November 30, 2011
The Time is back with new name but same great sound
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"Condensate"

The Original 7ven

www.theoriginal7ven.com

Saguaro Road Records

 

"What time is it?"

Back in the early '80s, that phrase was the call to the dance floor. The Time's first two releases, both under the tutelage of Prince, remain two of the best funk records of the era, but all too quickly, the band became a parody of itself. Now, 21 years later, the original members are back, but under a new moniker, since Prince refused to be involved or let them use the name "The Time."

No question that "Condensate" is, without a doubt, one of the most dead-on, funk-rock records in eons. It ebbs and flows effortlessly (even through the mid-tempo ballads) and its dance tracks could raise the dead.

The title cut offers some classic Morris Day chants and call-and-response repartee over a bed of ungodly funk. Driven by classic '80s synths, "#Trendin" continues Day's trademark half-spoken, playboy schtick. Opener "Strawberry Lake" is muscular and groove-heavy, while the rocked-up, Princely "Toast To The Party Girl" is upbeat, buoyant and simply irresistible. "Role Play" offers something a little different: a slow, hypnotic "Superstitious" groove answered with wonderfully spacey guitar and keys. "Cadillac" brings back the classic, simmering funk of The Time's first release with inventive playing all around.

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