MoFi Parliament Mothership Connection (180g 45RPM 2LP)

Parliament: Funky Pioneers of the 1970s

Mothership Connection solidified Parliament’s status as masters of funk, psychedelic soul, and Afrofuturism. Released in 1975 and ranked 363rd Greatest Album of All Time by Rolling Stone, the record features classics such as “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” and showcases the group’s inventive blend of groove, humor, and musical sophistication.

Audiophile 50th Anniversary Reissue

Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition 180g 45RPM 2LP set, sourced from the original analog master tapes, pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, and housed in a Stoughton gatefold jacket, presents Mothership Connection in pristine audiophile sound. The 45RPM format offers enhanced definition, tauter bass, and realistic presence, allowing every horn, snare, handclap, and keyboard texture to come through with immersive clarity.

Sound and Performance

This collectible edition delivers explosive dynamics, remarkable imaging, and depth, faithfully reproducing the energy and interplay of the 1975 sessions at United Sound (Detroit) and Hollywood Sound (CA). The album’s expansive soundstage highlights the virtuosity of key contributors such as Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Bernie Worrell, Bootsy Collins, Cordell Mosson, the Brecker Brothers, and Jerome Brailey, guided by leader George Clinton.

Iconic Tracks and Musical Innovation

From the commanding “P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)” to the legendary “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)”, Parliament pushes funk to its outer limits. Tracks like “Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication,” “Unfunky UFO,” and “Handcuffs” showcase the band’s playful experimentation, tight grooves, and innovative use of Minimoog, ARP, and piano textures. Every song balances high-energy performance with intricate arrangements, creating a universe of funky characters, cosmic narratives, and hypnotic rhythms.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Mothership Connection represents a creative and cultural milestone, merging funk, science-fiction themes, and Afrofuturism into a uniquely influential sound. Its horns, basslines, and vocal arrangements have been widely sampled, influencing generations of hip-hop, R&B, and pop artists. The album’s audacious artistry, combined with Clinton’s visionary direction, makes it a timeless testament to Parliament’s enduring legacy.