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Sep 13, 2013 By Austin Trunick

These two rare releases from this semi-obscure P-Funk offshoot are minor lost gems. The ever-busy George Clinton produced the first Parlet LP, Pleasure Principle, in 1978, a particularly busy year which also saw Clinton produce full-lengths by Bootsy’s Rubber Band, The Brides of Funkenstein, Bernie Worrell, Parliament and Funkadelic. With the rush of P-Funk-related output coming from the collective in the late 1970s, it’s no wonder a few would fly under the radar or be forgotten; these reissues may help to put this funk-powered girl group back in the spotlight it deserves.

The first incarnation of Parlet featured original P-Funk background vocalist Mallia Franklin, Debbie Wright, and Jeanette Washington. Pleasure Principle is a solid funk record with some good dance grooves and amazing science fiction-oriented cover art. Its six tracks average a length of six minutes, and the closing “Mr. Melody Man” winds the record down to a low-key end, with sweet string arrangements and gooey keyboard playing by Bernie Worrell. By the time Parlet recorded Invasion of the Booty Snatchers the following year, Washington was the only original member, joined now by Janice Evans and Shirley Hayden. Their sophomore record is the superior of the two, helped along by a heavier dose of Clinton weirdness and humor (and somehow displaying even sillier sci-fi-themed artwork.) Tracks such as “Booty Snatchers” and “No Rump To Bump” summarize the record’s straight-forward m.o., but there’s plenty of variety to be found, and event a hint of disco tinting in these lengthy, danceable burners. Worrell returns to lend a hand, and Bootsy Collins joins in with bass, drums, and guitar. Parlet went on to record one final album in 1980.

These reissues are worth seeking out for any P-Funk fan already versed in all of the premier releases from their better-known acts; the included booklets provide excellent background on the albums’ histories.

(www.realgonemusic.com)