#Athens Rock Lobsters

[tommylindholm]

Jerseys go on sale in two months and I need one in my life like I need air in my lungs.

[punkrockhistory]

Happy Birthday to Cindy Wilson, singer, songwriter and founding members of The B-52's, born February 28, 1957, Athens, Georgia

The B-52s - Rock Lobster

#punkrockhistory

[alchemisoul]

"If I’m honest, the B-52’s got me to question my own prejudices. Where I was brought up there was a lot of anti-LGBTQ bigotry. When I was still a teenager, the B-52’s helped teach me to grow beyond them. For that alone I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. I was terribly saddened by Ricky’s passing and felt so sorry for the whole band.

I heard Rock Lobster on the radio and got the debut LP. I was just getting into punk rock and although I didn’t really consider the B-52’s “punk��, they were definitely breaking rules and creating music that was unconventional and groundbreaking: while disco was being derided, here was a band who it was OK to dance along to. They were so different and cool. We all loved their first two albums and I’m sure they influenced us. We definitely learned that music doesn’t have to be taken so seriously.

We learned a lot by covering 52 Girls. I loved Ricky’s sound, and of course his guitar looked so cool on a record sleeve, with its missing strings. At the time most rock guitar heroes were so bombastic and over the top, so Ricky’s understated playing and fun approach was really novel. To this day I’m still trying to find just the right Mosrite guitar in honour of him and Johnny Ramone."

- Noodles, The Offspring

"The B-52’s and Talking Heads always felt like Devo’s kindred spirits. We were all unique and not very punk. The punks didn’t like us because we weren’t orthodox, and orthodoxy permeates rock’n’roll. We’d first become aware of the B-52’s through independent record stores when we were hawking our debut single. It was exciting because I knew where they were coming from, how they were grabbing from 1960s kitsch with the beehive hairdos and the theatricality of it all. It was like they’d come from their own planet. Who on earth sings about a Rock Lobster?

It was outsider stuff with a distinctive sound that was consciously slightly retro, coming from surf music and rockabilly, but not with rockabilly beats. They’d come up through the Athens, Georgia, scene and dance clubs and were in the realm of LGBTQ [music] before such a thing was identified. They were transgressive and polarising, but in a different way to Devo. I met Kate at the Mudd Club in New York in early 79 and immediately fell for her. She had the beehive, of course, because they were always in character, which I thought was fantastic."

- Gerald Casale, Devo

"We in Talking Heads became friends with the B-52’s early on. I remember they told us: “You have to see this other band from Athens playing at Danceteria – they’re called REM.” The Athens, Georgia bands were all very supportive of one another, it seemed to me.

I produced an album with the B-52’s which ended up as an EP [Mesopotamia]. I suspect they came to me because they wanted to experiment a little bit more. Maybe that’s why the LP got cut down to an EP – or maybe the other songs weren’t up to snuff?

My favourite song from that record was Deep Sleep, which sounded like Young Marble Giants gone psychedelic. Ricky Wilson, who was such a large part of their sound, had Aids at that time, and was not around for many of the sessions. It was a pretty tough time for the band but they persevered and eventually revived. They were a tight family."

- David Byrne, Talking Heads

[msburgundy]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 41, 42, 45, 47, 48, 49?

heinous

but since you have put so much effort into it, fine lol

1. who is/are your comfort character(s)?

discomfort characters only, olivia dunham my beloved

2. lighter or matches?

lighter but like the long kind, the other ones are scary lol

3. do you leave the window open at night?

when it's warm out i love it

4. which cryptyd being do you believe in?

chupacabra is real

5. what color are your eyes?

blue ish but with a ring of whatever in the middle

6. why did you do that?

we ball

7. hair-ties or scrunchies?

hair ties i guess, either is fine though

10. would you slaughter the rich?

not unless they are imminently causing me problems

12. what kind of day is it?

regular, at work and sleepy

13. when was the last time you ate?

like 10 minutes ago

15. are you a parent? (all answers qualify)

no

16. can you drive?

legally? yes. actually? debatable.

17. are you farsighted or nearsighted?

