Album: Various Artists, Message from the Tribe: 1972-76 (Universal Sound)

Tribe was a musician-run recording collective in Detroit during the mid-1970s. Big hair, big attitude, big things to say. Big debt to the great Sun Ra.

You won't know many, if any, of the names on this fascinating compilation but it's likely you will find things to enjoy in its wiggy, out-there, partially electronic grooves. Just check out Phil Ranelin's "Vibes from the Tribe". The package includes hefty booklet and postcard art and so you may safely treat it as a historical "document". Documents seldom come so badass.