Reviews (page 6 of 11)
A funky & wacky little album.
I just feel like this hairstyle has to be so much effort to maintain
Not my thing but was fun to listen to!
I’ve heard a lot of weird albums during this project but this is the only one that made me laugh out loud.
I unfortunately could only find the first 5 tracks on this album. Most streaming services did not have the album so I had to resort to listening to the live version of some of the tracks. Based on what I did listen to, I feel the album is a little bit too weird for my taste. Rock lobster is an absolute gem though.
Superb recording from beginning to end - creative and atmospheric.
Not a fan of Dance This Mess Around, but Rock Lobster is one of my favorites. Overall, the album is exactly the kind of strange, silly fun I expect from The B-52s.
Holds up well. Great follow up to Blondie.
In my first listening, I couldn't even get to the half point of the album. Four more listenings in, and I'm kind of loving this. It is such an extravagant record. It has some of the wildest and weirdest vocals performances I've ever heard. They are very inflated, making them feel a bit forced but also adding a lot of personality to the record. They even go as far as screaming at the top of their lungs! When it comes to the instrumentation, they are responsible for making the album not feel like a mess by keeping everything under control. What a peculiar and weird album!
1979? Sounds way before it's time.
With the exception of the lead track (Rock Lobster) I really enjoyed the sound and aesthetic of the B52s. Deducted a point for the nonsense lyrics , whilst fine in small doses over a whole album drags. High 3/5
From the intro to Planet Claire, we're transported to a different sound world. Great stuff.
The B-52’s manage to be erratic and quirky without ever losing their focus in delivering well crafted, punchy, new wave hits. There are several songs, like Rock Lobster, which almost sound like short sharp punk tracks that, rather than resolving within two minutes, spin out into different, ever more textured developments on a theme. All the while their crazed, energetic and joyful approach just fills the listener’s head with a big, bolshy buzz. How are these guys not even more popular than they are?
B52s was a high 3 for me, novelty wore off towards the end but what a fun album
Some enjoyable numbers here.
Don't let your lava love turn to stone. I'm sorry, but the B-52's are my happy place. It's rough around the edges but too much fun to care.
Lots of quirky fun.
Their sound is so unique...love it.
no thx
Very fun!
Hear me out, it's like joy division meets kero kero bonito.
Is this album sonically or technically very good? Eh, probably not. But who cares? The band is having fun, and that fun is infectious. It doesn't matter how ridiculous these songs get, you're having a good time, even if you try and deny it. And that's the best part about Athens Georgia's most important export.
Don't overthink it: grab your lover, make sure your towels are matching, and get down to these beachy new-wave surf-rock bops.
The B-52’s are most known for their wild lyrics and loud outfits. Both of which are truly next level. But I don’t think they get enough credit for how tight they are musically.
определённый угар в этом есть, но где-то за посылом не успевает форма
I always forget how long Rock Lobster is. Lots more animalistic screaming than the parts you remember. Props for these guys for being quirky, but a whole album of quirky is a lot.
Boy, they were original, weren't they?
An incredibly fun album that mixes the party vibes of surf rock, 50s kitsch and b-movie aesthetics and a lot of camp to create the soundtrack to the most inclusive party out there. Mix in a healthy dose of queerness, tongue in cheek double entendres and plenty of innuendo and you’ve got the B-52’s.
Een hele hoop geroep. Repetitieve achtergrond muziek. Geen enkele noot op de toon. Urgh
This was a revelation when it popped in 1979. Could say it was original but Yoko Ono had been doing it for years. B-52’s made it mainstream and their own.
This debut is joyful, campy fun—what’s not to like? Surf rock riffs, space-age kitsch, and those wild harmonies make it a party from start to finish. I only dock a star because, all together and all at once, it can feel a little manic… and I’m not 16 anymore.
This album would still feel fresh and exciting if it came out in 2025. What a great sound.
Interesting listen. Some good but a lot that didn’t connect. Don’t get rock lobster at all. Males voice was biggest issue. Probably a 4/10
ROCK LOBSTERRRR hablan/chillan mas que cantar la mayoria del tiempo pero no se encansillan en el estilo de su epoca. Se llevan puntos por la originalidad.
The orignals!! A blueprint for an entire decade of music!
I love how this starts off like a 1960s sci-fi adventure, with weird pop beaming in from another planet. The B-52's debut is a perfect blend of kitschy 1960s pop culture melded with the coolest new wave influences. The record sounds like it needs to be only enjoyed on vinyl, preferably in a suburban bedroom.
Planet Claire 3.4 52 Girls 3.2 Dance This Mess Around 3.4 Rock Lobster 3.1 Lava 3.6 There's a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon) 3.4 Hero Worship 3.5 6060-842 3.5 Downtown 3.3 Score: 3.377777778
This is so weird - but delightfully weird. I like it
I really enjoy the B-52's, and this was a delightful listen. I'm starting to hate that there are only 5 stars on this rating scale and I'm going to have to start assigning a meaning to each star because this isn't an album I already have or will add into my standard rotation, but I definitely would not mind a few of these songs popping up in my playlists.
Top track: 52 Girls
Terrible voice. No control over vocal cord at all, extremely casual and nasal. It doesn’t even deserve an honourable mention.. so I won’t give it a one star.
My review will be a list of Blair’s critiques. For context she really likes this band does not think that Rock Lobster is too long. I disagree. -Feels like a spy movie -This is funky -You just have to shake your butt to it -This is kind of spooky -They are at the forefront of innovation -They’re camp! You just don’t get it -They’re a breath of fresh air from fucking Tate McRae -Regarding the screams at the end of Hero Worship “So what? Women need to have a voice” -10/10, no notes
you know, before listening to this whole album, i really just thought that i hated Rock Lobster. now, I can say that I really just kinda hate the sound of the B-52's. this album feels like some kid got their first electronic keyboard, and then is stepping all over the keys to make random sounds. Rock Lobster is just painful for me to listen to. its gimmicky, its annoying, and thats one of the front runners of the album. everything else just seems like the kitchen sink was thrown at it and they wanted to see what stuck. not to mention, i kinda also hate the singers voices. here's hoping that we don't have another one of their albums
I thought I liked Rock Lobster but I guess Donkey Konga on the GameCube had a shorter version because I had no idea it was that long. Even crazier that it takes up almost a fifth of the album of what feels like the longest 40 minutes ever. And the Downtown cover is completely unnecessary. Really just didn’t enjoy this album at all but at least I can check it off the list.
It's crazy to think that these guys were the first line of defense in the US strategic nuclear bombing deterrent during the Cold War and still put out an album. They could fly indefinitely near the Soviet border with in flight refueling all while carrying 20 nuclear missiles! They've served in every major conflict since the 1950's. They were so good that even though they were supposed to be retired in the late 90's, their service life was expanded to 2050. A truly impressive feat of engineering and military service. I do wish they would have taken more leave time to make a better album though.
Music for people who think family guy is hilarious >Shortly before his death, John Lennon said that he enjoyed the album This sentence was funnier than any Family Guy episode I've seen, but the music was alright tbh
Iraq Lobster
An incredible debut. Nothing sounds like the B52s.
Not quite funny enough to be a comedy band, not quite genuine enough to be taken seriously. I was a little resistant to this album at first. But by the end of the album I felt like I was in on the joke. Somehow the B-52s find the balance between gimmick and art and I'm here for that.
The B-52s were a band that my friend's somewhat eccentric and absolutely hilarious dad always listened to. As a kid, I honestly didn't really get it. I didn't dislike it, but I definitely thought it was weird and I was always too cool and/or embarrassed to join in to Rock Lobster dance parties in their living room. Giving this a proper listen some 25 years later and I absolutely get it now. That said, I'm also gearing up to be the same kind of somewhat eccentric and hopefully hilarious dad, so I guess it makes sense. It's coming full circle. I hope my son is ready for Rock Lobster.
Like the Femmes' debut, this is in the argument for best debut album of all time. The B-52s transformed music with their lyrics, dance party aesthetic, and style. "Rock Lobster" is the poster child song for the entire history of this band. That IS who they are. Unpredictable. Different. Fun. Zany. And this album reflects that in every track. "Lava" and "Hero Worship" are not available on Spotify, but were easily found on the B-52s YT channel.
