Years before R.E.M. became critics’ and college radio darlings in the mid-‘80s, the B-52s—formed over a flaming volcano cocktail at a local bar—solidly placed Athens, Georgia on the nation’s music map.
Lead vocalist Fred Schneider sung-spoke his lyrical absurdities, ranting and raving like a deranged carnival barker; co-vocalists Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson backed him with glorious harmonies sporting enough vocal pop hooks to snare a wildebeest. Cindy’s older brother Ricky played guitar, with Keith Strickland on drums, along with Pierson’s synths; together, the band cranked out a catchy new wave take on dance music and surf rock. Live (and on the album covers) the two women sported torpedo-style beehive hairdos, cementing the band’s kitsch appeal.
I can only imagine how much fun it must have been to see the B-52s live in a small club, early in their career; “Rock Lobster”—a one-of-a-kind, phenomenal burst of divine silliness—was a staple of party and dance mixes throughout my high school and college years, spanning early-‘80s and into the ‘90s. And that song was just the tip of the iceberg.
Here’s a 2LP-lenghth playlist of prime B-52s. Enjoy! (I’d say it’s impossible not to.)
Cover Art:
- The B-52’s: Source, Discogs.com, Fair use.
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