Cindy Wilson of B52s Reflects on Hit Roam that Bookended 1989 & 1990 | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What was the best post 80s New Wave song?

[@SaneAsylum]

Somthing off "International Pop Overthrow" by Material Issue.

[@jackgahan149]

A many songs! Is a shame your cuestion sorry!!!

[@thebouncinghearts]

'Ship of Fools' by World Party always makes me turn my radio volume right up.

[@bigneon_glitter]

That's a loaded question but the best Pop song in that post-New Wave stretch would be The B-52's own *"Girl From Ipanema Goes To Greenland".*

[@markallen2984]

Primitive Radio Gods: "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand".

[@kalena7126]

I was obsessed with Roam back then. Once, I called up my local radio station, exuberantly requesting it. The station ended up using my call-in request as the intro for the song! Nothing like that had happened to me before or since. Such good times, I'll never forget hearing my own voice on the radio. 😊

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Probably my personal favorite song by the B-52’s… What a cool video, too!

[@Bronxbombers161]

Cool story!! I hope you recorded it!!!

[@kalena7126]

@@Bronxbombers161 I wish I did!

[@JasonNation72]

That's a cool memory, thanks for sharing.

[@StanleyKuo184]

Great story! I have a similar one where my local radio station KROQ wanted the listeners to submit 3 songs to be played. One of the songs I requested was Give me back my man by the B-52's. The DJ called me and played my reaction over the radio. Just a simple "WOW!" cuz that was my reaction upon getting the call from the station. Good times.

[@thebouncinghearts]

Cindy and Kate's harmonies are always so imaginative, and perfectly executed.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You are right on the money!

[@montysloungetv]

So close - the harmonies

[@mightyV444]

Their voices also are so similar to each other that they create a kind of modulation effect together, which is really unique and usually only happens when one and the same voice is being doubled on a recording 🙂

[@Spongerob0]

Yes. Very Abba like.

[@johnathandavis3693]

@@Spongerob0 Sorry, BETTER than ABBA. Edgier, sexier...

[@C2Installations]

This song represents one of my milestones...sitting on a bus travelling from ATL to Ft. Benning, GA, to begin infantry basic training in January 1990. Roam came on and it just hit me, made me feel free and grown-up, adventurous and brave. I have never forgotten that moment of transition.

[@Hogprint25]

Amen brother! 9Jan90 made the trek to Ft Jackson, SC for my Basic. We may have crossed paths on our Roam somewhere!

[@jimmyg9183]

Amen to both of you. Left Aug 23 1990 for Ft Knox Armor training. These songs remind me of the carefree spring of my senior year before I left for the Army.

[@shable1436]

My uncle col. Timmerberg was an officer stationed at Bennington back then.

[@fifthof1795]

Roam always reminds me of being on holiday in South Africa with my late, best mate. Miss him.

[@dominicbiondi4097]

I'm 61 and grew up with the B-52s as my party band...just incredible music. Thanks Professor for having Cindy on, and if she ever reads these comments, THANK YOU Cindy and the rest of the band for almost 50 years of joy and fun and incredible songs. You all are loved more than you will ever know.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

The harmony on Roam is outstanding, always loved the B-52s "party music" but Roam came from a different place, it's so hopeful and about live your life to the fullest, definitely can see how this album was about keep going even when tragedy is happening in your life. Great interview professor, it's funny how many of these artists say "exactly " or " funny you should mention that"when you say what the song is about or the feeling it brings, great analysis.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Incredible harmonies for sure.

[@VauxhallViva1975]

I totally agree. The harmonies on this song are FANTASTIC, and I did NOT like the B-52's in my youth, but with age, comes wisdom. ;)

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@VauxhallViva1975 lol, I know what you mean, they have some very original music that I like even more today

[@kodiakbearson8815]

The B 52's were one of those bands that had an uncanny way of making you bob your head or tap your foot wether you liked them or not. They definitely had their place in American music that eventually caught on world wide. Super cool interview professor. As always, clear, concise and informative. Great job as usual.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheJpep2424]

They made me change the radio station immediately. Awful music.

[@kodiakbearson8815]

@@TheJpep2424 Different strokes for different folks.

