Old School
Samuel L. Lewis | 01/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was good music back in the day and still is today. A MUST BUY."
Amazing but Inconsistent (The Funkadelic Way)
Mel Bridgman | Your Room | 12/19/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As a big Funkadelic fan, it pains me to say it, but there isn't a single album by them that I can give five stars to. I know, I know, Hall Of Fame, huge influence, etc. etc. but no matter what, every Funkadelic album has at least two tracks you don't listen to ever! (the two you hate may not be the same as the two I hate, thats what makes Funkadelic "Great" I guess)... Whereas Parliament crafted three straight, consistent, fully realized classics, Funkadelic never displayed that kind of consistent brilliance. That said, I still slightly prefer Funkadelic (even though Parliament earned some 5 star reviews while Funkadelic did not) because when Funkadelic is good, they are GOOOOOOD. This album is a textbook example. The title track is irresistable, one of the best tracks of all time by anyone. "Groovallegiance" is a personal favorite of mine (listen for Rodney "Skeet" Curtis, who displays astonishing chops on the bass) and "Cholly" is a very catchy number with a typically cool Gary Shider lead vocal. "Lunchmeataphobia" contains a delightfully sinister "B" section that I just can't get enough of. It is one of those riffs that makes me giggle with delight because it is so cartoonish. The contributions of Walter "Junie" Morrison are crucial to this album. He enlivens the funk mob following the departure of Glen Goins, and he is all over this album, vocally, instrumentally and as a writer. Morrison's whacky humor was perfect for the group. Those are the high points. The low points are "Doo Doo Chasers" which is INCREDIBLY long and is only good if you LOVE George Clinton's endless jive (the shortended instrumental track "P.E. Squad" is better, because the music is pleasant enough) ... "Into You" is just not a good song, despite Ray Davis getting a chance to sing a bit of lead... and, here's a bit of Sacrilege for you diehards, do we need "Maggot Brain" again??? Guess what, the original is the most overrated, dragging, boring guitar freakout ever recorded! There, I said it! And let me further defy the gods: I actually prefer Mike Hampton playing it here to Eddie Hazel's original! HA! But I still dont need any more "Maggot Brain"... I needed to say it. Like all Funkadelic albums, the best moments are DIVINE and make it worth getting. Buy this album for those glorious moments that make it all worthwhile."