If ya like most of the bands you have featured before. You should also check out the awesome Mashup songs that youtuber Bill McClintock makes. He finds away to blend two artists an their songs into a new sound an it's amazing. I suggest Checkin out these two songs first as they are the two that made me a fan. SLAYER× B-52s "Raining Lobsters". A mix of B-52's rock lobster and Slayers Raining Blood. The other song would be George Michael and Kiss mashup called "Never Without Your Love Gun"
Where do I post for recommendations? 1. Anything by _Sade_ (like "No Ordinary Love") 2. Most songs by _Lacuna Coil_ (Italian Metal with male/female duet vocals) or even Lacuna Coil _covering_ R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" 3. An 80s _David Bowie_ tune (like "China Girl" or maybe "Modern Love")? 4. Something by _Dead Can Dance_ which I would really love to hear you parse out with your knowledge 😊 Quickie "Circumradiant Dawn" on thw alblum Spleen & Ideal or song "Opium" would be fun! 5. Anything by Cocateau Twins! Like "Blue Bell Knoll" (alblum namrle or especially the song itself) I can be more specific upon request, my dear!
Reaction/Analysis/Deep Dive Request: As you are a HUGE fan of Queen AND Freddie Mercury, I'm sure that you're WELL aware of the fact that one of the key elements to their sound is the 3-part vocal harmonies of Freddie, Brian May (Lead guitarist) & Roger Taylor (Drummer) (Bass guitarist John Deacon DID NOT contribute vocals in the studio. When performing live, his microphone was almost ALWAYS set to either "LOW" or "OFF". While filming music videos, he would mime his "vocals"). As you have already expressed your opinions and feelings regarding Freddie, I'm surprised that you have YET to do deep dives into the other 2 voices that make their harmonies SO WELL KNOWN and remembered. Here are 2 Queen songs with Brian and Roger each singing lead vocals, respectively: "'39": ua-cam.com/video/kE8kGMfXaFU/v-deo.html (Brian May on lead vocals) "I'm in Love with My Car": ua-cam.com/video/a8EYUKmmnqc/v-deo.html (Roger Taylor on lead vocals) BONUS! As we've already established, with Freddie being Freddie, he was MORE THAN CAPABLE of recording ALL OF THE VOCALS for a song without help from the other members of the band & THIS song is the PERFECT example of that. Brian & Roger ONLY contributed guitar and drums, respectively. (WARNING: Contains false ending, let video play til the end!) "You Take My Breath Away": ua-cam.com/video/v_wLNqUz7pM/v-deo.html
They're proper mental, and I love it, whether one could call B-52 music, is questionable to say the least, but at least it makes me feel warm and fluffy inside. It is weird, it's nonsensical and it's bloody amazing.
Same bro, you just can’t deny the fun! My mom and I used to quote the lyrics of Quiche Lorraine at each other. any time one of us started a sentence with “has anybody seen” the other would inevitably yell back “A DOG DYED DARK GREEN???”
The first time i heard this song i was driving by myself from California to phoenix. It was the middle of the night and it was a dead zone for miles on the radio. as i was going around the bend of some mountain and this song comes on through the static as I’m going 90 through the desert. To me, this song will always be a little mystical.
Kate Pierson is a brilliant vocalist who has appeared on a variety of songs for different artists. I especially like her performance on REM's Shiny Happy People.
@@johnafirth “Shiny Happy Monsters” i.e. the muppet version features Stephanie D’Abruzzo as the female vocal and she does a terrific job doing Kate’s parts.
Can we all just take a minute and appreciate Ricky's lanky guitar that absolutely MAKES this song?!? Another vote for Cindy on "Give Me Back My Man" and Kate with Iggy Pop on "Candy"! A hidden gem would be "Song To A Future Generation."
his guitar tuning from a guitar perspective is absolutely wild. used only 2 strings at the top and two at the bottom with 2 removed in the middle. very unique.
Thank you Elizabeth for taking me back to the early's 80's and our HS dances. When this song came on, a majority of the kids would begin dancing however they wished and no one cared. When the tempo slows and he says "Down, Down", we all slowly went down to the floor, even on our backs with legs flailing. Jesus, what fun times.
If you ever watch Paul Simon in "One Trick Pony", there is this one scene where he is done with his performance (washed up artist in some third rate bar), and he walks past a door and he sees the B-52s playing. I knew and loved them before the movie, but the alienation Paul Simon portrayed at that moment... I felt it. What an utter culture shock that was, even to me, to some degree.
Is this for real?? I just watched the _That Time Yoko's Microphone Was Cut Off_ video, and was going to comment in it that that must be where B52s got their sound... as a JOKE!
What i love is that most people hear nothing but sillyness with the B52's but with Elizabeth going over the song you understand just how much talent the sillyness takes If i remember right they made the Narwhal noise threw a kazoo
Interesting music note: All Basslines are played by Kate on the Keyboards. It would sit on top of one of her combo organs, and she would use it to play basslines.
@@richardtodd6843 right, which is why watching Planet Claire live is AMAZING as she plays the keyboard part, doubles it on falsetto vocals and then plays the bassline underneath it, too. She doesn't get enough respect for her musicianship.
You have no idea how much fun it was to be a student at the University of Georgia in the early ‘80’s - seeing the likes of B-52’s and R.E.M. before they hit was a experience to behold - Athens was the birthplace of what was then called College Indie and is now referred to as Alternative music.
