The B-52's: Funplex. I had suddenly become interested in The B-52's again after hearing the Junior Senior song "Take My Time", which features Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson -- you can see the video for it here -- the video is a little "Mesopotamia", a little Tom Tom Club. There was also a write-up about their origins in Rip it up and start again : Postpunk 1978-1984 which did a lot to raise my enthusiasm for the band. As a result, I've been rediscovering the joys of "Wild Planet," "Whammy," hell, even "Bouncing Off The Satellites" has a couple of really winning tunes on it. I knew the group was still touring, but they also haven't released a new song in a decade, so it seemed unlikely that they would be releasing much in the way of new music anytime soon. But then, yesterday, I happened to stumble on their website, and guess who has a new album coming in March? And a new single out now?
And it's actually a good song! Not their best, by any means, but good enough. It sounds a little like "Get Ready"-era New Order, but that makes sense, since it has the same producer. The slightly synthetic feel leaves Fred's vocals pretty naked when it's only him singing; to be honest, I think his vocals work better on something slightly groovier, something more like -- dare I say it? -- "Love Shack". But when the girls start harmonizing, everything falls into place, and all is right with the world. Especially when you have lyrics like this: "I'm your daytime waitress at the Taco Tiki Hut / I'm your daytime waitress Here's your stupid 7-Up." Makes me wish my local Funplex had a Taco Tiki Hut.
Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma. I'm not normally a fan of manga outside of Osamu Tezuka, just because I tend to like my comics either four-color Pop Art superheroes beating up mutant street beatniks, or pretentiously arty and in black and white. In fact, this manga shares a lot in common with my arty comics, except it isn't even remotely pretentious. It's a slice-of-life comedy that is actually, genuinely funny. So funny that yesterday, while eating a tofu burrito at Moe's Southwest Cafe, I absolutely lost it, and damn near died for laughing. (Tofu: It Kills!) The expressions on the title character's face as she waits for a souvenir that it seems will never appear, or when she finishes lighting fireworks, or as she has a bouquet of flowers every bit as large as she is tied to her body (!), that's what make this comic a pure gem. The character is full of joy and love, and brings equal amounts joy and agitation to all who know her. It's the best comic I have read in a while, and because my library carries the first four volumes, I don't even need to buy my own copies! (They appear to be well-worn, as well, so it seems like I'm not the only one in the library that is reading them.)
and lastly:
The Laugh-Out-Loud Cats. Cuz teh phunny, it iz.
4 comments:
I just heard this "Funplex" song today for the first time about an hour ago! What timing. I went and bought it on iTunes, thanks for the reminder.
My pleasure! I was sort of surprised, too. If you enjoy the B-52's, you may want to check out that Junior Senior song, too: it's a lot of fun!
Totally agree with your take on the TAKE MY TIME track. The best is towards the end when Kate and Cindy really let those amazing harmonies rip!
As for FUNPLEX, I think the song is awesome. If this is any indication of what to expect on the new release then I say the B's have a real winner on their hands.
By the way, I heard a few of the new tunes at their ROSELAND gig and for me, ULTRAVIOLET knocks it out of the ball park!
Check it out if you're able!
I'm sure I will do that, thanks!
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