Search - Funkadelic :: Best of Funkadelic 1976-1981

A solid overview

11/03/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"2 caveats must be kept in mind with this record: 1) Like all compilations, it's inevitable to bemoan a certain missing track or 2. (I would have liked to see "Adolescent Funk" and the title track from the "Hardcore Jollies" album.) An unreleased track or 2 would have been nice as well.2) Hardcore P-Funk fans have long debated the merits of the post-Westbound era Funkadelic-less guitar-oriented, closer to mainstream '70's R&B and dance music, and less gritty, dark lyrics. Your affection for this record will depend on whether you view the WB-era Funkadelic as a great funk-dance band, or a sellout and betrayal of the earlier, rawer Funkadelic.That said, this is a great compilation, weeding out the best (and, not coincidentally, most popular) music from this classic band's later period. I personally prefer the early Funkadelic, but still enjoy the hits for what they are. It's not the best P-Funk (Standing on the Verge still has my vote) but for a primer to the later years, this will do nicely."

(4 stars, no matter what the rating implies) Good, not perfe

finulanu | Here, there, and everywhere | 09/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation has been released and rereleased shamelessly over the years. The same music, but with different packaging. Ironically, a shameless ripoff such as this one is a must for Funkadelic fans. No, it's not at all the ideal overview, but I can't complain about much here. Still, I can complain about some things: Icka Prick and the Sly Stone collaboration Funks Gets Stronger are both far from the group's best songs: I would've rather heard either the title song to Hardcore Jollies (its inclusion would've rended that album inessential) or a full verison of (Not Just) Knee Deep. One Nation Under a Groove is an essential album, but they rounded up the three best tracks (title song; Cholly; Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!), but this is the only album perfectly represented. The liner notes are a minus: besides being skimpy, they also misspell the "Motown" label "Mowtown", and refer to Parliament as the Parliaments."