This song definitely changed the mood of every party and school dance back in the late '70s. People would excitedly run to the dance floor, jump around, sing with huge smiles and all these years later, it's still one of the greatest songs of all time. Also, John Lennon actually name checked this song as one of his then favorites. High praise indeed.
I’ve followed the B-52’s for many years. The ladies solo with one of my favorite songs, Roam. Their harmonies are fantastic. There’s a commercial using a somewhat altered version that is getting a lot of play. Thank you for doing a fantastic job week in and week out sharing your obvious passion of music. ❤
An all time favourite for me. The girls from B-52's rarely get the recognition they deserve for their vocal skills, and I admire their unwillingness to swamp themselves with reverb and try to make 'pretty' noises - especially at this phase of their careers. This, Planet Claire and Give me Back my Man are the sounds of my adolescent years. Looking forward to watching you pick this one apart!
Cindy Wilson is my favorite female rock singer. The energy and the whole spirit of rock and roll. She’s got it ! Try “Give me back my Man” by B52s Cindy sings lead, it’s Cindy’s song.
Coming out of the (I hate) disco era, these guys were such a breath of fresh air. I'm not going to list a bunch of punk and new wave bands, but it was a period of great creativity.
If y'all don't start bopping along to this song in some kind of way- are you even human?!! Love how you are still so informative, whilst having so much fun!
@@flavoredwallpaperThis predates Love Shack by eleven years. It hit the college-radio airwaves a year before My Sharona was lighting up pop-music stations.
Part of the magic of that performance was the absolute look of seriousness as the performed this completely ridiculous song. And the beehive hairdos...
I hope we get a bunch of early wild B-52's analysis. Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson, and Kate Pierson are three very different and amazing singers in their own way. The band has a bunch of interesting songs. Planet Claire, Hero Worship, Private Idaho, etc.
I saw them in London UK about 10yrs ago & they were still rocking that lobster like it was 1st time around. Absolutely knock out gig! Just can't stop bouncing , dancing & singing along whenever you hear this track. A masterpiece!
Ricky Wilson's guitar on this song is strung missing the two middle strings, with the bottom strings tuned C and F, and the two top strings both F. Any bass parts you hear are from Kate's organ. If you see live early versions of this, they perform it note for note.
The B-52's are just the best. Entertaining concerts and well-crafted and executed songs. An instantly recognizable sound that has been maintained througout their body of work over the years. Just a seriously underrated band...
I couldn’t agree more. I’d been coasting along contentedly in my mid teens, listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Co. and the like when I first heard it. I immediately perked up and was like, “wh…what’s THIS?!”
I think it would be radically different whenever it came out. They don't seem to fit in any era. (it's obviously a killer whale. What is a bikini whale?)
How many years it took to me to realized that Kate was doubling the synth on Planet Claire intro !!!! We didn't have you tube at that time , she follow it all along. Need a good sound system or headphones to really appreciate it. You have to listen to it if you didn't know.
In the down down part, when we were dancing, it wasn't limbo exactly but everybody knew to just start dancing lower and lower and closer to the ground and in the end, some version of The Twist by the time you're in a squat.
when I was a little kid, I had two favorite songs. Rock Lobster and Our House. Whenever these would come on the radio my mom would sing along and I would try to sing along with her. Happy memories...
This takes me back to High School dances ('86-'88) and when this song came on EVERYBODY rushed to the dance floor. Soooo much fun, especially the down, down slowdown part! The popular songs were this song, Underworld's - "Underneath the Radar", and of course Zep's - "Stairway to Heaven" (which every guy tried to get the hot girl since it was a long slow song). 😉😁
OMG Yes! Can't wait for the premiere! I've been hoping to see you do the B-52's, they have some of the most unique and underrated voices in rock. Give Me Back My Man is another absolute gem if you plan to explore them more. ❤
Super fun! I've always loved how playful they were on this track especially. I remember John Lennon loving it because he saw it as a new example of how Yoko had been approaching her vocalizations.
The girls were inspired by Yoko Ono at the beginning. Yoko joined them in concert later-on. Their song, Planet Claire (played on a rooftop) is also impressive.
The B-52's are my favourite band ever. It was wonderful to hear you analyse this classic. Please review more of their stuff. Cindy and Kate's harmonies are to die for, although Kate's solo effort in 'Revolution Earth' just leaves me breathless!
This song is straight out of my teen years!!! My friends and I would jump up and down, shaking our heads and singing at the top of our lungs to this!!! Whooooo!!! What fun!!! Now I'm 60 and definitely not dancing this way!!! Hahahaha!!!! Such a blast from the past!!!
I feel you. But I’m still bopping to the beat. I have a Christmas party coming up and I have to have the DJ play this one so I can dance to it like I was a teenager again.
Oh the B-52s a had such quirky, unique music that I think people can dismiss how amazing their voices are. The music is simple but really technically proficient. Just love love love them.
I think you misunderstood the bikini whale scream. They are referring to a large person in a bikini and shouting a warning so that the other beach goers scream and run. The scream does not come from the bikini whale. The scream is coming from everyone on the beach. As though it's like spotting a shark, but it's just a fat person in a bikini. That's why it's funny.
"Rock Lobster" + "52 Girls" are my favourites on that record. And back in 1979 as the album came out it was "extraordinary different music" as like as a totally new dimesion suddenly had opened up.
