The B52s. What comes to mind right away? Fun? Dancing? Party? The Beach? Outer Space? All of the above? Yes, in honor of coming out of our COVID shells and the beginning of summer, what better band to celebrate with than the B52s. So, let’s go to the Funlex, put our Hot Pants on, and get Pumping. It’s The Jetsons meet Gidget. It’s Supercalihalitosis. It’s the B52s!
The band formed in 1976 in Athens, GA. Their friends R.E.M started up there a few years later really putting this college town on the musical map. The original line-up was Fred Schneider (vocals), Kate Pierson (vocals), Cindy Wilson (vocals), Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums). Their self-titled debut in 1979 started the party right away with its first single “Rock Lobster.” How do you describe that song? That’s a hell of a beach party. The album introduced the band’s strange sounds and Fred’s deadpan singing rotating with the luscious voices of Kate and Cindy. The second album Wild Planet and its lead single “Private Idaho” was met with similar exuberance. (The first two albums were recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, highlighted in my previous post on the Talking Heads.) The band took a hiatus after the death of Ricky Wilson in 1985 returning in 1990 with Cosmic Thing. With the party-house anthem “Love Shack” and the wonderful “Roam”, it was a big success. The follow-up in 1992, Good Stuff, had its moments (for me, “Revolution Earth”), but was somewhat of a letdown and missed having Cindy Wilson on board. It took 16 years for them to record again. So, not quite 20 years (I had to change the title of this article in the series), but still a long layoff from recording.
The name and cover photo of the 2008 album, Funplex, lets you know right away that the B-52s never left. (While they had a long layoff from the studio, they have continued touring throughout the years.) Song titles, such as “Hot Corner,” “Love in the Year 3000,” “Dancing Now,” and “Keep This Party Going” are proof that they are still their quirky, spacey selves. Would we ever really want this band to change? The highlight for me is the dreamy bliss of “Juliet of the Spirits” and its soaring female vocals with Cindy back in action. I love the cool, 60’s vibe of “Deviant Ingredient.” Keith Strickland shines on guitar, particularly “Ultraviolet,” “Too Much to Think About,” and “Keep This Party Going.” Originally the drummer, he switched to guitar after Ricky Wilson died. The off-beat rhythms and tag team of Fred’s nasal yelps and the ladies’ smooth harmonies are the dominant features of the band. This release reminds you that the unique guitar sound from Keith adds yet another layer to their distinctive music. If you like the B52s, but haven’t thought much about them since the 80s or 90s, pick up Funplex and let the summer begin. Listen to “Juliet of the Spirits” below as a good teaser.
D² Rating ◼◼◼◩☐
Trivia ? – Kate Pierson has made some memorable guest appearances, most notably several songs with R.E.M. What song of Iggy Pop’s does she sing on (the song became the biggest commercial hit of his career)?
Answer: “Candy” off the Brick by Brick album