The 3 Most Common Features Of Funk Album Covers

Funk is one of those genres of music that we could all very easily admit to being into without any repercussions, but the truth is, most people don't understand real funk music. Apart from every time you're at a blue light disco and Play That Funky Music comes on (which wasn't actually performed by a funk band) most of you wouldn't have bothered listening to the b-sides performed by George Clinton, The GAP Band or Leon Haywood.

And there's a reason for this. You see, funk music is an enigma at the best of times. I personally love it, but it takes a time to adapt to the not so commercially radio friendly tunes - the same can also be said for some of the decisions made in designing album covers for a number of these groups.

1 - Obsession With Ancient Egypt

One of the most common themes is dressing up like you've been whipping Hebrews all day. A number of bands jumped on this kind of misplaced historical obsession.

Instant Funk, The Funk Is On (1980)

It's a prerequisite for any funk band from the 70's and 80's that if a number of your singles don't contain the word funk, then the name of your band or your album should. Luckily for Instant Funk, they've filled those final two criteria.

We've also made our quota of confusing you about your own sexuality

Instant Funk are a lesser known group from the late 1970's who had a few hits during the disco era, also it seems that they may have been big around the time the pyramids of Giza were built, too. 

Best known for their hits, I Got My Mind Made Up, No Stoppin' That Rockin', as well as intense staring, Instant Funk may or may not be completely responsible for this mess. One thing's for sure, though; that dude at the top right is dealing with the most frightening experience of his life. 

Rick James, Throwin' Down (1982)

Rick James didn't invent phallic symbolism, but somewhere along the line one can assume that he did a masters in semiotics.

And somewhere along the line he raided Instant Funk's costume wardrobe, possibly right after doing a line of coke.

The Bar-Kays, Too Hot To Stop (1976)

Is that... is that Snoop Dogg in the back there?

2 - Dressing Like They're Straight Out Of A Dolemite Sequal

The 1970's was responsible for some of the most well-known (and purely awesome) Blaxploitation cinema ever produced. The funk bands of the time knew a good selling point when they saw one.

Leon Haywood, Come And Get Yourself Some (1975)

At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Mr Haywood was in a defensive karate pose. Then you look again at the expression on his face and it looks likely that a large amount of crack has taken its toll on his ability to stand straight.

The GAP Band, V, Jammin' (1983)

Stylin', profilin' and career suicidin'.

Thomas Bucknasty, Blast-o-Funk (1980)

This may actually be so bad that's it good! The photographer needs to be praised for being able to get everyone else besides Mr Bucknasty to put on a serious face.

1 - Bizarre And Ambiguous Imagery

To be fair, this trend really only applies to George Clinton and his Parliament Funkadelic. To be even fairer most of the members including Clinton were in a pretty messed-up mindset, because hardcore drugs.


 Note before: This requires no explanation, because I simply can't give one.

This

And this

And there's also this

And finally, my personal favourite...

This

You can read more about Funk/Soul/RnB and how much I hate music today that uses those titles by following @SiCar on Twitter.