|
| |
The B-52s - Funplex
- The B-52s attempt a more modern, electric sound in their newest album, Funplex. The voices still sound the same, but the time period is different. The New Wave sound that they had before has become more electronic. Sixteen years is a big gap for many artists, but the B-52s maintain the same harmonies and Fred Schneider’s spoken-word, successfully. It feels like they didn’t take a break at all.
The lyrics of the songs are still fun and playful. One can’t really imagine the B-52s at the mall, or even their fans being at the mall, but they still sound modern. The other half of the album plays with the theme of the future. The theme takes an ironic turn since they sound even more 60s-futuristic than actually futuristic. The album generates the idea of silver outfits and go-go boots, instead of high technology electronics or realistic space outfits.
The standout songs have to be “Juliet of the Spirits,” “Ultraviolet,” and “Eyes Wide Open.” The album really should have started with “Juliet of the Spirits,” since this song is the best combination of electronica and new wave; the harmonies are beautiful and not overpowered. The song, “Ultraviolet,” brings the classic sound without electronic sounds and the play on words could make anyone smirk. “Eyes Wide Open” sounds like an interesting direction for the band to take, it fits perfectly with modern club or techno tracks. There are no weak tracks on this album.
There is something that nags about the cover of Funplex. Each member seems confused and out of place. The cover itself doesn’t even match the name “Funplex.” The title and the sound of the album inspire vivid colors and electricity; instead we get a cover that plays with black and white.
The album as a whole is high energy fun. There is a modern tweak to the New Wave sound for which the B-52s were well known. This album is high intensity from the beginning to the end. It’s a summertime album and something that long-time fans won’t be disappointed with.
Reviewer: Michael Pascua
new
Reviewer's Rating: 9
Reader's Rating: 10.00
Reader's Votes: 1
Added: 1-Dec-2008
Talk to other readers about this story.
|
|
|
|
|
