Funplex

by

The B-52's

Edit

This is tough. When Loreena McKennitt emerged with her new album after a 10 year gap, half of the album was great, and the other was "ok". The B-52's are back with a full length studio album, their first in 16 years. Wow, 16 years is practically a generation! I am writing this as an ardent fan, I own all their albums, a smattering of singles, rarities, books, etc. But I am honest, too. So, the Funplex... Fred is still in good voice and everyone is in a party mood. But is this a Party Out of Bounds?

The first thing I noticed was the music, from note one it was great! Three songs later it still sounds like the same song. That's how you keep the party going. They all are in good voice! I can still distinguish Kate and Cindy, welcome back Cindy!! Two things struck me that were very different from the other albums. 1. Electronics are more on the foreground now. Beats, beeps and whistles and all. Good stuff (wink). 2. Sex. There are a lot of sexual innuendos going on in the lyrics! More than ever! Look no further than "Ultraviolet"! Fred belts "let's hit the G Spot!" and "tell your skirt to take a hike!". Over the top, funny and fun.

"Juliet of the Spirits" is a nice number from the girls and Cindy can still reach those high notes that have been showcased in songs like "Girl from Ipanema goes to Greenland" and "Deadbeat Club". The album's best moment comes with "Deviant Ingredient". Just perfect!!! Sounds like a lost song from BOUNCING OFF SATELITES!. Great lyrics, chemistry, energy, swingy and kitschy! "Funplex" the title track and first single is a great party tune, about a mall... or a state of mind, not sure.

All in all FUNPLEX is a great album and the future generations of the B-52's are gonna party like it's the year 3000! The Kings of the Zulus and Daughters of Dracula are still partymonsters and will provide you the vibes!! So sit back in that outer space chair, drink that Mojito, wear that shiny poly blend, and wear those sunglasses on top of your head!

FUNPLEX in five words:

Hypnotic, Harmonic, Sparkling, Dizzy and Futuristic!

I've owned or currently have just about every original release from the B52's, and have enjoyed most everything, including Funplex. It would be tough to pull off another Cosmic Thing success story, but the writers have the talent so it's not out of the question.

This CD is more techno, but it's the same essential dance disc you would expect from the Georgian Fab 4.

The good - even after so many years, Fred, Kate, and Cindy are still having fun. They have never been accused of taking themselves too seriously, and all the album tracks reflect that. It's nearly impossible to listen to this at work without the toes tapping or the legs bouncing.

The not so good - As a whole, I'm not very impressed with the lyrical creativity of the CD. A number of the tracks have an excess of repetition. While 'white hot shimmy in a Lurex gown' is fun to sing, much of the remaining content for Hot Corner don't show much creativity. Same deal to some extent with Funplex, though you'll never hear the line 'chandelabra in a Wonder Bra' *anywhere* but at the Funplex!

Their tunes have always had a sense of innuendo to them, this time around they made it much more overt, again I sense a lack of creativity. Maybe there was an impatience to write after taking so many years off? If so, I hope they knock the rust off and release another disc by '11 or '12.

Overall, the disc has some ups and downs. Vocally, the ladies do well while Fred is better at shouting the words in exclamatory joy. :-)

I dig the techno beat infusion, it's a nice enhancement to their sound.