Mothership Connection

I was not ready for these levels of Funk. My Funkometer EXPLODED and I got Funk particles (Funkocules) all over my room.

This album! I think a person either has to be not into funk music at all or just dull as dishwater to not like this album. It is 38 and a half minutes of pure fun from start to finish. Blasting this in the car yesterday turned a normally frustrating traffic-filled drive into a joyous trip where the usual bad drivers around me couldn't even remotely get under my skin. THAT is the power of funk!

A story problem: If a Parliament record averages 100bpm, and has a runtime of 38 minutes, how many involuntary head bobs will the listener experience? (The answer is 7600, because you'll listen to the whole thing twice). My personal enjoyment: 4.5/5 Did it belong on this list: 5/5

Funk just does something to me that no other genre can do. 15 seconds in and my erection was bursting out of my shorts. 2 minutes in and I was wanking at such a rate that I thought I was going to catch fire. By the end of the album I was broken, crying with happiness, exhausted, delirious and totally overwhelmed. 5 stars and a raging boner for this one. Amen brother!

Incredible album. It feels like the music is unfolding in real time not necessarily as a live show, but as an all encompassing experience. George Clinton's futuristic vision is pervasive and engaging. The personnel on this album are the very best at what they do. This might be the definitive funk album.

George Clinton makes a type of funk that is explicitly a character of the genre. It is exaggerated compared to the likes of Curtis Mayfield and Sly & The Family Stone. Parliament brings phatter beats, wonkier bass, and an explosive personality to the vocals. It's so good! Of course, we have to pay respect to Bootsy Collins in the band for bringing awesome bass skills to this funk. This carries over from his significant work with James Brown, making for a truly funky sound. Also worth noting Bernie Worrell's work on the synthesizers, who would go on to work with the Talking Heads on Speaking in Tongues and live album Stop Making Sense. Clearly, a star-studded lineup coming together brought together to just record some fun songs. And they are great! Okay that's it. Go listen :)

Extraordinary, extraterrestrial, talented musicians (the drums are particularly superb) play toe-tapping funk jams with a unique style and swagger. Ingenious.

Fun, fun, fun (or should I say funk, funk, funk?). The only track I disliked was "Night of the Thumpasorus Peoples" because there was some weird deep warbling synthesizer sound that was making my stomach twist. Aside from that, this was just freakin' fun to listen to, particularly Mothership Connection (Star Child), which I've heard sampled a ton ("Swing down sweet chariot, stop, let me ride"), and of course Give Up the Funk which is an awesome classic. Favorite line of the album: "Can you imagine Doobie in your funk?"

i am positively blown away! i wish i could have experienced how groundbreaking this album was in 1975. this album takes you on a delightful journey, starting with introductions in "p-funk". i can't get over how many genres and instruments they crammed into seven songs. the amount of fun contained in this album... i just had so much fun listening, and i listened to this album a lot today. i can't wait to listen to it again. let us also take a moment to appreciate this absolutely funkadelic album cover. it is so seventies but i don't care. love those platform wedges.

Funktastic voyage for sure. I now get why George Clinton is an oft-cited musical influence. I can hear everything from the Commodores to Bruno Mars in this album. A little too decadent at times but some cool stuff. I found myself laughing at the storyline and personas within P-Funk (like listening to the Ladies Man narrate a song). Sometimes that got annoying later in the album. The underlying beats on both Mothership Connection and Unfunky UFO were super cool. Sometimes it felt like the album blended together too much, but I wonder if he/they were going for seamless.

Now, this is more like it. Stuff like this is the reason I started this. Never head of the band, never really listened to much in the genre and it's certainly not what I'd ever have picked out to listen to. Absolutely loved it. From the opening bars this was just great to listen to. It's opened up a whole back catalogue to me - perfect. Obvious 5 stars. First one yet.

If you’re not rating this 5 stars…what are you even doing with your life?

