After spending most of the ‘80s working on various solo projects, George Clinton reunited with founding Funkadelic members Garry Shider and Eddie Hazel to record 1989’s By Way of the Drum. The album could have easily turned into a rehash of the band’s early years, but it’s clear from the get-go that Clinton is tuned into modern sounds. “Nose Bleed” takes some cues from Janet Jackson’s work with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and also bears the imprint of Clinton’s time with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Even though the cover of “Sunshine of Your Love” is somewhat clunky, it’s a beautiful thing to hear Hazel’s searing guitar back in action, especially on “Some Fresh Delic.” The next major development in Clinton’s career would be his massive impact on hip-hop, and “Yadadada” shows that he was already following the burgeoning rap scene. Best of all the songs here is the pummeling groove of the title track, which is presented in several different mixes. “By Way of the Drum” splits the difference between Prince, Tackhead and Miami bass, and despite its anomalous production, it is easily one of the heaviest songs in Clinton’s catalog.