For the first time in 16 years, the B-52's have released a new album. A band can change a lot after such a long silence, and they have - but only a little bit. For the most part, they are as wonderfully catchy and wildly unique as they have ever been.
The B-52's have updated their sound, making it fresher than ever, but by no means is this a sell-out. Their new album, Funplex, features the killer harmony of singers Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson fans are so used to. They share the microphone with Fred Schneider, whose classic exclamations make the songs complete. Typically he uses the spoken word instead of melody to express himself vocally.
The B-52's have been an incredibly influential band since their beginning in the 70s. They oftentimes go where other bands never have and combine strange instruments and sound effects. The lyrics are even more different and can leave people wondering what on earth they meant in Hot Corner"" by ""La-zars, qua-sars / Love pulses on the solar wind.""
Each song on the new album is fun and unique. It begins with ""Pump,"" a song with a driving, poppy beat that just begs the listener to get up and dance. Keith Strickland's talent is particularly strong on this track and also reminds us why the B-52's are just as great as ever. His transition from drums to guitar and bass has been musically seamless. He has done an excellent job filling in for their previous guitarist, the late Ricky Wilson.
Even though ""Juliet of the Spirits"" is the only slow song on the CD (and one of the best) each song is different from the others. The song that stands out the most is the title song, ""Funplex,"" a kind of social commentary.
The lyrics mention ""shopping for a new distraction"" and ask, ""Oh, honey / Is it all about money?"" while maintaining the traditional quirkiness of the B-52's. It brings out the very best in them and may even be better than most of their classic, time-tested hits - including ""Love Shack.""
The weakest song of the album, ""Dancing Now,"" is at least decent song. Fun and unexpected lyrics are usually a strength of the B-52's. But in comparison with the other songs on Funplex, this song is the biggest flaw of the whole CD. The angsty tone in the words is a bit of a disappointment. It is simply not as original as the rest of the otherwise strong album.
Funplex eases fears that the B-52's might be gone forever. It seems like the opposite might be true. The title of the last song in the album pledges that they'll ""Keep this party going."" It doesn't look like they're going to meet any resistance. As they say in ""Ultraviolet,"" B-52's, ""keep doing what you're doing cause it's what we like!""
