Search - Funkadelic :: Cosmic Slop

A Tragedy of Funkadelic Proportions

Jason Robey | Silver Spring, MD USA | 08/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Between 1970 and 1975 Funkadelic released seven albums on the Westbound record label. All of them are essential. The fifth album, 1973's "Cosmic Slop", is as strong, soulful and funky as any other from this seminal period.That "Cosmic Slop" didn't end up a cosmic flop is a testament to George Clinton's unparalleled skill as a producer. In 1972, after the release of "America Eats Its Young", things were falling apart for Funkadelic. Ace lead guitarist Eddie Hazel was incarcerated for drug possession and assault, bassist Billy Nelson quit and rhythm guitarist Lucius Ross overdosed on LSD and speed, leaving him incapacitated. Funkadelic essentially lost three of its founding members right before recording for "Cosmic Slop" began.Funkadelic, though technically a group, was essentially a George Clinton "thang." Determined to make "Cosmic Slop" Clinton reincarnated the band. Nelson and Ross, though founding members, proved dispensable. Hazel was missed (but will return on later albums.) Gary Shider, a guitar virtuoso in his own right, takes his lead, contributing incredible, soulful vocals as well. And keyboardist Bernie Worrell comes into his own. In fact, a cobbled together Funkadelic proved as solid and formidable as any previous incarnation."Cosmic Slop" is brimming with classic P-funk essentials. "Nappy Dugout", replete with whistles and duck calls, starts the album in typical Funkadelic style. "You Can't Miss..." sounds like a lost "Maggot Brain" single (a good thing.) "March to the Witch's Castle" is, in my opinion, the saddest, darkest, most honest song ever written about the Vietnam War. (A masterpiece maybe?) "Let's Make It Last" is transcendent and soulful. "Cosmic Slop" is a classic, 'nuff said. "No Compute" sounds like, well, country-funk. The raunchy lyrics about a one-night stand are hilarious. "This Broken Heart" is a heartfelt cover of an old doo-wop number with a hysterical interlude. "Trash A-Go-Go" is a funked-out guitar jam, possibly the funkiest moment on the album. "Can't Stand the Strain" is a joyful Motownish number... Joyful, that is, until the lyrics sink in.Lyrically "Cosmic Slop" tends to be a sad, bluesy album. Half of the songs are traditional soul tunes about love and heartache. The others deal with war, prostitution and drugs. Even though at times the lyrics are funny, there's a tragic quality to them overall.Musically it's a soulful, funky, yet brazenly psychedelic album. Funkadelic stands for psychedelic funk, which is what you get on "Cosmic Slop." This album has little in common with late-70s disco-influenced Parliament and Funkadelic albums, like P's "The Mothership Connection" or F's "One Nation Under a Groove." Rather, think Sly Stone and Jimi Hendrix on acid and you're close.Hope this helped. Funk on."

An impressive, underrated masterpiece

Jason Robey | 08/25/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was the bridge between the early, acid-crazed version of Funkadelic and the later, more pop-friendly ("One Nation") incarnation. It may be more song-oriented than earlier albums, but it sure ain't a sellout-the shortest, hookiest songs are about a mother prostituting herself for her children (the title track) and a man pimping his girlfriend for drugs ("Trash-A-Go-Go"). And even though the sound may be cleaner and brighter, it still has plenty of bite-the guitars still snarl, the bass still thunders, the grooves are still brutal and danceable. Not as famous as their later works, but it may be their best."

Oops! amazon has the wrong titles listed for this one

Tony_Tone | 10/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Beeware, newcomers to the Funk...the tracks listed above for "Cosmic Slop" are actually the tracks on 1972's "America Eats its Young," a delectable and somewhat more acid-rocky/Sly-ly influenced double album adventure typical of earlier Funkadelic jaunts. There is much sharp positivity and cunning linguistal social commentary on "America," as one might guess from its title. I'd give it four and a half stars. Minus one half for continuity, but plus four-and-one-half for brilliant power to move the mind and hips.
"Cosmic Slop" itself is one of the bestestt and most funksome albums of the heretofor mentioned funketeer troupe known as Funnnkadelic. It marks the premier of Pedro Bell's crazy cover antics, as well as Funkadelic's finding its signature sound which streched throughout its mid-seventies galacto-sloppcontinuum. This album has a pace of lightness and humor, save for the beautiful and more tragic "Cosmic Slop" anthem itself as well as the dark narration of "March to the Witches CAstle". Tracks tend to be short and insidious in their funkfection. An excellent purchase for any funkateer to be, or even the casual funk cruiser."