Just when you thought the news on the new Cult album wasn't retro enough, another one of my favorites announced a new release slated for early-2008. I realize that the B-52's may be considered a novelty act by a lot of folks (especially in 2007), but i'm thinking that a lot of those naysayers still have a bad 18-year 'Love Shack' hangover from the video showing up on MTV every 5 minutes back in the day.
For me, I can't help but smile every time I listen to tunes like 'Planet Claire', 'Lava', 'Private Idaho', 'Strobe Light', 'Song for a Future Generation', 'Summer of Love', 'Channel Z', 'Good Stuff' and 'Revolution Earth'. That's a breadth of work that belies the 'one or two-hit wonder' tag somebody can bitch rap them with based on 'Rock Lobster' or the aforementioned MTV staple.
Before anybody pegs my fervor on some sort of nostalgia trip, you have to listen to the absolutely good time rock song 'Debbie' that came as a new release on the 1998 greatest hits comp 'Time Capsule' to hear they still have their chops. Hey...it's over in the sample area, so you really have no excuse not to.
As far as the new record goes, per Fred Schneider, 11 new tracks will maintain the B-52's danceable, party vibe but will showcase some new directions: "There's more electronica on it," he said. "It's up-tempo and a bit sexed-up. It's sexier than ever." Looks like they are in post-production and will be shopping the record for a label to release it in the new year upon completion. Sexier than ever. Works for me...and, for the record, I also like chihuahuas and Chinese noodles.
AMBFAD SAMPLER BONUS TRACK: Planet Claire (LIVE) - Foo Fighters w/Fred Schneider (Supper Club/NYC/31-Oct-02)
2 comments:
Hey El. I'm with you on the Bs.
When I was 8 I saw the B-52's on SNL(01/26/80). I'd never seen anything like it. It was the moment music became a part of me. I had dabbled with my parents records(specifically The Hair soundtrack, The 5th Dimension, and The Beach Boys) but this was different. The next day I rode my bike down to a record store a few miles away and bought Wild Planet on vinyl, my first record. It changed everything. I was 8 and it started something. Not only was I hooked on the Bs but it introduced my to an entire scene(Pylon, Love Tractor, R.E.M., Let's Active, E6, etc.) that I continue to explore to this day. About 7 years ago when Lindsey and I were living in Durango I filled in for a friend's radio show. I opened with Planet Claire, that long intro just kept going. One of the highlights of my life. This was longer than a comment but I knew you would appreciate it. Thanks for the post.
You know, I never really got into them until college. I remember drinking a six pack of Schaeffer Light w/ my buddy Brad and he popped in the just released 'Cosmic Thing'...we spent hours trying to figure out what Cindy was saying in 'Love Shack'. Anyway, as years passed, I delved deeper into their back catalog and really grew to discover how cool a band they really were. Say HI to the Mrs. for me, buddy!
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