EAGLE EYES BAYBEY

18. what hair products do you use?

mostly just what's in my kitchen lol i still buy shampoo but i use a lot of apple cider vinegar and coconut oil/avocado oil too

19. imagine we’re at a sleepover, would you paint my nails?

no, i refuse to coat you in poisons that can be absorbed through the skin and nails

20. do you say soda or pop?

soda, like a civilized person

22. what type of person are you?

just some guy

23. how do you feel about chilly weather?

no will to live, reason for dying

24. if we were together on a rooftop, what would we be doing?

probably trying to catch a bird

25. perfume/body spray or lotion?

lotion but preferably unscented or at least very mild

26. a scenario that you’ve replayed multiple times?

what every girl imagines, home invasion in the middle of the night 💕

27. about how many hours of sleep did you get?

went to bed before 9pm and still somehow got like 4 and a half lol

28. do you wear a mask?

L O L

29. how do you like your shower water?

boiled alive like a lobster

30. are there dishes in your room?

just my yogurt bowl from like 10 minutes ago

32. do you have a favorite towel?

not really but i don't own many currently lol

34. is there a song you know every word to by heart?

quite a few, mostly by Sara Bareilles and Billy Joel

35. what’s your timezone?

mountain time all the time baybey

36. how many times have you changed your url?

no idea but quite a few because i keep deleting blogs when they get too many followers lol

38. a soap bar that smells good?

can't go wrong with irish spring

40. did you have any snacks today?

just my breakfast

41. how do you take your coffee?

not at all

42. an app you frequently use besides this godforsaken site?

discord

45. can you remember what happened yesterday?

mostly, all i did was work, water my flowers, and then go to bed

47. what was the last message you sent?

some sort of insane babbling to @athene-ergane , as one does

48. when did you first try an alcohol beverage?

i think i was 19, at my friend's house and we were hanging out with her parents lol

49. can you skip rocks?

i don't think so, but maybe i just haven't found the right rock lol

[lucienballard]

Famous fans say farewell to the B-52’s:

After 46 years, the Athens originals are taking off for good later this year. David Byrne, Boy George and more pay tribute to one of the most unusual pop bands ever

Kathleen Hanna, Bikini Kill

What other band has three great lead singers? Nobody can do what Fred Schneider does. And Cindy [Wilson] and Kate [Pierson] – I remember listening to Give Me Back My Man, and the quality of their voices was so strong and so powerful. And also to be able to be so funny – their music is so joyous and interesting, and such a celebration of independent thinking.

Ricky [Wilson] passing of Aids was such a loss to the musical community that was never fully acknowledged. Ricky and Keith [Strickland] were the primary songwriters at the beginning, and just so obsessed with music. It’s really important to acknowledge [the influence of] gay men in music – the B-52’s are one of the biggest influences on every independent band that I’ve ever met. It’s not just all straight men who make music, it’s not all Bob Dylan – there are tons of different people who have made incredibly iconic, important music, who aren’t straight white guys, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that even though that’s not where their genius lies.

In Le Tigre, we opened two shows for the Pixies reunion in New York and the whole audience yelled “B-52’s” at us the whole time while we were performing, I guess because they assume all electronic music is the B-52’s. It was so funny, because they were booing us, but we were like: Oh my God, they think we sound like the B-52’s! We left the stage happy – that was really rude, but I mean, seriously, if you’re going to be booed, being called the B-52’s is like being booed with flowers.

Gerald Casale, Devo

The B-52’s and Talking Heads always felt like Devo’s kindred spirits. We were all unique and not very punk. The punks didn’t like us because we weren’t orthodox, and orthodoxy permeates rock’n’roll. We’d first become aware of the B-52’s through independent record stores when we were hawking our debut single. It was exciting because I knew where they were coming from, how they were grabbing from 1960s kitsch with the beehive hairdos and the theatricality of it all. It was like they’d come from their own planet. Who on earth sings about a Rock Lobster?

