B-52's - Funplex

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 12 / 8 / 2008

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Review

‘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 Pump
2 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