Cannot agree more. The Books are such a genius mixture of real instruments and sampling; life-affirming, aurally gorgeous, humorous.

Also have to second other recommendations of Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Miles Davis (though I'd recommend "Kind of Blue" as a starting point), Sonny Rollins is pretty killer too. Don't know if you're really into jazz, but I recommend you try it out as you seem to like experimental sorts of music.

Lots of other good mentions in this thread.