There's no questioning their cred: not only have Funky Meters men Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, and Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste created some of the darkest, dankest, most original funk known to man, they've also backed a wide range of rock and soul heroes. Big touring spots opening for both Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones made them late-'70s legends, but unfortunately the band fizzled by the '80s. Reunions and replacements notwithstanding, you have no choice; you will get down to the Funky Meters.