So MMJ’s spectacular Bonnaroo set really triggered a sense of aural nostalgia/recall, as they played Kool and the Gang’s funk anthem “Get Down On It,” the first song I bonded with my mother over (and actually the first hint that her musical palette might extend beyond Kenny G and smooth jazz).

So I thought I’d share some choice cuts of funk from some of the masters. And please, dear reader. Share with us in the comments. What really gets you funky?

Here are a few hall-of-famers in my eyes:

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MP3: Chuck Brown – Bustin’ Loose

Chuck Brown, DC’s own godfather of go-go, is one of the select few go-go artists to attain notoriety outside of the DC metro area. Let’s just forgive the fact that the masterfully groovy jazz-funk cut “Bustin Loose” is now the Nationals’ home-run song.

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MP3: Curtis Mayfield – Move On Up

The one, the only, Curtis Mayfield, brings a smolderingly sensual mood to almost all of his works, anchored by his distinctive higher-range vocals.

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MP3: Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man

Herbie Hancock was a jazz fusing, genre mashing pioneer. Among his many opuses, I rank “Watermelon Man” wayyy up there.

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MP3: Commodores – Lady (You Bring Me Up)

The Commodores are one of those bands that stand the test of time through quality pop songs. The fact that Lionel Ritchie did vocal duties for the first decade and change of the band’s existence is just icing.

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MP3: Kool & the Gang – Get Down On It

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MP3: My Morning Jacket – Get Down On It (Kool and the Gang) live from Bonnaroo 2008

And finally, the track that spawned this whole post. Kool and the Gang really flex their jazzy funk-pop muscle on this one. Good vibes and funky freshness abounds, “Get Down On It” is an intensely catchy, smooth dance anthem that can fill the floors of any era.

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