Totally agree Kevin. "Cosmic Thing" IS my favorite B-52s album. There's not a bad track on it. I was newly involved with my now husband Frank when the album was released. His graduate school friends were major fans of the band. Given that this was a new release from them, it gave us a chance to bond over it as something fresh and exciting. It was a staple at all of our parties well through 1990 - and it wasn't just "Love Shack!"
For a split second, as I was scrolling down the page and before I saw the full picture, I thought the photo was the cover of Roxette's Joyride 😅 My mind works in funny ways sometimes.
I loved your write up (I remember it from when I first saw it), and I love how you have no idea where the scooter is but you still have the cassette 😊
Having a quick listen now and let me tell you Dry County is going to my workout playlist as I write this. Also, don't want to be too controversial, but might Blur have taken a generous dose of inspiration from this? Not my genres of expertise so it is a genuine question.
Yeah, it kinda reminded me of a Blur song, the title of which escapes my mind right now but I'll try to remember and let you know which one I was referring to.
Right in the wheelhouse of youth. My brother was really into them and disappointed when my uncultured cousins started hearing them on the radio with this album. They'd gone mainstream. But if it introduces everyone to the weirdness of them, that's good too right!?
'Love Shack' is an anthem of sorts in a way that 'Rock Lobster' & 'Party Out of Bounds' was. I've seen the B 52's once at Tarrytown Music Hall. Their live document is so much fun and camp in a quirky fashion. Yes, they're eccentrics. Fred, Keith, Cindy, and Kate are perfect cosmic dinner mates. There's nothing wrong with weirdness either. I grew up being attracted to bohemians, outlaws + cult poets. btw 'Love Shack' is an awesome karaoke song as well. The poptastic sounds have not aged. I implore other non-believers in this quartet to hurry up and bring your jukebox money to the coolest insider party gathering on this planet.
This album came out my first year of grad school and it was everywhere. I can still picture my friends and I at the bars blowing off steam with “Love Shack” blasting out of the speakers.
Such a great album! Definitely one of my Desert Island Disks if anyone asked me. We got to see B 52s live at ZooTunes a few years ago, and it was glorious!
Wow, I haven't listened to that whole album in a long time. "Love Shack" is a great song, but "Roam," "Channel Z," "Deadbeat Club," and "Dry County" are also great tunes in their own right. I would have to say there is no bad tune on that album.
It is certainly a product of its time, the late 1980s.
Having friends over for dinner, a great bottle (or three) of burgundy wine, and playing "Pictionary" with this album playing. Guys against girls, we could not stand to lose. Yeah, we cheated...
I know a man - he's a motivational speaker - and he once told me that the key to a great life is making memories. He was "spot on."
Agreed about there being no bad tracks. I keep going back and wondering if there was one I forgot, or that time has sweetened all memories, but even now, they are all solid in their own ways.
Okay, I'm on board with listening to this one today - I think I have enough time before my meeting!
I don’t dare be assumptive, but I think it’ll be better than you remember!
Another beautifully written and informative piece. I always enjoy when you sprinkle moments of your life into these stories.
Thank you, Nolan!
I love this whole album - what a time! Great post.
Thank you, Sue! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Totally agree Kevin. "Cosmic Thing" IS my favorite B-52s album. There's not a bad track on it. I was newly involved with my now husband Frank when the album was released. His graduate school friends were major fans of the band. Given that this was a new release from them, it gave us a chance to bond over it as something fresh and exciting. It was a staple at all of our parties well through 1990 - and it wasn't just "Love Shack!"
I love it! And I agree; if there’s a bad song on here, I haven’t heard it.
For a split second, as I was scrolling down the page and before I saw the full picture, I thought the photo was the cover of Roxette's Joyride 😅 My mind works in funny ways sometimes.
I loved your write up (I remember it from when I first saw it), and I love how you have no idea where the scooter is but you still have the cassette 😊
Having a quick listen now and let me tell you Dry County is going to my workout playlist as I write this. Also, don't want to be too controversial, but might Blur have taken a generous dose of inspiration from this? Not my genres of expertise so it is a genuine question.
I’m glad you liked it! And that’s a great pick for your workout playlist.
As for Blur? Good question! You’ve piqued my curiosity. Now I gotta go back and listen.
Thanks! Yes, I instantly loved the rhythm.
Yeah, it kinda reminded me of a Blur song, the title of which escapes my mind right now but I'll try to remember and let you know which one I was referring to.
PS: Great seeing you yesterday! 😊
You too! I’m glad you could finally make one of the meetings. 😀
Thank you!! It was a lot of fun. I’ll try to join as many as I can 😊
Right in the wheelhouse of youth. My brother was really into them and disappointed when my uncultured cousins started hearing them on the radio with this album. They'd gone mainstream. But if it introduces everyone to the weirdness of them, that's good too right!?
It sure is! I hope at least a couple people dug past Roam and Love Shack. They’d have been rewarded with all the good stuff your brother dug so much.
'Love Shack' is an anthem of sorts in a way that 'Rock Lobster' & 'Party Out of Bounds' was. I've seen the B 52's once at Tarrytown Music Hall. Their live document is so much fun and camp in a quirky fashion. Yes, they're eccentrics. Fred, Keith, Cindy, and Kate are perfect cosmic dinner mates. There's nothing wrong with weirdness either. I grew up being attracted to bohemians, outlaws + cult poets. btw 'Love Shack' is an awesome karaoke song as well. The poptastic sounds have not aged. I implore other non-believers in this quartet to hurry up and bring your jukebox money to the coolest insider party gathering on this planet.
It feels purpose-built for karaoke!
Great Album, one of my favorite B-52 songs is Channel Z from this album.
It’s mine too!
This album came out my first year of grad school and it was everywhere. I can still picture my friends and I at the bars blowing off steam with “Love Shack” blasting out of the speakers.
These are the stories I love to hear! This record sounded really good played loud.
Looking at the Billboard Top 100 for 1989 is weird. I must have wandered off into a little grad school niche.
Weird's a great way to put it. There was definitely something for everyone!
Such a great album! Definitely one of my Desert Island Disks if anyone asked me. We got to see B 52s live at ZooTunes a few years ago, and it was glorious!
Nice! I'd loved to have seen them at some point. I can imagine it was a blast!
Wow, I haven't listened to that whole album in a long time. "Love Shack" is a great song, but "Roam," "Channel Z," "Deadbeat Club," and "Dry County" are also great tunes in their own right. I would have to say there is no bad tune on that album.
It is certainly a product of its time, the late 1980s.
Having friends over for dinner, a great bottle (or three) of burgundy wine, and playing "Pictionary" with this album playing. Guys against girls, we could not stand to lose. Yeah, we cheated...
I know a man - he's a motivational speaker - and he once told me that the key to a great life is making memories. He was "spot on."
That's a great memory.
Agreed about there being no bad tracks. I keep going back and wondering if there was one I forgot, or that time has sweetened all memories, but even now, they are all solid in their own ways.