If you looked up the word quirky in the dictionary, it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see a picture of The B-52's right next to it. From their "thrift shop aesthetic" look to their off the wall lyrics and songs, the band has set the standard for dork cool. Formed in 1976 in Athens, Georgia, the B-52s have had a nice run of success over the last (hard to believe) forty-four years, and have remained mostly intact from it's original lineup of Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson, and Keith Strickland. Through the years, the B-52's have released 7 albums (one of which reached the top ten on the Billboard 200), three live albums, one EP, and five compilations. They've also had two singles reach #3. The band has had countless tours and has appeared on numerous soundtracks and even had a guest appearance on The Simpsons. Sadly, guitarist Ricky Wilson (brother of Cindy) passed away in 1985 of complications from AIDS. The band also has a long history of supporting causes ranging from LGBTQ issues to animal rights.
Fun Fact #1: The band is named The B-52's because the beehive hairstyles Pierson and Cindy Wilson wore when they first began resembled the cone of a B-52 jet...which Keith Strickland suggested after he had a dream in which he saw the band performing on stage and someone whispered in his ear that the band was called "The B-52's."
Fun Fact #2: John Lennon was a big fan of The B-52's and claimed that the song "Rock Lobster" was the reason for his comeback to music and release of his album Double Fantasy. Which is sort of like Jesus deciding to come back to earth because of the good works emaycee is doing...or not.
"Legal Tender" was released in 1983 from their third album, the impressively titled Whammy! It would go on to reach #81 (with a bullet!) on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Legal Tender" is an ode, to of all things, printing counterfeit money. And who among us when financial times have been tough haven't thought about turning to crime as a way out? Though most of us quickly realize that we have neither the skills nor the aversion to risk for a life of crime, we can live vicariously through The B-52's. What I've always liked best about the song is its complete and utter joy, though whether that's from committing the crime or having lots of money I've never figured out. The song is a showcase for the wonderful vocals of both Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson who exude exuberance, features some catchy as all hell synthesizer work (not usually one of my faves), and just enough tasty guitar from Ricky Wilson to whet the palate. Overall, one wouldn't normally think of a song about committing a crime to be so goddamn danceable, but this one is and it shows both the beauty and the joy that is The B-52's.
Lyric Sheet: "Livin' simple and trying to get by/But honey, prices have shot through the sky/So I fixed up the basement..."
Enjoy:
Fuck Donald Trump,
emaycee
Fun Fact #1: The band is named The B-52's because the beehive hairstyles Pierson and Cindy Wilson wore when they first began resembled the cone of a B-52 jet...which Keith Strickland suggested after he had a dream in which he saw the band performing on stage and someone whispered in his ear that the band was called "The B-52's."
Fun Fact #2: John Lennon was a big fan of The B-52's and claimed that the song "Rock Lobster" was the reason for his comeback to music and release of his album Double Fantasy. Which is sort of like Jesus deciding to come back to earth because of the good works emaycee is doing...or not.
"Legal Tender" was released in 1983 from their third album, the impressively titled Whammy! It would go on to reach #81 (with a bullet!) on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Legal Tender" is an ode, to of all things, printing counterfeit money. And who among us when financial times have been tough haven't thought about turning to crime as a way out? Though most of us quickly realize that we have neither the skills nor the aversion to risk for a life of crime, we can live vicariously through The B-52's. What I've always liked best about the song is its complete and utter joy, though whether that's from committing the crime or having lots of money I've never figured out. The song is a showcase for the wonderful vocals of both Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson who exude exuberance, features some catchy as all hell synthesizer work (not usually one of my faves), and just enough tasty guitar from Ricky Wilson to whet the palate. Overall, one wouldn't normally think of a song about committing a crime to be so goddamn danceable, but this one is and it shows both the beauty and the joy that is The B-52's.
Lyric Sheet: "Livin' simple and trying to get by/But honey, prices have shot through the sky/So I fixed up the basement..."
Enjoy:
Fuck Donald Trump,
emaycee
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