
7. Entergalactic
An album titled "Entergalactic" in this era would likely have been an ambitious venture into synth-driven cosmic exploration, perhaps a prog-rock or early electronic odyssey. Envision sprawling instrumentals, layers of analogue synthesizers, and perhaps vocoded narratives depicting stellar voyages. It would aim for a grand, perhaps slightly naive, vision of the future, recorded on multi-track tape with a focus on expansive soundscapes and intricate, machine-like rhythms.
8. Criminal Minded
Boogie Down Productions' "Criminal Minded" is a cornerstone of early hip-hop, raw and uncompromising. KRS-One's lyrical dexterity and street-level philosophy were groundbreaking, delivered over Scott La Rock's sparse, hard-hitting beats, sampled from obscure funk and reggae cuts. The production, while rudimentary by later standards, possessed an undeniable grit and authenticity, laying down the blueprint for conscious and hardcore rap with unflinching realism.
9. Dimension Hatröss
Voivod's "Dimension Hatrös" pushed thrash metal into truly psychedelic territory. Their sound was a complex, almost dissonant blend of intricate riffs, bizarre time signatures, and a pervasive sci-fi narrative. Piggy's guitar work was uniquely angular, while Away's drumming provided an unpredictable, yet powerful, foundation. This wasn't just speed; it was a carefully constructed, art-metal experience, recorded with an emphasis on clarity amidst the chaos.
