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When the B-52’s first hit the scene, 80’s new wave was all the rage and with songs like “Rock Lobster” and “My Own Private Idaho”, they fit with the likes of Devo and Art of Noise.  Then tragedy hit the band with the death of their lead singer.  They took a few years off and came back with the mega hit Cosmic Thing.  That CD solidified the band as one of the indie darlings of the early 90’s along with their hometown friends REM.  Their follow up CD was a bit of a miss and the band went back into obscurity.  Ten years later, the B-52’s are back with their unique blend of zany antics and booty bouncing music.

It’s great to hear the B-52’s back with all the living members. Funplex is a return to Cosmic Thing.  It’s a fun mix of sexed up lyrics and bouncy pop.  The quartet brings back their unique sound and keep things more on the rock side instead of going for the dance floor.  That’s not to say won’t be dancing to every upbeat moment on the CD but don’t expect to hear synthesized drumbeats.  The B-52’s are a rock band the guitars are there complimenting the awesome voices of Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider. 

There aren’t any instant hits on the CD like “Love Shack” or “Roam” but after repeated listening, it’s hard to pick out any songs that don’t work either.  “Pump” kicks off the CD with all the energy and attitude that you would expect.  As the tambourine jangles in the background Wilson and Pierson sing “Pump It Up, Give It Up, Turn up the Track”.  It’s a call to the dance floor and the B-52’s leading the charge.

“Ultraviolet” has Schneider, Wilson and Pierson sexing it up with a song about good times.  It’s crazy over-the-top and rambunctious.  “Four Miles to a Breakdown, Anybody wanna leave town/There’s a rest stop, let’s hit the G-spot.” “Juliet of the Spirits” is break from the raucous guitars with a more syncopated beat.  It’s as close to “Roam” as you’re likely hear but with a more serious tone.  The title track, “Funplex”, cranks up the volume again with an ode to consumerism.  “Faster Faster, can’t get enough” screams Schneider, “What the hell will I do with this stuff”.  A celebration to hedonism called “Deviant Ingredient” is sure to be a radio hit.  It’s the most melodic and mainstream of all the tracks on Funplex.  It could be the “Love Shack” of the album.

“Love in the Year 3000” is one of the few misses on the CD.  It wants to sound futuristic as it speculates on the future of what sex will be like but the song just doesn’t come together very well.  Schneider is stoking and stroking “Too Much Too Think About”.  Like “Love in the Year 3000”, it’s another soft song that doesn’t feel as clever as the rest of the CD.  It’s more of a filler album that makes me wonder what got left off.  The gang close out Funplex on a high note with “Keep This Party Going”.  It’s a rocking track with a driving bass line and fever pitched vocals.  Wilson, Schneider and Pierson give it their all to keep the party going as they shout out different locations that do just that. 

Now go grab your pedal pushers, push-up bras and loud shirts because the B-52’s are back it’s it time to get back to fun party music.  Funplex is hard not to enjoy. The music is upbeat, pop silliness that rocks from beginning to end.  Much has changed since the B-52’s hit it big but the band hasn’t.  They are over the top and thrilling as ever.

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