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 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.
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 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.
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 -- ruclips.net/video/9SOryJvTAGs/видео.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!!
I love metal rock but there’s a special place for the silly and absurd that embodies the B-52’s. Great reaction!
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 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.
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.
They are fun to watch, but the studio version is so classically EPIC.
Enjoying your channel.
Their 1st song. Performance Art. Like no one else. RIP Ricky Wilson, fantastic guitar.
The B-52s were just different and fun! Great music to jump around and dance to.
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 💯
A groove, a beat, and a funky thing to it.
They were strange, but their concerts were a lot of fun!
My intro at 13 was their SNL appearance.
I always loved their 60s beatnik aesthetics.❤
Rock Lobster is cool.
Your reaction was the same as mine first time I saw this. Hahaha
Love Shack!
"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.
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!
" Love Shack " next 😊
It's so great to see them live. They deliver!
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.
Actually they were a the best club/party band. Places were jumping
"Roam" "Planet Claire" "Good Stuff"
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.
My generation's music!
It was New Wave! The lyrics were ridiculous with a dance grrove.
Private Idaho is even better!
Cool song.
Hey bro!! Good reaction!! I saw them live!!! Amazing!!! Thanks. Greettings from Argentina
This is my top 20 song of all time.
Planet Claire
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!
Do lobsters groove to this ? I would if ...
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 -- ruclips.net/video/9SOryJvTAGs/видео.html
Glad I saw your comment...I wuz gonna say the same thing............. Love Shack is the bomb!
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
Roam! Off of 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 😅😅😅
Their lyrics make no sense. Its their vibes. Im old and love it.
Think you got our b52,s totally ,you should be in movies your very good looking ,haha ,sorry about that ,good reaction .
Drug induced delirium set to music. I prefer their hit "Love Shack".
Check out Roam on Cosmic Thing
I'm sure you know what I think of this..... see you next time.
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
ruclips.net/video/YaxGNQE5ZLA/видео.html
You should react to original video. This is live.
I don't remember those chicks being so hot. 😎