Calling All Fans of The B-52s!

I found a page on YouTube of The B-52s live in concert back in 1978, before their first album was released.  They are in black-and-white and a little blurry, but it’s great to see such vintage footage of The B’s!

The link is: http://www.youtube.com/user/kmills74

Enjoy!

Whew! I did over a week’s worth of postings in one day.

I need a break.

If you are still reading this, why not check out my review of The B-52s’ “Funplex” CD?

Best wishes!
Shannon 🙂

Review: The B-52s “Funplex” (2008)

The B-52s "Funplex" (2008)

Review:
The B-52s “Funplex” (2008)
Rating: 5/5 Stars

One word: Unbelievable!

The B-52s are back and are as fresh and relevant as ever. Just when you think “the B’s” have called it quits, they prove they are still a force to be reckoned with. Rather impressive for a band that began in 1976.

To put things into perspective, it’s been 10 years since their greatest hits CD “Time Capsule,” 16 years since “Good Stuff” – their last full-length CD (minus Cindy Wilson), and 19 years since “Cosmic Thing” – their first full-length CD without Ricky Wilson (Ricky Wilson, Cindy Wilson’s brother, died in 1985).

Now in 2008, “Funplex” brings back together Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, and Kieth Strickland for a new party album for a new millennium. With producer Steve Osborne on board, their sound is vibrant and dynamic, with still the quirkiness that makes The B-52s what they are. This is quite possibly their best work since the loss of Ricky Wilson.

The usual sound palette is present: organs, bongos, clanging-jangling guitars, rich drum beats, and infectious rhythms. Added to the sound is a base organic synthesizer presence which creates a rich tone, but is never sterile as some synthesizer sounds can be.

One aspect that really stands out is Kieth Strickland’s guitar work. He has managed to replicate (without ripping off) Ricky Wilson’s signature sound. It can be eerie at times, but it works perfectly.

Fred Schneider’s voice seems stronger than usual. While he still uses his “sprechgesang” style, he also proves he can carry vocal tunes as well.

And Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson make their presence known as their voices compliment each other as always.

Without commenting on every song, there are a few that must be mentioned:

“Pump” – The quintessential B-52 song and probably their strongest opening song for a CD since “Planet Claire” on their debut album

“Funplex” – Their first hit from their new album rocks out about “mall life”

“Juliet of the Spirits” – An absolutely beautiful song to showcase Wilson’s and Pierson’s vocal work

“Hot Corner” – Another rock song that will stick in your mind

If you are a fan of The B-52s, you will love this CD. If your only exposure to the group has been “Love Shack,” it’s time to move into the “Funplex.” And if you are not a fan of the band, you may still be impressed with their new sound.

“Funplex” is definitely one of the “must-have” CDs of 2008!

To learn more about The B-52s, click here.

To go to their new label, click here.