B-52's - Funplex
by Anthony Strutt
published: 12 / 8 / 2008
Label:
Astralworks/EMI
Format: CD
intro
Stunning return to form on dance-flavoured first album in sixteen years from the B-52's
‘Funplex’ is the first new studio album by the Athens, Georgia- based band the B-52’s in sixteen years. It is a total joy from start to finish. They have always had a wacky sense of humour and fashion sense and, even though its members are now in their 50’s and some early 60’s, they are not looking or acting their age. The songs on ‘Funplex’ are both as party fuelled and as new wave as ever. ‘Pump’ opens the album. It is both disco flavoured and indie-punk based, and a classic B-52's number. All three vocalists-Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider and Cindy Wilson - do what they do best, and it is as good as anything they have done. ‘Hot Corner’ is a loud shout to party, while ‘Ultraviolet’ is like the Bangles having gone mad on too many psychedelic drugs. ‘Juliet of the Spirits’, the current download single, is a big-in-sound, fun, dance number, while the title track, while still groovy, is not quite so wacky. ‘Love in the Year 3000’ is a love song for the next century. ‘Deviant Ingredient’ , ‘Too Much Too Think About’ and ‘Dancing Now’ are all slow burners, while ‘Keep This Party Going’ is another dance, punk party number. It is fantastic to have Athens first indie band back with us.
Track Listing:-
1 Pump2 Hot Corner
3 Ultraviolet
4 Juliet Of The Spirits
5 Funplex
6 Eyes Wide Open
7 Love In The Year 3000
8 Deviant Ingredient
9 Too Much To Think About
10 Dancing Now
11 Keep This Party Going
12 Digital Booklet: Funplex
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart