Funkentelechy_Vs._the_Placebo_Syndrome

<i>Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome</i>

Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome

1977 studio album by Parliament

Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome is the sixth studio album by the American funk band Parliament, released in 1977.[1][2]

Quick Facts Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome, Studio album by Parliament ...

It is a loose concept album warning the listener of falling into the "Placebo Syndrome," which according to George Clinton is consumerism, and listening to disco music, which he saw as a simplification of funk music in attempt to gain commercial success. The album spawned the R&B number No. 1 single in "Flash Light", which features a funky synthesizer bass line played on a Minimoog by keyboardist Bernie Worrell. The album became Parliament's fourth consecutive gold album and second platinum album. The song "Sir Nose d'Voidoffunk (Pay Attention – B3M)" contains nursery rhymes "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" and "Three Blind Mice"; the lyrics were changed to refer to drug use.

The original vinyl release contained a 22″×33″ poster of the character Sir Nose D'Voidoffunk, as well as an 8-page comic book that explains the concept behind the LP. Both the poster and the comic book were illustrated by Overton Loyd.

Critical reception

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The Globe and Mail praised the "superb" backing vocals of the Brides of Funkenstein.[8] The New York Times wrote that "the music is typical P-Funk bouncing disco, lively and toe-tapping, with gabbling spoken and sung vocals on top."[9]

Track listing

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Personnel

According to George Clinton, Mallia Franklin also sang on this album with other original Parlet members Debbie Wright and Jeanette Washington but she is not listed on the album's credits.[citation needed]

Horn arrangement by Bernie Worrell and Fred Wesley

Production
  • Produced by George Clinton
  • Engineered by Jim Vitti
  • Mixing assistance by Bernie Worrell
  • Mastered by Allen Zentz
  • Photography by Ron Slenzak
  • Album graphics by Stephen Lumel/Gribbitt!
  • Booklet story and illustrated by Overton Loyd
  • Booklet coloring and collaboration by Shelby Mack

Charts

Weekly charts

More information Chart (1977–1978), Peak position ...

Certifications

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References

  1. [1]
    Larkin, Colin (1998). The Virgin Encyclopedia of R&B and Soul. Virgin. p. 255.
  2. [2]
    Reading Rock and Roll: Authenticity, Appropriation, Aesthetics. Columbia University Press. 1999. p. 150.
  3. [3]
    Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome at AllMusic
  4. [4]
    Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: P". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved March 10, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.
  5. [5]
    Rollingstone
  6. [6]
    Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian David (2004). (The New) Rolling Stone Album Guide. Simon and Schuster. p. 619. ISBN 9780743201698.
  7. [7]
    Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. 1995. pp. 296, 297.
  8. [8]
    McGrath, Paul (January 18, 1978). "Parliament". The Globe and Mail. p. F2.
  9. [9]
    Rockwell, John (February 26, 1978). "Records: The Disco Fever Is Spreading". The New York Times. p. D14.
  10. [10]
    "Parliament Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  11. [11]
    "Parliament Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  12. [12]
    "American album certifications – Parliament – Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome". Recording Industry Association of America.
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