As George Clinton so righteously said: "Funk is fun. And it's also a state of mind...but it's all the ramifications of that state of mind."  

This certainly rang true in this week's "Glee" episode, "Funk."  While it didn't have the poignant vocals of previous episodes, it was fresh and fun ... a nice change of pace for the series.

First stop in Funky Town: "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen.  Jesse (Jonathan Groff) and the rest of Vocal Adrenaline commanded attention with exceptional stage presence.  While I'm totally for team New Directions, I must say the Vocal Adrenaline members are wicked talented when it comes to choreography.  The partner work is always innovative, difficult and flawless in execution.  These people can dance!  Groff held down the vocals with ease, and while the solo itself is rather simple, I thought he sang it appropriately.  

Next, Mr. Schue (Matt Morrison) totally rocked Rufus and Chaka Khan's single, "Tell me Something Good."  The seductive and soulful performance cranked the dial from hot to hotter... Is there anything this man can't sing?  And while he may have looked like a member of "The Outsiders" -- dressed in jeans and a tight black tee -- his laid back attitude and sultry runs confirmed that he is, indeed, one cool cat.

"Loser" (originally by Beck) was a fun, albeit short, cover performed by Puck (Mark Salling), Finn (Cory Monteith), and Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig).  I really can't say enough good about Salling. Vocally, he's a standout in that he has an uncanny ability to perform so many different styles.  The transitions between Salling and Monteith were smooth and aloof -- much like the song itself.  My only complaint lies with the decision to cut the song so short.  With such a recognizable hook, there's no doubt the chorus refrains would have been absolutely epic.

"It's a Man's World" (by James Brown) was performed by Quinn (Dianna Argon) and her makeshift preggers posse.  Although we don't hear Argon sing many solos, she has a lovely voice and she did a stellar job with the song.  She may not possess the biggest voice in the group, but she certainly knows how to be fearless and exuded every ounce of angst the lyrics called for.

The next number, "Good Vibrations," was originally performed by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, and while Mr. Schue was correct in noting that its not really a "funk" song (I don't think I saw a bass in the band, and that's funk taboo in its finest form), the trio did an excellent job of making it fun and exciting.  Salling and Monteith were again totally believable and on-point with the rap, and Amber Riley (Mercedes) was brilliant in the chorus.  I'm pretty sure I prefer her to the original singer. Actually, I'm certain of it.  The arrangement was a little thin, and Puck's coffee grinder move was awkward, but overall it was a fun and refreshing performance.

The final number, "Give up the Funk" (by Parliament), finally utilized the entire New Directions ensemble, and, I must say, the wait was well worth it.  The silhouettes in the beginning (and the staging in general) were perfect shout-outs to the '70s, and the choreo was again fantastic.  Riley single-handedly made the vocals believable, and the arrangement was every bit as groovy as I had hoped for.  The build at the end was exciting, synchronized to a tee, and boasted numerous layers of harmonies and descants that made for a spectacular ending to a very fun episode.

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