Join us for our second installment in this years Essential project – where we dig deep into a genre and bring you the albums that matter most. This year we’re covering the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and Funk genres. Today on the show we talk about records from two very influential and well-known bands – Iron Maiden and Parliament.

In 1980, Iron Maiden released their debut record to much critical and commercial success. Their combination of punk and progressive rock sound was perfectly fitted for audiences in the UK and Europe looking for the next thing after punk music.

A few years prior, the George Clinton led Parliament group was poised to release their defining record. By building on the sound of James Brown (and stealing a few of his band members), they were ready to start a musical movement. Hits like Mothership Connection and Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker) would go on to become mainstays in the genre and help define much about modern day hip-hop. Not to mention the amazing live shows they would become famous for