Lost at the Funplex
Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
I know by writing this particular blog that I’m opening myself up to some serious abuse from many of you. But if you’ve been reading regularly enough, you know that as much as I love my rock and roll, I have a certain appreciation for pop music too. That’s why it was easy for me to sit through a Spice Girls concert (and before you ask, no I am NOT going to see the New Kids On The Block - that would be a special form of torture). My love of pop is a reason why I’d buy the new Madonna album (very disappointing and incredibly boring) and give the new Neil Diamond a chance (a tour de force, miles ahead of “12 Songs”, his last release).
But perhaps my biggest surprise over the last few months when it comes to pop music is the first studio album in over 16 years from the B-52’s. “Funplex”. Ok, start your mudslinging. It’s easy to dismiss the band as cheese - “Love Shack” is one of those songs you either love or you hate (I love it). But the B-52’s have been a hugely influential band, thanks to experimental and accessible tunes like “Rock Lobster” and “Planet Claire”. On ”Funplex” they’ve created a extremely accessible, catchy, and dare I say “fun” album. I listen to it at the gym alot because it’s just so upbeat and energetic. The harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson haven’t changed in 30 years (and Kate is a fox at 60) and Fred Schneider’s got some excellent lines throughout the album.
Why am I writing about them, you may ask? Just because I came across the video for “Funplex” today and got a kick out of it. Maybe you will too. Check it out below, let me know what you think (good or bad) and then use the song’s title as today’s bonus code.