To most people, headhunters are those people who snatch talented employees from one job, to find them more stimulating employment elsewhere. The educated minority, of course, understands that Head Hunters is an unparalleled musical experience. Head Hunters is the archetypical funk album, and the prototype for modern, less euphonic 'hip-hop' music.

Recorded in late 1973 (ah yes, 1973), the album brought together some of the most talented young musicians to create a unique sound that has never been duplicated. From the original multi-layered beats of Harvey Mason to the exploratory rhythmic patterns of prodigal Herbie Hancock, Head Hunters stands alone as a masterpiece of funk.

While the album has enjoyed popularity all over the planet (it is the best-selling jazz album in history), its influence on modern hip-hop is largely ignored. If you feel left out, grab the album at your local record shop.

The best song on the album is the magnificently simple 'Chameleon', which is 15 minutes of pure creativity (unlike other artists of the 1970s, Herbie Hancock understood the concept of excess, particularly when drumming).