The B-52’s (1979)

This was one of the first records that combined punk, surf and 50s sci-fi rock to create a sound that had never been heard before. The debut single, “Rock Lobster,” earned the B-52’s a gig at CBGB’s in New York, and the rest is new wave history.

The kitschy, avant-garde sound of the B-52’s was surprisingly fresh. The progressive guitars and danceable beats made them a club favorite at a time when disco and punk where taking a back seat to the poppy synthesized sound of the early 80s. Basically, it was campy music for 20-somethings who just wanted to have fun.

The album opens with “Planet Claire,” a spacey number with throbbing guitars and the deliberate, spoken vocals of lead singer Fred Schneider. “52 Girls” highlights the twin harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, while “Dance This Mess Around” and “Rock Lobster” showcase the talent of guitarist (and brother of Cindy) Ricky Wilson. “Rock Lobster” was quick, funky and influenced by the surfing sounds of Dick Dale and The Ventures. “Lava” is a brooding track, while “Hero Worship” is all about Cindy Wilson and her amazing vocals over a crispy guitar. It was one of the first songs they recorded and has been one of my favorites for the last 30 years.

The record closes with a cover of Petula Clark’s “Downtown,” a No. 1 hit in 1965.

Sadly, Ricky Wilson died of AIDs-related complications in 1985, and the band took a five-year hiatus. The B-52’s have recorded six studio albums since and most recently released Funplex in 2008. They continue to tour, but play mostly festivals and benefits. (Dennis Donahue)

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