[@kodiakbearson8815]

@@ProfessorofRock You're welcome!

[@jayham____fromgeorgia]

This world and others

[@kevincopenhaver4294]

The B52s had ( and have) such a profound effect on my life. Both Deadbeat Club and Roam bring me to tears of joy EVERY single time I listen to them. So much LOVE for this band!!!

[@mikebynes3720]

Yes, these two are my most aspiring songs while traveling

[@KowankoMusic]

I agree, the whole vibe of Cosmic Thing is tinged with melancholy - it's hopeful and joyous but it knows an era is ending. "Topaz" and "Follow Your Bliss" are literally like the 'closing credits' music of the 1980s. Just so beautiful.

[@marcofalzone6469]

"Follow your Bliss" reminds me of something the beach boys did on Pet Sounds

[@davidbrown8310]

Topaz just crushes me !

[@marcofalzone6469]

"deadbeat club' is basically a memory of a bubble in time in every group of friends lives. Maybe you didn't exactly do the things Kate and Cindy described but it encapsulates the whole vibe of experience Thing is, we never realize it til we're apart from it.

[@Abelard4567]

I was working on my Dissertation at the time and had MTV running in the background. I always took a break when Roam came on - such a special song.

[@spamwagon]

Cosmic Thing is an album that in my opinion is as close to perfection as any album ever. The B-52s are almost their own unique musical genre. Both Roam and Deadbeat Club can still bring a tear to my eye when I listen to them, the harmonies are just so beautiful. And, both Cindy and Kate sing notes so pure and steadfast, there is no hiding behind vibrato, either you hit the note and hold it... or you don't. Continuing to sing like that must be hard as they age, I've noticed a lot of aging singers try to bury bad pitch with vibrato. Not these girls.

[@pietropipparolo4329]

They still sing perfectly.

[@shable1436]

Nile Rodgers is all I can say

[@austinskaggs4184]

“give me back my man” is my favorite B52’s song. Her vocal delivery in that one is so passionate and just other-worldly.

[@davidskidmore4189]

I love those songs too. "Deadbeat Club" to me has always been about the time in life, when you are in college, maybe you got a easy major, no stress, just friends and happenings, music, and life is magic.

[@dennisflax]

'Channel Z' got me to buy the album and I did not regret it. Loved the guitar in that track SO much. 'Roam' gives me the dialed-in, perfect 'nostalgia' vibes of a Summer that was close to perfection. What a great album.

[@RodCornholio]

Roam has a timeless quality...as if it could be a hit in any of the years between 1950 - 2150.

[@SirManfly]

Cindy might look like your grandma but that voice is unmistakable !!!!

[@W81Researcher]

Well I'm not sure given the crap on the radio today.

[@JoeHellerOfficial]

ROAM was my travel anthem in 1989!! I was backpacking around Eurpoe, seeking adventure. I rocked out to ROAM and the entire Cosmic Thing album in East Berlin, a week after The Wall came down on a cassette tape in my Sony Walkman hammering pieces from The Wall drinking German beer. I still have my pictures of my time in Belin and travels across Europe.

[@davek5027]

You’d never be able to hand that vacation nowadays

[@JoeHellerOfficial]

@@davek5027 Agreed. Everything is different now, but you can throw caution to the wind. Travel is still important to me and instilled in my boys. My youngest son is graduating from college this May. Then he leaves for Europe, backpacking for 2-months before starting work. I travel 100% of the time, hiking the National Parks/Forest across America for the last few years. I figured if the world was ending I'd do what I love :)

[@rjblaskiewicz]

"Deadbeat Club" makes me nostalgic for something I never had, which is a heck of a trick. I've come back to "Roam" and "Deadbeat Club" over and over in the last year. Actually, I heard the band a few years ago in Philly (my first B52's concert!) and going in I wondered if Cindy and Kate would still have those perfect harmonies, and...oh....my...god... they were superb. They lift each other's voices. During the pandemic, as I taught online, I'd warm up my classes with music videos. And students vibed real hard with "Rock Lobster" and scratched their heads bemusedly at "Girl from Ipanema Goes to Greenland." I explain that this is a band that's about having fun, and the students go with it.

