A semi-obscure funk artist from Chicago, Captain Sky swooped down to Earth in the late 1970s, delivering his sonic freakiness to an unsuspecting public, combining elements of Parliament-Funkadelic, Rick James, Earth Wind & Fire, and Ohio acts like Lakeside and Zapp. His third album Concerned Party #1 is a rambunctiously flamboyant collection of otherworldly party starters. Lushly arranged, the horn section alone is ten deep, while the strings sport another 16 players. Though this may suggest more of a disco vibe, it's all about the funk here, thanks to some absurdly fresh bass grooves, clap-happy drums, and no shortage of intergalactic Moog action. Standout selections include the appropriately titled "Sir Jam A Lot," the educational breakdown "Elementary School of Funk," the title track, plus extraordinarily smooth ballads "Trace of Love" and "Let Me Come Inside." Though he never broke through to mainstream superstardom, Captain Sky remains a favorite of funk collectors and hip-hop producers; he has been sampled by Public Enemy, BDP, and De La Soul, among others.