Was (Not Was) Boo! Review

Honestly, they didn't write, they didn't call, what were we supposed to think? Well, it matters not, as eccentric funky Uncles Was (Not Was) are back after nearly 20 years away from popland. Were they just trying to make us miss them? Who can say, but within minutes of spinning this bad boy and you'll be nodding and grinning like an idiot.

Messrs Don and Dave Was have decided to rig up their wah-wahs and rally up the original troops to bring us Boo!, and there's something rather splendid about the way that little appears to have changed in the surreal world of the Was when they all get together again. Yes, it's funk-tastic, it's slick and soulful, and it's funny (haha AND peculiar).

First off, the effortlessly groovy Sweet Pea gives us the lowdown of his bizarre Semi-Interesting Week (from shagging twins to alien invasions. We dread to think what a REALLY interesting week would entail).

Your Luck Won't Last is a Parliament-esque funkathon, and there are some scary looped whines, laughs and echoes that turn Forget Everything into something a bit odd and special. Gospel harmonies and electro-strangeness being barked down a phone – we love it.

Was (Not Was) always collaborate with some real dudes as you may remember (Iggy Pop? Mel Torme? Good times) and they've still got an address-book stuffed with goodness if this album is anything to go by – Mr Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore is co-penned by Bob Dylan and the magically weird closing track Green Pills On The Dresser features the gravelly tones of Kris Kristofferson, growling the words like a poem. Plus theres an all-star assemblage of soul-funk session greats – including drummer James Gadson, bass maestro Marcus Miller and the legendary Booker T on Hammond.

What can we say? Those funky Uncles have still got it.