Much better than I was expecting. A throwback to when post punk and new wave were weird. Hard to believe these guys came up from Athens GA. Very unique and fun to listen to.
I get the vibe they’re going for, but it’s a miss for me
slightly disappointing tbh
Would not buy.
Martes de la penúltima semana de agosto con éste discazo de tremenda banda. La voz de Fred Schneider y sus tintes oscuros, post-punks, mezclados con un sonido más antiguo, de los 50s, quizás, y el contrapunto de la voz de Kate Pierson le dan a éste debut un vuelo propio. Favourite tracks: 52 Girls y Rock Lobster. Hasta mañana, gente
It's a little weird, but not really outstanding. Probably forget this by tomorrow.
spooky boogie vibes
Rock Lobster is fun
When people describe music as "tight" this is what I imagine. Parts of this feel religiously rehearsed and it made me consider them as a more serious band.
They’re fun.
# Album Name: B-52s # Artist: B-52s # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Solid opening to the album. First four songs were pretty good. Rock lobster being the absolute standout. Great song. Its a fun album. Ill come back to it # Top Tunes: planet claire / 52 girls / mess around / rock lobster # Would I listen to it again? Yes
What a fun listen - loved the spooky sounds, the great energy and how it just makes you want to dance. This is what I'm playing at parties from now on.
13/08/2025 It didn't go how i expected it to go. A pleasant surprise if you will.
En 1979, le punk a tout juste fini de dynamiter les fondations du rock progressif et du gigantisme des années 70, laissant derrière lui un champ de ruines créatif où tout semble à nouveau possible. C'est dans ce climat de reconstruction, où l'urgence le dispute à l'expérimentation, qu'un objet musical non identifié atterrit en provenance d'Athens, Géorgie. Cet OMNI, c'est le premier album du groupe The B-52's, une galette jaune vif qui contient une proposition artistique des plus joyeusement décalées, des plus instantanément reconnaissables et surtout des plus durablement influentes. Une ligne de basse menaçante, tout droit sortie d'un film de science-fiction de série B, un riff de guitare surf minimaliste et un bip de talkie-walkie nous plongent dans une atmosphère à la fois rétro et futuriste. Nous ne le savons pas encore, mais dès les premières notes de "Planet Claire", nous venons de pénétrer dans l'univers B-52's, un monde où les coiffures "choucroute" défient la gravité, où les homards ont des droits et où la seule et unique mission est de danser jusqu'à l'épuisement. Ce qui frappe d'emblée, c'est la singularité absolue du son. Il est impossible de le confondre avec quoi que ce soit d'autre. La pierre angulaire de cette architecture sonore est sans conteste le jeu de guitare de Ricky Wilson. Armé de sa Mosrite, dont il avait retiré deux cordes pour simplifier son approche, Wilson tisse des riffs acérés, anguleux, qui empruntent autant au surf rock des années 60 qu'à une vision post-punk de l'économie de moyens. Chaque note est essentielle, chaque silence est signifiant. C'est un jeu percussif, dansant, qui sert de squelette à toutes les compositions. Soutenu par la batterie métronomique et irrésistiblement dansante de Keith Strickland, le groupe établit une base rythmique qui est une véritable machine à faire bouger les corps. Sur cette fondation instrumentale déjà unique en son genre vient se greffer le deuxième pilier du groupe : le trio vocal. Il ne s'agit pas d'un chanteur principal avec des choristes, mais d'une véritable conversation à trois têtes, un triangle vocal dynamique et excentrique. D'un côté, le "sprechgesang" (parlé-chanté) de Fred Schneider, dont la diction et l'énergie de maître de cérémonie un peu fou donnent le ton. Il ne chante pas, il déclame, il aboie, il invite à la fête avec une autorité comique. De l'autre, les harmonies célestes et les cris perçants de Kate Pierson et Cindy Wilson. Leurs voix, pures et puissantes, s'entremêlent, se répondent, créent des contrepoints sublimes avant d'exploser en des "yé-yé" stridents ou des imitations de créatures marines. L'interaction entre ces trois personnalités vocales est le cœur nucléaire de l'album. Les chansons elles-mêmes sont des chefs-d'œuvre de concision et d'efficacité pop, passées au filtre de l'absurde. "Dance This Mess Around" est un ordre, un hymne à la libération par le mouvement. "Lava" est une ode érotico-volcanique complètement folle. Et puis, bien sûr, il y a le mastodonte, la pièce maîtresse : "Rock Lobster". Sur près de sept minutes, le groupe déploie tout son arsenal. C'est une épopée surréaliste qui commence comme un simple morceau de surf rock avant de dériver vers une liste carnavalesque d'animaux marins, le tout ponctué par les cris d'oiseaux et les imitations de crustacés de Pierson et Wilson. C'est un morceau qui n'aurait jamais dû fonctionner, un collage improbable qui devient, contre toute attente, l'un des hymnes les plus définitifs de la New Wave. Un moment de pure génie. Mais et c'est là tout le problème de l'album, la force incroyable de cet album est aussi, paradoxalement, sa légère faiblesse. Le son des B-52's sur ce premier disque est tellement défini, la formule est si spécifique et si parfaitement maîtrisée dès le départ, qu'elle laisse peu de place à la variation. La palette sonore, bien que brillante, est volontairement étroite. La structure des morceaux repose presque systématiquement sur la même dynamique : un riff de guitare entêtant, une batterie implacable, et le dialogue entre la voix parlée de Fred et les harmonies des filles. Passés les chocs que sont "Planet Claire", "Rock Lobster" ou "52 Girls", des titres comme "6060-842" ou "Hero Worship", bien qu'énergiques et impeccablement exécutés, donnent l'impression de revisiter des territoires déjà explorés quelques minutes plus tôt. L'album est une course effrénée dans une seule et même direction stylistique. Il manque peut-être la respiration, le changement de rythme ou d'atmosphère qui aurait permis à chaque morceau de se distinguer encore davantage. C'est une fête endiablée du début à la fin, mais c'est toujours la même fête. Cette constance, qui garantit une cohérence sans faille, peut aussi donner le sentiment d'un album qui, une fois sa formule exposée, peine à se renouveler sur la longueur de ses neuf titres. En conclusion, "The B-52's" reste un premier album sismique, un classique incontournable et une capsule de folie pure. Son audace, son originalité et son refus de se prendre au sérieux ont ouvert la voie à d'innombrables artistes. C'est un disque qui a prouvé que la musique rock pouvait être à la fois intelligente, expérimentale, et surtout, incroyablement amusante. La légère redondance de sa formule n'enlève rien à son génie, mais elle tempère légèrement l'expérience d'écoute globale, l'empêchant d'atteindre le panthéon des œuvres parfaites et variées. C'est un chef-d'œuvre essentiel, un 4/5 éclatant qui, près d'un demi-siècle après sa sortie, n'a rien perdu de sa capacité à nous faire sourire et à nous ordonner, avec la plus grande bienveillance, de danser sur ce joyeux chaos.
Not really something I enjoyed although I can hear some good parts.
It's fine if you know what to expect, but it's not their best.
God do I hate New Wave music. I hope Henry Mancini got every dime they made off this album for stealing the Peter Gunn theme and turning it into New Wave crap. This is a novelty band, there is no way the belong on this list. Rock Lobster could be the theme for a cartoon, and even then it wouldn't be particularly good. Rock Lobster is the worst song on the album, certainly the most annoying. Every other song on the album is better than it is. That being said, this album is not good, but it is at least short. I bet Courtney Love is a huge fan of the female lead singer. She's 1,000 times better than Fred Schneider's talk-singing. Downtown is one of the worst covers I've ever heard.
