Excellent Good Fair Poor : COMPACT DISCS

“Headhunters.” Herbie Hancock. Columbia. Though this 1973 album by keyboardist Hancock is more funk than jazz, it was the first jazz album to be certified a “gold record.” Possibly the best jazz-funk LP ever recorded, its success inspired many jazz musicians to attempt more commercial music. The album’s popularity primarily stemmed from the pop appeal of its key cut, “Chameleon,” a long, flashy tune featuring all sorts of bizarre electronic sounds that seem even more intense and intriguing on CD. 1/2