The B-52's

The B-52's are a rock band from Athens, Georgia; the first of many from the college town that has become one of the most important centers in alternative rock. The name comes from the bouffant wigs that are a part of the band's distinctive look, worn by singers Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson. Along with Wilson and Pierson, Keith Strickland, Ricky Wilson (Cindy's older brother) and Fred Schneider formed the band after a drunken night at a Chinese restaurant. Their sound is particularly marked by the vocals of Wilson and Pierson, with Kate singing in a slightly deeper voice, along with the generally monotone or spoken-word vocals of Schneider. Aside from their vocals, the band also had a unique New Wave sound that was a combination of dance and surf music and the unusual guitar-string tunings utilized by Ricky Wilson. Although part of the new wave movement, their music was more experimental than most new wave, indulging in all manner of odd vocal and synthesizer effects. It created a quirky dance sound that became very popular.

Early Recording Success

Their first single, "Rock Lobster", recorded for DB Records in 1978 (see 1978 in music), was an underground success that led to the B-52's performing at CBGB's and Max's Kansas City in New York City.

Related Topics:
Rock Lobster - DB Records - 1978 - 1978 in music - CBGB - Max's Kansas City - New York City

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Their debut album, The B-52's, contained a rerecorded version of Rock Lobster along with eight more originals and a remake of Petula Clark's classic "Downtown."

Related Topics:
The B-52's - Petula Clark

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The album was eventually certified platinum and "Rock Lobster" gave the band its first entry on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

Related Topics:
Platinum - Billboard - Hot 100

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The follow-up, Wild Planet, reached the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 in 1980 and was certified gold. "Private Idaho" became their second Hot 100 entry and around this time the B-52's performed a breakout set on Saturday Night Live.

Related Topics:
Wild Planet - Billboard 200 - Saturday Night Live

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Party Mix! was released next, a remix album that took tracks from the first two LPs and presented them in extended forms.

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