6.

Gang of Four- Entertainment

What can I say about this record? It has an absolutely astonishing rhythm section. It’s super groove-based, but there’s an attack to the music that is extremely heavy and abrasive. Those two things operating in tandem is such an exciting thing to hear. You’re locked into a groove that is almost funk-based; it’s very bass-driven. And yet it’s also dissonant and abrasive. It’s just totally thrilling. I love that band and I think their first records are incredible, but this is the ultimate document of this band, and is certainly seminal in the post-punk canon. I had the pleasure of seeing the original line-up play at SXSW nine years ago, on a rooftop in Austin, Texas. They brought out a microwave oven and beat it rhythmically to the music, and I actually have a piece of the bat and a piece of the microwave oven. But man, what a treat to see those band members play those songs so perfectly. It’s just an incredible record.