I just bought that CD from the wrecka stow 2day, I always get a good feeling when I hear their song "Funkytown" brings back memories.

Cynthia Johnson was actualy one of Flyte Tyme's early lead singers until she left to sing with that band

So, does anybody remember them?

Well, I live in Funkytown , Minneapolis! So, yeah, I know that one hit wonder. It was a big one hit tho!

At the Minnesota Historical Society as part of the music exhibit they have a recording booth set up where you can mix the individual tracks from that song and sing along if you choose.

They also have a few pieces of Prince memorabilia in the exhibit including the most complete collection of his Purple Rain clothes that I have seen. It includes his frilly shirt, pants, boots and jacket on a manequin built to his size.

I was there a couple of weeks ago and the kids looking at the exhibit didn't seem to have any clue as who Prince was.

I love their debut album 'Mouth To Mouth' (1980).It had only four songs...

"Funkytown"
"All Night Dancing"
"Rock It"
"Power"


Each song was extended,so it was really like getting an album of 12" singles...lol...but it was the perfect early 80s Disco album,full of hard-hittting beats,catchy hooks,and lots of killer synths (especially on "Rock It",which is reminiscent of some of Donna Summer/Girogio Moroder's late 70s stuff).The highlight of this album is "All Night Dancing",a lush disco song with style,and dead-on lyrics that paint a vivid picture of the Disco lifestyle...

"waiting all day long just to hear your favorite song,then dancing to the beat that you love...fantasize that you're the greatest,close your eyes and make believe"

lovemachine said:

Is this an on going exhibit? I've never been there.

Yeah.. Owen used to say that this mega-hit was the bee that stung Prince into really shifting his career into high gear.

theSpark said:

I believe it's permanent. I can safely say that it's not going anyway for a good while at least

The exhibit is pretty good so I would say that you should get out there if you can. There is nothing groundbreaking, but it's fun. It's free so you don't have anything to lose plus they have a cool exhibit on the Twins.

Harlepolis said:

There's another Prince connection.In 1983,Lipps Inc. recruited singer Margie Cox for their fourth and final album,titled "Lipps Inc. 4".She can also be heard on their final single,the independently released "Does Anybody Know Me?"(1985).

theSpark said:

The man who wrote "FunkyTown" said it was written about New York, hon.
Anyways, I absolutely this song and its simple yet funky bassline.

Interesting side note: The guy that wrote/produced Funkytown, it the uncle of John "Strawberry" Fields. Fields played in Greazy Meal with some previous NPG members. Fields is now living in LA doing production/engineering work.

chickenman