B-52s: Funplex
Friday, 11 Apr 2008 14:13
The Love Shack legends are back with their first album in 16 years
EMI Records, out April 14th 2008.
In a nutshell...
Predictably zany bundle of fun.
What's it all about?
When it comes to the B-52s, at least you know what to expect. An upbeat backing track, much of the vocal work done by the band's female members Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, Keith Strickland on guitar and the inimitable Fred Schneider interjecting enthusiastically here and there.
Funplex is no different - indeed, there are strains of Love Shack throughout, not least in title track Funplex. Here, numerous lines end "at the Funplex" and leave the listener's ear wondering just how the words "love shack" didn't make it on to the end of the line instead.
That being said, the album - as does the band - aims to create a party atmosphere, and does not fail. Long-term lovers of Love Shack are likely to be pleased by this, effectively an album's worth of the same.
Who's it by
The B-52s (or B-52's if you prefer - the double-sided press pack for the new album uses an apostrophe on one side of the page and none overleaf, while the album artwork itself leaves the apostrophe out) are a four-piece synonymous with parties the world over. Love Shack, first launched in 1989, remains a dancefloor-filler and a regular appearance on my own CD player. Funplex is the first album to be released by the B-52s in 16 years, although they point out they have been touring "non-stop" during that time. Purists may be relieved to hear that the four members are all back this time around and all contributed to the writing of the 11 new tracks.
As an example…
"I look at you and I'm ready to pump/Luminous heartthrob ready to jump/Mama's dancin' with Jellybone/You better watch out/Take you to the freak zone." - Pump
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
This album's treading a fine line between pleasing the fans and just being obvious. While it makes for good listening, I suspect it's a little too close to the latter to win any major accolades. That being said, the success of bands such as the Scissor Sisters, whose music and videos are arguably influenced by the B-52s, does set the stage for some victories come awards season.
What the others say
"It's loud, sexy rock and roll for your pleasure zones, with the beat pumped up to hot pink." - Keith Strickland (B-52s guitarist)
"There's little point arguing against the overwhelming evidence that the B-52s are a one-trick pony, but in their defence they have never aspired to be a Bowie or a Dylan, and they do what they do very well indeed." - Chris White, BBC
So is it any good?
This question has troubled me. Instinct says yes, but there's still the doubt that I enjoy many of the songs simply because they sound like Love Shack - The Sequel. Is that enough? Can I even be objective and critical about an album that comes as a nicotine patch to a 16-year craving? I think the best solution is to say that, yes, Funplex makes for good listening, but you need that caveat, that awareness that what you're about to hear is the B-52s. You know what to expect, you know how these songs are going to sound, and they do. So, no bonus points for originality, but a decent score nonetheless because, when you're already unique, where's left to progress to?
7/10
Bob Bardsley
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