It was outsider stuff with a distinctive sound that was consciously slightly retro, coming from surf music and rockabilly, but not with rockabilly beats. They’d come up through the Athens, Georgia, scene and dance clubs and were in the realm of LGBTQ [music] before such a thing was identified. They were transgressive and polarising, but in a different way to Devo. I met Kate at the Mudd Club in New York in early 79 and immediately fell for her. She had the beehive, of course, because they were always in character, which I thought was fantastic.

David Byrne

We in Talking Heads became friends with the B-52’s early on. I remember they told us: “You have to see this other band from Athens playing at Danceteria – they’re called REM.” The Athens, Georgia bands were all very supportive of one another, it seemed to me.

I produced an album with the B-52’s which ended up as an EP [Mesopotamia]. I suspect they came to me because they wanted to experiment a little bit more. Maybe that’s why the LP got cut down to an EP – or maybe the other songs weren’t up to snuff? My favourite song from that record was Deep Sleep, which sounded like Young Marble Giants gone psychedelic. Ricky Wilson, who was such a large part of their sound, had Aids at that time, and was not around for many of the sessions. It was a pretty tough time for the band but they persevered and eventually revived. They were a tight family.

Jake Shears, Scissor Sisters

I was aged 12 when Love Shack came out [in 1989]. It was everywhere and was a game-changer for me. It was the first time I’d heard a gay man in music. Fred didn’t come out until 1992, but he didn’t need to. It was just the sound of an unabashed, unapologetically gay man at a time when it wasn’t part of the conversation. He was so interesting because he was more of an MC than a conventional singer. There wasn’t anything really sexual about the B-52’s but if you look at the lyrics to Dirty Back Road they’re obviously about butt fucking. There’s a silly sexuality to them. I just knew when I heard Fred for the first time that I had something in common with whatever I was hearing. I got the Cosmic Thing album and from that moment I was a huge fan. I’d find pictures and make collages, write letters to them and fantasise: “Maybe we could go out to lunch sometime?” I thought they were so cool, especially because it was otherwise such a lame time in pop music.

They were integral to me wanting to make music and showing me the possibilities of what a band could be and look like, free of convention. The B-52’s gave me the freedom to write stuff that was kind of stupid and dumb and funny just for the sake of being fun. What’s a Rock Lobster? You come up with something like that by free-styling and being open – basically using music as meditation. When I moved to New York aged 21 I went to their 25th anniversary show at Irving Plaza, which was unforgettable. Yoko Ono came out to sing Rock Lobster and I met Fred for the first time. Scissor Sisters went on to do a bunch of shows with them and I hope we continued the lineage. Without the B-52’s, Scissor Sisters wouldn’t have existed and I wouldn’t exist as a writer and performer.

Boy George

My friend Jeremy Healy had Rock Lobster, which we both loved. It was so random and surreal and I loved the idea that a song can be about anything. Rock Lobster is the Beach Boys on crack. I think Jeremy might have seen them live at the Lyceum but I couldn’t go. Then I bumped into Kate in Camden outside the Electric Ballroom when she was attending some other gig. I had a green face and said hello. I think she grimaced.

Later we [Culture Club] played with them a few times and they had the most unique, hypnotic sound. It’s trashy Americana, John Waters, Divine, the Shangri-La’s, high camp and bubblegum punk. The beat is everything. Fred always reminded me of Dr Zachary Smith from Lost in Space. I never thought about whether the B-52’s had a gay angle. They were just against rules in general – taking classic American kitsch and giving it a punk, space-age irreverence, like a beautiful car crash with pop surrealism. They were very camp but very funky: always on it, melodic but effortlessly free. It’s the sort of pop music that I want to hear.

Read more here

[whitepolaris]

His Own Private Idaho

Georgia's good-time band is the B-52s. Formed in Athens in the late 1970s when some of the members attended the University of Georgia, the B-52s performed strange music in odd costumes. They made the national scene with the classics "Rock Lobster" and "Private Idaho." Unfortunately, their original guitarist, Ricky Wilson, brother of band mate Cindy Wilson, died in 1985 of the AIDS-related illness. He is buried at Oconee Hill Cemetery behind Sanford Stadium in Athens, his triangular grave marker is a beacon to fans who often leave tributes.