Now this is the definition of funk. If you're not movin' and groovin' to this album, your pulse should be checked. Apparently based on Geoge Clinton's vision of the future where black astronauts interact with alien worlds. The names of some of these songs alone make this album great: "Supergroovalisticprosifunstication", " Night of the Thumpasorous Peoples." The Library of Congress added this album to the National Recording Registry for its enormous influence on jazz, rock and dance music. Just in the short time that I've been doing this 1001 challenge, I've heard the influence of Parliament and particularly this album in every hip-hop/rap album that I've listened to. Not only there, a few of these songs reminded me of the late 70's/early 80's Talking Heads. Not to mention the soon-to-be disco era. I'm sure I'll hear it in other areas as I go along. For me, it's Bootsy Collin's bass which really lays the groovy and funky foundation for Parliament songs. But, there is a lot more going here on with horns, keyboards, synthesizers, multiple singers and psychedelic, jazzy-sounding guitars. Of particular note, are the synthesizers/keyboards which add weird sounds, noises and a backdrop which definitely solidifies the whole outer space album concept. Not a bad song here. 7 altogether. To me, some of them stray into jam band territory with their extended jams. The album also has their most recognizable song "Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)." This was a lot of fun.

Incredible. Very rarely can an album be all over the place yet thematically consistent. As for this listener, whether one pays attention or not, Mothership Connection and its tractor-beam appeal invokes the sort of positive indifference that may in fact resemble a perfect album. Fun, energetic, yet brilliantly executed, there is just something about this record that balances tongue-in-cheek silliness along with intelligent blink-and-you-miss-it profundities.

Yes a great album. Fun. Skillfully played. Non pretentious. Relentlessly groovy. There's just not a single misstep. Totally cool album. 5 stars

That was the perfect amount of funk

Mothership Connection forces me to examine what it is to be locked in a groove. This is a party record that has guests nervously looking at each other as they dance, each wondering if they're still on the same song, and if that song is ever going to stop. There's a lot of laughter, a tremendous bowl of punch, and gallons of helium going around, but there's this hovering fear that these garrulous hosts have locked the front door, and you can't help but notice that the chairs have been taken away, and new hosts keep entering from hidden entrances, usually with a bizarre keyboard or brass instrument. That it manages to contain seven endless songs in just over 40 minutes is sorcery, or induced hallucination. Colossal rhythms and hypnotic melodic repetition disguise the fact that much, maybe most of each track's tracks are populated by odd voices and instruments music worthy of a residency at your local chin-stroking freak jazz parlour. When the voices sing yeah yeah yeah, they give me the feeling they're telling us they're not listening to whatever we have to say. Yeah yeah yeah, not leaving this groove, mate. This review may have been influenced by my watching our newly toddling do repeated circuits of our home's ground floor for most of the first runtime. Simon, I can send you the video. I'm exhausted - goodnight!

I really dislike funk but parliament are undeniably good at making it. It’s repetitive and there’s all this chat in the songs. It’s a great example of a classic from my second least favourite genre. I danced a bit during the first track, despite myself.

https://youtu.be/ccvB00h6EnI

классика фанка, отличный альбом.

Shut the funk up

Pure P-Funk Power. Kick back and digg. Thanks Lollipop Man.

It's George Clinton introducing Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley, and it oozes cool. On this album you'll learn that we want the funk, it's gotta be that p funk and if you give the people what they want when they want they'll want it all the time. Clinton is such a cornerstone of this music scene this has got 5 stars for that alone.

Day 4: This album was amazing, I thought I was being too harsh with previous reviews but, an album or genre will just click. This deserves every right to be in must hear albums.

