Search - Funkadelic :: Music for Your Mother

Not for the Casual/New Listener, but overall still Essential

fetish_2000 | U.K. | 07/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are a great many albums out there by one of the 70's finest funk bands "Funkadelic", but for those maybe looking to pick up a 'Best of', or a compilation to easily summarise the band, there are a bewildering array of compilations & best of's.....for this band, that will leave all but the most determined, confused & disoriented by the whole thing.Firstly if you are new to the whole Funkadelic (or even Parliament) sound, then you should stop reading this review, and make your way over to the reviews for "The Very Best of Funkadelic" for a no-frills compilation of their most recognised work, that although uneventful (in terms of surprises) is solid nonetheless. Those that know their "One Nation under a Groove" from their "Maggot Brain", and consider themselves either (a) highly interested in Funkadelic's work, or (B) A Funkadelic enthusiast.....will love this exhausting 2 C-d of A- sides / B-Sides and non album cuts and sublime instrumentals.Instrumentals of a couple of the major / Strongest tracks ("Music for your mother, I wanna know if it's good to you?"), emphasises how sonically sound the instrumentation of Funkadelics work is, and it's a truly fantastic addition, although oddly it follows the Vocal tracks, rather than being placed further down the album but their inclusion is inspired. If you thought Funkadelic's work was strange at the best of times, then this collection of A+ and Oddball material, will make you strengthen that decision. With the oddball tracktitles giving some indication of the weirdness abound (Better by the Pound?, Biological Speculation??, Vital juices??), but the performances on most of the material begs the question "Why wasn't these titles given more prominence on the studio albums", as the Celebratory, Carefree and Playful lyric/performance dynamic that characterizes their work is so obviously in evidence here. None more so then "I Bet you", a stunningly loose grooved Soul-shouter that was one of the highlights on their debut album ("Funkadelic"), and only featured on a couple of compilations, and begs the question.....Why???, It is (for me) quite possibly one of the best tracks on this collection, yet it barely made it onto more than 1 studio albums, and a couple of 'best of's, yet some of the more well known stuff, makes it virtually on all the funkadelic collections. And it's those that are interested in hearing some of the more obscure or little known tracks that will truly delight in this release. As it contains a lot of material that didn't make most funkadelic compilations or was deemed too outlandish for mainstream listeners that causally liked Funkadelic. This is most definitely geared towards a more hardcore audience, the chances are that a lot of people won't even be familiar with a lot of the material. Admittedly I'm a relatively new listener to their sound, but the quality of material here, bears up under close scrutiny and proves that some of the B-side material, could have (quite rightly), made A-side status. But again it must be reiterated that this is not for those with a causal or new interest in Funkadelic's work, for something a little more accessible try the aforementioned "The Very best of Funkadelic", or even better try the definitive "Motor City Madness: The Ultimate Collection" for virtually all the hits and listener favourites. But for those that may have these compilations (or several of the studio albums), the next logical step would unquestionably be this remarkable offering.........essential stuff!!!"

Remember These were all SINGLES

S. Porter | Waterlooville, Hants United Kingdom | 05/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't buy this as a best of....it's all the westbound singles (a 7" vinyl boxset would be nice) so some tracks are edited from the LP version. And then there's the non LP tracks like the amazing "Fish Chips and Sweat", and unreleased "...Can't shake loose" and its brilliant B-side instrumental. I actually prefer the "I'll Bet You" mix from the LP version....sounds better, may be in mono. The later LP edits aren't as good though, "Lets Take It To The Stage" takes away the good rude bits, as does "Red Hot Mama". I'd buy selected LP's first, then get this. Excellent liner notes included."

Would give it 6 stars if I could...

J. Frankel | CT , US | 12/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's so many great tracks on "Music for Your Mother" that you're father might kick the cat across the room.



The holiest of grails for anyone who digs on psychedelic funk music. In many ways, George, Eddie, Bootsy, Bernie and the boys created the blueprint for this indulgent sub-genre in the early 70's. Music like this will never ever be replicated because the sound and themes are influenced so heavily by the times, because the all too obvious, sorry state of music today, and because in the end it would be impossible.



Of course, all of Funkadelic's genius is not contained on just these 2 discs and the one drawback is that many of their epic extended jams are edited down from their original form. But if you're looking for the quickest, cheapest and smartest way to get your hands on the most Funkadelic music you can because you just dug on "Mothership Connection" or "Cosmic Slop" for the first time - Look no further. And don't be stupid and look anywhere else. You found it man.



("Biological Speculation" is worth the price of admission on it's own!)"