ALBUM: Wild Planet (1980)
MVC Rating: 4.0/$$$
So it’s fitting that I finished off the A’s in my quest to review alphabetically my 678 records with the soundtrack to the documentary ‘Athens, Ga. – Inside/Out.’ Because I open up the B’s with ‘Wild Planet’ by the B-52’s, Athens, Ga., legends.
I was never a huge fan. My initial take was, what is this?
Village Voice critic Robert Christgau in reviewing this very album called them “the world’s greatest new-wave kiddie-novelty disco-punk band’ – a bit of a left-handed compliment, though he gave the album a B-plus.
The group’s first ‘hit’ on their first album– ‘Rock Lobster– with its undulating yodel chirps and big twang single string guitar (at least that’s how it sounded) would lend to that feeling this is of the novelty ilk destined for Dr. Demento.
I mean they are chortling over a crustacean for goodness sakes.
But the years and several second listens have softened me on the B-52’s.
They were more than a novelty act. Stripping down the instruments, unloading any trace of the blues, the B-52’s simply made people happy. Many people for a long time.
They were the opposite of the venomous Sex Pistols (not saying venom doesn’t have a place.) They wanted to party out of bounds at the Love Shack. The only bad things in B52ville were when you took to living in your own private Idaho or you lose Quiche Lorraine, that doggie dyed green.
Over the years I’ve come to appreciate, in moderation, their chirpy cheery camp and thift-store chic. This is not a record I’d put on to stretch out on the couch and read the paper, but ‘Party Out of Bounds’ off this record or ‘Love Shack’ coming a decade later, are good anchors for any party mixtape (remember those?).
Counting down my 678 vinyl records before I die of brain disease.
Hi Mike – I went through school and scouts with Julie (we were Julie O and Julie A for at least a good decade). Gale Anderson shared your diagnosis and directed me to your blog. I don’t know if “I’m enjoying it very much” is quite the right thing to say about something prompted by such a serious diagnosis – but I am reading (and, yes, enjoying) your blog, being reminded of music in my own life, and of some memories of youth. I was prompted to respond to this post because I have memories of David’s band playing Rock Lobster in your parents’ basement, with Julie (“Goo” as we also called her then) singing all the ocean noises lyrics. Both of you brothers seemed very “cool” to all of us gals. I also remember a few crazy meals at your house, one of which I will remind Julie about and let her tell you rather than put in writing 😉 and another time in which a water fight ensued in the kitchen after dinner – using the sink sprayer – water was everywhere. Zero memories of ever seeing your parents the least bit ruffled by any of it. Wishing you well enough that you run out of vinyl…. I’ll be reading.
Thanks Julie A. I do remember you but it has been a long time. That’s wild about David’s band and Rock Lobster, I’m not sure I remember it but I do know he had bought that album before most of the world knew anything about them. Those crazy dinner memories sound true, but I can’t say I actually recollect, but the spray water fight would totally fit in with the Oliver traditions. BTW, I still call her ‘Goo’. Thanks for reading!