353 of 1001 Albums: Parliament's Mothership Connection

Funk band, Parliament, would go on to make one of their longest living singles in this album, Mothership Connection. The National Recording Registry added the album since the Library of Congress stated that it impacted the genres of dance, rock, and jazz. Vocalist, George Clinton explained the concept of the album being one that would put African Americans in situations that no one would consider in the time of 1975, Clinton included the White House as an example.

I have to say that when "Give Up the Funk" came on that I did dance a bit, and if this album had entirely just consisted of that song I would have been a happy person, but sadly that is not the case there were other songs to listen to that just weren't as enjoyable. Maybe it was enjoyable because it's a familiar tune that has been a while around without a band name to place to it.


The album starts with the song "P-Funk", which might be another familiar song to many. It doesn't get you as interested as "Give Up the Funk", but it is a strong follow up that does stay in line with the albums prominent sound. The title song is the next on up on the album, "Mothership Connection", and it seems with each song that the group is establishing more of a story, and a good sound.

Mothership Connection is an album that does really get you involved in these guys' perception of another culture, so that does add to making it a fascinating listen. The one song that seems to have no lyrics is, "Night of the Thumpasorus People". It has a great rhythm though that speaks for itself even if it doesn't have much to say as far as lyrics.

If you're a fan of funk music then Parliament is going to be one you must listen to, or if you're just looking to explore it. It's very rich as far as the cultural value of it, and does have some interesting beats here and there. You just have to be listening to certain songs to catch it. While it does sound dated to the 70s though, there is something that still allows it to be as relevant today as it was then as far as the sound goes, and you can still hear the influence today.

Rating 5 of 10.