Big Bang Theory “Big Bang Theory” 1986. Funkladen Music (their own label). Bright 80’s new wave, highly funkafied, from Milwaukee. Synth-laden, horns galore and funky funky bass characterize Big Bang Theory. A dash of Oingo Boingo, a splash of Sheila E. and a whole lotta James Brown but white guys in Miami Vice suits. They don’t credit Duran Duran as an influence but I’d be shocked if there weren’t posters of John Taylor on bassist Jo Voboril’s bedroom walls as the style has JT all over. See “Game of Love” especially for a play-that-funky-bass ass-shaking groove. Another good track is “Funk With Me,” which is, obviously, funky. “New Direction” feels very 80’s British blue-eyed soul meets English Beat/General Public and Tears for Fears – it’s probably my top pick on the LP. Overall Big Bang Theory is very danceable, tight and rhythm-forward but it does all start sounding the same after a bit. There’s not much out there about Big Bang Theory (the band, there’s plenty about the TV show) – I learned they recorded the album at Firebrand Recording studio where other MKE acts like The Crusties, Those Spanic Boys, others also did recordings). They do have an active Facebook page and it looks like they’ve been fairly active the past couple of years around Milwaukee. I have zero recollection of the band, but I think their heyday was before I moved here – it looks like they did some touring in the late 80’s and early 90’s, including a set at CBGB’s in ’92. I did find an hourlong performance from ’92 here in Milwaukee, at Steny’s Block Party (lol) where their look had morphed to a more 90’s style: