Top Ten Songs by the B-52's

Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson and Ricky Wilson formed the B-52's on a lark in 1976 and played their first gig on Valentine's Day 1977 at a friend's house in Athens, Georgia. They were the crest of what became known as New Wave in the 1980's. Their upbeat music and odd lyrics have become social touchstones. Here's a list of 10 of their best and why they are music legends.

10. Planet Claire
With a 2 and 1/2 minute intro, this 4 and 1/2 minute song will creep up on you and get any party started right. Schneider's delivery is perfect. The synthesizer punctuation is so simple, it's brilliant. You only need to remember one thing, "No one ever dies there. No one has a head."

9. Quiche Lorraine
Another classic from their first album, this synthesizer offering is great for a rainy day. You can picture this little mutt with a pink bouffant and diamond collar strutting down any street. Of course, it's a break-up song, too.

8. Is that you Mo-Dean?
What can be better than "going to the store for hotdogs and wine," except winding "up in the belly of a big old UFO?" Kate and Fred play the most perfect counterpoint. Fred's dead-pan style combined with Kate's sublime voice is guaranteed to send you into orbit with Mo-Dean.

7. Song for a Future Generation
This is a great twist on the old roll-call song. Each group member gets to introduce themselves with some weird synopsis like, "Hey, I'm Kate and I am a Taurus. I love tomatoes and black-capped Chickadees." The live show version of this song is hysterical as the band comes up with new intros every time. Any song that aspires, "Wanna be the captain of the Enterprise...Wanna be a daughter of Dracula." has to be a great song.

6. Mesopotamia
This proves that the B-52's can't do math, but can really make a point. This multi-layered song should be the soundtrack for anything even close to today's conflict in Iraq. Just more proof that everything very old is very new again.

5. Private Idaho
This is as close as the 2's come to hard rock. There is actually a guitar that hits you in the face in this classic. Private Idaho spawned a movie of the same name. The title has become synonymous with insight, self-discovery, and epiphany. When lyrics become the moment of your life, that is true art.

4. Love Shack
We've all been to one of these juke joints. That's probably why this was one of the most popular B-52's songs. You can dance to this with wild abandon for over 5 minutes and you'll be the better off for it. If you have ever had trouble deciphering the lyrics that follow Fred's "You're what?" let me help. Kate responds with "Tin roof. Rusted!" I know that has been bugging you for years. Glad I could help.

3. Roam
Maybe, the B-52's Bohemian Rhapsody; Kate's voice at its finest. This is classic rock with a back-beat that will have you doing the Courtney-Cox-Dancing-in-the-Dark-white-guy dance, complete with hip and shoulder shimmy. Roam will set you free and make your mind wander about wonderful opportunities. The trip truly does begin with a kiss.

2. Rock Lobster
The original bomb. This song makes no sense and doesn't have to. It is arguably the quintessential party song. With almost zero radio exposure, Rock Lobster propelled the B-52's via the underground music scene to instant stardom. You'll never eat seafood the same way again.

1. Strobe Light
"Where's my telephone?" can start a conversation even in the most uptight circles. The start-stop rhythm of this song boils down the human existence in the techno-age. The thinly-veiled references to sex make it even more enticing. If this song doesn't have you dancing or laughing you're dead. I promise pineapple will be your favorite food after you've danced yourself into a sweat to Strobe Light.

There you have it. Dance, people, dance! You'll be better off.
An extra...Hallucinating Pluto is Fred's poetry contribution to the band's repertoire. The imagery is strong and the rhythm is "can't resist." "Love will turn our universe" is at the core of our existence. Get on your laser daddy and ride! I'm in a dancing mode.