Maggot Brain

Funkadelic: Eddie Hazel, Garry Shider, Tawl Ross (vocals, guitar); Bernie Worrell (vocals, keyboards); Fuzzy Haskins (vocals, drums); George Clinton, Raymond Davis, Grady Thomas, Calvin Simon (vocals); Billy Nelson (bass); Tiki Fulwood (drums).
Jimi Hendrix's untimely death in September of 1970 left a gaping hole in the funk-rock genre. With 1971's MAGGOT BRAIN, Funkadelic showed that they were rightful heirs to Hendrix's throne. This is the album where, all at once, everything seems to come together for a legendary band. Most obviously, the songwriting is sharper and much more focused. As on their previous releases, epic instrumental compositions dominate. But this time they are much more coherent-and not as obviously geared towards minds in an 'altered' state.
The sparse title track provides the ultimate vehicle for Funkadelic's late and great guitarist, Eddie Hazel. Here he does his thing, a moving ten-minute workout that goes through many peaks and valleys, leaving the listener feeling drained by its conclusion. Another highlight is "You And Your Folks, Me and My Folks," touching upon the topic of interracial relationships in one of Funkadelic's most soulful tracks ever. Also included are a fierce rocker ("Super Stupid"), prime funk workouts (such as "Hit It And Quit It"), more mellow fare ("Can You Get To That," "Back In Our Minds"), and the all-encompassing album closer, "Wars Of Armageddon." MAGGOT BRAIN is unquestionably one of rock and funk's all-time classics.