Parliament – Funkentelechy Vs. The Placebo Syndrome

Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome is the sixth studio album by Parliament, released in November 1977. It stands as one of the boldest entries in the P-Funk canon, presenting a loose “funk opera” in which George Clinton conjures a cosmic battle between the force of authentic funk (Funkentelechy) and the hollow distractions of consumerism and disco (the Placebo Syndrome). With characters like Sir Nose D’Voidoffunk and Starchild, the album blends humour, philosophy and social commentary atop tight grooves and adventurous arrangements.

Musically it’s rich and expansive: layered synthesizers, propulsive horn lines, driving bass, vocal interplay and experimental textures push it beyond typical funk records. Hits like “Flash Light” and “Bop Gun” deliver infectious energy, while the more meditative “Funkentelechy” and theatrical “Sir Nose” deepen the concept with dramatic flair. The album is an immersive statement — spiritual, satirical, powerful — and remains a standout in George Clinton’s visionary lineage.

The album reached #2 on the Billboard R&B chart and #13 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

Reviews

“P-Funk warm up by helping you to rise above Disco; their eventual goal is to lift you all the way into space.” — Sputnikmusic

"Parliament simply poured it on for this amazing album, clearly one of its all-time best" – Allmusic