[mywifeleftme]

342: The B-52's // The B-52's

The B-52's The B-52's 1979, Island

I’ve written a lot in this series about the notion that, with certain popular bands, you have to scrape off a few waxy layers of preconception before you can really hear them on their own terms (this is the 342nd post, I only have so many notions), and the B-52’s* are the perfect example of that. I have a long-standing love affair with the Athens music scene that the Bs for all intents and purposes founded, and I adore new wave, but y’know…“Love Shack”…“Rock Lobster”…it’s kind of a lot. I never thought of them as the kind of stuff I would ever choose to put on of my own volition. It was actually seeing a clip of the band’s famous 1980 performance of (yeah) “Rock Lobster” on SNL that set me straight. Kitsch is kitsch, but there’s absolutely no fucking with the taut rhythm driving the whole thing, Ricky Wilson’s relentless, bone-dry attack being ground zero for the dance-punk sound that drove Pylon, the Method Actors, and R.E.M. through my hips and into my heart.   

Look, this is the only place I could find the whole clip alright?

I know I’m not the only one. A few months after I finally gave the band an honest chance, I threw this record on while my friend Meghan was visiting and she told me she’d recently gone through a similar arc. Years before, she’d had to sit through a guy doing seven minutes of elaborate choreography to (once again) “Rock Lobster” every week at a karaoke she was a regular at. Great once, twice, thrice—absolutely unbearable thereafter. People talk about trauma. That’s trauma! But the important thing is, we can all heal, and I have been healed by the great power of a totally sick record. How do you beat “Planet Claire” as an introduction? A full two-minutes of B-science fiction organ woo-woo and Peter Gun guitar rhythm tells you exactly what style-era this UFO is touching down in, long before Fred Schneider starts doing his John Waters bingo caller routine and the riff breaks into a series of abrupt, jagged angles like a lightning bolt. And then it’s right there, the platonic Athens boogie track: “52 Girls.” I’ve seen how the Athens kids danced back then, and I’m here to tell you, if I were in the room hearing it for the first time I’d have run so gawkily amok that their moves would look like K-Pop choreography. “Dance This Mess Around” goes equally hard without even abusing the kick, one more sweaty vamp to underline in pink that the freaky queers and chicks had always been the real cool ones in the scene. What’s this at the end of side one? Yes it’s “Rock Lobster,” and yes I admit it once again before God and all: it rules.

The flip side of the record is a very small step down from those first four tunes, but by the time I get there I’m ready and willing to roll with whatever they feel like serving. Great record, great band, great times.

* Also! After decades as the B-52’s, they finally changed their name to the B-52s. Why? Because the old spelling was ungrammatical! Truly a band that cares for its most irritable fans.

342/365

[genieife]

ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS TO COVER IN GREECE: EXPLORE TOP PLACES

Fill your bucket list with its captivating islands and diverse landscapes, explore all the adventure destinations of Greece. Whether it’s sailing and scuba diving in the glimmering Aegean or hiking mountain trails, including the awe-inspiring Mount Olympus, Greece offers a myriad of experiences.

Each Greek adventure is bathed in abundant sunshine, accompanied by delectable cuisine, and enriched by philoxenia — the authentic Greek hospitality that remains unparalleled. All these experiences are out there, ready and waiting for you to explore. Explore trip planner app- geniefie to check into these locations by making nano trip itineraries with family and friends. 

SCUBA DIVE OFF KYTHNOS

At first glance, Kythnos, a Cycladic island, might appear somewhat barren, but the island’s magic is subtly concealed – both above and beneath the waves. The powerful currents and waves surrounding the isle bestow its waters with a vibrant array of life. Delve into the depths, and you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of colors, adorned with reefs, coral, intricately sculpted rock formations, and a bustling marine ecosystem, featuring an abundance of lobsters.

Take your underwater adventure up a notch by exploring the remnants of a World War II shipwreck at Agios Stefanos Bay. Glide around the bow, propeller, and hull of the former cargo ship “Niki,” soaking in its historical significance. This dive is accessible even for beginners due to its shallow position.