This just may be my favorite reaction of yours. My very first concert was the B-52s. I danced the entire concert with the enthusiasm of an overly caffeinated toddler on a sugar high. It is pretty much impossible to sit still during any of their songs - I admire your self-control!
A couple of things: 1. The line “Put on your noseguard” doesn’t refer to nose plugs but instead refers to zinc oxide sunscreen which was commonly applied to the nose by lifeguards to prevent sunburn. 2. The bikini whale references a significantly overweight person who wears bikinis to the beach/pool. The scream after that reference isn’t the sound a bikini whale makes but is rather the scream of horror one makes when seeing a bikini whale.
The B-52's were and are a truly special act. Weird or quirky is an understatement. They would use party favor kazoos, childrens toy pianos, and of course Ricky Wilsons guitar is almost impossible to reproduce due to truly bizarre tuning, and the fact he only used four strings, literally, he only had four strings on his guitars. Kate and Cindy are terrific. Planet Claire and 52 Girls are great, my favoirte vocals was probably on Dead Beats Club, which wasn't a hit single, but thirty years later still mesmerizes me.
BTW: that is not a synth used there, but 60s transistor organ made by Italian company Farfisa, that was on almost every second 60s record around 1965-68. Also no bassguitar on this, but guitar is detuned to low Db and he only used it with 4 strings with wierd setup.
Elizabeth went comedy music on this one. Fred Schneider was mostly inspired for this song by the 2001 Club in Atlanta, where instead of having a light show, the club projected a slide show with pictures of puppies, babies, and lobsters on a grill. He thought, "Rock this, rock that... rock lobster!" The band jammed on the title and "Rock Lobster" was created.
@@paulrobinson4799 The 2001 Club was a chain of franchised disco nightclubs begun in the Pittsburgh area in 1974 that eventually grew to one of the most successful disco franchises in the country. (Wikipedia)
Private Idaho is my personal favorite. This song has the best riff ever though, and the sheer fun is infectious! They have so many great songs, there aren't any bad choice to do a vocal analysis on. Enjoying the dissection in process!
I remember seeing their first live NYC gig at CBGB in early June 1978 when they performed their then brand new hit tune "Rock Lobster" - we danced like crazy people and had the best time! 🦞
Great reaction Elizabeth!! That was the epitome of FUN! I've always loved this song - it's such a weird, quirky & let's face it, ridiculous piece - but harmless fun!! As a lover of all things bass (the instrument not the fish), this also appeals to my senses immensely - that surf groove the whole way through has me going til the end! Thanks for analyzing this track - looked as though you were having loads of fun as well! Cheers.
The B-52’s are one of the best and most inventive and interesting bands Ever! Also, thank this song for making John Lennon want to make music again(he’s quoted as saying the B-52’s were his favorite band). The B-52’s are just the most fun wonderful musical experience, it’s a better world because they were in it!
Simple, fun, and funky. I love this song. I love this group. This is hip comfort music you go back to and cut loose on. Thanks for taking on these hilarious sea creatures Elizabeth!
Great choice Elizabeth. If you want to get more of the ladies vocals (both very talented singers), check out B 52's "Love Shack", it's a great, cheerful, good time pop-song that will stick in your ear for days.
There are some great early videos of them performing live. I really like the girls' harmonies in many of their songs. Kate did some side projects including Shiny Happy People with REM. That would be a cool one to check out.
I love this song forever and ever. There is no wrong time to listen to it. And THAT key change. That is some of the funkiest stuff ever created after that.
Blast from the past! So glad you did this. Just way too much fun and all of these years later, still makes me laugh!! If you haven't listened to their song "Love Shack" - do! It's even sillier. And yes - total snark. Always reminded me of a comedy attack on 50's music.
While I certainly agree that's a good song for listening to the ladies, I'd promote "Topaz" instead. The girls are still the center of the song, but Fred gets a role too. It also leads well into "Follow Your Bliss," which should probably be included in the same session.
Im so happy that you broke this song down. I was introduced to this song by my mother when I was very little. I've been in love with their music ever since. Even played this for my daughter, and she loved it.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on "Candy" by Iggy Pop featuring Kate Pierson from the B-52's. It was years before I realized that it was Kate as the second vocalist.
Yes! A largely forgotten gem that I think Elizabeth would really enjoy. From roughly the same time, Kate's backing vocals on R.E.M's "Me In Honey" are oustanding.
Absolutely!! I am so enamored at how Iggy and Kate's voices combine... she has such a classic sound and look in the video while Iggy is just as cool.as he always has been...
Their contrasting voices were amazing. First hear you knew is was one of the B52's. The live version floating around from a TV show was awesome to watch, as they bounced off each other. Kate was fierce in holding her ground against Iggy's onslaught towards the end.
If you're looking for suggestions for the future, I would strongly recommend Tom Waits. His gruff vocals and unorthodox sense of composition make him unable to really be pinpointed under a genre. I strongly suggest his live performance of "Telephone Call from Istanbul."
Back in the 79 I wss going to Art College in Cleveland and was selected to be a xtra in the Paul Simon movie "One Trick Pony". The scene was with the B- 52s playing Rock Lobster at the Cleveland Agora. It took 8 takes and was it was really fun.
