If you are a fan of funk-rock music, you might have heard of Limbomaniacs, a band that blended P-Funk, go-go, rap and hard rock in their debut album Stinky Grooves. Released in 1990, the album featured guest appearances by Bootsy Collins and Maceo Parker, two legends of the funk genre. The album was produced by Bill Laswell, who also worked with artists like Herbie Hancock, Public Image Ltd. and Praxis.
Stinky Grooves was a showcase of Limbomaniacs' musical talent and creativity, as they mixed different styles and influences to create a unique sound. The album had eight tracks, each with its own flavor and vibe. Some of the highlights were:
Stinky Grooves was one of the best funk-rock albums of the early '90s, but it was sadly overlooked by the mainstream audience. The band only released one more album in 1992, Bucketheadland, which featured the guitar virtuoso Buckethead as a member. After that, the band disbanded and its members pursued other projects.
If you want to rediscover this hidden gem of an album, you can find it on Discogs or AllMusic. You can also listen to some of the songs on YouTube. You won't regret it!
One of the most distinctive features of Limbomaniacs was their lineup, which included some of the most talented and versatile musicians in the Bay Area. The band was founded by Tony "Butthouse" Chaba, a bassist and vocalist who had a knack for writing catchy and funky songs. He was joined by Mark "Mirv" Haggard, a guitarist and vocalist who could play anything from metal to jazz to country. Pete Scaturro was the keyboardist and programmer, who added a layer of sonic texture and experimentation to the band's sound. And last but not least, Bryan "Brain" Mantia was the drummer, who had a reputation for being one of the fastest and most precise drummers in the scene.
Limbomaniacs had a loyal fan base in San Francisco, where they played regularly at clubs like The Stone and The I-Beam. They also toured extensively across the US and Europe, opening for bands like Faith No More, Primus, Fishbone and Living Colour. They were known for their energetic and unpredictable live shows, where they would improvise, jam and interact with the audience. They also had a sense of humor and a penchant for controversy, as they often wore outrageous costumes, used profanity and made fun of themselves and others.
Unfortunately, Limbomaniacs never achieved the commercial success they deserved, despite their critical acclaim and cult following. They faced several challenges, such as label problems, musical trends, personal issues and creative differences. They also had a hard time fitting into any genre or category, as they were too funky for rock fans, too rock for funk fans and too weird for mainstream fans. They released only one more album in 1992, Bucketheadland, which featured the guitar prodigy Buckethead as a new member. The album was more experimental and eclectic than Stinky Grooves, but it also failed to attract much attention. The band broke up shortly after that, leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation and originality.
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