Utahpolis

Exciting news! The B-52’s are set to release their first album in SIXTEEN YEARS on March 25th. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Not because of a “wow it seemed like just yesterday” sort of nostalgia. Actually, their last two albums are amongst some of the first cassettes I ever purchased as a kid, which seems like ages ago. No, the reason I can’t believe that it has been sixteen years between albums is because it has been SIXTEEN YEARS between albums! I mean really, what have they been doing for the past sixteen years? You can only play Disneyland so many times, guys.

The B-52’s – Funplex

While I’m not really expecting a whole lot out of this new album (1992’s Good Stuff wasn’t exactly a classic), I was nevertheless a bit disappointed upon hearing the first single, “Funplex”. Hopefully, it’s a case of the title track of the album being one of the weaker songs, something that often happens for whatever reason.

The B-52’s released this as an iTunes single with details on a physical release to follow. The saving grace of “Funplex”, perhaps, is that it is scheduled to be remixed by Peaches, C.S.S. and Scissor Sisters.

I have to say, though, that it’s amazing how great all of the vocals sound considering how much time as passed between albums. I don’t know too many sixty year olds that can belt it out like Kate.

For a little more B-52’s related reading, check out Missingtoof’s quick bio/sampler of the band. Fluxblog caught a recent show and posted a reassuring review of the live act these days. Finally, Hello Vegetables has a brief post about Mesopotamia up.

Going to a casino anytime soon? You might just run into Fred Schneider and pals.

FRI 2/15 – The Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, Florida

FRI 3/28 – River Rock Casino Resort – Richmond, British Columbia

SAT 3/29 – Northern Quest Casino – Spokane, Washington

Click here to preorder this album.