Elizabeth you had me at B-52's! I am a metal head first and foremost. I have hot liquid metal running through my veins, but I listen and like all kinds of music. The B-52's are great. Fred Schneider had a hilarious radio/music show about 15 years ago. Listening to the B-52's takes me back to hanging out with friends in the back yard. swimming, and having a good time. Thank you for another fun and great analysis. Thank you for your effort most of all. 🤘😎🤘
Use code CHARISMATIC50 to get 50% off your first Factor box at bit.ly/3qkTWIH!
I think you just solved my nasal singing issue, thank you for talking about that one
(back of my tongue wants to stay high)
Diana - Hans Zimmer - Dune reaction when? 😘
If ya like most of the bands you have featured before. You should also check out the awesome Mashup songs that youtuber Bill McClintock makes. He finds away to blend two artists an their songs into a new sound an it's amazing. I suggest Checkin out these two songs first as they are the two that made me a fan. SLAYER× B-52s "Raining Lobsters". A mix of B-52's rock lobster and Slayers Raining Blood. The other song would be George Michael and Kiss mashup called "Never Without Your Love Gun"
Where do I post for recommendations?
1. Anything by _Sade_ (like "No Ordinary Love")
2. Most songs by _Lacuna Coil_ (Italian Metal with male/female duet vocals) or even Lacuna Coil _covering_ R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion"
3. An 80s _David Bowie_ tune (like "China Girl" or maybe "Modern Love")?
4. Something by _Dead Can Dance_ which I would really love to hear you parse out with your knowledge 😊 Quickie "Circumradiant Dawn" on thw alblum Spleen & Ideal or song "Opium" would be fun!
5. Anything by Cocateau Twins! Like "Blue Bell Knoll" (alblum namrle or especially the song itself)
I can be more specific upon request, my dear!
Reaction/Analysis/Deep Dive Request:
As you are a HUGE fan of Queen AND Freddie Mercury, I'm sure that you're WELL aware of the fact that one of the key elements to their sound is the 3-part vocal harmonies of Freddie, Brian May (Lead guitarist) & Roger Taylor (Drummer) (Bass guitarist John Deacon DID NOT contribute vocals in the studio. When performing live, his microphone was almost ALWAYS set to either "LOW" or "OFF". While filming music videos, he would mime his "vocals"). As you have already expressed your opinions and feelings regarding Freddie, I'm surprised that you have YET to do deep dives into the other 2 voices that make their harmonies SO WELL KNOWN and remembered.
Here are 2 Queen songs with Brian and Roger each singing lead vocals, respectively:
"'39": ua-cam.com/video/kE8kGMfXaFU/v-deo.html (Brian May on lead vocals)
"I'm in Love with My Car": ua-cam.com/video/a8EYUKmmnqc/v-deo.html (Roger Taylor on lead vocals)
BONUS! As we've already established, with Freddie being Freddie, he was MORE THAN CAPABLE of recording ALL OF THE VOCALS for a song without help from the other members of the band & THIS song is the PERFECT example of that. Brian & Roger ONLY contributed guitar and drums, respectively. (WARNING: Contains false ending, let video play til the end!)
"You Take My Breath Away": ua-cam.com/video/v_wLNqUz7pM/v-deo.html
This makes me so happy! I am a lifelong, diehard metalhead, but the B-52’s have always held a special place in my heart. ❤
They are fun, honestly fun, and it's infectious.
Same!! Rock on! I thought I was the only one
I'm glad I'm not the only one 🤘🏼 The B-52's have some of the best two steps ever😂
They're proper mental, and I love it, whether one could call B-52 music, is questionable to say the least, but at least it makes me feel warm and fluffy inside.
It is weird, it's nonsensical and it's bloody amazing.
Same bro, you just can’t deny the fun! My mom and I used to quote the lyrics of Quiche Lorraine at each other. any time one of us started a sentence with “has anybody seen” the other would inevitably yell back “A DOG DYED DARK GREEN???”
The first time i heard this song i was driving by myself from California to phoenix. It was the middle of the night and it was a dead zone for miles on the radio. as i was going around the bend of some mountain and this song comes on through the static as I’m going 90 through the desert. To me, this song will always be a little mystical.
You describe an opening scene from a yet-to-be-made Coen Brothers Film.
I honestly believe the girls vocal melodies are some of the best ever, private Idaho is a personal favorite RIP Ricky Wilson.
Agreed!
that song is a perfectly crafted flawless alt pop gem. every note exactly right. utterly brilliant.
@@MobiusBandwidthliteral perfection
Kate Pierson is a brilliant vocalist who has appeared on a variety of songs for different artists. I especially like her performance on REM's Shiny Happy People.
Her performance on Iggy Pops Candy is pretty great too!
Annoys me to this day that REM themselves shunned the song. Especially after doing a great version with the Muppets.
@adrianmcgrath1984 yeah, Candy is such an amazing vocal performance from both Kate and Iggy. I would love to see Elizabeth do a dive into that song.
‘Me in Honey’ is in my top 10 REM songs
@@johnafirth “Shiny Happy Monsters” i.e. the muppet version features Stephanie D’Abruzzo as the female vocal and she does a terrific job doing Kate’s parts.
Definitely need to have Elizabeth tackle _Roam_ as her next B-52’s song. It’s so lush.
Agreed! Probably my favorite song of theirs
Or planet Claire
Roam is my favourite, but Rock Lobster and Love Shack are the must play's at a party.
