Music Review: Jamie Lidell revs up the funk on new album

Jamie Lidell, "Jamie Lidell" (Warp Records)

British-born Jamie Lidell may have relocated to Nashville, Tenn., but his new album is anything but country.

His fifth full-length release - self-produced in his home studio - is an 11-track homage to the funkadelic days of 1970s and 1980s disco pop. Think Cameo and The Gap Band.

"I'm Selfish" is bouncy with vocals resembling Prince and additional synth, while "What a Shame" enters dubstep territory with its booming beat and catchy chorus.

The tune "why-ya-why," with its happy trumpets and uneven beats, oddly turns into a Skream & Benga effort halfway through. It's a heavily produced sonic assault - and that's not necessarily a good thing.

The album has loads going on, and at times you're almost begging for a timeout. Thankfully there's "Don't You Love Me," a mellowish, D'Angelo-esque love song, and it saves the day.

Online:

www.jamielidell.com

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