I’ve neither the time nor the energy to write much today—and, regrettably, not because I’ve been dancing this mess around to The B-52s' terrific debut. It’s a smart, silly record: cool, but also somehow chilling. There's heat and sweat here, but not much warmth. It reminds me of the first Suicide album—the dead-eyed gaze of kitsch and retro, more alienating than nostalgic. Really, it isn’t a dance party so much as one of those aimless get-togethers where a B-movie plays in the background. No one’s really watching, but somehow everyone ends up quoting its worst lines for months. They mean nothing, but become a shibboleth. Over the weekend, I was listening to The Dreaming by Kate Bush and thinking about the way she uses her voice. Mocked for adolescent squeakiness on his 1979 debut (the same year as this record), she doubled down by her fourth album - twisting her voice, embodying characters, leaping across her vocal range (and a handful of dodgy accents). It's - understandably - rare to hear female singers willing to make their voices grotesque, but Kate does it unflinchingly. So do Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson of The B-52s. Despite the band’s limited instrumental palette, the singers - but especially the women - offer a stunning range: goofy, shrill, sexy, disaffected, guttural, subaquatic. They embraced this wildness openly, crediting Yoko Ono, and, in turn, John Lennon recognised the influence: it brought him back into the game briefly in 1979. Without the time to think about The B-52s deeply, it was still enjoyable to listen to how it plays with the idea of the voice - not just as melody, but as texture, character, chaos. Don't listen to it too closely, as none of it makes sense. It's all the background stuff brought upfront: snatches of conversation, bits of ideas, the people at the party you don't introduce yourself to. And, yet, you end up quoting its worst lines for months. 3.5 The shadow of The Joshua Tree still hangs over my listening this week. Born in the USA invoked it by being another big seller stadium rock album about America, though outplaying U2 and throwing its lyrical shyness into unforgiving relief. I find the B-52’s have somehow also dragged my mind back to the U2 album. In general, I don’t prefer light, comic/absurdist, danceable party music. I like my pop music earnest and emotionally weighty, for the most part. So why can’t I sympathise more with U2’s effort at least? Why am I gripped today by the notion that Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For could only by improved by the guest appearance of Fred Schneider? (LOOKIN’ up the mountain/ RUNNIN’ round the fields/ SEARCHIN’ for that Jesus/ Hey, WHERE could he be?’) The B-52’s’ secret, apart from that apostrophe, is how much skill and effort goes into their version of frivolous. The wealth of ideas and careful working-out that is folded into a track like ‘Dance This Mess Around’ is more moving than Bono’s clambering up Sinai. There is also more insight into America in ‘52 Girls’ than anything Bono has ever mustered. I enjoyed this album today, seriously. 3/5
This album is great, irreverent and funny, a really rocker record that is such a surprisingly enjoyable listening.
## Cosmic Kitsch and Queer Liberation: The Enduring Legacy of The B-52's Debut Album **Revolutionary Party Music: Context and Creation** Emerging from the unlikely artistic oasis of Athens, Georgia, in 1977, The B-52's formed after a fateful night of flaming "Volcano" cocktails at a Chinese restaurant . Comprising queer artists and college dropouts—Fred Schneider (vocals), Kate Pierson (keys/vocals), Cindy Wilson (percussion/vocals), Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums)—they pioneered a sound blending surf rock, punk minimalism, sci-fi camp, and Yoko Ono-inspired avant-garde shrieks . Their DIY ethos extended to fashion: Cindy and Kate's iconic beehive wigs were crafted from white fun-fur purses bought for a dollar . Recorded in the Bahamas with Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, the album aimed to capture their chaotic live energy, though the band initially found the result "sterile" . ### **Lyrics: Absurdism as Armor and Art** - **Deadpan Surrealism**: Schneider’s spoken-word delivery transformed bizarre imagery—"Planet Claire’s" headless inhabitants, pink air, and Plymouth Satellites—into matter-of-fact declarations . This juxtaposition created a uniquely disorienting humor. - **Lists as Liberation**: Tracks like "52 Girls" (a roll call of names like "Tina, Reba, Juanita") and "Dance This Mess Around" (inventing dances: "Shy Tuna," "Hippocrit!") used repetition and absurdity to parody pop conventions while celebrating communal joy . - **Covert Vulnerability**: Beneath the camp, "Give Me Back My Man" revealed raw desperation, with Cindy Wilson’s wail, "I’ll give you fish, I’ll give you candy," embodying genuine anguish . ### **Music: Deconstructionist Dance Party** - **Guitar Alchemy**: Ricky Wilson removed his guitar’s middle strings, creating a twangy, percussive sound that fused Duane Eddy surf with punk dissonance. This approach influenced generations of guitarists dissecting his unorthodox tunings . - **Rhythmic Innovation**: Strickland’s motorik beats ("Dirty Back Road") and Cindy’s frenetic bongos provided minimalist yet hypnotic foundations, while Pierson’s keyboard bass and Farfisa organ layered sci-fi textures . - **Vocal Architecture**: Schneider’s campy sprechgesang contrasted with Kate and Cindy’s harmonic squeals, yodels, and girl-group belting. "Rock Lobster" climaxed with aquatic animal noises—a deliberate homage to Yoko Ono that famously inspired John Lennon’s creative rebirth . ### **Production: Raw Energy in Technicolor** Blackwell’s production prioritized live-wire spontaneity over polish. Tracks like "6060-842" featured sparse arrangements with audible room ambiance, amplifying the band’s "thrift store chic" aesthetic . The decision to re-record early singles ("Rock Lobster," "52 Girls") with fuller dynamics showcased their evolution from basement parties to studio precision while retaining chaotic charm . ### **Themes: Queer Visibility and Southern Eccentricity** - **Subversive Safety**: In the conservative 1970s South, the band’s flamboyance—wigs, glitter, and ambiguous sexuality—created a coded sanctuary. As Michael Stipe noted, they "made it OK to dance" in a punk scene dominated by "macho pogoing" . - **Kitsch as Resistance**: By embracing B-movies, go-go boots, and beach kitsch, they reclaimed marginalized aesthetics, validating queer sensibilities long before mainstream acceptance . - **Inclusive Alienation**: Songs like "There’s a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon)" reassured outsiders: "Don’t feel out of place / ’Cause there are thousands of others like you!" . ### **Influence: The Ripple Effect of a Cosmic Splash** - **Cultural Catalysts**: Their 1980 *SNL* performance introduced alternative rock to Middle America, inspiring future icons like Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl . - **Athens Scene Genesis**: They put Athens on the map, paving the way for R.E.M., Pylon, and Deerhunter. As Stipe acknowledged, "The only reason [Athens] meant anything was because of The B-52s" . - **Queer Blueprint**: Their unapologetic weirdness empowered LGBTQ+ artists, from Larry Tee’s "Now Explosion" to contemporary indie acts embracing camp as serious art . --- ### **Pros and Cons: The Verdict** | **Aspect** | **Pros** | **Cons** | |------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Lyrics** | Inventive absurdism; subversive humor; hidden emotional depth ("Give Me Back My Man") . | Occasional repetitiveness; novelty risks alienating some listeners . | | **Music** | Revolutionary guitar/bass-less arrangements; infectious dance rhythms; vocal innovation . | Minimalist approach can feel sparse; Yoko-inspired screams may challenge uninitiated ears . | | **Production** | Captures live energy; crisp separation of quirky elements; timeless "party-in-a-room" atmosphere . | Initial "sterility" noted by band; lo-fi rawness lacks modern polish . | | **Cultural Impact** | Redefined queer expression in rock; launched Athens scene; influenced genres from new wave to riot grrrl . | Later synth-heavy albums ("Whammy!") divided fans by abandoning this rawness . | **Legacy: A Planet Claire of Their Own** Forty-five years later, *The B-52’s* remains a landmark for its fearless fusion of high art and lowbrow kitsch. It proved that humor, intelligence, and danceability could coexist without irony—a manifesto for outsiders that still sounds joyously alien. As Cindy Wilson sang in "Hero Worship," the album is less a collection of songs and more a "tidal wave" of liberation, forever echoing from the Georgia swamps to the cosmos beyond .
Fun, silly, goofy, and campy. Some of the vocals can get a little annoying, but looking pass that (a lil hard to do, I get it) you get the wackiest and one of the most creative albums to come out of the new wave genre, and with the hilarious genius that is the song Rock Lobster, you get an all time classic and an album that deserves to be called one of the 1001 albums you have to hear.