[@babylonian.captivity]

I saw them a few months ago in NY and yes, my God, they *were* superb. Just utterly breathtaking. After all these years.

[@rjblaskiewicz]

@@babylonian.captivityJust saw them in Atlantic City a few months ago. First concert I'd been to in ages.

[@gulliblesbabbles]

I’m old enough to have been fortunate enough to see the B-52s perform live. A favorite concert memory along with the Ramones, Blondie and the Go-Gos. I was the perfect (college) age for 80s music and it remains the soundtrack to my life. Love to the B-52s. ❤❤❤

[@saltermellon644]

Cindy’s speaking voice is so cool. I could listen her for hours

[@julielazarine7261]

Oh wow! What a great interview. Love the B52s so much. Such a big part of my high school memories with my friends, who are still my dear friends. I have a distinct memory from about 1990, driving to our first B52s concert at Starplex in Dallas and hearing Devil in My Car on the way down. Hearing B52s always warms my heart and takes me back to those times.

[@adolforuizsalazar51]

I remember the first time hearing Love Shack…. Wow… it was so crazy different from all the music around that time…!!!! Then a cousin of mine came from a trip from USA with a cassette of Cosmic Thing… The first time i hear ROAM i feel like flying… All that crazy album showed me that you can hear different good music… Love this one Professor!!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you for watching!

[@IronmanKMSA]

So comforting to hear Roam at times when I'm tired and frustrated. Just gives me hope that things are going to be ok.

[@johnroos5807]

I was a little late to the 'Party', but I started with the B-52's in 1983. It was just great time to be alive!:) Semper Fidelis

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure. Wish we could go back!

[@VeteransTodayNetworkMedia]

I am in LOVE with Cindy Wilson and The B-52s. They are just sooooo cool! The best!

[@fd4576]

I totally, totally agree with Adam !!! Yes , these are clearly two of my most favorite B-52 songs ! There ability to actually move beyond their earlier incarnations and grow musically is ever apparent here. The harmonies and content of these two songs prove that they could make mainstream yet cool lasting music. Thank you "professor" for this groovy and heart felt interview, it was awesome ! Love you all ! ❤

[@badius377]

Their voices were amazing in Topaz...my favorite song on the album.

[@grahamwilliams2940]

Just listened to the album again and never really appreciated this back in the day but thanks to your comment I had another listen, thank you, its a wonderful song with fantastic harmonies.

[@davidbrown8310]

It is a great song.... Don't believe they ever played it live.

[@gdcadad]

When I put this CD into my stereo and blasted the title track, it was as if they took the best of their early music style and integrated a modern feel with it. This is an album that I listen to front to back, start to finish. While I love all of the tracks on this album in their own way, the title track is the bridge that connects the early B52s to the B52s of today. LOVE IT!

[@Mo-MuttMusic]

Congrats on securing your interview w/ Cindy Wilson. "Roam" is a great track. Love her harmonies with Kate. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular

[@Boxxkarr]

Cindy and Kate's harmonies were magical to me. I never heard a sound like it, starting with Rock Lobster. But from Cosmic Thing, Channel Z was always my favorite! The harmonies in that song are mind blowing! Such an excellent band!

[@ronnsnow2859]

Keith Strickland doesn't get enough recognition as a musician. Even before Ricky's death, he had a hand in writing alot of the music.

[@johnathandavis3693]

Yes -I saw them at Irvine Meadows in '90 Cosmic Thing tour. Keith did GREAT on the guitar.

[@ronnsnow2859]

@@johnathandavis3693 I've never had the chance to see the B-52s live. Has Keith every done a live guitar solo?

[@johnathandavis3693]

@@ronnsnow2859 oh yeah he was the lead guitar he took over for Ricky he did great.... I know that b-52s just the girls and Fred have been doing shows here and there , but without Keith. They're all getting older like all of us. 🙂

[@iggystardust9236]

@@johnathandavis3693 Hey how is it being the lead singer for Korn?

