The B-52's is the eponymous debut album by the Athens, Georgia-based New Wave rock band The B-52's. The kitschy lyrics and mood, and the hook-laden harmonies helped establish a fanbase for the band, who went on to release several chart-topping singles. The album cover was designed by Tony Wright (credited as Sue Ab Surd).
The B-52's peaked at number 59 on the Billboard 200,[1] and "Rock Lobster" reached number 56 on the Hot 100.[2] In 2003, the television network VH1 named The B-52's the 99th greatest album of all time. Shortly before his death, John Lennon said he enjoyed the album.[3] In his 1995 book, The Alternative Music Almanac, Alan Cross placed the album ninth on the list of 10 Classic Alternative Albums. In 2003, the album was ranked number 152[4] on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
Reception [edit]
Critical reception for The B-52's was generally favorable; critics praised the album's kitschy lyrics and party atmosphere.[5][9]
Track listing [edit]
All songs written and composed by The B-52's, except where noted.
|
|
| 1. |
"Lava" |
|
Pierson, Schneider, C. Wilson |
4:54 |
| 2. |
"There's a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon)" |
|
Pierson, Schneider, C. Wilson |
4:54 |
| 3. |
"Hero Worship" |
Robert Waldrop, R. Wilson |
C. Wilson |
4:07 |
| 4. |
"6060-842" |
|
Pierson, Schneider, C. Wilson |
2:48 |
| 5. |
"Downtown" (Petula Clark cover, 1964) |
Tony Hatch |
Pierson, C. Wilson |
2:57 |
|
Total length:
|
39:14 |
|
Personnel [edit]
- Fred Schneider – cowbell, toy piano, synth bass, Vocals, walkie talkie
- Kate Pierson – Farfisa Combo Compact organ, guitar, synth bass, vocals
- Keith Strickland – percussion, drums, "Planet Claire" sounds
- Cindy Wilson – guitar, bongos, tambourine, vocals
- Ricky Wilson – guitars, smoke alarm
Charts and certifications [edit]
Chart performance [edit]
Album
Singles
|
Certifications [edit]
|
References [edit]
- ^ a b The B-52's > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums at Allmusic. Retrieved 16 October 2004.
- ^ a b c The B-52's > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles at Allmusic. Retrieved 16 October 2004.
- ^ imdb.com
- ^ Levy, Joe; Steven Van Zandt (2006) [2005]. "152 | The B-52's - The B-52's". Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (3rd ed.). London: Turnaround. ISBN 1-932958-61-4. OCLC 70672814. Archived from the original on 3 April 2010. Retrieved 8 Aug 2011.
- ^ a b Erlewine, Stephen. The B-52's The B-52's > Review at Allmusic. Retrieved 22 March 2004.
- ^ Christgau, Robert (September 3, 1979). "Christgau's Consumer Guide: The B-52's Pick Hit". The Village Voice. Retrieved 13 January 2012. Relevant portion posted with a new rating at "The B-52's: The B-52's > Consumer Guide Album". Robert Christgau. Retrieved 31 March 2006.
- ^ Blashill, Pat (October 16, 2003). "The B-52's The B-52's > Review". Rolling Stone (933). Archived from the original on 20 Jun 2007. Retrieved 22 Mar 2004.
- ^ Considine, J.D. (2004). "The B-52's". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian. The New Rolling Stone Album Guide. London: Fireside. pp. 67–68. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
- ^ Carson, Tom (September 20, 1979). "The B-52's: The B-52's Music Reviews". Rolling Stone (300). Archived from the original on 21 June 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2009.
- ^ Mancini is credited as a co-author of "Planet Claire" on reissues of the album due to the song's use of the bass line from Mancini's "Peter Gunn."
- ^ "Sale 40 - Lot 489: Australian Record Industry Association Award For The B-52's". Australian Recording Industry Association. Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles. 2011. Retrieved 2013-04-29.
- ^ "American album certifications – The B-52's". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Album, then click SEARCH
External links [edit]
[8]