Three days of self-titled albums in a row! (I’ve never been good at writing these reviews, but the scant quality has dropped even lower the further in I get, so I’ll grasp at any asinine observation I land on) I’d heard of the B-52s before, but couldn’t have told your their genre or named any songs. This was much better than I expected - I’ve been missing out! (I had heard “Rock Lobster” before.) I don’t know that I’ll ever listen to this again, but it’s unique and it’s got heart and a truly creative spirit, and I have to reward that. 52 Girls, Rock Lobster 3.5
When Rock Lobster is one of the saner tracks in side A, you know you’re in for a fun ride.
I wanted to love this, and maybe I would have if I'd heard it when I was young, but too much screaming.
Sublime.
Goofy and kitschy, but the tone can wear a little thin near the end.
6,77
Pretty undeniable! The B-52s are so important in music, and I think they get looked over sometimes! The campiness, the retro feel, the irony, the QUEERNESS - all SO important for the next 25+ years of pop music. Kate Pierson’s vocals are super influential to pop punk and especially riot grrl. Who doesn’t love the fucking B-52’s? I don’t wanna know em!
Great rythm and hooks, but ultimately about one song - Rock Lobster
One of the greats that has never entirely held my attention: opener and the hit are diamond, the rest is always charming, crammed with diverting guitar work, but don’t sate; they’re not the full lobster.
A fun and quirky record, exactly what I was not in the mood for today. "Rock Lobster" plus some others
I was excited to hear this, it has Rock Lobster on it! But yeah, as soon as the first track started, excitement gone. Most of the songs are just a screaming noisy mess. Rock Lobster was great as always though. Best song: Rock Lobster
Fun!
Rock Lobsta 🦞
Maso
Always enjoyed Rock Lobster. Album was ok. This must have sounded strange back then.
Awesome
No one can deny the B-52's are a weird band, and this is a weirdly wonderful album. Maybe just a bit too weird for me, but was blown away by the female vocalists range and technique.
Highlight Song/s: Planet Claire and Dance This Mess Around What an amazing album by a bunch of quirky individuals. They have a funny sense of humour. Ricky is such an underrated guitarist, such a shame he died; gone way too soon. Some of my favourite guitar tracks by him include 'Planet Claire', 'Dance This Mess Around' and the fabulous 6 star track 'Private Idaho' (though from the next album, 'Wild Planet.') At times I don't know If its Kate or Cindy singing, I get confused. But I'm pretty sure it's Kate that I like more (but both of them are amazing singers.) Kate has such good singing voice alongside her mostly unique scat singing with her OO's, OW's, OH's and AH's and her screaming; which actually was inspired by Yoko Ono. Funnily enough, John Lennon heard 'Rock Lobster' at a club and thought the club was playing 2 records and he reckoned one of them was by Yoko but NO, it was the B-52's. That experience got him back into making music, though not for too long...
The B-52's are certainly one of the more unique bands that got attention in the 80s. Not my favorite, but at least they had some interesting ideas. It's like a 1950s cheesy horror movie poster.
Any time I think I have an idea that is too weird or unrelatable, I remind myself that every adult in my generation knows and will do "Rock Lobster" at the slightest provocation. Timeless record, because what conceivable time could this be from?
Led by that campy, eye-catching album cover, the B-52’s emerged onto the scene blending older sounds (surf rock and sci-fi flourishes, especially) with newer (synths and jagged post-punk guitars) and made something that manages to still sound fresh and futuristic. That they came out of the same Athens, Georgia scene that also gave us R.E.M. and Pylon definitely didn’t hurt (“Hero Worship” comes closest to sounding like the latter). Nor did lyrics that name-drop volcanos, made up names of sea creatures or delivered lines like “There’s a moon in the sky / It’s called the Moon.” One of my favorite stories about the band from this era is that the track “Mesopotamia,” which came out a couple years later, became a big hit in the Black dance clubs in Detroit, thanks to heavy rotation by an influential local DJ.
Quirky and fun but not something you'd wanna hear all the time.
Fun!
Weird, but cool weird.
super bon rollero m'ha agradat molt
Couldn’t find on Spotify (https://archive.org/details/the-b52s-debut-album) ‘Planet Claire’ vocals has an Ian Curtis sound to it. Songs/instruments nice arrangements - unique, a bit messy and punchy. Kitsch. Really enjoy the rawness and originality of this album. Crazy punk, surf, sillies. Could hear some talking heads in here too and unsurprised they worked together (unsuccessfully!) and generally, just their clear influence in so much that came after. Was okay for it to finish when it did, but I enjoyed my ride 😎 Great version of ‘Downtown’ to finish. (3.5)
A little weird, extremely fun. They have such a distinctive sound on a fun dancey album
Influential album for many artists and for me personally. I didn't need to listen to the album to know I was giving it 5 stars but of course I listened to it again for the umpteen time. Every time I listen to this I get transported to the summer of 1979!
Rock Lobster is the only track I knew coming in and to be honest I had no idea it was nearly 7 minutes. (Maybe 4 and a half minutes too long) Can't say any other songs stood out. A high energy album, but I don't think I quite vibed with it. Favorites: N/A
The B-52s are such an interesting band. Their songs are quirky and fun on their own, but a whole album can get a little grating. Also, Rock Lobster is like two minutes too long. Still, you’ve got to respect how unapologetically unique they are. Favorite tracks: - Rock Lobster
Alternative before it became a buzz word
I like their wacky style. Never would have guessed that Rock Lobster was 46 years old though.
Definitely more post punk than they sound in my head. The roughness was a good contrast to the surf party rock, which would have got older a lot faster otherwise
Just a charming album. Not mega long. I don't think the B-52's took themselves too seriously, and it shows. It doesn't come off as pretentious, just fun. Would I come back to this one? I doubt it, but it's still pretty good.
This is a party album. Put this on and people won’t sit still Love this lp
Iconic. Rock Lobster belongs in the Smithsonian.
Not all the sonts are great but it doesn’t matter because this album is a lot of weird fun
Dada Punk to its best. A band that has only one goal : FUN; and they excel at it.
Even if there's a few fillers out there, this album is an insane dynamic ride of fun and energy! Their sound is lovely.
Loved hearing the foundational sound that inspired the Pixies’ sharper edge. Overall a one-time listen rather than a repeat favorite.
i remember being OBSESSED with rock lobster as a kid.. hadnt heard the album in full since then and it was very good and very fun and very weird
First of all let me just say that "Rock Lobster" is one of my all time favorite songs. It's freaking brilliant. The rest of The B-52's eponymous debut is also brilliant. This album is kitsch, niche, queer, fun, sci-fi, throwback, modern, new-wave, and so much more.
Starts off strong then steadily gets lazier and lazier.
I didn't realise the B-52's had more than one album. Heard the classics before, but Love Shack and Roam are on another album. This one does have Rock Lobster. Weird, eclectic, upbeat. Those are the main descriptors I'd use for the B-52's. I love the backup vocal harmonies! They are a bit silly but that's part of the charm.
Its certainly irritating. It's fine like, but not the sort of thing id listen to for pleasure. Its fine Annoying but fine
Absurd. Scrappy. I respect it, but it's not my go-to.
Way cooler and more fun than one would expect having only heard “Love Shack”.
well, idk what to think. i like their track Love Shack but this album was a bit annoying. it was straight shit but it was kinda meh
Planet Claire is such a great opener to an album, and I love the general "do it because it's fun" vibe you get from this band, but I'd prefer to listen to a Greatest Hits collection.
I generally don't like this genre of music, but talent is talent. That was cool.
Started off above expectations but once we hit Rock Lobster the whole thing was ruined
The B-52’s are fun and enjoyable, but in moderation. This album is a great fusion of punk, new wave, and surf rock, with an upbeat, energetic vibe that’s clearly meant for a party atmosphere. It’s playful, whimsical, and quirky, which is what makes the band and album unique. However, after a while, all those elements can wear you out and start to get a bit annoying.
Fun music, but really have to be in the right frame of mind. Didn't like this album as much as some of their other songs I've heard though. 3/5.
