Review: Dam Funk – Burgundy City

I’ll come right out at the top and say that this isn’t normally something I’d listen to, but Stones Throw is such a reputable and reliable record label, it’s worth checking out anything they throw at the unsuspecting public. Dam Funk is possibly their most left-field venture, a decidedly synthetic non-hip-hop related record aimed squarely at two sides of the dancefloor, the laid-back smooth side, and the fast-paced shaking side. I have to confess, Side A’s “Burgundy Funk” is a lovely piece of synth-jazz worked over a cracking snare beat. I could easily see a DJ mixing this into some Dabrye to slow things down and give the hips a break. The only thing holding it back is the fairly cheesy synth melody. Speaking of cheesy synth melodies, Side B’s “Galactic Fun” is where the wheels come off for me. Not being a big fan of retro-dance, this simple pseudo-Prince funk does nothing for me, unfortunately. I applaud labels going for some diversity, but I just don’t get this stuff in any deep way. I personally would prefer to forget the 80s (except the parts with Iron Maiden).

Editor’s note: hear a track from this EP on the June 08 Rhythm Incursions!

No related posts.

Never miss a show

Subscribe via our iTunes channel, RSS feed or newsletter and never miss a show. Simply click below:

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 at 2:51 pm. It is filed under Reviews and tagged with Burgundy City, Dam Funk, Stones Throw. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

Mr Trick

Can’t agree about forgetting the 80s man. Maybe its my age but I look back fondly on the period that gave us some of the finest hip hop, ropey hair metal, strange mutant punk funk and more…

I think for me this one mis-fires for me simply because the tunes aren’t quite strong enough. Don’t get me wrong; I wouldn’t switch it off if it was on the stereo, but I wouldn’t put my hand in my pocket for it either.

The new Karl Hector on Now Again, on the other hand…
Les

This is only his first single guys. Wow, give him a break! This record is one of me and my friends new favorites. Stones Throw has done it again! Though, I’d bet if some new hot kid from the UK or Iceland for that matter (LOL) dropped this, instead of a real Black guy who truly reps Funk, straight out of the streets of, from what I’ve heard, Los Angeles, California…you’d both be jumping for joy with 1000+ accolades!! Man, things are still the same. You’d rather gush over tired post acid-jazz blue eyed soul-funk based on late 60′s and early 70′s one offs that hardly no one Black ever listened or listens to, instead of that new Funk bounce coming on the scene. Crazy! I’d suggest you pull your head out of tired backpack Hip-Hop and retro 70′s blue eyed Funk’s ass and catch an open mind again to the real. Oh well, like you said, “you just don’t get”. Oh yeah, I almost forgot….
http://www.keithpishnery.com Masaru

I can only be honest about my reaction to music, Les. It’s curious that you see no problem in dissing what other people like… in a much more condescending way, I might add. I’m glad you like it as much as you do. If it brings you happiness, it’s achieved what music is made to do.

Also, thanks for making it all about race!
Mr Trick

Playing the race card is as cheap a shot as it gets. Personally I’ve no idea if Dam Funk is black, white, Icelandic, American or whatever, and hence it makes no difference to me. Bottom line is that I don’t like the tracks, and neither did Masaru. Does that mean we’re decrying Dam Funk as shit or saying he has no talent? Hell no – we’re simply saying we’re not big fans. Vive la difference – get over it.
funkadelik

i love this ep and let’s take off they’re just great i love this style coming back WOOOOO