The B-52’s – Funplex

• 13th Apr 2008

When I received this CD, I drew a blank. B-52’s? Where have I heard that name before? So I popped it in the player, and by the time the first chorus came around, I knew.

Love Shack. Bloody Love Shack.

After 16 years, the band that brought student discos ‘Love Shack’ have returned with a new album, entitled ‘Funplex’. The B-52s have a unique sound, as much as it almost pains me to say so. The twin female vocals doing that harmony from the aforementioned famous single, and the somewhat odd narration/speech/talking thing that sounds extremely camp, is all still present.

But it’s exactly the same as Love Shack. I’ll be honest – I haven’t heard any of their other songs from that period. But this album is basically a collection of Love Shacks. The B-52s have taken a successful formula and really wrung it dry.

Enough of my moaning though, and lets get to the point: fans anticipating this album will be happy. In all fairness, it’s successful in what it attempts. The album is full of dance floor beats, catchy choruses and if one rids themselves of any musical inhibitions, its a really fun album. The lyrics are, well, so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh. Prime examples include ‘There’s a rest stop/Lets Hit the G-Spot/Lovin’ It-Lovin’ it’ and ‘In the spandex spiral vortex’.

The main problem with this album, however, is that the style that the B-52’s are exhibiting feels extremely dated, and as someone approaching the band for the first time, this style can really alienate. It feels that the B-52’s could have accomplished great pop success without a)alienating potential audiences and b)parodying themselves to such a high degree. Lets hope they don’t take themselves too seriously.

Its a nostalgia trip, and if you can accept this you will have a lot of fun listening to this album. Just don’t expect anything life changing.

Expect: Funky beats, nicely produced guitar riffs and that signature vocal style.

Do NOT expect: Meaningful lyrics. Tuneful ballads. Anything truly original.