Description
Funkadelic – Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On – Vinyl Record
Standing on the Verge of Getting It On is the sixth studio album by American funk rock band Funkadelic, released in 1974 on Westbound Records. Known for their innovative fusion of funk, rock, soul, and psychedelia, Funkadelic was led by the visionary George Clinton, whose ambitious approach to music redefined genre boundaries. This album marked a critical turning point for the band, as it showcased a more focused, guitar-heavy sound and the return of Eddie Hazel, the legendary guitarist whose virtuosity and creativity became central to Funkadelic’s signature style.
With tracks that are raw, intense, and irresistibly funky, Standing on the Verge of Getting It On is widely regarded as one of Funkadelic’s classic records. It captures the band at a high point, blending hard-hitting grooves with Clinton’s unique humor, social commentary, and surrealist style, making it a quintessential album for fans of funk and psychedelic rock alike.
By 1974, Funkadelic was already well-established as pioneers of the funk genre, blending elements of rock and soul with politically charged lyrics and experimental sounds. Standing on the Verge of Getting It On brought the band into a more guitar-centric direction, especially with the return of Eddie Hazel, whose presence profoundly shaped the album’s sound. Hazel had been instrumental in Funkadelic’s early work, but his absence on prior albums due to personal and legal issues left a noticeable gap. His return added intensity and creativity to the music, as his guitar solos added both power and nuance to the album.
Musically, the album leans heavily into psychedelic rock and funk, characterized by punchy basslines, groovy rhythms, and Hazel’s expressive guitar work. The band’s sound was tighter and more aggressive, with Clinton focusing on delivering shorter, more cohesive tracks without sacrificing the band’s signature wildness. With themes of love, social justice, freedom, and self-expression, Standing on the Verge of Getting It On embodies the spirit of Funkadelic, while also showcasing a more refined and intense sound.
Key Tracks
“Standing on the Verge of Getting It On” – The title track is an infectious, high-energy anthem, with powerful guitar riffs, punchy horns, and call-and-response vocals. The track’s groove is relentless, driven by Hazel’s guitar and Clinton’s playful lyrics that combine sensuality with a call for liberation.
“Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him” – Known for its humorous, satirical lyrics, this track touches on themes of masculinity and identity. It’s a funky, rhythm-heavy song with a laid-back groove that highlights Funkadelic’s ability to blend humor with social commentary.
“Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts” – An epic, introspective track that showcases Eddie Hazel’s guitar skills, “Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts” is nearly ten minutes long and features a more contemplative, ambient feel. Hazel’s guitar solos create a meditative soundscape, making it one of the album’s most powerful pieces, focusing on personal growth and self-reflection.
“Alice in My Fantasies” – A fast-paced, rock-infused track with heavy guitar and driving rhythm, “Alice in My Fantasies” stands out for its intensity. The song captures the band’s psychedelic rock influences and features intense guitar work from Hazel that pushes the boundaries of funk.
“I’ll Stay” – A soulful ballad with a melancholic tone, “I’ll Stay” slows down the pace of the album and emphasizes a more emotional, romantic side of Funkadelic. It’s a beautifully composed song that combines delicate guitar work with heartfelt lyrics.
“Red Hot Mama” – Another standout track, “Red Hot Mama” is a gritty, high-energy funk rock song with dynamic guitar and bass lines. Originally written by Clinton for The Parliaments, the song became a Funkadelic favorite, embodying the group’s edgy, psychedelic sound.
Standing on the Verge of Getting It On delves into themes of freedom, identity, love, and existential contemplation, all delivered with Funkadelic’s characteristic humor and surrealism. The album explores the tension between good and bad, a recurring theme in Clinton’s lyrics, particularly on tracks like “Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts.” The use of satire, especially in “Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him,” shows Funkadelic’s willingness to push social boundaries and address sensitive topics with humor and flair.
Produced by George Clinton, the album’s sound is raw and powerful, with an emphasis on Eddie Hazel’s guitar work and the band’s tight rhythm section. Clinton’s production style captures the band’s intensity and unpredictability, allowing the music to remain both funky and deeply experimental. Clinton encouraged a loose, improvisational approach in the studio, giving the musicians freedom to explore and push their creative limits, resulting in a sound that is both cohesive and unrestrained.
Upon release, Standing on the Verge of Getting It On was well-received by fans and critics, who praised Funkadelic’s ability to merge rock and funk with such precision and power. The album solidified Funkadelic’s place as a groundbreaking force in both genres, demonstrating their ability to craft songs that were as intense and thought-provoking as they were danceable. Eddie Hazel’s return was particularly celebrated, with his guitar work on tracks like “Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts” considered some of the finest of his career.
The album’s influence on funk, rock, and even hip-hop has been significant, inspiring countless musicians across genres. Tracks from the album, especially the title track and “Red Hot Mama,” have been sampled and covered by various artists, and the album is often cited as one of the essential records for fans of funk and psychedelic rock.
Standing on the Verge of Getting It On remains a landmark album that showcases Funkadelic at their peak, blending psychedelic rock’s intensity with the deep groove of funk in a way that few other bands could replicate. The album captures the raw energy and innovation of Funkadelic, with George Clinton’s bold vision and Eddie Hazel’s extraordinary guitar work creating a timeless piece of musical artistry. For fans of funk, rock, and experimental music, Standing on the Verge of Getting It On is essential listening, embodying the spirit of Funkadelic and the boundless creativity of George Clinton’s P-Funk universe.
Gatefold Jacket
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Red Hot Momma
Alice In My Fantasies
I’ll Stay
Sexy Ways
Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On
Jimmy’s Got A Little Bit Of Bitch In Him
Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts
