Released the same year as Parliament's MOTHERSHIP CONNECTION (1976), STRETCHIN' OUT IN BOOTSY'S RUBBER BAND marked not only the solo debut of Parliament-Funkadelic bassist Bootsy Collins, but an expression of funk as a universe unto itself. Bootsy was the court jester of the P-funk, but more importantly he helped shape the group's signature sound with his elastic, effects-heavy basslines and monstrous grooves. STRETCHIN' OUT is a showcase for what Bootsy does best. The level of entertainment is high throughout; there's no shortage of playful silliness, for example (like the smirking, wispy vocals of his alter-ego, Casper). But what really stands out is the musicianship (the album is produced by George Clinton and features many outstanding musicians from the P-funk crew), which blazes on jams such as "Stretchin' Out (In a Rubber Band)" and "Psychoticbumpschool." No funk fan should be without this five-star classic.

• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: POP
• Released: 05/18/2015