Professor James W. McGuire has had tea with former President of Argentina Raúl Alfonsín. Chances are, Professor James W. McGuire knows more about the Gini index than you do. Professor James W. McGuire taught me everything I know about democracy. Professor James W. McGuire wore cargo pants and flip flops, so I wore cargo pants and flip flops.

These days, the Latin America expert and head of Wesleyan’s Government Department is bumping tunes ranging from Ali Farka Touré’s blend of traditional Malian music and American blues to music from the “cretaceous era (1960s and 1970s).” McGuire was concerned that his vintage taste might “baffle [Argus Arts] readers,” but I know you guys have great taste.

The Playlist

Ali Farka Toure with Ry Cooder, “Lasidan”

Alison Krauss, “Endless Highway”

Allman Brothers, “Southbound”

Brothers Johnson, “Right on Time”

Doc Watson, “Shady Grove”

Frank Zappa, “Inca Roads”

Grateful Dead, “China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider”

Herbie Hancock, “The Traitor”

Jerry Douglas, “Ride the Wild Turkey”

Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, “Walkin’ Boss”

Little Feat, “Spanish Moon”

Mamas & Papas, “Creeque Alley”

Miles Davis, “A Tribute to Jack Johnson”

Steel Pulse, “Handsworth Revolution”

Super Rail Band, “Silanidé”

Taj Mahal and Toumani Diabate, “Ol’ Georgie Buck”

Thelonious Monk, “Straight, No Chaser”

Willie Colón/Ismael Miranda, “Jibaro Castao”

ZZ Top, “La Grange”