Parliament’s Funkentelechy vs. The Placebo Syndrome (1977) combines science fiction, satire and irresistible groove. A masterpiece of avant-garde funk, George Clinton and his accomplices offer us a musical reflection on society and the consumer
Funkentelechy vs. The Placebo Syndrome is Parliament’s sixth studio album, released on November 28, 1977. It is regarded as a masterpiece of P-Funk, combining lively music and social criticism, and remains an essential reference for 70s funk. Conceived by George Clinton, the album is a conceptual work of funk, science fiction and social satire. It depicts the battle between the « Funkentelechy », representing the funk conscience, and the « Placebo Syndrome », symbolizing consumerism and musical superficiality, notably embodied by the character of Sir Nose D’Voidoffunk. The album is distinguished by iconic compositions such as Flash Light and Bop Gun (Endangered Species). The production features innovative synth bass lines, notably thanks to Bernie Worrell’s Minimoog, and complex brass and choral arrangements. The original vinyl edition included a 56×84 cm poster of the character Sir Nose D’Voidoffunk and an eight-page comic strip illustrated by Overton Loyd, explaining the concept of the album…
