Pure Funk [by Various Artists, CD, 1998]

Since Pure Disco was a success, Mercury decided to assemble a sequel, Pure Funk. Like its predecessor, Pure Funk is a terrific 20-track collection of funk classics, from Rick James"Super Freak" to ... more

Since Pure Disco was a success, Mercury decided to assemble a sequel, Pure Funk. Like its predecessor, Pure Funk is a terrific 20-track collection of funk classics, from Rick James"Super Freak" to Parliament's "Flashlight." A couple of songs are marginally funk -- it's hard to call the kitsch-fest "Kung Fu Fighting" or Earth, Wind Fire's sultry ballad "Shining Star" funk -- but that doesn't mean that Pure Funk isn't a terrifically enjoyable collection. With songs like "Brick House," "Pick Up the Pieces," "Good Times," "Jungle Boogie," "Fire," "Tell Me Something Good," "Lady Marmalade," "Superfly," "Mr. Big Stuff" and "Word Up," Pure Funk delivers nothing but funky good times, and it's ****** near irresistible. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide less