S.O.D. "Funkytown" by LIPPS Inc.
8/26/2015 Funk & Disco can be a winning combination and never better with this 1980 release that set records reaching #1 in 28 countries and ranking on 9 Year-end charts. It held this record until Madonna released "Hung Up" in 2005 which took the #1 spot in 41 countries. Written and produced by musician, record producer and independent record label owner Steven Greenberg, he was responsible for creating Lipps Inc. and recruiting vocalist/songwriter/actress/producer Cynthia Johnson who was busy with a band called The Time. She became well-known after taking the Black Miss America title in 1976 out of Minnesota and proceeded to sing this tune astoundingly.
"Funkytown" is basically about finding a place, metaphorically speaking, that will keep you moving and keep you grooving with unlimited energy. Among the many bands covering this tune was Australian group, Pseudo Echo, who's new wave/dance rock style put a twist on the song that made it just as successful as the original.
Lipps Inc. was formed in Minneapolis in 1979 and stayed active through 1985. Aside from Cynthia Johnson being the permanent vocalist, the group consisted of a changing lineup of session musicians including guitarist David Rivkin who has contributed to successful works by Etta James, Fine Young Cannibals, Billy Idol and as a long standing guitarist with Prince. The band received three Billboard Music Awards for the song and were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Lots of ridiculous videos with this one so we'll go with something simple.