Love that one. And...Give Me Back My Man.
Honorable mention for her collab with REM on Shiny Happy People.
Can we all just take a minute and appreciate Ricky's lanky guitar that absolutely MAKES this song?!? Another vote for Cindy on "Give Me Back My Man" and Kate with Iggy Pop on "Candy"! A hidden gem would be "Song To A Future Generation."
❤ song for a future generation
Cindy's vocal performance on Hero Worship blows me away. It's absolutely fearless.
Great point about the guitar! It recalls a sound similar to The Trashmen in Surfin' Bird.
I think Ricky is one of the most original guitarists i have heard
his guitar tuning from a guitar perspective is absolutely wild. used only 2 strings at the top and two at the bottom with 2 removed in the middle. very unique.
Thank you Elizabeth for taking me back to the early's 80's and our HS dances. When this song came on, a majority of the kids would begin dancing however they wished and no one cared. When the tempo slows and he says "Down, Down", we all slowly went down to the floor, even on our backs with legs flailing. Jesus, what fun times.
Omg yes, such a fun trip back in time 👏👏😅
We were a little more aggressive and did the worm.
@@RJ-qo6qj We did the bacon
@@wolfganghirth Ha!
Did you go to MY high school??!!!😮😮😮😮
The pairing of Kate and Cindy is bottled lightning - sheer magic
💯.
I would say a bottled supernova, but yeah. Their harmonies were amazing.
The B-52's truly have a voice like no other. They are such a fun weird band that really just did their own things without a care in the world. ❤
Absolutely!…the musicianship and the commitment here is top notch…most people kinda wrote them off as novel, I couldn’t disagree more…
I love the B-52's Love Shack is so much fun 😊 And I'm primariIy a metaI head. 😅
it was kate and her brother
I've always described then to people as a quiche band.
If you ever watch Paul Simon in "One Trick Pony", there is this one scene where he is done with his performance (washed up artist in some third rate bar), and he walks past a door and he sees the B-52s playing. I knew and loved them before the movie, but the alienation Paul Simon portrayed at that moment... I felt it. What an utter culture shock that was, even to me, to some degree.
Kate and Cindy. Some of the best harmonies of all time.
The yodeling dolphin was their homage to Yoko Ono’s avant garde vocalizing-not an easy thing to imitate, but I love that you attempted it. 💜💜
Difference being that the B52s made it musical, interesting, and sound good.
@@joelspaulding5964Well, if you want to get all factual on me…😂😂😂
Is this for real?? I just watched the _That Time Yoko's Microphone Was Cut Off_ video, and was going to comment in it that that must be where B52s got their sound... as a JOKE!
"yodeling dolphin" ! that's it exactly......only Yoko had NO musical ability........
The Beatles broke up the Beatles. #Facts
The organ melody always gives me the Munster's vibe.
I thought that same thing!
I thought I was the only human on the planet that made that connection. Nice.
Yes! That and sort of 60s surf rock!
The music video for Love shack would be so worth watching, the style, the appearance and everything
Love Shack is a killer song!
What i love is that most people hear nothing but sillyness with the B52's but with Elizabeth going over the song you understand just how much talent the sillyness takes
If i remember right they made the Narwhal noise threw a kazoo
I think of a song like "Topaz" and I know they aren't merely silly. Yes, they're often silly, but that isn't all they've got.
People doesn't realize that being silly doesn't mean mediocre or bad music.
@@reliantncc1864 god Topaz!!!! yessssssss its so deep
Interesting music note: All Basslines are played by Kate on the Keyboards. It would sit on top of one of her combo organs, and she would use it to play basslines.
Correct. Then they hired Sara Lee for Cosmic Thing.
She also occasionally played guitar in their early years. She was like half a band all by herself.
@@richardtodd6843 right, which is why watching Planet Claire live is AMAZING as she plays the keyboard part, doubles it on falsetto vocals and then plays the bassline underneath it, too. She doesn't get enough respect for her musicianship.
whilst dancing! @@eboethrasher
I remember this at school dances. The "down! down!!" and everyone got on the floor. So fun.
You have no idea how fun this was to dance to at all the parties during my college years.
High school dances for me. This one got everyone on the floor!
You have no idea how much fun it was to be a student at the University of Georgia in the early ‘80’s - seeing the likes of B-52’s and R.E.M. before they hit was a experience to behold - Athens was the birthplace of what was then called College Indie and is now referred to as Alternative music.
In fact, I do!
Now we're talking! Would love to see you take on more stuff from the new wave / post-punk era. "Spellbound" by Siouxsie and the Banshees, perhaps?
YESSS
This song definitely changed the mood of every party and school dance back in the late '70s. People would excitedly run to the dance floor, jump around, sing with huge smiles and all these years later, it's still one of the greatest songs of all time.
Also, John Lennon actually name checked this song as one of his then favorites. High praise indeed.
The clubs I went to from about '79 on, it always seemed to be paired with "The Time Warp" from Rocky Horror.
I’ve followed the B-52’s for many years. The ladies solo with one of my favorite songs, Roam. Their harmonies are fantastic. There’s a commercial using a somewhat altered version that is getting a lot of play. Thank you for doing a fantastic job week in and week out sharing your obvious passion of music. ❤
An all time favourite for me. The girls from B-52's rarely get the recognition they deserve for their vocal skills, and I admire their unwillingness to swamp themselves with reverb and try to make 'pretty' noises - especially at this phase of their careers.
