AMG Review of Funky Chicken

Richie Unterberger
All Music Guide

Thomas' first album following Stax's break from Atlantic had "Do the Funky Chicken" at its centerpiece, so the emphasis upon good-humored dance tunes was unsurprising. There were some weird moments, particularly the down-and-bestial seven-minute update of "Sixty Minute Man" (on which Rufus sounds like he's singing in tongues), a remake of "Bear Cat," and a two-part version of "Old McDonald Had a Farm." Still, the slightly goofy uptempo arrangements can get a little tiresome, and as his best hits from the period are better than the album-only tracks, almost everyone should just stick with a compilation. The CD adds seven bonus tracks from 1968-74 singles, which are OK but not essential; Eddie Floyd's "Funky Mississippi" (from 1968) is about the best.