Lord of the Harvest

Two of music's most outrageous personalities, Bootsy Collins and Buckethead (aided by Bernie Worrell), unite again (post-Praxis) for a crazy funk metal sci-fi conceptual conspiracy theory throwdown. Of course, it doesn't sound anything like any other funk metal out there because Buckethead is not your average metal guy, and Bootsy's no run-of-the-mill funkateer. This really is Bootsy's show, as he does almost all the voices, all the beats, and perhaps the most monstrous space-bass playing ever committed to tape. Did I mention he's also hilarious? Buckethead is a deranged metal virtuoso, tossing out both unbelievable leads and some of the most unearthly tones to emanate from an electric guitar. The two of them obviously have a lot of fun together, and while the actual concept may not be completely decipherable, the element of humor and fun does shine through clearly. However, even though Bootsy's playing is fantastic, some of the pummeling beats and general metal feel isn't likely to appeal to your average funk fan, and the goofiness quotient isn't likely to win over the average dour metal fan. Then there's the last track, which has them doing their take on the Barry White late-night get-down sound. This isn't for everyone, to be sure. But if you're an open-minded listener with a taste for virtuosic high-speed guitar, insane funky bass, sci-fi samples, and silly fun, Lord of the Harvest should be a good time.