[@johnathandavis3693]

@@iggystardust9236 I wish I had his checkbook, LOL🤑

[@seanswinton6242]

Loved their album Whammy! It was my first B-52s purchase. I guess I was going through a retro thing. It was them, the Go-Go's, the Bangles, Chris Isaak and others. Cosmic Thing was great. Channel Z was the first song I heard from it. I was hooked when I bought it.

[@JediJabo21]

Hey, My name is Jesse D. Martin. Roam is my favorite B52 song also. I got to see them do it on Earth Day in Central Park. I was going through a bad time in my life. Heavy drug addiction, bad relationship. I took a walk to clear my head. Walked from the east village to Central Park. In that moment hearing that song, my life changed. I still get emotional when I hear it. Thank you for doing this.. 28 years clean and sober, married and still playing music. Peace and Love Jesse.

[@BobKnight-mm2ze]

Congrats Jesse. I tried being a bike messenger for a while in the city. But eventually switched to walking messenger for weird shaped or big packages. So I spent a lot of time walking the city. And having this band on my "Sony Walkman" helped a lot. Congrats again.

[@JediJabo21]

@@BobKnight-mm2ze Yes, Walkman, iPods. Life-saving devices. Thanks.

[@colinmontgomery1956]

I always thought "Roam", by far, was their best song. One of my all time favorites, and one of the best of the 1980s.

[@bigneon_glitter]

Nice interview, Cindy is rarely in that seat. Always thought of "Love Shack" & "Roam" as The B-52s' _Pee-Wee's Playhouse_ period. Difficult to extricate the two. Those songs bookended the Summers of '89-'90 & "Roam" is how I mark 1990 & Junior High in my memory. Would love to see an interview with Lady Miss Kier on Deee-Lite.

[@SPACEMANKNOX]

was just thinking the same thing about Lady Miss Kier

[@dennismorgan2230]

Good lord I love Fred! I remember hearing Roam for the first time. I was DJing on the weekends and it got put into my rotation as soon as I heard it!

[@simonjohn7011]

Once in a while a song comes along that really resonates with people. Roam was such a song.

[@andrewhudson7108]

The guitar tone in Roam is hands down one of my favorites of all time. Especially that flanger effect. Love Shack used to play all the time on a 50s diner jukebox when I was a kid in the 90s. So I assumed they were a sixties band until I found it on an 80s compilation.

[@jimcurt99]

I was lucky enough to see B-52s live, Ive been to a LOT of shows, but this was by far the most fun I have EVER had- was lawn seating, we danced more than I have EVER danced- so much joy- it was amazing

[@tinamichelsnelson1563]

I saw them live back in the 80's! What a show!!!!

[@jimcurt99]

@@tinamichelsnelson1563 RIGHT?? SO much fun- they KILLED IT!!!

[@corporatemerger653]

I absolutely love The B52s. I was in 8th grade when Cosmic Thing came out and it's still an album that I listen to on a regular basis.

[@cindy7733]

Deadbeat Club is by far, my fave B52's song :) Thank you for including it in this video and interview.

[@mjproebstle]

we were dancing or screaming to be heard talking over either the red or yellow album blaring in the background at every party i ever went to in college back in the 80’s. good times! cheers!

[@captainpoppleton]

I like that description , the red or the yellow !

[@mililaniman]

"Right Here Right Now" is my favorite post 80's song. I can remember listening to Roam as a high school senior in 1989.

[@bradgibson4698]

The B52's listening to there music makes me smile and happy!!! I was a fan from the beginning and now my daughter listens to them!!!! Fun Music

[@unbenicoli1]

I love The b-52's since their first album. In fact, I was a 10-year-old boy, and I still enjoyed their songs. It's true that Cosmic Thing is a great album from start to finish. I love Kate and Cindy's voices on Roam. Long live the b-52's.

[@marvelboy74]

I have so much love for this group. So much creativity in the music. The concerts are always for the fans and I'm glad that they always dig deep and pull different songs out of the vault.

[@hbofbyu1]

In my town there was a radio station that was changing formats and during the transition they played Love Shack on a loop for 3 days straight. As an exercise I also used the song in pro-tools to create a modified long play version. I've never listed to the song all the way through since. I have no more tolerance for it (but it is a fun song).