Kythnos is home to high-quality, certified scuba diving schools like Aqua Team Dive Center, which specialises in diving for individuals with disabilities and organizes excursions to 30 different diving spots. Explore Vouvokera for diverse sea life, Katakefalos for distinctive rock formations, the 45-metre-deep Aghios Sarantis, and Ksera tis Agapis to witness underwater remnants of ancient vases.

To reach Kythnos, catch a ferry from Athens’ Piraeus (3 hours) or Lavrio (just 1 hour and 40 minutes). Once there, traverse sun-drenched hills to uncover chapels, caves, ruins of ancient temples, old mining sites, and two charming main towns.

Other fantastic diving destinations include Karpathos (known for rare marine life and underwater cliffs), Zakynthos (famous for its sea turtles), Leros (a must-visit for WWII wreck enthusiasts), and Alonissos (home to the country’s first undersea archaeological park).

SAIL THE IONIAN (FOR BEGINNERS)

The radiant brilliance of the Ionian Islands has been a wellspring of inspiration for numerous historical and literary figures, from Odysseus to Captain Corelli. Discover your own muse as you embark on days of sailing through the tranquil waters beneath the radiant sun. Anchor at any of the distinctive islands to relish stunning beaches and waterfront tavernas. Savor local wine and indulge in freshly caught fish while you spend evenings basking in the splendor of dazzling sunsets – ready to do it all over again the next day!

Situated off Greece’s western coasts, the relatively calm summer winds of the Ionian Sea provide an ideal setting for less experienced skippers to embark on a leisurely Greek sailing adventure. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, options to hire a skipper are readily available.

The linear arrangement of the islands makes a north-south (or vice versa) route quite logical. Explore the larger islands, including Lefkada with its renowned white sand beaches, the lush and vibrant Corfu, and the famed Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Cove) of Zakynthos. Don’t overlook the hidden gems of Paxoi and Antipaxoi, adorned with secret coves, as well as the tranquil Meganisi.

PARAGLIDE OVER LEFKADA 

Lefkada, the Ionian paradise, is renowned for its award-winning beaches, stunning green-topped cliffs, and seas as blue as the Grecian sky. What better starting point for your paragliding adventure?

Soar into the heavens with an experienced pilot, your paraglider carrying you on the gentle breeze. Glide over Lefkada, reveling in panoramic views of this lush, green island extending across the sparkling sea. Gain a unique perspective of Lefkada from the sky, spotting towns, churches, and other verdant isles like Madouri, Skorpios, and Skorpidi below. Keep an eye out for centuries-old villages nestled high in the mountains.

For thrill-seekers, select companies offer spins during your flight. And to cherish the memories, you’re often provided with a video of your flight to relive the experience and share with friends. Lefkada Paragliding offers 25-minute flights over the picturesque Pefkoulia Bay, led by well-reviewed, experienced pilots.

Lefkada is one of the most accessible islands, connected to the mainland by a bridge. There’s an undeniable vibrancy about Lefkada, an island that takes pride in its music, literature, and art – the perfect blend for your spectacular flying adventure.

HIKE THE MENALON TRAIL IN THE PELOPONNESE

Embark on your multi-day hike along the Menalon Trail, commencing in the idyllic mountain village of Stemnitsa, a picturesque setting with stone houses and cobblestone streets that resemble a postcard. Traverse the lush hills surrounding Stemnitsa, journey through the awe-inspiring Lousios Gorge, where the Prodromou Monastery is embedded in the rockface, and meander past captivating sites. Take respite in charming villages along the way, concluding your trek in the scenic Lagadia, where you can reward yourself with delectable local cuisine and breathtaking valley views.

While the Menalon Trail boasts spectacular scenery, featuring some of the most impressive vistas in Greece, the local culture and gastronomy are equally enticing. Proud of their unique heritage and historical significance, locals share stories of the area’s role as a crucial center for organizing and supplying the Greek forces during the War of Independence. Enjoy stays in Alpine-esque inns hosted by delightful hosts offering even more delightful local delicacies, such as cheese pies and grilled chops, making it difficult to bid farewell to this charming region.

