Where's the FUNK?
With the US music market's total lack of interest in anything that isn't Top 40 (actually more like Top 10) or TRL-able, it's no surprise that Bootsy Collins is releasing his new album, Play with Bootsy: A Tribute To The Funk, thoughout Europe instead of North America. There's actually quite a market over there for music that's been around for more than 10 days. Much like hair-metal's resurgence in Asia, some seriously funky music has been thriving oversees. As Booty himself says "All star funk, old school, in a new day"!

What's Cripplating Uncle Bootsy?
Continuing in the style of his last album, Fresh Out of P University, Play with Bootsy is a collection dance, hip-hop, and FUNK grooves with numerous guest artists appearing thoughout the record (think Santana's Supernatural).

The first single released, "Play with Bootsy," is an infectous dance/funk workout with ex–Sneaker Pimps singer Kelli Ali handling the lead vocals. This is the definitely the catchiest tune of the album and as Bootsy himself says, "Play it loud enough and it'll work like a mother."

"This is Snoopy Collins, and I am going to give you a funky ear-gasm." Snoop Dog appears twice on Play with Bootsy, and both tracks are steller. He may be a rapper, but he definitely gots the funk in him.

"We kickin' the ballistics keepin' it futuristic." The other highlight off the album is "All Star Funk," a mid-tempo thumper so heavy my speakers have hangovers.

Boot-Rap-A-Fella for President
Although not every track on Play with Bootsy is a winner, Bootsy's energy and always entertaining vocals keep things forever funky.

And by the way, the Play with Bootsy video, included on the CD, kicks Christina Crapuilera's Dirrty [sic] ass.