Blind Boys of Alabama

Together since meeting at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939, these ancient, sight-challenged black dudes deliver a thoroughly funky collection of gospel blues as only the Blind Boys of Alabama can. To make this timeless treat even sweeter, they're backed up by pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph's Family Band and their stylistic descendant Ben Harper, but the real pleasure is derived from their traditional, yet impeccably produced, takes on both gospel staples and soul-pop classics from the likes of Curtis, Stevie, Aretha, Prince, Funkadelic and Jimmy Cliff. Their "People Get Ready" cover is a near-quality match for Mayfield, while sounding utterly unlike the original. This is the shit.