The first time I saw the B-52’s was on Saturday Night Live in 1979, it was so bizarre and hilarious I thought it was a comedy skit. It didn’t help that my friends and I had smoked weed.
This video is in the very, very early days of the B-52's. Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson were the female singers, Kate (R), Cindy (L), and Fred Schneider on the Lead Vocals. In the late 70's and through the 80's you couldn't walk down a street and NOT hear a B-52's song coming out of someone's window. They were everywhere, and they filled up the dance floor too. A couple of other big hits for them were "Roam" and "Love Shack". Do the official videos for both, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.
Coming out in between the punk movement and new wave, The B-52’s based some of their best songs on quirky sounds from its various lead vocalists, throwback styles, and in-jokes that only they would understand on ‘Rock Lobster’. After speaking to Rolling Stone shortly before his death, Lennon explained how much the song reminded him of his old avant-garde experiments: “I was at a dance club one night in Bermuda. Upstairs, they were playing disco, and downstairs I suddenly heard ‘Rock Lobster’ by The B-52’s for the first time. It sounds just like Yoko’s music. I said to myself, ‘It’s time to get out the old axe and wake the wife up.”
This is one of the greatest "WTF?" songs ever. Love it. I e never seen a live version. It was good but the studio sounds a lot better. You can hear everything better especially the vocals. Great review by the way. You always have a great perspective on the more unique stuff you post.
I wish I had a smile as big as yours to fully express my joy at hearing this song. The best dance song I've ever heard and danced to, with that great beat driven by awesome guitar, bass, drums and organ. So much fun. You really had to be there in the clubs back in the day to know how truly massive this was. Great reaction as usual, J, and I really love to watch your facial expressions as you're listening as much as I do your breakdown. You are the best bro 💯
"Rock Lobster" dropped when I was twelve or thirteen and I remember the first time I heard it on the radio. The sparseness of the song helped it to stand out in contrast to the "big sound" of the times. Guitar and drums, but no bass -- what??? The audio on the studio version is far superior to that on this video, which at times sounds like it was taped from an AM radio feed. But the video does convey the energy from their live shows. The hyperactive keyboards give the song a retro sixties feel, and the near novelty song vocalizations also point back to that era. But the mysteriousness of the song pointed towards the future that would unfold as the eighties. From what I understand, hearing "Rock Lobster" on the radio inspired John Lennon to get back into the music business after he took a break to look after his young son.
I love that you appreciate the Bs. So many people don't get them, but they are super talented. The psychedelic sounds were the keys, the bass, keys, those kooky harmonies and ad libs are all brought to you via the incredible Kate Pierson(yellow shirt). Early B-52s did not have a bassist, per say. Kate did all the funky baselines on her keys. There is so much more to dive into with this band. Live is always a good choice, as they are a very tight, serious musical ship, wrapped in complete and utter nonsense and goofyness. You should check out Big Bird, live from Germany. I think it might be Dortmund. You could also check out Mesopotamia and/or Junebug live from the Cosmic Thing tour.
When this song came out it was so different and fun. You said you liked the bass line but there is no bass in the song. Any bass was played on the synthesizer. BTW, Piano, synthesizer and an organ are all keyboards.
In our grade 5-6 catholic elementary school which was separate from the main campus, the nuns play the latest hits before flag ceremony. My Sharona, Born to be Alive, Funky Town and of course, Rock Lobster!
Everybody Dance! Love Shack and Roam videos are a must but two of my fave B52 songs that are rarely mentioned are: Mesopotamia and Throw That Beat in the Garbage Can.
I can't believe you haven't yet reacted to their biggest hit (and my favorite), "Love Shack" (link below)! I think you will love it! All their music is fun and very creative. Thanks for another great reaction, JM! ✌💙✌ Love Shack -- ua-cam.com/video/9SOryJvTAGs/v-deo.html
HIGH JM, I hope things are good in Texas today as they are here in Up-State N.Y. I have suggested to several reactors to do a video and I really want to add your reaction to my collection.... The Star Spangled Banner As You've Never Heard It
This song absolutely _filled_ dancefloors from late-70s through the 80s. Even wedding receptions played this!
It took energy to finish, everyone dropping to the floor and back up!!! Love it!
Everybody got on the dance floor to the B52’s. This song was big in the late 70’s!!
Their 1st song. Performance Art. Like no one else. RIP Ricky Wilson, fantastic guitar.
The first time I saw the B-52’s was on Saturday Night Live in 1979, it was so bizarre and hilarious I thought it was a comedy skit. It didn’t help that my friends and I had smoked weed.
I love metal rock but there’s a special place for the silly and absurd that embodies the B-52’s. Great reaction!
This video is in the very, very early days of the B-52's. Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson were the female singers, Kate (R), Cindy (L), and Fred Schneider on the Lead Vocals. In the late 70's and through the 80's you couldn't walk down a street and NOT hear a B-52's song coming out of someone's window. They were everywhere, and they filled up the dance floor too. A couple of other big hits for them were "Roam" and "Love Shack". Do the official videos for both, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.
Coming out in between the punk movement and new wave, The B-52’s based some of their best songs on quirky sounds from its various lead vocalists, throwback styles, and in-jokes that only they would understand on ‘Rock Lobster’. After speaking to Rolling Stone shortly before his death, Lennon explained how much the song reminded him of his old avant-garde experiments: “I was at a dance club one night in Bermuda. Upstairs, they were playing disco, and downstairs I suddenly heard ‘Rock Lobster’ by The B-52’s for the first time. It sounds just like Yoko’s music. I said to myself, ‘It’s time to get out the old axe and wake the wife up.”