A few weeks ago, I heard Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under a Groove” and thought it was one of the best parties captured on record. It turns out that George Clinton wasn’t even matching his own efforts from three years earlier. “Mothership Connection” is a rip-roaring, all-singing, all-dancing and by all accounts seminal album in the evolution of funk. I’m ashamed of not having heard it until now, but I’m making up for lost time by repeating it again… and again. The best party tracks are the most famous: “P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)” and “Give Up The Funk” are both so impeccably put together. I’d heard much of the music across the record sampled in Dr Dre’s “The Chronic” (where they were the highlights) so it was a great experience hearing them all in full. The sci-fi overtones are brought in throughout as a campy way without ever feeling trite or forced. There’s just the right amount of synth lines in the mix without letting it feel too dated or kitsch, and the rest is just pure horny goodness… In “Unfunky UFO”, the band channel Sky and the Family Stone with a slightly harder-edged riff, and a delectable “yeah yeah yeah” refrain beaming its way down the minor scale. “Night of the Thumpasorus Peoples” closes on an amazing nonsense singalong refrain. Even “Handcuffs”, bearing perhaps the most questionable lyrical content, has a killer accompaniment which it’s near-impossible not to enjoy. If you aren’t bopping along, you’ve been funked all the way into a black hole. It’s early days but each time I’ve listened to this album, it’s been impossible not to be grinning away, with the sense of experiencing a true classic.

Always been a huge fan of Give Up the Funk, what an epic TUNE! So nice to hear the whole album, it's wall to wall bangers. Really enjoyed listening today! I'm sure this album had a huge influence on a few different areas of music, I could hear this in a lot of dance music. It's such good vibes. I love that they were trying to shock people by "putting Black people in outer space" it's a great statement but sad that this was considered shocking at the time.

We want the funk. Give up the funk. Best track: Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)

This album got me FUNKED UP!

Grew on me after 2 listens 7.5/10

TIL Jemaine Clement var en ung mand med sprød stemme i 1975. Det her album er en objektiv banger. Super funky!

Thoughts before listening: I don't know what's on this album but I'm sure it's great. I know this is one of Parliament's most celebrated records so I'm excited to listen. Review: Yep...this is awesome. This is the definition of funk music (as they remind you over and over again) and a lot of it is very recognizable since its been sampled so many times in hip hop songs. Mothership Connection and Give Up the Funk are the best songs, but I enjoyed the whole album. Some of the talking was annoying and there is definitely a lot of repetition to the songs, but this is still a fantastic record.

Amazing funk album. The space theme really suits George Clinton's music. Not a single boring moment throughout the thing except maybe the skit parts. Also album cover is great

Kalle: 1. Paska joo vittu meta biisi 2. Damn töi loppuosa tää alkaa olla iha decent 3. Vktuttaa ei enää vktuta tää genre En jaksa rate jokainen biisi mutta toi Night of the thumpasorus peoples hauska toi lead instrumentti 3:14 miten sitä voi seurata ilman seuraamatta mitään muuta, koska se kaikkimmuu on soinut kokoajan samana The Bumps Bump siisti moni instrumenttinen alku Handcuffs Best lyrics

I mean it is funky, no false advertisement here.

Groovy

Nr. 134/1001 P-Funk 4/5 Mothership Connection 3/5 Unfunky UFO 3/5 Supergroovealistic 3/5 Handcuffs 4/5 Give Up The Funk 3/5 Night of the Thumpu 3/5 Average: 3,29 Funky and soulful record. For me more background music, than something I would actively listen.

Can't say I'm a fan, but sometimes you can't deny the funk. It's upbeat, fun and infectious, so why not?

Yeah, it had some cool songs on it. Was over very quickly.

Best Songs: (The whole thing's a groove) Listen Again: Probably

Cool, catchy funk to start the week. Good listen, ended sooner than I expected.

Another one I'd never get around to listening to if it weren't for this website. Really enjoyable when it was on, managed to get a lot of work done! Not sure I'd choose to listen again, but it's good I can identify some Dr Dre samples from their origins. Creative and fun if not particularly indelible.

Funky but very repetitive. Not my style of music.

Hell yeah. 4.5

I WANT THE FUNK! I WANT THE FUNK! So fun beginning to end, what a trip this record is. I love that George Clinton had his funk band in Parliament and his straight up druggy psychedelic band in Funkedelic. I think Kendrick Lamar got one his vocal styles from this album.

