BRUNO Mars has delivered the most fun album of the year with 24K Magic.
The trailer single of the the same name was the perfect insight into the treasure trove of funky treats that the American superstar had in store for us.
The album is one huge party with Bruno sounding like the happiest pop star on the planet. Echoes of Prince and James Brown abound as well as Maurice Day and The Time (again hats off to Prince) and Bruno's band groove their way through a selection of tracks that also revive G Funk, P Funk and even evoke glorious memories of Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel.
While Mars' earlier work was undoubtedly quality, there's no question that the best thing he ever did was collaborate with Mark Ronson on Uptown Funk.
While Ronson's album that followed that colossal tune didn't quite live up to that delicious benchmark, Bruno Mars certainly detected the direction that was necessary to make his next musical chapter an absolute winner.
Songs like Chunky and That's What I Like are so polished and crystal clear that you would swear Mr Sheen was the producer on call. Even the slower moments don't lose their feel good factor, thanks to the lush instrumentation and Mars' textured, layered vocals.
This record is like a trip through the decades of American funk, soul and R&B and is the perfect album to banish your winter blues. Put it on, leave it on and get ready for the upcoming live shows in Dublin next year – due to high demand, a second 3 Arena date was added this week.
SFA back in The Limelight
Super Furry Animals play Belfast's Limelight 1 on November 30 to kick-start their Fuzzy Logic/Radiator tour. The show promises to be particularly special as the band will be playing both those seminal records in full, meaning that this will be the first time certain songs have been given the proper live treatment.
Cian from the band tells me that Belfast is a city close to the Furries' hearts and one where they always expect a super warm welcome.
"For a start, my mum is from Armagh – so playing in Northern Ireland has always been very special for me since I spent so many holidays there.
"But apart from that, the fans are amazing – always up for a party and rowdy in a good way. We seem to have very loyal fans and none more so that those in NI.
"They sing every lyric even to the most obscure songs and we really appreciate that kind of commitment and dedication."
The keyboard player reckons that this two album focus show will be a test for both fans and the band themselves.
"We decided to play Fuzzy Logic in full as it's the 20th anniversary of the record this year and then next year the same applies to Radiator. Also though, we thought it would keep us on our toes.
"I mean I can hardly remember playing the songs at the time let alone taking on the added pressure of dusting them down and re-visiting them, but we're back in rehearsal this week, so hopefully we'll iron out any bumps.
"The fans will find it anew experience too as we've never done this kind of thing before, so we expect our Belfast faithful to join in and make it a collective effort!”
A limited number of tickets for the Limelight show are currently still available.