I’m hit or miss with The B-52’s songs I’ve heard outside their main singles. Definitely never listened to an entire album before and was somewhat pleasantly surprised. The tracks were fun and were definitely in line with what I expected based on their singles, which I generally enjoy. While I didn’t love this album, but I liked it well enough. “Rock Lobster” and “Downtown” were my favorite tracks, but nothing stood out to me in a negative way. Solid 3 stars.
This debut album is the epitome of the B52 style: that rockabilly rhythm guitar giving each song a plucky excitement that has me boppin' in my seat the whole time, naked lead riffs that pulled straight from the late 70's punk era, and of course Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson hootin' and hollering throughout each song. I feel like I walked into the cool kids party whenever I listen to this band. They have a "Sarcastic 50's" swagger with their songs, vocalists half-singing half-hollering improv lyrics that just work because they get stuck in my noggin, and just when you think it's gonna be a trite tune they lean heavy into a punky bridge and Fred gets all scream-o. 10/10 would buy again.
Now this is fun! The B-52s are their own thing - surf/punk/new wave with 3 of the most unique voices is music. And it all combines into fun party music somehow! Love it love it love it. I was going to go 4 just because I do think their next album is even better, but this gets bumped back up to a 5 solely because of ROCK LOBSTER, one of the best singles from the late 70's, and here in a glorious 7-minute version. I don't know how they did it, but I'm glad they did it. B-52s forever!
I like how they drew inspiration from the psych/surf rock era and added their own style. Early trendsetters rolling into the 80’s for sure.
Spotify didnt have 2 of the songs from the album for me. :( so far my fav out of what we've heard so far. They have some fun little ditties. The female vocals are unique.
When the first song played, all I could think about was Perry the Platypus, so I knew we were off to a great start. Sadly 2 of the songs wasn't available on Spotify? But what was there I enjoyed. I didn't know these were the people behind Rock Lobster! 4/5
already a step up from the other albums so far... the magic has faded. 3/5
2.5/5 it’s ok.
"Why don't you dance with me/I'm not no Limburger" was how I felt about every boy in 1990
Really dug the opening instrumental. Had me wondering “Am I going to dig the B-52s?” Though I did like their sound, and both the lead singer vocals are iconic, it was strange that most of the songs just didn’t hit for me. I found myself waiting for most of the songs to be over.
Its interesting listening to this again. I remember the first time around I really liked it and it inspired me to listen to the rest of the B-52s discography. Coming back to this after that it seems that while this is a great record and you can tell they already found their sound they didn't really perfect this weird oddball sound until their next record which came out almost less than a year after this. With that perspective in mind I am dropping my rating a bit from my first playthrough. This is a great introduction to this band and their sound however so it does what it needs to do being on this list.
Full disclosure, I love surf and rockabilly, and the B-52s play with the genre beautifully. Planet Claire and Rock Lobster are worth the listen of this album, and most of the songs are fun and catchy, but some just don't hit. In an era where New Wave is about to take over, it is refreshing to see a band so unabashedly in love with old rock styles.
I was stoked to listen to this album. I like the B-52's! At least I thought I did. Rock Lobster is a killer but the rest of this album doesn't really resonate. I'm honestly a little surprised this band hit like it did and was so successful in 1979. Who knew that a band ushering in the 1980s by doing a sendup of 1960s surf rock would be so popular? Did people like things ironically back then? Nah, this is sincere as shit.
It may not have had the best songs, but that surf-rock sound kept me bopping throughout.
I can't say for certain, but I feel that there is a strong chance that this is the only album ever put out that was beloved by John Lennon, David Byrne, Madonna, *and* Kurt Cobain. Yes, they're all generational weirdos, but they're all weird in pretty drastically different ways, and none of them are weird in the same way that the B-52's are. I think that speaks to how broad their appeal is. That an album so deeply unusual, and mostly devoid of hooks, went platinum is a testament to how big the circus tent is. In the world of the B-52'sobody's too cool, or too uncool, to dig this.
This is fun. I don't really (honestly) see the "underbelly of punk" or whatever some critics point out, but it was good fun.
Wonderful album
Some parts of this Post Punk are as publicly recieved "infectious in rhythm and guitar riffs, featuring kitschy lyrics, and party atmosphere" while others we're simply annoying (screamy, stuttering vocals).
It's very B-52's
planet claire- 7 52 girls- 6 or 7 dance this mess around- 6 rock lobster- i love the trixie mattel quote where she talks about the b-52's and she says "EVERYONE had matching towels" like she cant believe it. 8 or 9 lava- 7 theres a moon in the sky (called the moon)- so true. 6 or 7 hero worship- 6 6060-842- 6 or 7 downtown- 6
Name a funner band than the B-52s. They just bring it with their driving rhythms, discordance, yelling, speak-singing, and off kilter lyrics. They are new wave/post punk and all of that, but they are also singular in their approach. Camp meets a party.
This was a shock to a boy in the midwest. Stuff like this was hard to find and didn't find any air time on radio stations stuck in rock and roll motion. It took a while to understand and find the groove for me but it is full of energy and life.
When Cindy Wilson sings "Why won't you dance with me? / I'm not no Limburger" on "Dance This Mess Around", it's both hilarious and cuts right to the bone at the same time. It's emblematic of this record as whole in that underneath the fun there are darker, more tense undercurrents, both musically and lyrically. A quintessential New Wave record, this visionary debut record is tight, crisp and sharply-played, topped off with terrific, personality-filled vocal performances by all three singers.
Fun and memorable.
# Playlist Track - Planet Claire # Notes - Silly fun, in a very good way! - Unfortunately "Lava" and "Hero Worship" are not available in my country for some reason. No idea how this would affect the score.
I really enjoyed this album a lot. With just Fred Schneider it would probably be like a 3.5 or a 4 for me, but when Kate and/or Cindy is in the mix it damn near elevates to a 5. The album is very fun and never too cooky in a way that's obnoxious. I really love the women's voices; lot of character and tones. 4.5/5
Okay. Good
All the fun sound and upbeat humor that were the group's signature style feel fully formed in this debut.
I'm really not sure on this one. It's slower than I wanted. The music is great, the lyrics are fun. It's an odd album. I usually enjoy the more out there albums but this didn't land.
So hard to get through. I must be missing something because I thought this was terrible.
I loved this album, it's so energetic, weird and fun. They nailed the whole kitsch trick perfectly, and they deliver such a consistent and fun record. The instrumentation works perfect for what they do, fast and hard-hitting. I loved the mix of punk and surf rock. The bass-lines are excellent, the guitar riffs carry the energy and the vocals are perfect. I loved the chemistry between both singers, and the call-and-response they often do. My favourite part is how weird they get at times, like at the end of "Rock Lobster" or during "Lava". My favourite songs were "Rock Lobster" which is an absolute banger, "Dance This Mess Around" and "Lava" were great too. For what it is, it's incredibly consistent, and easy listen and doesn't feel repetitive at all. I can't think of anything that'd make the record better.
what up b-52's! Saw you in concert at the Minnesota Zoo and it rocked. Our neighbor did torture us by blasting a best of album while they were out of town for 2 days but there's a lot to love. It's a mood, it's a vibe.
It sounds as if it's the same song. New wave has not really done anything for me. Although rock lobster is still a banging track.
Every once in a while, one of their popular songs is a guilty pleasure. But I can only take the B52s in small doses. And what isn't popular is just plain weird. An entire album is just too much weirdness at once. 2.
Couldn’t get past the first song
i wish the girls ditched weird al
Rock lobster was on my first iPod, one of those shuffles that was a thumb drive. I had that and love shack on rotation when I was like 9
Like Smashing Pumpkins this is an artist that I thought I had no interest in listening to but actually ended up enjoying a ton. Felt way more punk than I would have guessed Fav song: Dance This Mess Around
Who’s out there doing the Shy Tuna?! 7/10
Absolutely wonderful album. So many great songs, and maintains a break neck speed throughout. Many people do not care for last track Downtown. As much as the song seems unpolished and unrefined, it gives the song more of a sing-a-long feel. Like going on a road trip with your friends when your favourite song comes on the radio and everyone sings along. A gift to the world that belongs in everyone's music library.
