B-52s - Funplex

Party: still out of bounds

For their first studio album in 15 years, the B-52s have gone down the self-tribute route and delivered a rewarding body of work. Produced by Steve Osborne, who’s worked with New Order and Happy Mondays among others, it resolutely plays to all the group’s strengths. Although it doesn’t contain anything as immediately catchy as Roam, Rock Lobster or Love Shack, it’s a pretty fair return to the consistency of their first two records. It certainly re-opens the B-52’s lexicon of beat: immediately we’re invited to twist and shimmy, taking an open-top as they visit a swinging London.

As, always, their intelligence forbids this ever becoming some Austin Powers-type irony-fest. Pump leaps out at you, while Hot Corner reinforces their role as keepers of the crazy beat. Juliet Of The Spirits is certainly the most commercial number, at once having a familiarity that makes it somewhat irresistible. It’s really rather lovely to have them back.

EMI | tbc

Reviewed by Daryl Easlea
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