'Hot Buttered Soul'

When Isaac Hayes died in 2008, I read countless stories and obits about the man and instantly wanted to listen to his magnum opus, Hot Buttered Soul.

For one, the title is freaking awesome and the album art is pretty kickass.

Two, Hayes is the type that I've always admired in the art world. A guy that was good enough to pretty much do what he wanted. He wasn't splashy; he just played really good music.

And it is good music. Soulful and real. He's not layering fake horns with synthesizers or this overly processed bass guitar. You can hear the buzz and scratch of all the instruments despite it being incredibly smooth.

Hayes took his job seriously and I can't say the same for most people. Like me.

Also, it's worth noting that this album came out in 1969. The same year as Abbey Road, The Band, Led Zeppelin II, The Velvet Underground and Tommy were released. Way before his time.