[@ProfessorofRock]

Songs do have a way of grating on you if you listen too much...

[@driver4011]

love shack was on the radio n M TV "non stop" in a loop in 1989.

[@pault151]

That was just a lazy way to transition. The station was still required to have a licensed person in charge of the broadcast the whole time. Locally my favorite transition was when the Quake (KQAK) moved to its Live105 identity, but the crossover was tended by one of the few DJ's who was carried over, Big Rick Stuart. He put on a non-stop Brian Eno playlist that ran for several days! Back then there was no way to hear lots of songs by an artist without knowing someone who had the albums (no KZbin) so that was very interesting.

[@cuzzindave]

I'm with you! Roam is my fave B-52's tune! It's smooth and fun! Brings back a fun era for me 1989-90 when I needed some fun and got it!

[@TheoneGodfather]

Way back in those days someone won a MTV contest where the B52s played a show in the winners back yard. I could be looking back with rose colored glasses but I remember it as being the best live performance I’ve ever seen from the B52s. Would really like to see it again.

[@vincefarin7273]

Yeah! That was around the time I became a huge B-52’s nut. It was 1998, the VH1 Big Backyard BBQ. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/m57dnGyYf699jrs

[@rhlovelace2652]

Loved the B52’s from the first time I was exposed to them in college. Cosmic Thing in my opinion was their best work and the harmonies of Cindy and Kate were amazing. Always makes me happy when I hear their music.

[@rrrmmmm5059]

I’m so inspired by your channel. Thanks for bringing us so many great stories behind the music we all love!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening

[@kirby1ist]

This came out when my youngest was 3 and Professor the song makes me smile , for a great song , and a great memory , thank you for all your work helping me to remember that which needs to stay remembered. Have a great day ( 2024 )

[@SD9Driver]

"Deadbeat Club" does have that nostalgic feeling to it, hard to describe really. One of my favorite songs by them would have to be "Legal Tender" on the Whammy album.

[@MrTheEdge]

Deadbeat Club is my favorite. Great to hear they added that to the set list. Hope they come back to my town

[@colinpate3059]

Cindy and Kate's harmonies on Roam are iconic, equal to Lennon and McCartney, The Every Brothers and CSN and no one was better.

[@babylonian.captivity]

Indigo Girls, Simon and Garfunkel, CSN. Yes. Also? I've felt that Wild Reeds (newer band) belong in that exquisite club as well.

[@frozenborderline2109]

Can't argue with the Prof's concensus here. Roam and Deadbeat Club are also my absolute faves from their catalogue (honourable mention to Give Me Back My Man and 52 Girls!). Cindy and Kate's vocal harmonies are just pure beauty in their otherworldliness.

[@kenmcelroy5010]

I remember being in a Highschool band in the early 80's. I always liked the B52's... because they were such a great, quirky party dance band. One day our piano player(who was much more versed in musical theory than we were at the time) was explaining how brilliant their music was....because they were constantly using different modes....(that's why their harmonies are so haunting at times) Something.... at the time..... was not even aware was a thing.

[@halmartin7417]

Well Roam is without question their best song as a whole. From start to finish it's chalked full of excellent musicianship, rhythm and amazing vocal harmonies, of course. Wonderful driving music as well.

[@kenperk9854]

You just can't beat those mid 70s musicians, no matter what! It seems like all the bands were turning out great material that year! in 1976, at an INCREDIBLE rate!

[@theodoreritola9758]

YES INDEED ,,

[@supergeeky7529]

Roam is my favorite song of all time, has been since I was little. When I was about 7 I was watching VH1 waiting for me and my grandma to leave for my doctor appointment. Roam came on just before we were supposed to leave. I refused to leave until the song was done. We missed the bus and I was late for my doctor appointment which got me grounded. I never regretted my decision.

[@rs4425]

"we'll dance in the garden in torn sheets in the rain"...

[@moetrymwm7807]

I have to agree with you Doctor. Roam is absolutely wonderful. What a sound! Truly beautiful. Great message, get out there and wander...

