On The Pier by Lo Fidelity Allstars featuring Bootsy Collins

"On The Pier" is a mind-blowing track by British big-beat band Lo Fidelity Allstars that features ace funkster Bootsy Collins. It's a haunting, atmospheric groove in which Bootsy rap-sings his lyrics in a half-stoned Jimi Hendrix drawl. The track is pretty out-there, but it subtly grabs your attention and draws you in. It's an acid-tinged excursion through a dreamlike soundscape of cosmic keyboard riffs, tottering horn parts, laid-back bass and distant guitar licks that sound like they're being played from some faraway funky galaxy.

The playfully seductive female background vocals add a little spice to the mix. The narcotic groove lulls you into an intoxicated state of sonic bliss, and by the time the track is over, you'll jonesin' for another listen. This is one high where you don't need to cop and blaze up. All you need to do is put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and the groove will do the rest. "On The Pier" is from Lo Fi's third album, Don't Be Afraid of Love, released in 2002. The band's lineup for the album included Andy Dickinson, Johnny Machin, Dale Maloney, Phil Ward, Martin Whiteman and Del Vegas.

Lo Fidelity Allstars caught the wave of the big-beat movement in the mid-90s and rode it to success. The band is known for its experimental sound that skillfully mixes hip-hop, funk, disco, R&B with various electronica styles. Their tracks feature heavy dub bass lines and breakdown organ riffs. They are probably most recognized for their epic remix of Pigeonhed's funk track "Battle Flag." The members originated from various cities in Northern England, and the band was formed in Leeds in 1996 before they relocated to London. Lo Fi attracted the attention of major record labels while in London. After signing with Skint Records, the band relocated to Brighton where the label is based. They released their fourth album, Northern Stomp, in 2009. The album was well-received by critics and fans.

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