A fun bouncy New-Wave Dancr-Rock album, although it doesn't include their mega-hit "Love Shack", it does contain the almost as good "Rock Lobster"; it also has an interesting cover of the Petula Clark hit "Downtown".
Okay, so Rock Lobster is an incredibly charming song, but other than that I don't really know much about this band. If that song is anything to go by, then I expect a wacky, goofy and inherently weird experience with this album. I do fear it could end up being sort of annoying, still only judging from one song. Will be extremely disappointed if this turns out to be boring, though I doubt it will. Planet Claire Has a bit of that surf sound that I expected from them. Did not however expect something so moody and dark. Decently catchy bassline and very a unique keyboard sound. Definitely has that spacey sound you'd expect from the title. Strangely psychedelic. Good. 4/5 52 Girls Great energy. The surf guitar is pretty fun. Extremely stupid lyrics. The lyrics get a bit grating. Has some charm to it. Can't hate a song with that much personality to it no matter how dumb it is. Decent. 3.5/5 Dance This Mess Around Has a kinda threathening sound to it with the screamy vocals, the intense drum pattern and the ominous organ. Really, really weird. Cursed song. 2.5/5 Rock Lobster Banger. Iconic riff. Who even would think of these lyrics. It's unfathomably bizzare. Love the synthline. The female vocals really add to the strange aquatic theme, where they almost evoke dolphin-like qualities. Wacky, confusing, absolutely meaningless and at times even a bit abrasive. This does not get in the way of it's quality in anyway. It's an absolute blast. Delightful. 5/5 Lava Really solid groove. Fun theme. Really cheesy. The frequent references to famous volcanoes are pretty charming. Solid harmonies. Decent. 3.5/5 There's A Moon In The Sky (Called The Moon) Interesting into. Another stupid premise that somehow works. Thanks to this song I now know that the Moon is called "The Moon" and that it's located in the sky! The band has so much chemistry and the concept is so bizzare it's impossible for me to dislike it. It's just really entertaining. Good. 4/5 Hero Worship Intense vocal performance with a lot of personality and energy. Fits the more punk aesthetic of the track. Steals the show. Catchy riffs. Generally has a very cool atmosphere to it. Good. 4/5 6060-842 (6060 842) Another song that's really, really weird. It's in a similar vein to previous tracks in that it's fast paced, strange and very conceptual. This time I feel it's just a little bit lower quality than the rest, where perhaps the concept doesn't land as well. The performances are still good however. Fine. 3/5 Downtown Weird accent. Don't love the organ. The vocal inflections are a bit much. Feels like they're not taking this serious at all. Dislike. 2/5 Memorable, fun and unique. Honestly exactly what I expected it to be. You'll have a hard time not smiling when hearing some of these songs. The concepts are goofy and the vocal deliveries are full of character. It comes to a point where you're just impressed that they are able to pull it off in a likeable way, without being too annoying. And there's more to this album than just novelty, as the riffs from both the surf guitar and also the keyboards stick in your head as both well constructed and catchy. And while the songwriting veers on the quirky side it's done in a clever and researched manner, which when put together with the interesting song structures ends up a genuine highlight. This album has energy, it has charisma and it is extremely unique even in the often out there New Wave genre. You can feel the band's chemistry and enjoyment on each and every track on here. The entertainment value here is off the charts, and even when there is a weak song you'll at least be left with some sort of impression of it. If sea creatures, volcanoes and distant planets sound interesting to you, you should definitely give it a go. 3.5/5 rounded up to 4/5.
This music sounds like the number 80 (even though published 79).
grieving how it's unavailable on any streaming
Imagine hearing this for the first time in 1979. There would have been nothing like it. Utterly kitsch and slightly debauched, it feels like it set the tone for the 80s.
Nearly perfect but the album does backload the weaker songs at the end. Love the guitar playing and how tight the band is.
1. claire - 1.5 2. girlz - 1 3 dance - 1 4. rock - 2.5 5. zky - 1 6. ziz - 1 7. douuntouun - 1.5
Doesn’t really hold up. Tough to listen to in one sitting. 2.5
Found this surprisingly fun! I don’t think I would go back to it, but something different which I enjoyed
Love the band, but a few songs on this album were more annoying than fun
This album was fun. Not something I’d put on regularly but I enjoyed it.
There is no way to describe B-52s other than weird, but pleasantly weird! They apparently drank from the same Alt-Rock, post-punk water as Oingo Boingo in 1979. I appreciate that they were the leaders of a strange new musical world. Rock Lobster is just strange but incredibly catchy. My favorite song of the day was Hero Worship. Katie Pierce and Cindy Wilson’s vocals play off each other in a really cool way.
Random thoughts: * Rock Lobster is still a super fun song! * What a weird group? How did this group actually work or come to be. They feel like they are way out in left field. * The first song sounded like it was inspired by those 50s/60s sci-fi b-movies. * I enjoyed their punky and funky version of "Downtown" to close out the album. * B-52s feel like they are closer to Weird Al than any alternative rock but maybe they just are that connective tissue between those genres.
Litt artig, litt irriterande
Silly album, and proof that lyrics don't have to be so serious for you to have a good time. 5/5
> The Beatles
New Wave Psychedelic Surf is a genre right? This is a whole ass party on a record, everything you need is here
Nostalgic
I liked 'Planet Claire', it felt funky/fun while still being cool. Also lol'd when the guy just yells "WELL SHE ISN'T!". Some of the other stuff swung the pendulum too far to the funky/silly side for me. Would be interested to see if other B52 stuff is just a meme or not, because the instrumental work is great. 3⭐ feels generous, but 2 would feel harsher.
Planet Claire!
When you need a creature feature soundtrack, Halloween playlist, or endless amounts of kitsch.
What a thrill to relive all those 80’s dance parties I remember. Along with many more that I can’t remember.
Spiky nerdy pop. Delicious.
I thought it was gonna be just another rock album, but it is not. Rock Lobster is a bop.
One time, at band camp......it was our last night and they were throwing a dance for everyone. I was outside talking with some newly made friends from Canada, when Rock Lobster started to play. We all jumped and screamed and ran inside to dance our asses off. It was the summer of 1980, and this was one of a handful of albums that I listened to nonstop that year. I know all the lyrics, riffs and vocal nuances to every song. This deserves a 5 for Rock Lobster alone. The album is fun and goofy, a little naughty and it makes you wanna get up and dance this mess around.
ok
catchy and trippy
I feel like I would have loved this album if I was alive when it came out. It's easy to see how many other artists were influenced by the B52's but they're in the camp with Hüsker Dü and The replacements where I like everything that ripped them off more than I actually like them themselves. Planet Clair and dance this mess around are bangers
Really enjoyed this, more unconventional song structures than I thought and some good girl screams. More punky than I expected. I really enjoyed - very fun album.
Some classic bangers on here and I love how committed they are to being goofy. Excellent musicianship on most of the songs, but that being said I don’t see myself retiring to most of these songs all that often.
A really good album, I liked A Planet Called Claire and There's A Moon In The Sky.
What an absolute banger of a debut album
Now, doesn't that make you feel a lot better!?
B-52s doing B-52 stuff.
Rather fun album in my opinion. Liked most of the tracks and would probably listen to this more. 4/5
Enjoyed the absurdity of the B-52's. Rock Lobster!
I only knew Rock Lobster, but this whole album is so fun to listen to. Great harmonies.
Hmmm, ok. A bit quirky - some interesting compositions.
Boooo no love shack on this album!
Favorites: Planet Claire, 52 Girls, Dance This Mess Around, Rock Lobster It's insane to me how much better the first side is compared to the second side... That being said, on the whole, this is a new wave staple. They really started to take the genre and have fun with it on this record, with Rock Lobster being the prime example of new wave at its silliest and most innovative. If only the record as a whole was as strong...
9/10
They live in their own weird little world and we get to be part of it for a few minutes. You always know its the B-52's, they have a sound that is all their own. Is it amazing, not necessarily but its fun and different. They are quirky but that is their appeal. I don't know if anyone understands Rock Lobster but its still a fun jam. I also really liked Hero Worship. One criticism could be that the songs don't always have a lot of lyrics but just sort of repeat the same things over and over. Cindy's voice isn't amazing, but its perfect for them and she brings so much emotion to the songs.
