It has been 16 years since The B-52s have put together an album. Good Stuff in 1992 was their last collaboration. Funplex was released on March 25, 2008 and slipped under the radar of music fans everywhere. Well, maybe just me, but I now understand why I was hearing B-52s songs all over the radio the past 6 months.

"Funplex" is the first single off the album and has been floating around in airwaves for quite some time. Currently, the song is featured in an E! commercial promoting their shows and such. There are some pop culture references and a nice line about 7-Up. It's peppy and fun despite the fact that "you broke my heart at the Funplex". Man, if I had a dime for every time my heart got broken at the Funplex...

The B-52s continue their tradition of wacky and simple lyrics (I know you remember "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster") with catchy rock riffs and funky beats. The song "Funplex" backs that statement up if you don't believe me. Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson's unique voices send each song into a huge cloud of fluffiness that makes you feel like you've been spinning around and around for hours and you finally stop to walk. But I say that as a good thing. Fred Schneider still has the least to say, but he says it with such force that you either laugh at what he's saying or nod your head in euphoria. He could sing three words for a verse and they would be the best three words you have ever heard.

There's a lot of good rock on The B-52s Funplex, like the first, very danceable track "Pump", and the song right after it, "Hot Corner". The B-52s have seem to take a more electronics approach on this album, which is fine because it raises the bar for them. "Eyes Wide Open" brings you back to the classic New Wave era of the 80's with a sweet drumbeat and the song wants you to "go down to my secret place". If you think that song's about sex, you are correct you pervert. Another interesting song is "Love in the Year 3000" which appears to be a song about robot sex, but I think it's about making love to someone who is alien and distant from you...I still haven't figured it out.

The songs never really slow down, giving you a rock ride like no other. Maybe you'd like to ride to the "Love Shack"? Okay, maybe not. But there are two songs on Funplex that are actually decent pop songs that get away from the straight guitar rock and goes for actual poetry. "Deviant Ingredient" starts with a nice narration style introduction and goes into a basic beat. Its just a bit slower than the other songs, but it's just as infectious as the others. The other song not to be missed is "Juliet of Spirits". Juliet just doesn't pray anymore and everyone's concerned. It's sung beautifully and flows perfectly. One of the best songs on the album besides "Funplex".

The B-52s Funplex album is easy to get into and even dance to. If you liked their previous albums or their fun style, then you will adapt to Funplex with no problem. Now, the only other group I wish would get back into the studio is Wrexx N Effects. Rump Shaker part 2 anyone?