Rec | REMEMBERING HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THE B-52S

Rec

⭐

I'm leaving for Vegas tonight to see the final performance of their latest residency, so I spent all week re-listening to all of their albums on vinyl. Apparently when you crack open my crusty shell, the 13-year old version is still intact within, gobsmacked by how seriously a bunch of adults can pursue their silliness. I spent about five minutes worrying that I'd be disappointed seeing them again now that they (and I) are so old, but then I told myself to shut up. “They’re so over the hill” is the least B-52s sentiment imaginable. Their edginess was never dependent upon youth. They weren't exactly rebels, but they gloried in pillaging what’s old and awkward for the creation of something new and cool that embraces squareness rather than mocking it. What they want - what they’ve always wanted - is for people to have FUN, and they’re entirely non-judgmental about how you want to do it (unless it involves putting anyone down, in which case, no thanks). It’s a spirit that makes just as much sense old as it does young. As a blueprint for a culture, you could hardly do better. And I guess that’s why they’ve always been my favorites - because I still wistfully believe that if everyone shared their courage, spirit, and humor, this would be a better world. Anyway, "Song for a Future Generation" is one of the greatest things ever committed to video.

@jeffisawesome

Apr 19, 2024

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@coreydubrowa

I interviewed Fred years ago (I forget for which publication, maybe The Oregonian?) and he is genuinely one of the nicest artists I've ever spent time around. Cindy and Kate are goddesses. "Rock Lobster" may be one of the greatest pure-dance-this-mess-around party tracks ever. I love them.

Apr 19, 2024

@jeffisawesome

coreydubrowa "Rock Lobster" is a practically cosmic groove - it's deeper in my bones than, say, the entire Beatles catalogue (and Lennon also claimed it as a favorite). Envious of your time around Fred! Speaking as a performing/theater guy who could never quite sing, he was always a hero to me.

Apr 19, 2024

@coreydubrowa

jeffisawesome That man can ENTERTAIN (I and I think he's fully in on the joke of his own singing ability). Mostly your bigger point is what's so great about this post -- it's not only that they are in touch with their inner kid/silliness, it's that THAT IS THE WHOLE POINT to the B-52s. Their goofiness and their art are the same thing and how many musicians can you say that about? Even the Wiggles are more serious/message-minded than the 52s.

Apr 19, 2024

@jeffisawesome

coreydubrowa Yes, that's exactly it! They practically transcend criticism in that way, and everyone is welcome in their tent. Since we're already so deep in it, I had actually written a bit more about this - if nothing else, the post hopefully guides people to the remarkable time they guest-starred on Guiding Light in 1983... https://jeffisawesome.substack.com/p/rock-lobsters-and-other-cosmic-things

Apr 19, 2024

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