Covering a distance of 75km across 8 sections, this trail typically takes around one week to complete. As a certified Leading Quality Trail by the European Ramblers Association, the well-maintained route is accessible for beginners while still catering to advanced hikers (though not recommended for families with very young children). The best time to enjoy the trail is from May to September, but caution is advised during the high summer months due to the heat.

Explore other fantastic mainland hiking destinations like Zagori and Mt. Pilio (Pelion).

GO MOUNTAINEERING ON MOUNT OLYMPUS

Witness the majestic Mount Olympus piercing through the clouds, and you’ll comprehend why the ancient Greeks believed it to be the abode of the gods. So lofty is this mountain that you can catch a glimpse of its summit from an airplane, and its vastness extends to the horizon, visible even from the distant city of Thessaloniki. Boasting 52 peaks, with the tallest being Mytikas at 2,917 meters, Mount Olympus stands as the highest mountain in Greece.

Embark on your ascent from the Prionia trailhead, the highest accessible point by car. Traverse through historic forests, feeling the pulsating power of Olympus emanating through the trees. As you emerge from the woodlands, witness the sprawling expanse of the range surrounding you as you make your way towards the summit.

The journey to the summit typically spans two days, prompting an overnight stay at a mountain refuge. As the sun sets over this myth-laden range, you’ll encounter the true enchantment of Greece and all it symbolizes.

Reaching the summit demands a certain level of toughness and is weather-dependent, yet manageable for individuals with basic mountaineering experience. Hiring a guide is strongly recommended, ensuring your safety amidst the mountain’s concealed challenges and providing you with a wealth of information about this incredible natural wonder where myth intertwines with untamed wilderness.

Mount Olympus is conveniently located, a 5-hour drive from Athens or 3 hours from Thessaloniki.

WINDSURF / KITESURF IN NAXOS

The Cyclades are renowned for their winds, and Naxos, in particular, is celebrated for its perfect windsurfing conditions, especially during the summer meltemi winds. As the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos boasts mountains, fertile valleys, and a variety of beaches, ranging from secluded cliff-enclosed coves to extensive stretches of tree-lined sand. Premier windsurfing spots, such as Mikri Vigla, Aghios Georgios, and Laguna, offer schools and easy access from the main town.

Gear up in your wetsuit and kick off your morning at a locale like Aghios Georgios, where the windsurfing area, distinct from the popular sunbathing stretch nearby, maintains its authentic ambiance. Learn the art of gliding across brilliantly blue waters on your board, basking in the sun-drenched hills around you. Afterward, unwind at the beachside shack with fellow sailors or head to a taverna to savor some of the finest local produce in the Aegean.

As the morning transitions into the afternoon, the winds intensify, adding an extra thrill to your surfing experience. The Old Town, with its labyrinthine streets ascending to the Venetian castle at its pinnacle, and the adjacent harbor beckon for exploration as the sun sets.

Explore other excellent windsurfing or kitesurfing destinations, including Paros, Lefkada, Rhodes, and Limnos.

SURF THE WAVES OF TINOS

Picture scattered chairs on the sandy shore, hessian canvas strung overhead, and refreshments served from a Volkswagen casually parked on the beach – welcome to the surfing scene on Tinos. Embrace your hippie dreams alongside fellow wave enthusiasts on this Cycladic island cherished by Greeks for its authenticity, nature, and the passionate locals who adore their homeland.

Enterprising organizations like Tinos Surf Lessons and Beach Bar, situated on the southern beach of Kolymbithra, draw like-minded individuals from around the globe to surf on Tinos. The robust winds, reaching up to 7 on the Beaufort Scale, create impressive, crashing waves. Glide across the blue Aegean on your board, surrounded by the unmistakably Greek hills and sky.