Well, that was fucking cool.

## In-Depth Review of *Mothership Connection* by Parliament Released on December 15, 1975, *Mothership Connection* is a landmark album in the genre of funk, crafted by George Clinton and his collective, Parliament. This album is celebrated not only for its infectious grooves but also for its ambitious themes and innovative production techniques. It has left an indelible mark on music history, influencing countless artists across various genres. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its overall influence while also discussing its pros and cons. ### **Lyrics** The lyrics of *Mothership Connection* are a vibrant tapestry of funk-inspired storytelling, blending humor, social commentary, and cosmic themes. The album introduces listeners to a fictional universe where Black astronauts navigate space, reflecting George Clinton's desire to place Black people in scenarios traditionally reserved for white characters. This concept is encapsulated in the title track "Mothership Connection (Star Child)," where Clinton invokes spiritual imagery with lines like “Swing down sweet chariot, stop, let me ride,” merging gospel influences with funk rhythms. The lyrics often oscillate between playful and profound. For instance: - **"Handcuffs"** presents a humorous take on possessiveness in relationships, with lines that suggest a tongue-in-cheek approach to love and commitment. - **"Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)"** employs call-and-response choruses that invite listener participation while celebrating the joy of dancing and community. This duality in lyrical content—combining lightheartedness with deeper societal reflections—creates a rich listening experience that resonates on multiple levels. ### **Music** Musically, *Mothership Connection* is a masterclass in funk. The album features a tight ensemble of talented musicians including Bootsy Collins on bass, Bernie Worrell on keyboards, Maceo Parker on saxophone, and Fred Wesley on trombone. Their contributions result in a sound that is both complex and accessible. Key musical elements include: - **Groove-Centric Bass Lines**: The bass work throughout the album is foundational to its sound. Tracks like "Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication" showcase infectious bass lines that drive the rhythm forward. - **Horn Arrangements**: The brass section adds a vibrant layer to the music, elevating tracks such as "Mothership Connection (Star Child)" with rich harmonies and dynamic interplay. - **Innovative Production Techniques**: The production blends live instrumentation with studio wizardry, creating a polished yet organic sound. The use of reverb and layering gives tracks an expansive feel, enhancing the cosmic theme of the album. Overall, the music is characterized by its upbeat tempos, catchy hooks, and an atmosphere that encourages dancing—a hallmark of funk music. ### **Production** The production of *Mothership Connection* was groundbreaking for its time. George Clinton's vision extended beyond just music; he aimed to create an experience. The album was meticulously crafted to ensure that each track flowed seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive listening experience. Notable production aspects include: - **Layered Soundscapes**: The album employs multiple layers of instruments and vocals that create a rich auditory tapestry. This complexity invites repeated listens as new details emerge each time. - **Conceptual Cohesion**: Each song contributes to the overarching narrative of the P-Funk universe. This thematic unity is enhanced by transitions between tracks that maintain momentum and energy. - **Live Feel**: Despite being produced in a studio setting, the album captures the essence of live performances. The energy of Parliament's live shows is palpable throughout the tracks, making it feel as though listeners are part of a communal experience. ### **Themes** *Mothership Connection* explores several prominent themes: - **Afrofuturism**: The album is often cited as a pioneering work within the Afrofuturism movement. It imagines a future where Black people are not only present but thriving in roles typically absent from mainstream narratives. - **Community and Celebration**: Many songs emphasize togetherness and joy through dance and music. Tracks like "Give Up the Funk" serve as anthems for celebration and unity. - **Social Commentary**: While largely playful, some lyrics also touch on serious topics such as possessiveness in relationships ("Handcuffs") or societal expectations. This blend allows for both escapism and reflection. ### **Influence** The influence of *Mothership Connection* extends far beyond its initial release. It has been recognized as one of the greatest albums in music history: - **Sampling Legacy**: Numerous hip-hop artists have sampled tracks from this album, most notably Dr. Dre's use of "Mothership Connection (Star Child)" in "Let Me Ride." This sampling has introduced new generations to Parliament's music. - **Cultural Impact**: The album has inspired countless artists across genres—from funk to rock to hip-hop—highlighting its versatility and timelessness. - **Live Performances**: Parliament's elaborate live shows featuring costumes and props (including a replica Mothership) set new standards for concert experiences in popular music. ### **Pros and Cons** #### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: The album showcases cutting-edge production techniques that were ahead of its time. - **Cohesive Concept**: A strong narrative thread unites all tracks under an imaginative theme. - **Musical Mastery**: Features exceptional musicianship with memorable melodies and rhythms. - **Cultural Significance**: Acts as a powerful statement within Afrofuturism and continues to resonate across generations. #### Cons - **Repetitiveness**: Some listeners may find certain tracks repetitive or overly long. - **Mixed Reception on Specific Tracks**: Songs like "Handcuffs" have been critiqued for lacking depth compared to other tracks. - **Accessibility Issues**: The complex arrangements may overwhelm casual listeners who prefer simpler musical forms. ### Conclusion *Mothership Connection* by Parliament stands as a monumental achievement in funk music history. Its innovative blend of lyrical depth, musical complexity, thematic richness, and cultural significance solidifies its status as one of the defining albums of its era. While it may not appeal universally due to its experimental nature or specific lyrical choices, its influence continues to be felt across genres today. This album invites listeners not only to dance but also to reflect on broader societal themes—making it both an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