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

This is my favorite B-52s song! Amazing vocals. As an aside: I went to college at UGA in Athens, GA in the 90s, so I have a special place in my heart for the local bans of the time, particularly the B-52s and REM.

[@stevemcdonald2711]

I remember living my summers listening to bands like the B52s. Rock Lobster was a staple of all the parties and dances that we went to. I remember writhing and wiggling on the floor during Rock Lobster. Roam became my new favourite song in 1989 when I met my wife. I loved that tune, I can’t even explain the magic it has but it conveys such a feeling of joy, and it still brings me joy. Honestly, I find it hard to believe that Roam was released in 1989, it feels like it was only a few years ago, not 34 years ago. Thank you Cindy, Kate, Fred and Keith and thank you Professor of Rock for arranging this interview with such an artist.

[@ndowroccus4168]

Yeah, “Roam” is there peak of genius (as far as combining their sound and style with corporate rock and pop roots). Same with deadbeat club, ugh they really hit some strides with their style in these two songs. So glad your two favorite songs were those two, because I still have those two on my regular mega mixes.

[@RavenCyclone]

First time I heard Roam was at work back in 2004, I was like wth!?!? Who the hell is this?, I LOVE IT!, Then it was addicting and I couldn't stop playing it on repeat! Now in 2022 I'm still addicted to this song and listening to it over and over!!! One of the greatest songs every written EVER! Thank you guys for this beautiful song!

[@stephj9378]

I thought the title was "Roll". For years

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

What a fitting closer to that period. They had evolved to include a bit less synth, foreshadowing the modern rock that was to come. I was still listening to pop radio at that time, even though it had been pretty much taken over by R&B. With the B-52s and great acts from Britain like Depeche Mode, the '80s weren't quite ready to call it a day. I love Channel Z easily as much as Roam or Love Shack.

[@kencollum1392]

I agree on Channel Z

[@jonny_mazerati9410]

My favorite band of all time. Glad I got to see them on their last tour 2019

[@markallen2984]

Great interview, professor. I think you really connected with her and she was impressed with your depth of knowledge and interest. 👍

[@Cle44139]

Genuinely glad you did this video -- I love Roam too -- definitely one of the best moments of pop music history (and my childhood)

[@deanrobert9953]

Someone else may have commented on this already, but the beauty and charm of Roam is the lyric play... it's says one thing, gets you thinking a thing but it's really something else. Oh girl... dancing down those dirty trails... hip to hip... rockin though the wilderness... round the world begins with a kiss... without wings... without wheels... skip the airstrip at sunset... ride the arrow to the target... see the great big c... without anything but the love we feel. Around the world begins with a kiss... so go Roam the world of your partners body people! A sex song, and a very clever fun one at that!!

[@pault151]

I'm so glad that someone else noticed this! Like many great songs there are many interpretations available, but once I thought about this one I can't un-think it. ;-)

[@michaelgentry8551]

Y'all are too young. An around the world used to mean a total head to toe sexual experience with nothing off limits. The trip begins with a kiss. There were bananas flying through doughnuts in the video.

[@rhyfeddu]

Which makes it so funny how earnestly talking about travel (real travel) broadening the mind etc. and Cindy just nods and smiles "it's...an anthem"...

[@latkagravas2967]

Thank you, Dean, for noting this. I thought of it after maybe hearing it two times, as I reacted to the other great things about the song. How wonderful that we can know what seems like the obvious to us, and so many people can miss it. Travel? Ha Ha. Unbridled and imaginative intimacy in a special encounter is so much more rewarding. I'd like to know if the Professor actually was oblivious to this.......

[@hillcountrycrops1260]

My family had a difficult time in the late 80s after our father passed away. One of my sisters bought this tape and it was always in the car. It was one of the very few things we all liked and the only thing we would sing in front of each other. I play the b-52s videos for my daughter now and she applauds at the end of all of them.

[@johnathandavis3693]

People don't realize, that these guys had real punk cred. Everyone know "Rock Lobster", and over look songs like "52 Girls". A REAL Punk banger! They ranged so many styles - even Surf Guitar like "Work that Skirt" from Bouncing Off the "Satellites". Ricky is WAAAAYY underrated as a guitar player /innovator. Plus- LOVE LOVE LOVE CINDY!!!!

