Previously available only from Japan, this a lower-pricedpressing of Bootsy's 1976 Warner Brothers album, co-producedby George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. Seven tracks,including 'Stretchin' Out (In A Rubber Band)' and 'I'dRather Be With You'. Album Description
 |  | (4.5 stars) A fine way to start |  |
Bootsy really gives up the funk on this, his debut with the Rubber Band. In what quickly became a formula of sorts for Collins, the first side is hilarious funk; the second, steamy bedroom slow jams. The hilarious, inspired title track is a true P-Funk classic, with hooks galore; top-notch bass; and Bootsy's funny raps about being "Casper the Friendly/Funky Ghost". Can't forget the Horny Horns' contribution, either. That would be doing them a disservice. Next up is "Psychoticbumpschool", a churning cauldron of self-mythologizing funk. Listen close for the ethnic flute part, too! Catfish's guitar also deserves mention. "Another Point of View" has driving beat, a great ensemble vocal fresh out of "P" University, and some dirty, grimy guitar, which is contrasted by squiggly synthesizers that would have been right at home with Mothership Connection. A bit of it loses my interest, though. Then we get to our ballad side, which is surprisingly effective. "I'd Rather be with You" is one of the weirdest love songs I've ever heard; with a bunch of synthesizers, vocals, and xylophones that are more than a little bit creepy. Hey, maybe it's about a stalker? But the creepiness certainly adds layers of Bootsy, and that's a great melody it's got, too. And Bootsy's vocals sound like Hendrix! No, really, they do! They also do on the title track, for whatever it's worth. Was this intentional? Then you hit the rough batch. I'm sorry, but I have heard so many songs exactly like "Love Vibes" and "Physical Love", there's no real reason for me to sit through "Love Vibes" and "Physical Love" themselves. Because I know exactly what to expect from both, you know? Come on, Bootsy, snap out of it man! Snap out of it! Wait... he just did! The hazy hilarity of "Vanish in Our Sleep" will reward patient listeners who may have gotten bored with "Love" and "Love". It actually sounds a bit like a twisted O'Jays ballad. Think I'm making that up? The imitation sex stuff is just weird, though. This and the next one are inarguable funk classics. Get both, I say!
November 26, 2007We just can't get it like this anymore, this was one of my most favorite albums from the 70's, saw this tour as well.
this is IMO some Bootsy's finest work!
May 9, 2007The Year was 1976. I was basically into soul music, 19 years old and in the Navy. that's when a heard a friendly BOOOO! This album blue me away because it was vastly different from anything that I had ever herard. I am a trombonist and Fred Wesley was my idol a member of Booty's " Horny Horns" section. The only thing about this music was somewhat familiar to me was some of that James Brown flavor in the horn licks. But man that Space bass and razor sharp synthesizer had me listening over and over again to try and figure out just what they were doing. My favorite track is "Love Vibes. This album helped to usher in that electric funk sound that was never mastered by anyone except Booty and of course Dr. Funkenstien himself. If you are a true lover of the funk grab this one...YAA We're Funkin ON Babba.
January 24, 2006This is the funkiest album I've ever heard. THe title cut is so funky that a skunk will stop to salute it. I was 19 years old when I got the album and I was just blown away. This album was contemporary with Parliament's "Mothership Connection", "Brass Construction 1" & The Brother's Johnson "Looking out for #1). THis was my favorite. Bootsy had won me over big time. Click on the samples and get a whiff of some real funk. I highly reccomend this album is your really into funk.
November 29, 2005This is truly an all-time classic! Every single track is a soulful funky masterpiece. "I'd Rather Be With You" (catchy), "Love Vibes" (both soothing and thrilling) and "Vanish In Our Sleep" (haunting) are some of the most beautiful songs of the whole P-Funk canon, while "Psychoticbumpschool" will definitely get you movin'. PLAY LOUD!
April 4, 2003More reviews at Amazon.com ...