A sonic vision of a better intergalactic world with the Afrofuturism vibe. Such a fun album. Sci-fi sounding funk is something I always forget I need. It oozes cool, was groundbreaking, and musically tight as fuck. You can see its influences throughout the decades following. Love the voiceovers, the synth, the baselines, the guitar funk riffs. It's fun to listen to, sounds fun to have made, is sexy, is cool. Fits a bunch of different moods. It just has so many of funk's features and does them all so well across the songs. Wouldn't say funk is a core genre of mine but this is a brilliant album.

One day a coworker put on a funk mix CD he’d made. It was my introduction to Parliament and Funk in general. I definitely remember Give up the Funk was on it.

This truly belongs on this list. Great vision and sounds throughout. A listen that keeps you interested and engaged.

I was a little hesitant at first but then I got fully funked up. Started relistening to tracks immediately after the album ended.

Really funky, really groovy. Really fun to listen to.

Had me dancing the entire time....sofa king good.

Well, that's the best record I've discovered in 2024. I guess there's a point to this list after all.

Come on...it's Parliamont Mothership Connection. Chef's kiss.

Incredible

Nations were founded on less. If you don't like this then you don't like livin'.

Upbeat interesting sounds that have inspired many artists over the following decades. Oozing optimism and good natured fun.

- yeah -

pre: yes please post: no notes on the album, but reading briefly about George Clinton's career makes me want to read a full biography, and also go down a deep Parliament/Funkadelic/P-Funk All-Stars rabbit hole.

I’m not the biggest funk guy, but Parliament does it right! There were some definite bangers on this album.

I mean it’s Parliament so it’s gots to be funky, right? Even Handcuffs is great minus the lyrics. Uncut funk, the bomb as they so eloquently put it.

Pre: Hell yeah! Parliament on a Friday --- this is going to be a good day. Yup, still really good.

Bring in the funk! So fun. Really enjoyed this, have listened to parliament before but not as familiar with this album.

Groovy!

finally, some good fucking music. this album is a funk classic and give up the funk is a time-tested banger. i love the vibes, the album artwork, the space theme, the sound and production, the number of unnecessary parenthetical phrases in the song titles, just... everything. five stars, no notes. favorites: p-funk, mothership connection, unfunky UFO, handcuffs, give up the funk

It's funky, it's fun, it's silly. It's everything I want funk to be.