After an exhilarating surf, raise a toast with newfound friends at the beach bar before venturing into Tinos town for its renowned culinary delights. Tinos even offers a “Food Path” experience, along with a microbrewery and winery. Despite its proximity to Athens, the island has managed to escape the clutches of Cycladic overtourism. Traditionally, Tinos is more associated with religious pilgrims who come to pay their respects to Our Lady of Tinos (Panaghia Evangelistria) and the icon believed by many to be miraculous.

Tinos is a place steeped in heritage and soul, providing the perfect backdrop for any adventure.

To reach Tinos, hop on a ferry from Athens’ Rafina (2 hours) or Piraeus (2 hours).

In the realm of Greek adventures, let Geniefie be your trusted guide, unveiling the treasures and thrills that Greece has to offer. Whether you’re scaling the heights of Mount Olympus, catching the wind on the pristine beaches of Tinos, or hiking the ancient paths of the Menalon Trail, Geniefie stands ready to curate the ultimate exploration experience. As you navigate through the historical wonders, natural landscapes, and adrenaline-pumping activities, let Geniefie’s magic enhance your journey, ensuring that every moment is not just an adventure but a story etched in the heart of Greece. So, set forth on an odyssey of discovery, and with Geniefie as your companion, let the unparalleled adventures of Greece become an integral part of your own extraordinary narrative.

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[freaxs-blog]

🎶Rock Lobster🦞! Who else loves this iconic tune by The B-52's? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Released in 1979, it quickly became a hit and an anthem of the post-punk/new wave era.

The B-52's formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976, and consisted of vocalists Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson, as well as guitarist Ricky Wilson (Cindy's brother) and drummer Keith Strickland. Their style blended punk, surf rock, and retro pop with a quirky and theatrical attitude. They also embraced a DIY aesthetic, often making their own costumes and using toy instruments.

Sadly, Ricky Wilson passed away in 1985 due to AIDS-related illness, but the band continued to release music and tour with various guitarists. They're still active today, and have influenced countless artists with their unique sound and style.

As for the meaning of "Rock Lobster," it's a surreal and nonsensical journey that references a dance party, a prehistoric beach, and, of course, a giant crustacean. According to the band, the song was inspired by a disco version of "Theme from S.W.A.T." that they heard at a party, as well as a trip to a Chinese restaurant where they saw a lobster in a tank.

"Rock Lobster" was one of the first songs recorded by The B-52's, and was originally 8 minutes long! The radio version was shortened to about 4 minutes, but the full version is worth a listen if you haven't heard it before.

So, let's celebrate this classic track and the fabulous B-52's🔥: 

[kraftwerk113]

Life´s too short for weird music - Tagesempfehlung 04.02.2023

Album of the week (KW 5/23) – Classic Album: The B 52´s Cosmic thing (1989).

 Die The B 52´s sind seit Januar 2023 Geschichte – final abgewickelt mit einem letzten Farewell Konzert in Atlanta/ Georgia. Die in 1976 beginnende Geschichte der The B 52´s umfasst bis einschließlich 2008 nur 7 Studioalben. Und auf die The B 52´s zu kommen, wird garantiert als erstes auf das legendäre Untitled Debüt aus 1979 abgehoben. Immerhin begründet das Album das Alleinstellungsmerkmal des damaligen Quintetts aus Athens/Georgia und enthält mit Planet Claire und Rock Lobster zwei outstanding Tracks die Post Punk und New Wave aus den USA maßgeblich mitgeprägt haben. Für mich ist aber das Outstanding Album der The B 52´s das in 1989 veröffentlichte Cosmic Thing. Nicht weil es mit Love Shack auch den kommerziell erfolgreichsten Hit der Band beinhaltet. Sondern weil Cosmic Thing vom ersten bis zum letzten Takt durchgehend unverschämt gute Pop Musik enthält. Kaum ein anderes Album beschreibt so präzise eine der spannendsten Phasen der Popmusik als Fusion in jegliche Richtung denkbar und möglich wurde. Dance Music (Love Shack), und nervöser New Wave (June Bug, Cosmic Thing) treffen auf den großen Popmoment (Deadbeat Club, Topaz, Roam). Und dabei legen Fred Schneider, Keith Striclkand, Kate Pierson und Cindy Wilson bei allen 10 Songs ihre typische spacige Weirdness zu Tage, die bis zur letzten Veröffentlichung Funplex (2008) die Trademark der Band blieb. Und wenn sich dann eine Band noch den Luxus leisten kann ,drei fantastische Sänger/innen zu haben....

