One Nation Under a Groove was not only Funkadelic's greatest moment, it was their most popular album, bringing them an unprecedented commercial breakthrough by going platinum and spawning a number one R&B smash in the title track. It was a landmark LP for the so-called "black ock" movement, best-typified in the statement of purpose "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!"; more than that, though, the whole album is full of fuzzed-out, Hendrix-style guitar licks, even when the music is clearly meant for the dancefloor. This may not have been a new concept for Funkadelic, but it's executed here with the greatest clarity and accessibility in their catalog. Furthermore, out of George Clinton's many conceptual albums (serious and otherwise), One Nation Under a Groove is the pinnacle of his political consciousness. It's unified by a refusal to acknowledge boundaries -- social, sexual, or musical -- and, by extension, the uptight society that created them. The tone is positive, not militant -- this funk is about community, freedom, and independence, and you can hear it in every cut (even the bizarre, outrageously scatological "P.E. Squad"). The title cut is one of funk's greatest anthems, and "Groovallegiance" and the terrific "Cholly" both dovetail nicely with its concerns. The aforementioned "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!" is a seamless hybrid that perfectly encapsulates the band's musical agenda, while "Into You" is one of their few truly successful slow numbers. The original LP included a three-song bonus EP featuring the heavy riff ock of "Lunchmeataphobia," an unnecessary instrumental version of "P.E. Squad," and a live "Maggot Brain"; these tracks were appended to the CD reissue. In any form, One Nation Under a Groove is the best realization of Funkadelic's ambitions, and one of the best funk albums ever released.
Spotted a woman dancing in place at a bus-stop today. She looked to be in her early 30s. She was dressed office-casual, and had iPod ear-buds in her ears. As I walked past, I caught her eye, pointed at my own ear, and raised my eyebrows. She actually smiled, and said in a surprisingly loud voice (I think it was the ear-buds), “Moby!” She added that the track was “We Are All Stars,” and wen
More >
Spotted a woman dancing in place at a bus-stop today. She looked to be in her early 30s. She was dressed office-casual, and had iPod ear-buds in her ears. As I walked past, I caught her eye, pointed at my own ear, and raised my eyebrows. She actually smiled, and said in a surprisingly loud voice (I think it was the ear-buds), “Moby!” She added that the track was “We Are All Stars,” and wen
More >
www.lanier2.imeem.comThough it often took a back chair to its sister group Parliament, Funkadelic furthered the notions of black rock begun by Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone, blending elements of '60s psychedelia and blues plus the deep groove of soul and funk. The band pursued album statements of social/political commentary while Parliament stayed in the funk singles format, but Funkadelic neverth...
More >
If you haven't already seen, Parliament/Funkadelic are playing the Southbank Centre on the 21st of this very month as part of the Massive Attack curated Meltdown festival. Curated in the past by such luminaries as Lee Perry & Jarvis Cocker they ALWAYS have at least a few unmissable spectacles, and this year is certainly no exception, except its all sold out..I've really been digging on Funkadel...
More >
Click to purchase…
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "One Nation Under a Groove")