Never listened to a full B-52's album before. They are odd in mostly a fun way. Sometimes annoying. My least favorite song is The Moon in a Sky called the Moon. Which is funny but that's the punchline and the rest of the lyrics just seem like Fred is doing some stream of conscious bullshit that isn't that inspired and how many planets can we name? Dance This Mess Around is interesting because I like the first part when Cindy is singing but then Fred shows up and it becomes ridiculous trying to do all 16 dances or something while we are going to a party which doesn't even feel like it was where Cindy was going with the first half of the song but... whatever. I'm sure it's a collaborative process. I would've loved to been a fly on the wall when they were writing these songs. I did like Planet Claire, 52 Girls, and of course Rock Lobster is great. My favorite thing about this album is the guitaring and the drum beats. Not something I could listen to often but it was a fun ride.
When I hear the term “art rock” my mind always baselines to this album. It’s weird, kitschy, and definitely pushes the boundaries of what rock music can be. There was definitely something truly special going on in Athens, GA in the late 70’s early 80’s because it birthed the B-52’s and my all time favorite band, R.E.M. Both bands have an off kilter weirdness and both have written some of the best songs of the 80’s.
I've never done a deep dive into the B-52s, so it was fun to get this today. They are so funky and weird. The songs crack me up when they pick a topic and then incorporate a list a lot of items under that topic into the track (women's names, dances, aquatic animals, planets, etc.) They really go all in with each song's theme, lol. This is all very creative and fresh, and I love their style and their vibe. I'm sure it made a huge lobster splash in 1979!
Bizarre music, but mostly good fun.
Unique and innovative. This is the kind of material I expected to find on this list at the outset. Great fusion of punk and new wave, full of personality and promise, inspiring. Well produced. 4/5, for listening value and for fulfilling the mission of the 1001 list.
1.9 Shite. Felt like they gave a bunch of arts sixth form students a studio for the day. Gained nothing from that.
I typically listen to the B-52’s on shuffle as an entire album seems too much. This was good, but again too much. Fred is fun, but I don’t really enjoy his songs as much as the ones with only Kate and Cindy.
Incredible and unique sound that is unmatched to this day. Planet Claire is an absolute treat.
Nice and fun vibe.
Kinda funky.
Raise your hand if you think the world is a better place with the B-52's (and Kate Pierson) in it... If hating on Bruce Springsteen makes you a Commie, then hating on Kate Pierson makes you inhuman. Enough said. P.S. / Side note... one of my favorite B-52's songs, Dirty Back Road is covered by Marvelle Oaks and it kicks ass ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyznFhVXRhA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toCDRDB_nZg
“Hero Worship” is the best track on the B-52s debut, probably since it focuses on Cindy Wilson’s vocals and lets her cut loose. Fred Schneider’s vocals wear out their welcome first, and the interplay between him and Wilson and Kate Pierson are never as good on this album as they are on “Love Shack.” That song and “Roam” remain the warranted B-52 hits for me, but this self-titled debut launched their pretty notable song on the cusp of the 80s, so I get why it’s the one on the list.
Full of weird fun!!
It’s not you, it’s me. I just hate new wave.
This nerd rock is both catchy and grating at the same time. The guitars parts all sound similar and the vocal delivery kind of get on my nerves.
Fun times
I always want to like the B52s more than I do. That’s not to say I don’t like them, they always just sound like the aural equivalent of a 1950s B movie. This album is a lot of fun though and I enjoyed the quirky vibe throughout. I like they have taken the post punk aesthetic in a totally different direction than every other post punk struggler. However, the last track is fairly horrible and the album, generally, tends to tip into self-aggrandising their weirdness. I like the album well enough, but not that much.
They were unique, always tongue-in-cheek, sometimes cheesy, but always fun to listen to.
Planet Claire, Rock Lobster, and some other stuff. I think we were accustomed to the Love Shack and Roam era.
Fun .. but forgettable
This was wonderful. I love the B-52s sound and this was a delightfully pure petri dish of it. The vocals were crisp and bright and just so good and quirky and the instrumentation sounded fresh and great while not sounding too polished -- which I think is a strength of the B-52s sound. I listened to it twice -- five stars.
I was not previously familiar with this album at all. I was a little bit disappointed. The supposed best track on this album is Rock Lobster but I did not like it. The rest of the tracks didn't really do anything for me either. Would not listen again.
Not sure how but I had never heard "Rock Lobster" before today. It seems like I just missed it. In fact, I have never paid attention to the B-52's because "Love Shack" was so ubiquitous that I didn't care to hear any other songs by the band. Imagine my surprise listening to this album and there is a lot of new wave and rock sounds that I did not expect. Fred Schneider's talk-singing didn't annoy me too much and the lack of depth to the music wasn't as bad as I was afraid that it may be. Party songs about almost nothing are not my favorite genre and I generally do not want to listen to an entire album of novelty/kitschy songs. Planet Claire is a great way to start off the album and the long introduction causes it to stand out among the other tracks. I thought I would hate Dance This Mess Around, yet I seemed to enjoy it. The guitars on this album really surprised me as well. I didn't know The B-52's came out of the gate swinging like this. My favorite tracks were: Planet Claire 52 Girls Dance This Mess Around Rock Lobster There's a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon) 6060-842 (which is kind of a punk song) Fun surprise that I enjoyed this one.
Delightfully weird record that wasn't as strange as I thought it would be based on only knowing Rock Lobster. Also, a bizarrely horny record.
The B-52's are high in the running for most fun band ever!! What is the aqua velva? And Fred Schneider absolutely has to do a covers album of metal songs, starting with Slayer's Angel of Death! Shout out to the musical hot bed, Athens Georgia while we're at it! 5
That was fun! Rock lobster rocks!
Who doesn't like Rock Lobster? The rest of this album is certainly uniquely B-52s. If there's anything that can be said for them, it's that they don't sound like anyone else. Is it supposed to be funny? Just weird? Serious (hopefully not...)? I've always hated Love Shack. This album is fine. Other than the absurdity value, I don't really feel any reason to listen to this one again all the way through. 2.5/5
Groovy and fun to listen to! Reminded me of being a carefree teenager! Album rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Weirder than expected! Like.
Awesome album full of energy and fun! I’m taking one star off because I really hate “6060-842”.
Slapssssssss. So punk and so funny. Big fan, can’t stop walking around imitating their voices. (4.5 stars)
That was pretty shit tbh
Decent, not enough for a 4 but better than your average 3. Quirky galore. Sounded like Yoko Ono was on one song, probs the first direct Yoko influence I was able to hear in another artist
Quite an interesting pick, really wasnt expecting a lot when I started it but it blew me away, will listen again
It was okay, but not my cup of tea. It was interesting to note that The B-52's were just as 'out there' from their 1st album as they were later in their career, but that same 'out there' aspect takes me out of the music and into wondering what they were on when they wrote and recorded it.
Rock Lobster is a super fun song. Favorite track: Rock Lobster other picks: 52 girls, hero worship
My first introduction to The B-52's as a child was Love Shack -one of the most annoying pieces of forced joviality of any era, not just that one. Then not long after, Kate popped up in the Shiny Happy People video, again it was terrible but she definitely stirred other feelings in my confused pre-teen brain. Thus, I had definitely written off this band as not for me and was probably in my 20s before I found myself more intrigued by some of their older material. This was the first time listening to their debut and it was fun, the best moments were Planet Claire, Dance This Mess Around and Rock Lobster, the cover of Downtown is rather unnecessary so it's not quite a 5 for me but comfortably a 4 and made me want to check out to deep dive into more of their early-80s output.
Will require a few listens. Some decent songs but a few irritating ones
it ain't bad but i think if you like it you are a theatre kid
It's a fun album. It belongs on this list.
i love this record so much. what a lovely reprieve from the absolute slog of Exile on Main Street. it's light and fun while not totally giving into the lamest pop sensibilities it easily could have. it's like party music for nerds, which is 100% my zone. the guitars are thin and bouncy, keys enter and exit at just the right moments, lots of dissonance that works itself out without overstaying its welcome, and the varying vocal textures keep things moving at a steady clip. also, it's fucking funny.
