Issued by the Rhino label in 2008, this formidable box set presents eight classic albums by the eclectic funk ensemble War. Although the Californian group got its start as the backing band of former Animals frontman Eric Burdon, this collection rightly begins with War's liberated 1971 self-titled debut, an outing that laid down the template for successful later albums such as THE WORLD IS A GHETTO and WHY CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS? Among the many beloved tunes included on these vintage outings are the slinky, melancholy "Slippin' Into Darkness" and the irresistible automotive anthem "Low Rider," tracks that helped to ensure War's place in rock history.