This outstanding collection of funk singles compiled by Stones Throw Records includes 16 songs recorded between 1968 and 1974 by obscure underground groups from America. One of the strongest crossover funk labels of the last decade, Stones Throw pays due respect to modern music’s forgotten grandfathers on this most grooving recorded history lesson of impeccable quality. Anchored by the Highlighters’ classic “The Funky 16 Corners,” whereby the Indianapolis group upped the ante in 1969′s craze for bands counting “corners” (read: hit me three times!) by breaking the recorded benchmark with 16, this compilation leans heavily on the James Brown sect and celebrates the lesser-known groups of the genre, who with high talent and low budget put to tape some of the most raw funk ever captured to date. Representative modernist Cut Chemist of Jurassic 5 even gets an interpretation slot with “Bunky’s Pick” on one of two bonus tracks. Every track is essential to the record and every groove a lost gem. An informative 16-page booklet with full-color photos is included. – Nic Kincaid