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franklin thompson - planet jumper ep - stones throw - vinyl

New Copy

Genre: Disco

1. Planet Jumper
2. Dinosaur
3. Mega Mix
4. My Money's Kinda Funny
5. Ghost Dance
6. Enemies Within Us

Planet Jumper features the best and most danceable work written and recorded by Franklin Thompson (aka François Ja’boi) in the early 1980s. These days, Thompson, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, serves his community as a doctorate-holding reverend, business owner and city councilman. Apparently he’s quite the overachiever, because back in the day, this self-proclaimed “nerd” and “old-fashioned guy” managed to produce some pretty hip sounding electro funk.

Besides the infectious old school grooves, one of the first things about Thompson’s music to strike the listener is the lyrical themes. He touches on the value of education, hard work, financial health, Native American history, and monogamy, among other topics. But – in the words of his own liner notes: “In addition to its educational value, [Thompson’s music] is just plain good music to party to.” Connoisseurs of this brand of early-’80s, synthesizer-heavy, electro R&B will note Thompson’s unusually strong melodies and chord structures, in addition to his entirely unique singing voice. (Thompson sings all lead and background vocals – comedy skits excepted). Another interesting fact: the cut entitled “Mega Mix” was the first original rap song written by a Nebraskan that received radio airplay back in 1981. Following late-’60s funkateers L.A. Carnival, Thompson becomes the second Omaha-based artist to put out a record on Stones Throw and get the official stamp of approval from honcho Peanut Butter Wolf. Huge tip!