This, Planet Claire and Give me Back my Man are the sounds of my adolescent years.
Looking forward to watching you pick this one apart!
"Dirty Back Road" and "Dance This Mess Around" are my personal B-52 favs.
Agree. Dance This Mess Around has always been my favorite.
Dirty Back Road is my favorite "not a huge hit" of theirs!!
@@geonerd It's the perfect summertime road trip song.
Cindy Wilson is my favorite female rock singer. The energy and the whole spirit of rock and roll. She’s got it ! Try “Give me back my Man” by B52s Cindy sings lead, it’s Cindy’s song.
Preach!
@jayjayadamo7718 team Cindy !
@jayjayadamo7718 Team Cindy. For decades now. Love her talent and passion. She’s one of a kind.
Why won't you dance with me ? I ain't no limburger! A ridiculous line that Cindy elevates to heartbreak@jayjayadamo7718
Such mournful, heartfelt vocals on that one!
GREAT song and ditto per female singer!
Cindy and Kate are ridiculously amazing.
Reaction suggestion:
"Holding Back the Years" - Simply Red. You'll fall in love with his voice.
Coming out of the (I hate) disco era, these guys were such a breath of fresh air. I'm not going to list a bunch of punk and new wave bands, but it was a period of great creativity.
With garbage like "The Hustle" and cash-grabs like Star Wars disco, nobody wonders why.
Yes, lots of The Clash, The Only Ones, Iggy, all the way to Billy Bragg and The Undertones 🎶 Great memories
If y'all don't start bopping along to this song in some kind of way- are you even human?!! Love how you are still so informative, whilst having so much fun!
One of the biggest party hits ever. No other song filled a dance floor as fast.
Yeah? I didn't hear this song as much growing up. It was always Love Shack.
@@flavoredwallpaperThis predates Love Shack by eleven years. It hit the college-radio airwaves a year before My Sharona was lighting up pop-music stations.
I was introduced to this watching them do it live on Saturday Night Live. It was like a performance piece. My mind was blown.
Part of the magic of that performance was the absolute look of seriousness as the performed this completely ridiculous song. And the beehive hairdos...
Gaining a new appreciation for just how tricky and yet perfectly executed all those crazy sounds really are...
As someone who both listened to and played _Rock Lobster_ back in the 80's and 90's, I can't tell you how many grins this video brought to my face! 😁
The dichotomy between the analysis and the enjoyment put a smile on my face. Thank you
I see many others have suggested this, but "Give Me Back My Man" would be an excellent follow up. Cindy Wilson is just fantastic on it.
I hope we get a bunch of early wild B-52's analysis. Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson, and Kate Pierson are three very different and amazing singers in their own way. The band has a bunch of interesting songs. Planet Claire, Hero Worship, Private Idaho, etc.
Agree totally.. lets just hope if she ever breaks down a song from devo she doesn't pick whip it!!!
I saw them in London UK about 10yrs ago & they were still rocking that lobster like it was 1st time around.
Absolutely knock out gig!
Just can't stop bouncing , dancing & singing along whenever you hear this track. A masterpiece!
Ricky Wilson's guitar on this song is strung missing the two middle strings, with the bottom strings tuned C and F, and the two top strings both F. Any bass parts you hear are from Kate's organ. If you see live early versions of this, they perform it note for note.
The B-52's are just the best. Entertaining concerts and well-crafted and executed songs. An instantly recognizable sound that has been maintained througout their body of work over the years. Just a seriously underrated band...
I saw the B52's back in the 80's at the Jones beach theater on Long Island N.Y. and they sounded phenomenal.
It's hard to describe how radically different this song was when it came out
I couldn’t agree more. I’d been coasting along contentedly in my mid teens, listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Co. and the like when I first heard it. I immediately perked up and was like, “wh…what’s THIS?!”
Zany
I think it would be radically different whenever it came out. They don't seem to fit in any era. (it's obviously a killer whale. What is a bikini whale?)
There was another version?😂😂
@@orcafinn there is speculation that bikini whale refers to a large woman in a bikini. bikini whale is the lyric
How many years it took to me to realized that Kate was doubling the synth on Planet Claire intro !!!! We didn't have you tube at that time , she follow it all along. Need a good sound system or headphones to really appreciate it. You have to listen to it if you didn't know.
Kate Pierson has been my ginger crush for thirty years... I just love the B-52s...
I like the way you musically analyze songs. This one especially. This song has buttered my popcorn, put joy in my life for almost 50 years.
In the down down part, when we were dancing, it wasn't limbo exactly but everybody knew to just start dancing lower and lower and closer to the ground and in the end, some version of The Twist by the time you're in a squat.
We all did the worm after “down, down”.
Amazing! I was so happy to see that you did this song. IMHO this was the most fun song of that decade.
when I was a little kid, I had two favorite songs. Rock Lobster and Our House. Whenever these would come on the radio my mom would sing along and I would try to sing along with her. Happy memories...
This takes me back to High School dances ('86-'88) and when this song came on EVERYBODY rushed to the dance floor. Soooo much fun, especially the down, down slowdown part! The popular songs were this song, Underworld's - "Underneath the Radar", and of course Zep's - "Stairway to Heaven" (which every guy tried to get the hot girl since it was a long slow song). 😉😁
OMG Yes! Can't wait for the premiere! I've been hoping to see you do the B-52's, they have some of the most unique and underrated voices in rock. Give Me Back My Man is another absolute gem if you plan to explore them more. ❤
Super fun! I've always loved how playful they were on this track especially. I remember John Lennon loving it because he saw it as a new example of how Yoko had been approaching her vocalizations.
