Who?

Well over four decades into their career, the Bar-Kays are one of the finest bands around -- soul, funk, R&B or otherwise. One of the most popular acts to ever come out of the legendary Stax Records stable, the band has had plenty of hits both under their own banner as well as backing artists like Isaac Hayes on the Shaft soundtracks. Though the bulk of the Bar-Kays' original lineup no longer remains, the name still lives on as original bassist James Alexander regularly recruits a new gang of musicians to help keep the tunes alive in concert.

And I Care Because?

- They're unsung heroes. While most bands would be content enough to have the kind of success the Bar-Kays enjoyed in the '60s and '70s, they're barely credited with some of their most famous works, backing artists like Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding.

- They survived tragedy. Back when the Bar-Kays first began releasing music in 1967, they sadly lost four of their members in the same plane crash that killed Otis Redding. While that kind of setback can cripple a band's vitality, the Bar-Kays paid tribute to their deceased members in the best way possible: by making music they'd be proud of.

- It's the ultimate Monday pick-me-up. Really, there's no other way to describe the Bar-Kays discography than "feel-good." A few splashes of soul-funk go a long way no matter what your mood, so you might as well start the week on a good note and give Soul Finger a spin.

Stream Soul Finger below, buy their albums, and watch the band performing at the legendary Wattstax.