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Funplex
Availability:
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Price:
$18.98
$5.99*
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| Part No: | B00139B39O |
| Manufacturer: | Astralwerks |
| MFG Part: | |
| Customer Rating: | 4.5 / 5.0 |
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16 years between albums is a gap virtually unprecedented in modern music, so no surprises that the first question you want to know about
Funplex is: how does it sound? Going on the opening track "Pump", you'd be forgiven for thinking not at all: there's Fred Schneider's delirious, delightfully unselfconscious shout, there's Kate and Cindy whooping like dropout cheerleaders, there's the enjoyably garish mish-mash of early rock'n'roll, B-movie kitsch and surfboard funk that's been the group's stock in trade since their emergence in the new-wave boom of the mid-'70s. Deeper into
Funplex, though, there's evidence of a new electronic edge, which can be owed in part to the input of producer Steve Osbourne, who's previously worked with New Order and Sophie Ellis Bextor. At times, the presence of dance beats, echoing effects, and pulsing synthesiser make
Funplex feel a little clinically handled, like a B-52s remix. But it's worth admission just for the glorious title track, a chaotic cops'n'hippies dust-up at the mall, and the mighty "Ultraviolet". "Keep doing what we're doing cos we're doing it right!" shouts Fred. "Four miles to a breakdown!" shout Kate and Cindy. 16 years on, the party's still going.
- Louis Pattison
Along with producer Steve Osborne (New Order, Happy Mondays, Doves) the band have created an album as cutting edge, distinctive & danceable as their debut album in 1979. The B-52's influence cuts a wide path through much of so-called Modern Rock-- from the low-fi efforts of nouveau garage bands and the Retro-Hip of Ultra-Lounge to the very ascendance of Dance music itself. Twenty years and 20 million albums into a career that began as a low-rent lark in Athens, Georgia, the B-52's remain the most unlikely Pop superstars ever. The first band to glorify Pop culture with an almost Warholian sense of purpose, their absurd B-movie style and off-kilter sound celebrated the weirdness lurking just beneath the surface of Americana. EMI. 2008.
| They've Still Got It | 2010-07-01 | 5 / 5 |
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The B-52s have been recording for over 30 years now and with "Funplex" they amazingly manage to maintain their artistic integrity, successfully combining their trademark quirkiness with a definitely modern sound.
"Pump" is a more-than-appropriate opener as it kicks into high-gear immediately. The guitar hook makes you almost feel like Ricky Wilson is still alive, and the whole song has a somewhat "darker" edge to it.
"Hot Corner" is this album's "Love Shack", a great party tune with fun lyrics such as "Hey y'all, last call, last chance to dance". Fred and the girls work together perfectly here.
"Ultraviolet" seems a bit unfocused and all over the map upon first listen, but it does grow on you. Who can resist Fred singing "Keep doing what you're doing cause you're doing it right"?
"Juliet of the Spirits" is perhaps my favorite song on this CD. It is one of two low-key tracks here where Kate and Cindy really shine. Their harmonies are so perfectly dreamy, it almost makes you feel as though you are levitating. There are definitely elements of "Dirty Back Road" apparent in this track, which may explain why I like it so much.
Cindy Wilson really stands out in the title track, "Funplex" which also features some of the funniest lyrics on the CD. "Faster Pussycat, thrill, thrill", and "I'm your daytime waitress, here's your stupid 7-UP".
Interesting techno intros make way for more great Kate/Cindy harmonies on both "Eyes Wide Open" and the futuristic "Love in the Year 3000".
The second of my favorite tracks is the laid-back and soothing "Deviant Ingredient" [see also "Juliet of the Spirits"]. Even the usually-manic Fred sounds like he popped a valium before recording this. We even get a clever helicopter sound effect. The strings on the outro remind me a little of Madonna's "Don't Tell Me".
"Too Much to Think About" is perhaps the most commercial-sound you will find on "Funplex", but it may be my least favorite.
Fred seems somewhat subdued on "Dancing Now" which features memorable bells and chimes, reminiscent of "Give Me Back My Man" from "Wild Planet". Also, there are times on this track where Kate's voice possesses some grittiness and sounds somewhat like Cindy.
The closing track is the rocking "Keep This Party Going" where Fred calls out to major world cities (of course, their native Athens, GA gets top billing). Its rocking vibe is a good way to bookend the CD.
Not many groups with their original members intact can manage to sound fresh enough to capture new fans yet still keep their loyal 30-year fanbase. The B-52s must be praised for maintaining their signature sound yet adapting to today's music scene.
Though less frantic than their first two albums, "Funplex" has more in common with those than with middle-period B's like "Cosmic Thing" and is highly recommended. |
| As much fun as I'd hoped | 2010-06-07 | 5 / 5 |
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| I was happy to hear the B-52's had released their first new album of material in years (14?) and hoped it would continue their bright, danceable legacy. I was not disappointed--there are driving dance rhythms, sonic soprano duos, and the lead male singer's characteristic and charismatic chants. The album is new material written by the B-52's and as much or more fun than any of their earlier albums. |
| The B's keep on rockin' | 2010-05-14 | 5 / 5 |
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Beautiful, lush, hypnotic, pulsating, frenetic, sexual, fun, and danceable. What can I say, I love the B's. Didn't even know this was out until I visited their website. I've always been fascinated by the way these guys manage to combine party beats with truly great, complex music, and beautiful vocals and soaring harmonies.
One of my all-time favorite bands, and this album is as fine as any in their catalog. |
| Bobby Music | 2010-04-13 | 4 / 5 |
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A lot of bands come back years after their last performance and try to do it again and capture the same energy and "magic" of their old music. Few are able to do it. The B-52s have done it with this CD.
Way back in the 70s my older brother Bobby became a big fan of what was then a new style of music: The Clash, Bow Wow Wow, Adam Ant and others. The B-52s was one of the bands that I liked. I remember looking with curiosity at Ricky Wilson's guitar with the two middle strings removed. He contributed to an original sound.
It was weird. With lyrics like "I'll give you fish; I'll give you candy"... What? Fish? Receiving fish from someone is not likely to persuade me. Planet Claire and Rock Lobster? The girls with their outrageous hairstyles and Fred's wacky voice. But somehow it worked.
Bobby passed away shortly after Ricky Wilson. Keith Strickland has a different style, and the girls are pushing 60 now. But this CD captures the same energy and the same wackiness as the old days. It's energetic. It's fun. It's danceable if you like to dance.
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| They still have it. | 2010-01-29 | 5 / 5 |
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| I wasn't sure if I'd like this album, if the b-52's would still have their magic. They do. Great album. |
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