The B-52s are such a super fun and original band. Lots of beautiful vocal work to pick through in their catalogue for sure.
My kids love this song since i introduced it. And my daughter loves the sea animals mentioned at the end. It's a great song.
This has got to be, without a doubt, the best reaction and analysis I've ever seen. I can die now having lived a complete life!!
The girls were inspired by Yoko Ono at the beginning. Yoko joined them in concert later-on. Their song, Planet Claire (played on a rooftop) is also impressive.
The B-52's are my favourite band ever. It was wonderful to hear you analyse this classic. Please review more of their stuff. Cindy and Kate's harmonies are to die for, although Kate's solo effort in 'Revolution Earth' just leaves me breathless!
The B 52's were always so fun to see live in concert !!
This song is straight out of my teen years!!! My friends and I would jump up and down, shaking our heads and singing at the top of our lungs to this!!!
Whooooo!!! What fun!!! Now I'm 60 and definitely not dancing this way!!! Hahahaha!!!! Such a blast from the past!!!
I feel you. But I’m still bopping to the beat. I have a Christmas party coming up and I have to have the DJ play this one so I can dance to it like I was a teenager again.
Love your vocalizations. The whole point of this song, and most music in general, is just to have fun.
Oh the B-52s a had such quirky, unique music that I think people can dismiss how amazing their voices are. The music is simple but really technically proficient. Just love love love them.
I think you misunderstood the bikini whale scream. They are referring to a large person in a bikini and shouting a warning so that the other beach goers scream and run. The scream does not come from the bikini whale. The scream is coming from everyone on the beach. As though it's like spotting a shark, but it's just a fat person in a bikini. That's why it's funny.
"Rock Lobster" + "52 Girls" are my favourites on that record.
And back in 1979 as the album came out it was "extraordinary different music" as like as a totally new dimesion suddenly had opened up.
Love 52 girls!
The B-52s were so fun. Love Shack is a rocking good time.
Another crazy fun song from this era is The Bangles’ Walk Like an Egyptian.
This just may be my favorite reaction of yours. My very first concert was the B-52s. I danced the entire concert with the enthusiasm of an overly caffeinated toddler on a sugar high. It is pretty much impossible to sit still during any of their songs - I admire your self-control!
That was so much fun 🤣😂🙃😂🤣
I ♥ The B-52's, and it was such a thrill to have them on this channel, great choice Elizabeth 😊
That entire album is classic I still listen to it time to time.
It’s such a classic album cover.
I’ve always felt it’s one of those rare perfect 10/10 records. Every single song is great!
I about broke my face smiling listening to this reaction😂😂 you're the best Elizabeth!!
A couple of things:
1. The line “Put on your noseguard” doesn’t refer to nose plugs but instead refers to zinc oxide sunscreen which was commonly applied to the nose by lifeguards to prevent sunburn.
2. The bikini whale references a significantly overweight person who wears bikinis to the beach/pool. The scream after that reference isn’t the sound a bikini whale makes but is rather the scream of horror one makes when seeing a bikini whale.
I always thought 2. was the scream as one runs away from such.
Well that ruins that part for me.
The B-52's were and are a truly special act. Weird or quirky is an understatement. They would use party favor kazoos, childrens toy pianos, and of course Ricky Wilsons guitar is almost impossible to reproduce due to truly bizarre tuning, and the fact he only used four strings, literally, he only had four strings on his guitars. Kate and Cindy are terrific. Planet Claire and 52 Girls are great, my favoirte vocals was probably on Dead Beats Club, which wasn't a hit single, but thirty years later still mesmerizes me.
I was so hoping that this would be the official video, which is actually a great live version.
Right, i wonder if seeing them making some of those sounds would have changed her approach but they were nailed by just hearing them
BTW: that is not a synth used there, but 60s transistor organ made by Italian company Farfisa, that was on almost every second 60s record around 1965-68. Also no bassguitar on this, but guitar is detuned to low Db and he only used it with 4 strings with wierd setup.
Elizabeth went comedy music on this one. Fred Schneider was mostly inspired for this song by the 2001 Club in Atlanta, where instead of having a light show, the club projected a slide show with pictures of puppies, babies, and lobsters on a grill. He thought, "Rock this, rock that... rock lobster!" The band jammed on the title and "Rock Lobster" was created.
Rock lobster was released in 1978
@@paulrobinson4799 The 2001 Club was a chain of franchised disco nightclubs begun in the Pittsburgh area in 1974 that eventually grew to one of the most successful disco franchises in the country. (Wikipedia)
@@paulrobinson4799 Yes, I know in got released in 1978. The club name that Fred got inspiration for the song was called the 2001 Club.
@TheCharismaticVoice I have always enjoyed Fred enunciating "LOB-sta" (perhaps accessing his New Jersey roots) while Kate and Cindy sing "LOB-stir"
My older sister introduced me to them back in around 79’. It was so new and strange but we loved it!! ❤️❤️
Your best vocal analysis to date! And you had fun doing it as well! 😊
Oh, Professor, I've loved the B-52's for decades! A, really, great, innovative band who are their own thing. I, really, can't wait for this one!
