Givin' you more of what you're funkin' for

52. Funkadelic - "One Nation Under A Groove" (Warner Bros., 1978)

Perhaps the clearest statement of the part of the P-Funk ethos that sets out to unify everyone into one groove nation (and maybe the clearest statement of that by anyone, it's certainly not an ideal limited to George Clinton), "One Nation Under A Groove" is the kind of sloganeering that gives sloganeering a good name. I would say that if you only had to hear one P-Funk song it would be this one, but if you hear this song and don't feel like looking further into the catalog for more bass lines, harmonies, and total-body grooves like this one, we have fundamental differences, you and I. The 12" version is 11 and a half minutes long and about 8 and a 1/2 minutes in, when the synth-bass groove starts changing it up under the chorus, is when it goes from next level to that other level.

If we were driving from Albuquerque to Minneapolis, we'd be in Denver

203. Yoko Ono - "Why" (from the Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band album, (Apple Records, 1970)

A momentous occasion! We're 1/3 of the way through this silly countdown, honestly much further than I expected to get, and it makes me happy to say that for this milestone science has chosen a song near and dear to my cold, black (jk, it's warm and bloody) heart, the first track from Yoko Ono's Plastic Ono Band LP, which is just such a wonderful little slab of funk (ever wonder why funk comes in slabs?) that you can tap your toes and swivel your hips to. The rhythm section of Klaus Voorman and Ringo Starr are right up front in the mix here, and they make it boogie something wonderful. Combine that with Yoko's shrieks and John's feedbacky guitar noodling and abracadabra! Look! It's no-wave! This is really a treat though, it's expansive and funky and funny and charming and wonderful. I don't want no Yoko-haters, a Yoko-hater is a guy/girl who can't get no love from me.

Come on, mammy

245. the B-52's - "Whammy Kiss" (Warner Bros., 1983)

Like many B-52's songs, this one is perfect in every way. The drum machines pound out a constant love beat that accompanies the lyrics, which do the not at all simple trick of making desperation attractive. Who would turn down anyone singing this song "a refuelin'?" No one who likes fun, certainly. I hope your New Year's Eve (and mine) is 1/100th as wonderful as this song. We all need our refuelin' for the new year. Here's to champagne toasts and as many whammy kisses as you desire.

Your body's like a camembert oozing from its skin

255. the Art Ensemble of Chicago - "Theme de Yoyo" (from the Les Stances a Sophie LP, Nessa Records)

The Art Ensemble of Chicago made a lot of crazy, wonderful music over the years. They are an inspiration for those open to trying new things, engaging with traditions that aren't your own, and looking backwards, forwards, and in every direction at the same time. This track is an absolute fireball of funk, and the short bursts of free jazz style freakout (and how tightly the band goes into and out of them) make me really happy.

I'm going to see Transporter 3 with my fam after dinner for some sweet reason. Will report back. Happy Thanksgiving.