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B-52s Shimmy Again

Wacky New Wave band releases its first new album in 16 years

By Eleanor Villforth, Newser User

Posted Apr 14, 2008 2:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – Sixteen years after the release of their last album, the B-52s are still rocking the cosmic party, this time with the all-new album Funplex. The Georgia band still performs regularly, but "if we're going to keep doing this, we need new material," guitarist Keith Strickland told NPR. "And our fans were beginning to sort of bang on the door."

The new album updates the band's wacky New Wave sound with electronic influences. Though now all in their 50s, the band members say their fans’ energy keeps them going. “Something in our music makes people bust loose," says beehived singer Kate Pierson, adding that they want to “keep doing it as long as we're having fun with it."

The B-52s in a 1998 photo. Clockwise from top; Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson. (AP Photo/Jim Cooper, file)

Fred Schneider, left, and Kate Pierson of the B-52s perform last October. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)

Funplex, the B-52s first album of new material in 16 years. (http://www.astralwerks.com/b-52s)

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B-52s Shimmy Again

Wacky New Wave band releases its first new album in 16 years

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Long-Lost Elliott Smith Song Resurfaces

Obscure recording made during 1997 student radio session

At Bon Jovi's Restaurant, Pay What You Can

'Soul Kitchen' lets customers work for their dinner in New Jersey

At Yard Sale: McCartney Letter Seeking New Beatle

Now at Christie's; may fetch $11K

REM: Behind the Breakup

'We're doing this for good reasons'

REM Breaking Up

In what they insist is an amicable split

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Wacky New Wave band releases its first new album in 16 years

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

music • album release • rock bands • rock music • dance music • B-52s • Kate Pierson • Keith Strickland

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Long-Lost Elliott Smith Song Resurfaces

Obscure recording made during 1997 student radio session

At Bon Jovi's Restaurant, Pay What You Can

'Soul Kitchen' lets customers work for their dinner in New Jersey

At Yard Sale: McCartney Letter Seeking New Beatle

Now at Christie's; may fetch $11K

REM: Behind the Breakup

'We're doing this for good reasons'

REM Breaking Up

In what they insist is an amicable split

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?