Are Drum Solos Necessary?

I'm listening to "Radiolarians 1" by Medeski, Martin & Wood and all of a sudden there's a drum solo from Billy Martin which train wrecks the proceedings. I like this guy for his chameleon-Esq in context rhythming.  He can really get it going to help his band-mates reach new heights collectively. The only drum solo I've actually liked is Ron Bushy's well composed segment from "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida". It is elegant in it's simplicity, moves through motifs smoothly and segues quietly into the organ solo. Ginger Baker's Cream contribution "Toad" remains for me one of the most tedious workouts because there is no compositional commitment to the tune for setting up an appropriate context. I much prefer what he does in ensemble, his Afro-Beat inspired recordings produced by Bill Laswell are wonderful and his work with Jonas Hellborg sets new standards. I've seen a few Billy Cobham solos and while technically astounding, leave me cold because they exist for themselves. For me context is key. Surf rock drummers flail wildly, good progressive rock drummers apply symphonic techniques to embellish, funk drummers mine feel like veins of precious ore. In my own approach, I embrace the Jim Keltner Mantra Of Humility, "I try not to call attention to myself". Drummers please chime in!