One of my all-time favorite records. From the opening line "Good evening. Do not attempt to adjust your radio" to the grand fadeout of baby talk on Night of the Thumpasaurus Peoples and everything in between, this is a great example of an album that is greater than the sum of its songs. Once upon a time called now!

FUNKY. This must be on here do to it's weight on the 70s funk scene. It's wild, and simply great.

4.5☆/5 10.29.2024

9.3/10. Great funky music.

Whose got the funk? We've got the funk!!!

…. Yes Now we’re talking

Great, funky album. Super fun and upbeat.

Joined this list hoping to find albums like this - something awesome that I'd never come across myself. I've heard Give up the Funk before, but the rest was all new. Super awesome.

Man such a funky album. Was fantastic.

Funk, r&b, funk rock, disco, progressive soul

Infectious funk, can't be stopped can't not groove

For me, this is a playlist album. Although I really enjoy it, I really do, my patience is not made for 38 minutes straight of this

Mothership Connection is Parliament's fourth album, and their first to find considerable success. This was the first of Parliament's recordings to include Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley, horn players from James Brown's band. This concept album had George Clinton and Bootsy Collins narrating their funk to an outer space theme. This album has been recognized as among the Parliament-Funkadelic collective's best work, and one of the best funk albums of all time. George Clinton's and Parliament's funk is a collective work, with a full band supporting the funk. The songs are bass-driven, engaging songs with outlandish narrative support. These are fun, danceable songs that are true to the funk that they talk about often; the funk draws you in because it is the convergence of a number of styles - R&B, soul, blues, with a good dose of afro-futurism.

Very good groovy album

We need the funk now more than ever!

My Funkometer EXPLODED and I got Funk particles (Funkocules) all over my room.

this album was straight up incredible will be listening again

One of those 'what's not to like/love about' albums. I got a kick out of the Merkavah reference on the title track ("swing down, sweet chariot. Stop, and let me ride."), which is based on an interpretation of Ezekiel's vision of God's throne and or chariot. Jewish mystics believed they we're able to ascend or descend into these other worldly locations, as well as various heavenly palaces, via meditation and special passwords to obtain secret knowledge. UFO enthusiasts would later refer to the same Ezekiel vision as a description of an alien spacecraft. I'm sure George Clinton was inspired by this and used this idea to describe a place where the party was at. He succeeded.

Это очень круто. Никогда не думал, что мне так зайдет фанк. Столько всегго, столько всего! Give up the funk -- самая мощная, прошло уже 3 дня, я все еще помню мелодии.

So much in here that became foundations, lyrics, samples, themes. And really good!

We need to save this dying world from its funkless hell!

This album is absolutely amazing. Its an invitation to a new musical experience and a trip down a diferent type of music. Very complex arrangements, insanely talented musicians. A CD everyone has to listen casue the production value is top notch. Its a great narrative album that tales you travelling through their planet. Im amazed and can easily put this as a top 2 funk album in a heated race with James Brown at the apollo theater.

I love this album from beginning to end . 5

This album was a real treat. I absolutely adore albums that have elements of radio or tv show broadcasts. This was definitely outside of my normal taste but I'm a big fan of funk and I thought the space theme was a cool concept that tied the entire album together really well.

Thank you for the fun, Mr. Clinton.

c'mon now, this is the shit

awesome

5/5? I'm feeling generous

What a fun ride! This is such a great album from start to finish. My first introduction to the P-Funk was at 12 or 13 in the movie PCU. I loved it then, and I've only become more of a fan over the years.

Five seconds in, I knew I was about to get my funk on...and I did. Listening to this album makes you feel like you're at an amazingly fun party. Liked Songs Added: - P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up) - Unfunny UFO - Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication - Handcuffs - Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)

I bought this when it came out. One of my most played albums.

GEORGE CLINTON YOU GENIUS

Listened to this four times. Didn't expect to see it on here but will take any excuse to listen to it.

Ohhhh yeahhhhhhhh. This is TASTY