[@Jezballz]

Their 1st 2 albums are some of the best "new wave" of all time.

[@maxsdad538]

There was nothing "punk" about them. New wave is NOT the same thing, Slick.

[@brettstuart6887]

@@maxsdad538 the first two albums definitely have some punk influence. Private Idaho, 52 girls, rock lobster, 6060842. Give them a listen.

[@johnathandavis3693]

@@maxsdad538 Please don't be a "genre cop" -that is folly. especially if you weren't around- like us 60yr. olds...

[@deanrobert9953]

52 Girls! It's mesmerized me for decades. My fav by the 52s

[@silverheadonyx]

The B-52's are my favourite band! I have all of their albums, saw them live in 2007. And I think Wild Planet & Cosmic Thing are their best albums. I doubt that they'll be able to come up with anything better than those records. I also think Cindy and Kate looked absolutely adorable in the videos they made for Roam and Love Shack. I mean what's not to love about those songs and those videos? The time when Cosmic Thing came out was the happiest time of my life so far! I was living with my girlfriend, we were crazy about each other and we used to go see so many great shows back then! Whenever I listen to that album it always takes me back to those days! It's like a sonic time machine, I love it!

[@irrefudiate]

I agree, "Roam" is unique. It was used in a montage by PBS to promote one of its new stations.

[@gonzalobravo9151]

By listening to the interview one can appreciate the talent, the perseverance and as people like Mrs. Wilson have come forward, they have enchanted everyone with their songs and with their job well done, thank you for giving us the opportunity to know this in such detail , a warm greeting from Chile South America

[@rikkousa]

My favorite B52 song is “Dance this mess around” followed by “Planet Claire” or “Give me back me man”

[@ProfessorofRock]

All good songs!

[@pvcrouter]

City was at her barefoot best in give me back my man video

[@johnathandavis3693]

The YELLOW and RED albums....ALL TIME GOLD....

[@johnathandavis3693]

@@pvcrouter God, I was in love with her. So cool and edgy...

[@brettstuart6887]

@@johnathandavis3693 yep that was definitely the peak. They still had a lot of quality songs after that but nothing touches the first two. They had a harder, grittier sound.

[@ctmagnus760]

I was shouting Amen after all the things you said about Roam! I wondered if anyone felt the way I do about it. I could geek out with you about for a while, my man. Deadbeat Club, same. That nostalgia and looking back feeling that says “it was all for good.”

[@jeffrice4713]

I always considered 1989 more part of the 90's music. B52's, Faith No More, Living Colour, REM, Stone Roses, Pixies, The Cure, The Church, Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.

[@joeymorvant161]

I love all 10 acts you named! 2 are even favorites: Jane's and The Chilis!

[@imapisces1]

Yes! 1989 was an explosion of awesome music.

[@EF-fc4du]

Funny cuz I've always considered '90s mainstream rock to just be '80s alternative.

[@hugolopeziii4255]

I have enjoyed the "Bs" since seeing them in Norfolk VA. In a small venue in the very early 80's. I absolutely love the, or all, the changes in music. But Channel "z" is one of my favorites in the later times. However, I've played all their music for years as I have raised my 6 kids. Each one has a varied favorite from all the years.

[@tashigool3761]

Great interview. Very good to hear others appreciate Roam and Deadbeat Club which are also favourites. Follow Your Bliss is also amazing

[@stephenhanft1226]

I love the B52's. Their music was fun new wave with great tunes. The end of the 80s was the last era of consistently great music. The early 90s is when the quality of music went considerably downhill and never recovered. For me, 1991 was the revolutionary most destructive year in music history.

[@mikenicholson7465]

I agree. I love alternative music but hate what grunge did to homogenize what was considered alternative.

[@Anon.y.mous1503]

Great, great song. I love Kate and Cindy's voices together on this.

[@migueldeleon6677]

"Roam" is my favourite of theirs, also.

[@pinkdolly]

My dad played Cosmic Thing in the car when he picked me up from preschool. I remember that Deadbeat Club was my favorite B-52s song when I was four years old!

