(May 2019) Episode 218 of my “opus project” is JAMES BROWN. The Godfather of Soul, the Father of Funk, the Supreme Showman — all this is true. But if you groove out to James Brown — and I recommend that you do — find a greatest hits album and avoid the regular releases. There is a LOT of filler among and within albums: recycled, regurgitated, rerecorded material, even whole albums without any discernible JB content other than his name on the cover. This was another looooong one (63 albums). As with anything, best when funky.

Favorite album: There It Is

Favorite song: Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine

Worst album (tie): The Original Disco Man, The Merry Christmas Album

Favorite period: 1969-73 (most funky)

Special sauce: Bootsy and Catfish Collins

Compared to expectations: same

(January 2017) I have completed episode 107 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: EARTH WIND & FIRE. Classic funk, soul, rock and much else, always in a sunny and uplifting spirit. This was my go-to music whenever I felt depressed in high school (I listened to a lot of EW&F in high school). 70s is peak EW&F, 80s and 90s are pretty awful, but in the 00s and 10s they get their groove back.

Favorite album: All ‘n All

Favorite song: That’s the Way Of the World

Sentimental favorite song: In the Stone

Least favorite song: Boogie Wonderland

Compared to expectations: same