Kate & Cindy are so perfect together. Truly unique. My favorite part of the band. Please do "Private Idaho" next!
Private Idaho is my personal favorite. This song has the best riff ever though, and the sheer fun is infectious!
They have so many great songs, there aren't any bad choice to do a vocal analysis on. Enjoying the dissection in process!
What a fantastic choice, Lizzie! I've always loved this fun, kitschy song. It's so creative & catchy! 🪨🦞
I remember seeing their first live NYC gig at CBGB in early June 1978 when they performed their then brand new hit tune "Rock Lobster" - we danced like crazy people and had the best time! 🦞
Great reaction Elizabeth!! That was the epitome of FUN! I've always loved this song - it's such a weird, quirky & let's face it, ridiculous piece - but harmless fun!! As a lover of all things bass (the instrument not the fish), this also appeals to my senses immensely - that surf groove the whole way through has me going til the end!
Thanks for analyzing this track - looked as though you were having loads of fun as well!
Cheers.
It's hard to believe this song is 40+ years old. Man I feel old
+1 In just 6 yrs it will be a half-century old. LOL
But this song means you can never actually BE old.
The B-52’s are one of the best and most inventive and interesting bands Ever!
Also, thank this song for making John Lennon want to make music again(he’s quoted as saying the B-52’s were his favorite band).
The B-52’s are just the most fun wonderful musical experience, it’s a better world because they were in it!
Simple, fun, and funky. I love this song. I love this group. This is hip comfort music you go back to and cut loose on. Thanks for taking on these hilarious sea creatures Elizabeth!
Great choice Elizabeth. If you want to get more of the ladies vocals (both very talented singers), check out B 52's "Love Shack", it's a great, cheerful, good time pop-song that will stick in your ear for days.
Great band The B-52's. I love their music, this song is crazy and I love it!!!...
There are some great early videos of them performing live. I really like the girls' harmonies in many of their songs. Kate did some side projects including Shiny Happy People with REM. That would be a cool one to check out.
I love this song forever and ever. There is no wrong time to listen to it. And THAT key change. That is some of the funkiest stuff ever created after that.
Cindy Wilson & Kate Pierson's fish noises on Rock Lobster are an homage to Yoko Ono.
Blast from the past! So glad you did this. Just way too much fun and all of these years later, still makes me laugh!! If you haven't listened to their song "Love Shack" - do! It's even sillier. And yes - total snark. Always reminded me of a comedy attack on 50's music.
Suggest "Roam" for your next B-52s track... strict focus on the ladies and their stunning vocal talents
While I certainly agree that's a good song for listening to the ladies, I'd promote "Topaz" instead. The girls are still the center of the song, but Fred gets a role too. It also leads well into "Follow Your Bliss," which should probably be included in the same session.
Thank you for laying so much emphasis on the "animal sounds" ❤
Some music is just for fun, and this is a fantastic example of such. Thanks!
Im so happy that you broke this song down.
I was introduced to this song by my mother when I was very little.
I've been in love with their music ever since.
Even played this for my daughter, and she loved it.
If you want Elizabeth and Kirk to do a cover of this song give me a thumbs up
The B-52s are one of those bands that can always make you smile whatever your mood.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on "Candy" by Iggy Pop featuring Kate Pierson from the B-52's. It was years before I realized that it was Kate as the second vocalist.
Yes! A largely forgotten gem that I think Elizabeth would really enjoy. From roughly the same time, Kate's backing vocals on R.E.M's "Me In Honey" are oustanding.
@fusiliers And also Kate backing R.E.M's "Shiny Happy People"... Maybe I just love Kate's voice and exuberance?
Candy is one of my favourite songs! Kate's singing on that song was some of her best work! REM's, Shiny happy people is a close second!
Absolutely!! I am so enamored at how Iggy and Kate's voices combine... she has such a classic sound and look in the video while Iggy is just as cool.as he always has been...
Their contrasting voices were amazing. First hear you knew is was one of the B52's. The live version floating around from a TV show was awesome to watch, as they bounced off each other. Kate was fierce in holding her ground against Iggy's onslaught towards the end.
I'm going to be honest, I was like why is she doing this song? So glad I watched this whole thing. You cracked me up Elizabeth. Loved this!
If you're looking for suggestions for the future, I would strongly recommend Tom Waits. His gruff vocals and unorthodox sense of composition make him unable to really be pinpointed under a genre. I strongly suggest his live performance of "Telephone Call from Istanbul."
Great call!!!
Back in the 79 I wss going to Art College in Cleveland and was selected to be a xtra in the Paul Simon movie "One Trick Pony".
The scene was with the B- 52s playing Rock Lobster at the Cleveland Agora.
It took 8 takes and was it was really fun.
"Guess what, I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell". - Christopher Walken SNL.
This reaction was so much fun to watch! I started following your channel for the metal reactions, but i'm so happy for gems like these!
Elizabeth you had me at B-52's! I am a metal head first and foremost. I have hot liquid metal running through my veins, but I listen and like all kinds of music. The B-52's are great. Fred Schneider had a hilarious radio/music show about 15 years ago. Listening to the B-52's takes me back to hanging out with friends in the back yard. swimming, and having a good time. Thank you for another fun and great analysis. Thank you for your effort most of all. 🤘😎🤘