antiMusic.com: B-52s - Funplex Review

B-52s - Funplex Review
by Zane Ewton

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Finally, a band delivers on the pre-album hype. Granted, nobody expected a record from the B-52s in 2008 � a decade after their last release, a hits compilation. Faster than you can say "B-52s of the 21st century" the band releases Funplex and makes good on the new release hubbub.

Unbelievably, Funplex does sound like the B-52s of the future. Mixing the band's dance rock vibes with new sounds and the unmistakable vocal interplay of its three front weirdoes, the B-52s created a crazy little record.

Too bad for all its shiny, plastic fury, Funplex loses its sheen with repeated listens. Nothing stands out like their hits, the party requisites "Rock Lobster" and "Love Shack." The eleven tracks have consistency on its side. While nothing is a smash, nothing is a dud either.

Guitarist and musical director Keith Strickland keeps the beats big and the melodies electric. Funplex is full of the big, dumb hooks that give the trio of Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson and Fred Schneider plenty of room to preach the dance rock love gospel at the party at the end of the world.

This may not be their best, but any reuniting band should be envious of a record this good, at this point in their career. More power to the B-52s, they just may be the last band dancing at the end of the world.

CD Info and Links

B-52s - Funplex
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