Funplex – The B-52’s

Sixteen years is much too long a break between albums for any band, but especially an international treasure like The B-52’s. Apart from two new tracks on 1998’s greatest hits compilation, Time Capsule, and a spectacular guest vocal for Junior Senior there hasn’t been a lot of output from chez B’s since their last proper album, 1992’s Good Stuff. Despite the extended hiatus Funplex is superb a return-to-form with a new collection of maverick pop as only they can do it. Even better, Cindy Wilson is now back on board after taking time out to raise her family.

The B’s manifesto is clear from the get-go with Pump, the dynamic opener, and first call-to-party. All the distinctive elements of their sound are here – Keith Strickland’s 60’s surf guitar, Fred Schnieder’s sideshow bark and the otherworldly harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson (and really people, is there a more amazing sound than these two singing together?). “I’m your daytime waitress here’s your stupid 7-Up” sings Cindy on the title track, a hilarious critique of mall culture (“I’m at the mall on a diet pill!”), and as good a single as they’ve ever written. The girls take over the sensational Juliet Of The Spirits which is as gorgeous and iridescent as its Fellini namesake, and the meditative and catchy electropop of Eyes Wide Open is another infectious highlight. The B’s let fly with the off-beat pop themes they’re famous for; a 3am wait at a bus stop turns into a shimmy party in Hot Corner; Deviant Ingredient comes equipped with the bizarre “Pink Helicopter Sequence” musical break and the album is filled with the sorts of lyrics that only they could get away with (“Chandalabras in a wonder bra”, “Barefootin’ – and kahootin’ with a wild crowd” etc…), and it all works, but uncontrolled they can come up with the odd clunker as they may have with the somewhat silly Love in the Year 3000 (‘Bootybots’ anyone?). One small misstep aside, Funplex is full of growers that lock on repeated plays such as the exhilarating Dancing Now. The B-52’s have returned with a solid collection of party-starters that not only serve to add to their unique legacy but begs the question – why did it take so long?

Wayne Davidson