Wenn Sie nun also etwas tiefer in den spannenden The B 52´s Kosmos eintauchen wollen, kann ich Ihnen insbesondere Cosmic Thing ans Herz legen. Heute habe ich mal Dry Country ausgesucht – was für ein crazy chicken von einem Popsong.

[biglisbonnews]

Famous folks share kind words about The B-52s as the band bids adieu to touring—and heads to Las Vegas Formed in 1976 after drinks in an Athens, Georgia Chinese restaurant, the new wave band behind pop songs like "Rock Lobster" and "Love Shack" have played their final tour date. Yes, the B-52s are done touring after 45 years! They've already said goodbye to fans across the country on their farewell tour, with their last stop on their home state's stage in Atlanta on January 12. — Read the rest https://boingboing.net/2023/01/16/famous-folks-share-kind-words-about-the-b-52s-as-the-band-bids-adieu-to-touring-and-heads-to-las-vegas.html

[c-40]

A-T-3 016 The B-52's - Whammy!

Famous fans say farewell to the B-52’s is getting shared around my social circle https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jan/13/famous-fans-say-farewell-to-the-b-52s-they-got-me-to-question-my-own-prejudices and as they came up on my list of graffiti cover artwork the other day now is a good time to visit their releases from 1983. For a band that Chris Blackwell says "didn't have any songs" when they were rushed into to capitalising on the success of Rock Lobster with their first album, the B-52's were consistent. Whammy! was the third full studio album for the Athens, USA band, they'd also released the remix album Party Mix and the David Byrne produced Mesopotamia ep and given Gus Van Sant a future film title. A-T-2 064 is a previous look at the Athens scene

Whammy! was recorded at Compass Point in the Bahamas like their second album proper Wild Planet and it was produced by Steven Stanley (A-T-3 02, A-T-2 387) who had remixed their Party Mix mini album. This was sadly the last B-52's album founding member and brother of Ricky Wilson would record before he died of AIDS-related diseases in 1985

Clockwise: Cindy, Kate, Ricky

I've read they were trying to update their sound on Whammy! with synths and drum machines, I don't know about you but the single Whammy Kiss also has a touch of Human League about it. That track is at the end of the post

Song For A Future Generation is brilliant, they clearly anticipated the ironic and cynical nostalgia of 1990s USA (but without the irony or cynicism, the 90s brought a more hetro take on trash culture). The B-52's were clearly fans of John Waters. Like Whammy Kiss all five of the band sing on this track

Moon 83 originally a b side Moon 83 replaces the Yoko Ono cover below after Ono made a fuss, oh no! Moon 83 is a remake of There's a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon) from their debut album

Album only track Queen Of Lass Vagas

Don't Worry Yoko Ono cover that Ono got removed after the first press of Whammy! I mention above!

Whammy Kiss! if only Island got Paul "Groucho" Smykle to do a dub like they had been doing

[kiyote23]

B-52’s Oral History: Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and More – Rolling Stone

B-52’s Oral History: Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and More – Rolling Stone

Since springing out of Athens, Georgia, in the mid-Seventies, the group has always been the quintessential party band. Songs like “Rock Lobster,” “Dance This Mess Around” and “Love Shack” are indeed fun, thanks to singer Fred Schneider’s hilarious recitatives, fellow vocalists Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson’s heaven-reaching harmonies, and the fusion of beach rock, Motown, girl groups, and…

[chaoticdesertdweller]

The B-52′s first ever gig at a Valentine’s Day party in Athens, GA, in 1977, as documented by Kelly Bugden .

( L-R: Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson)

[hokeoutsider]

“Rock Lobster” artist, Hoke...Ebay Auction...July 19 - 24                                      Original acrylic painting on recycled wood....Starting Bid   $15.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/metrolux6/m.html?item=352409746386&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562