Only know a couple of songs, mainly known from REM for me, really not a fan of their voices
People say this is a fun album, I guess we all have different definitions of fun
Goofy, fun, doesn’t overstay its welcome
Very good debut album and a fun little romp besides.
One of the most infectious bands of all time. the B-52s always deliver.
A real fun album from a band I had kind of dismissed as not that relevant in the grand scheme of things. But this is good. Truly. One wish, though: A proper remix/remaster, as this really sounds very tinny.
A Really fun record that I would love to revisit it soon
Iconic
This music is so un-serious in the best way. Side note: I can't hear rock lobster without thinking about family guy
Pretty good
An interesting album where this band shows their own style that sounds a bit if The Beach Boys and some female punks joined together to perform Talking Heads songs. It all sounds productively messy but still poppy enough with a funky groove. I do think that the back-and-forth between the male and the female singers is a formula they rely too much on.
Didn't expect B-52's would slap this hard. Didn't really like the yelling in some songs, but the basslines are magnificent, especially in Rock Lobster.
Quite enjoyable, I feel like it carried the same shtick across the entire album and it got a little repetitive with the same riff being carried across the whole of the songs but it had enough to the tracks that helped keep it fresh. I thought the male and female vocals working together worked really well, highlights were lava (my favourite), dance this mess around and the moon one which was a goofy song lyrically but it was good in that way (same with the lobster one). Overall I thought this was quite a fun album so a high 3 (6/10).
Wasn’t awful by any means but nothing really stuck out
Just bops from top to bottom.
Rating: 3.5/10 Riffs are quite interesting, the vocals ruin this album for me.
Not a bad listen.
I liked it. Really wish I could give it 4 stars but just isn’t quite worthy enough unfortunately
Meget mærkeligere end jeg forventede, men stadig meget catchy at lytte til. Den kvindelige sanger har en fantastisk stemme. Solidt, unikt popband
Virkelig skør plade, men ekstremt committed til at være skør. Havde list svært ved at finde ud af hvad jeg synes om det, men er ret positiv i sidste ende! Gad godt feste med dem!
I'll have whatever they're having! 💊 So deeply weird, but generally really good songs. Rock Lobster is a classic!
Rock Lobster is a certified banger. Haven't listened to this album alone before. Definitely unique for it's time.
Their sound is so unique. Strange and different, you always know a B-52's song when you hear it.
Just ok for me.
I don't trust people who don't like the B-52's. This entire album is so campy and fun, but the music is so fucking GOOD. The perfect balance of ridiculousness and sincere talent.
Pretty cool and funky. If I'm in the right mood wouldn't mind revisiting.
Fun listen in a museum exhibit type of way. Probably won’t revisit
Yeh pretty cool stuff and sounded like a lot of fun to record. Not always down with the shouty staccato new wave but this was deserving of an exception
If it’s good enough for John Lennon…. What an assault on the senses this was. I really couldn’t tell if I liked it or not. Certain songs were just bonkers but I found myself tapping my toes along to quiet a few. If nothing else it was great to hear something very different to most of the other stuff on here and made me smile at times. So certainly bonus points for that.
A lot of fun and some catchy tunes. Seems very ahead of its time and not out of place now. I guess her vocals can be a bit grating and the album tailed off a bit, but an enjoyable listen.
Well that was a turn up, let’s face it most of us only know the overplayed Love Shack, but I enjoyed this album a lot. The guitar parts had a great style (love the bit of surf influence) and the vocals are unique with the interplay between vocalists pretty cool. While the first half is undoubtedly stronger (52 girls a total banger), I just like the upbeat vibe of the whole thing. Strongly suspect I’ll revisit this….
It could have been a 4 star album but after having the Rock Lobster riff stuck in my head all damned day I lowered it to a 3.
Fun and pop-y. The songs sounded more “real” than Loveshack which was their only other song that I knew and found to have a novelty song sound. I especially enjoyed the cover of Downtown that ended the album.
3.5 alternately interesting and grating
Not too long, and not terrible to listen to, but no real enjoyment. They have a distinct and competent sound that does absolutely nothing for me.
Not bad. Simpsons: Yes (glove slap)
This was ok , but let's be honest I'm only going to listen to Rock Lobster again
Surprised how much I enjoyed this. It’s a unique vibe.
Pretty good. Expected the sound, but was impressed overall. 3/5
Man, I can’t. I’m glad people like Rock Lobster and Rocky Horror Picture Show, but it ain’t my bag. The songs sound the same, too hipster and no feeling for me. It’s a jerky Patti Smith that is younger and cheek to the max.
B-52s were punk as fuck. What else sounded like this in 1979? The debut's still as great as the day it was born. And they just got better. B-52s will live forever, because they must.
There are many things I could say, but I'll stick to this: if you actively dislike this, you are anti-fun. Fav tracks: 52 Girls, Dance This Mess Around, Rock Lobster, Lava
Ajoy to listen to this long forgotten gem after the best part of 4 decades. 'Rock Lobster' & 'Planet Claire' are just as brilliant as I remember them. How on earth could you remove this from the list whilst retaining 4 albums of dogshit from the Beastie Boys.
Loved it, so much fun
3.5/5
4/5 👌
Может быть всё дело в том, что чтоб добыть этот альбом, мне пришлось распаковать свое подростковое прошлое с определенными сайтами на .org, зе риск зе раш, но прямо вот отличный альбом. Лучшая песня - 52 Girls.
Was a little cold at first but this really grew on me. I realllllllllllly like this album. Liked it even more on the second listen.
Being a forefront of early new wave music, The B-52’s self titled debut is fashionably campy, eccentric and kitschy, and that can be for better or for worse. For the most part though, it’s for the better. The B-52’s don’t take themselves seriously and it shows, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. They just want to make good, fun, and strange songs, and they entirely succeed in that. The opener *Planet Claire* sets the stage of what to expect, and like most of this album is gloriously tongue-in-cheek. The absurdist lyrics to be found throughout this song and the album add to their eccentric charm. The guitar riff from Ricky Wilson on *Planet Claire* is great, however the guitar is good throughout the entire album. The more heavy and eccentric guitar sounds on *Lava* is a good example of this. The song is full of innuendo and it’s still catchy in the process. *There’s a Moon in the Sky* is a fun song inspired by older Sci-Fi. However, the mainstay of this album and the definite highlight is the nearly seven minute epic of *Rock Lobster.* Everything great about this album comes to a head here. The surf rock and almost punk-ish vibe, the vocals, the instrumentation, lyrics, it’s all so fashionably weekend. Once you hear the riff on *Rock Lobster* it never leaves your head. Fred Schneider’s vocals are strange and unique, and really help with this album’s vibe. In short, while this album’s eccentricity can be a bit much sometimes for me, I still had a fun time listening to this. I’d recommend this if you want something more out there, if you know what I mean.
Man there was nothing quite like the B-52s (especially in Georgia!) when they came sidewinding out of the gates with this record in 1979. "Planet Claire" takes the "Peter Gunn" riff and turns it into a garbage sci-fi epic. Kitschy, punky, new wavey, mid-fi, repetitive, mostly bass-less, arty, goofy, poppy and always fun, it's nonetheless a small miracle they had national success. It's probably largely because of "Rock Lobster", which was the party anthem of the next 5 years at junior high and high school dances and beyond. Not all the songs are great. Some sound like riffs that tried to become songs but never quite made it. "Downtown" is a weird cover choice and REALLY sounds like filler. Have to mention Ricky Wilson's guitar: so much of the musical weight falls on him. Often the keyboard serves an auxiliary role and there's no bass player. The keyboard sometimes does a bass part, but the guitar playing is really underappreciated in those early B-52s songs. It sounds aggressive and loose, yet it's clean and precise and in the pocket at the same time. Kudos! If Rock Lobster were the only decent song on this record it would still rise to 3 stars. There's enough here that makes it better than that.
Lots of fun, silly, catchy tunes, but the style can get a bit grating after a while
Großartig!