What makes Sale of the Century by Parliament notable?

This album is notable for its critique of consumerism, particularly embodied in the title track, which reflects the band's ability to engage with contemporary social issues through their music. Although it did not achieve significant commercial success on charts, its themes resonated within the funk genre and among fans who appreciated its social commentary. By the time 'Sale of the Century' was released in 1996, Parliament had undergone significant changes since their peak during the 1970s. This album marked a return to recording after a lengthy hiatus, following the band's dissolution in the early '80s and George Clinton's subsequent solo projects. The release aimed to re-establish their presence in the evolving music scene while retaining their signature funky sound.

How many songs are on Sale of the Century?

Sale of the Century has 3 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Sale of the Century

Parliament · 1996

9 min · 3 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk and doo-wop, layered with playful lyrics that critique consumer culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sale of the Century — The title track encapsulates the album's core theme by satirizing consumer culture through catchy melodies and clever lyrics, making it a standout representation of Parliament's style.
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Package Holiday — In this track, the playful arrangement complements lyrics that humorously reflect on escapism and consumerist vacations, showcasing the band's signature fun approach to serious topics.
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Oh Well — 'Oh Well' features a more introspective tone compared to other tracks, highlighting the versatility of Parliament's sound while touching on themes of reflection and resignation.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Sale of the Century 4:35
2 Package Holiday 2:56
3 Oh Well 2:09

What to play next

Listen next

The Early Years

1997

Go back to

The Best of Parliament: Give Up the Funk

1995

Full Parliament discography Where to start with Parliament Artists like Parliament

doo-wop funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata