Review: Jamie Lidell revs up the funk on new album

The Associated Press, Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 11:30am (PST)

Jamie Lidell, "Jamie Lidell" (Warp Records)

British-born Jamie Lidell may have relocated to Nashville, Tenn., but his new album is anything but country.

His fifth full-length release — self-produced in his home studio — is an 11-track homage to the funkadelic days of 1970s and 1980s disco pop. Think Cameo and The Gap Band.

"I'm Selfish" is bouncy with vocals resembling Prince and additional synth, while "What a Shame" enters dubstep territory with its booming beat and catchy chorus.

The tune "why-ya-why," with its happy trumpets and uneven beats, oddly turns into a Skream & Benga effort halfway through. It's a heavily produced sonic assault — and that's not necessarily a good thing.

The album has loads going on, and at times you're almost begging for a timeout. Thankfully there's "Don't You Love Me," a mellowish, D'Angelo-esque love song, and it saves the day.