Mario Tarradell

B-Funplex

(Astralwerks)

YES, THE B'S ARE BACK: That original wacky party band returns with inaugural members Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland and Cindy Wilson for their first studio album in a staggering 16 years. Wow, were they really gone that long? Anyway, Funplex plays like it's designed to remind fans what made this outfit so endearingly quirky in the first place. The soaring female vocals are still here, and so is Mr. Schneider's signature sing-speak tone that could sound obnoxious or hilarious, depending on your listening mood. The mix of new wave, punk, surf, dance and rock 'n' roll persists as well, just a bit more synthesized now.

BUT THE RESULTS ARE MIXED: Somehow the magic comes and goes. The band can't re-create classics such as "Rock Lobster," "Planet Claire," "Private Idaho," "Love Shack" and "Roam." And truth be told, the disc opens a tad tepid with not-fully- nuked numbers "Pump," "Hot Corner" and "Ultraviolet." It isn't until "Juliet of the Spirits," a post-new- wave club anthem waiting to happen, that Funplex takes off. The title cut is a jacked-up serving of Schneider shenanigans. Then "Eyes Wide Open" takes us back to the dance floor with its throbbing synthesizer lines and cool robotic swirls. Yet the disc doesn't retain the groove. Only the wildly entertaining "Keep the Party Going" stands out among the final four tracks.

BOTTOM LINE: Hey, we'll take the B's any way we can. Today's pop artists have no idea how to bottle up frivolity the way this band does. Still, Funplex isn't quite as infectious as its name suggests. Mario Tarradell

ARCHIVES: Search for more stories on this and other topics | Search Tips

SUBSCRIBE: Get The Dallas Morning News delivered to your home