[@felicecinque]

Deadbeat Club my favorite! So underrated.

[@Mountainrnemt]

Love both those songs. Love Cindy Wilson. Love the B-52s forever and always!

[@paulapenna-loveyourvoice]

My favorite song of theirs - Roam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same.

[@randycox3522]

mine too and Fred being so...absent! Hmmmm?

[@HotKuro67]

I love Roam! Great interview - love Cindy. B52s forever!

[@hecman888]

While I love "Love Shack" and "Channel Z", my Favorites from that album were: 1. "Deadbeat Club" 2. "Roam" and especially 3. "Topaz"

[@sunsetkindoflife]

Glad to see someone else enjoyed Channel Z. It was always my favorite.

[@splifftachyon4420]

I didn't end up buying this album till the year following its release, but it became the soundtrack to my summer of 1990. You nailed it too. Sure, Love Shack is a great song, but Roam and Deadbeat club are just exquisite. Roam, to this day, remains my favourite song by them.

[@smfletcher1944]

Personally I cannot split "Roam" or "Private Idaho" as my favourite B-52's song...both epic tunes!

[@davidleigh443]

Private Idaho is my favorite largely due to Kate's intro.

[@donquijote6030]

Excellent analysis and commentary of the B-52s. Despite hitting their prime before I was of sufficient age to appreciate their music for what it was. Great interview!

[@PanicBeach]

Cosmic Thing is a perfect album from start to finish, but if I had to pick 1 favourite track it would be 'Dry County'. Their previous album 'Bouncing Off The Satellites' was equally excellent. 'Ain't It A Shame' is perfection!

[@jorgetadeu5778]

Bouncing is my favorite album. Ain't It A Shame is my favorite song. Amazing!!!

[@tinamichelsnelson1563]

I loved the B52's! I play guitar and so I learned a lot of their songs because the guitar parts were so interesting. I still play them today - Rock Lobster, 52 Girls, 606-0842. I just acquired a black Line 6 guitar that belonged to Kate, but Keith played quite a bit. One of my prized possessions! Kate and Cindy's vocals are so unique and absolutely amazing. I never get tired of listening to them. ROAM is a gem. Windows down, singing along! THAT would be the song most likely to earn me a speeding ticket!

[@seanferguson5460]

I could not pick my favourite 10 B52 songs. Maybe 20. Deadbeat Club? Every time I hear the song it's a bittersweet reminder of when I was young and hanging out with good friends. B52 music makes me want to jump in my car and go... and not come back.

[@MeMeDaVinci]

I saw the B-52s in Green Bay Wisconsin. It was in 2009. After being a fan since the eighties since college, I smashed myself right up front, in front of Keith. His guitar sound was so crisp and so clear and looked so effortless that it really is one of the favorite concerts I've ever been to. And the fact that they were still out there doing their thing playing the music was just phenomenal. It was such a good show and I know that there's a KZbin video as one of the songs from that show--and it's Roam! Great fun was had by all!

[@StuartJ]

I'd like to see something on Ian Dury and the Blockheads.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Noted!

[@unkjason]

Love zeni. I'm glad you mention them. It's hard to believe how old the B52s are. Wow time flies. I was in love with Kate!

[@roy1701d]

I've always interpreted "Roam" as a sexual invitation. Roam...without wings, without wheels; the trip begins with a kiss; rockin hip to hip; ride the arrow to the target; go ahead and roam. Most of the lyrics can be interpreted as sexual metaphors, as an invitation to explore someone's body. Maybe it was the time and place and company (age 21, college, new girlfriend) that led me to this conclusion. Anyway, it's always been my favorite B-52s song. 🙂🤘

[@ProfessorofRock]

Interesting... Never thought of it that way.

[@outtathyme5679]

Then I’m gonna kiss your pineapple!

[@deanrobert9953]

Right on. I just posted the same thing (didn't spot your comment). It's very clever... interpretation is with the ear of the beholder, but I'm certain its a fun sex song 'hiding' right in front of people.

[@roy1701d]

@@deanrobert9953 Glad I'm not the only one who heard it that way. 😀