They are fun to watch, but the studio version is so classically EPIC.
Enjoying your channel.
Love Shack!
Rock Lobster is cool.
This is one of the greatest "WTF?" songs ever. Love it.
I e never seen a live version. It was good but the studio sounds a lot better. You can hear everything better especially the vocals.
Great review by the way. You always have a great perspective on the more unique stuff you post.
A groove, a beat, and a funky thing to it.
The B-52s were just different and fun! Great music to jump around and dance to.
I wish I had a smile as big as yours to fully express my joy at hearing this song. The best dance song I've ever heard and danced to, with that great beat driven by awesome guitar, bass, drums and organ. So much fun. You really had to be there in the clubs back in the day to know how truly massive this was. Great reaction as usual, J, and I really love to watch your facial expressions as you're listening as much as I do your breakdown. You are the best bro 💯
" Love Shack " next 😊
Cool song.
They were strange, but their concerts were a lot of fun!
It was New Wave! The lyrics were ridiculous with a dance grrove.
My intro at 13 was their SNL appearance.
I always loved their 60s beatnik aesthetics.❤
Your reaction was the same as mine first time I saw this. Hahaha
"Rock Lobster" dropped when I was twelve or thirteen and I remember the first time I heard it on the radio. The sparseness of the song helped it to stand out in contrast to the "big sound" of the times. Guitar and drums, but no bass -- what??? The audio on the studio version is far superior to that on this video, which at times sounds like it was taped from an AM radio feed. But the video does convey the energy from their live shows. The hyperactive keyboards give the song a retro sixties feel, and the near novelty song vocalizations also point back to that era. But the mysteriousness of the song pointed towards the future that would unfold as the eighties. From what I understand, hearing "Rock Lobster" on the radio inspired John Lennon to get back into the music business after he took a break to look after his young son.
Great fun band
Saw them live early 80"s at the beautiful Hollywood Palidum on sunset. Got caught in the mosh pit. So much fun.
Do lobsters groove to this ? I would if ...
I saw them multiple times over the years - always a dance-a-thon!
To far out (down?) there to not love. Even threw in matching towels and a high energy animal imitating rocking ending!
I love that you appreciate the Bs. So many people don't get them, but they are super talented. The psychedelic sounds were the keys, the bass, keys, those kooky harmonies and ad libs are all brought to you via the incredible Kate Pierson(yellow shirt). Early B-52s did not have a bassist, per say. Kate did all the funky baselines on her keys. There is so much more to dive into with this band. Live is always a good choice, as they are a very tight, serious musical ship, wrapped in complete and utter nonsense and goofyness. You should check out Big Bird, live from Germany. I think it might be Dortmund. You could also check out Mesopotamia and/or Junebug live from the Cosmic Thing tour.
Not many shots of the audience but you can bet your dollar they are dancing. Trippy and fun all wrapped up in one song.
Actually they were a the best club/party band. Places were jumping
When this song came out it was so different and fun.
You said you liked the bass line but there is no bass in the song. Any bass was played on the synthesizer. BTW, Piano, synthesizer and an organ are all keyboards.
In our grade 5-6 catholic elementary school which was separate from the main campus, the nuns play the latest hits before flag ceremony. My Sharona, Born to be Alive, Funky Town and of course, Rock Lobster!
amazing unique sound from a unique band LOVE IT
My generation's music!
One of my high school favorites, but you have to admit they're like a cartoon version of the whitest nerd band you could ever imagine. Original!
"Roam" "Planet Claire" "Good Stuff"
Hey bro!! Good reaction!! I saw them live!!! Amazing!!! Thanks. Greettings from Argentina
Everybody Dance! Love Shack and Roam videos are a must but two of my fave B52 songs that are rarely mentioned are: Mesopotamia and Throw That Beat in the Garbage Can.
Planet Claire
This is my top 20 song of all time.
I can't believe you haven't yet reacted to their biggest hit (and my favorite), "Love Shack" (link below)! I think you will love it! All their music is fun and very creative. Thanks for another great reaction, JM! ✌💙✌
Love Shack -- ua-cam.com/video/9SOryJvTAGs/v-deo.html
Glad I saw your comment...I wuz gonna say the same thing............. Love Shack is the bomb!
Their lyrics make no sense. Its their vibes. Im old and love it.
Roam! Off of Cosmic Thing.
My jam!
Think you got our b52,s totally ,you should be in movies your very good looking ,haha ,sorry about that ,good reaction .
Most of us were listening to Zeppelin, Floyd, Aerosmith, Bad Company etc...others were listening to this !
I listened to everything you listed as well as punk, new wave, etc
HIGH JM, I hope things are good in Texas today as they are here in Up-State N.Y. I have suggested to several reactors to do a video and I really want to add your reaction to my collection.... The Star Spangled Banner As You've Never Heard It
ua-cam.com/video/YaxGNQE5ZLA/v-deo.html
Check out Roam on Cosmic Thing
If you really like this, Weird Al Yankovic
Should on your playlist.
Eat it
Fat
Are two of his all time funniest videos 😅😅😅
Amazing isn't it
I'm sure you know what I think of this..... see you next time.
Drug induced delirium set to music. I prefer their hit "Love Shack".
I don't remember those chicks being so hot. 😎
You should react to original video. This is live.
Hate to tell you this, this song has no bass. It is all guitar.
I’m no music expert so I take no offense at all! If anything you’re teaching me