The 10 Greatest B-52's Songs

While we would like to contrive some sort of cosmic reason for compiling this list today, we confess: We got “Mesopotamia” stuck in our heads yesterday, while walking into the office kitchen, and that was motivation enough.

All of these tunes are available on 2002’s excellent two-disc Rhino set Nude On The Moon: The B-52’s anthology. Put it on, have a flaming volcano and enjoy.

10. Wig — an introduction to the girlish harmonies and utter silliness that were both band hallmarks.

9. Legal Tender — a bit of cheesy minimalism, led by Kate Pierson’s vocals and driven by a drum machine.

8. Roam — an effervescent comeback after guitarist Ricky Wilson’s heart-wrenching death in 1985.

7. Good Stuff — after some boy-girl call and response, it explodes into a humongous pop chorus.

6. Planet Claire — love the spy-movie bassline. And how gutsy to go more than two minutes with no vocals whatsoever.

5. Love Shack — According to incriminating photographic evidence, we might possibly have performed this one night in a Key West karaoke bar.

4. 52 Girls — a New Wave symphony of clanging guitar and snaking bass. The groove is impossibly sick.

3. Mesopotamia — another sick groove. (The B-52’s were “groovy” on multiple levels.) We love how this song really seems to be about Mesopotamia—there’s a corny joke or two, but no fancy metaphors. Just a funky song about turning back the clock and meeting us by the third pyramid.

2. Private Idaho — slashing guitar, a melody that bobs and weaves, and a merciless hook.

1. Rock Lobster — a beach-party classic. Formerly our ringtone. As we were playing this in the office, our boss remarked aloud on how many different distinct parts the song has — and (as usual, Josh!) he was right. By the time the song is over, you feel like you’ve listened to about six different tunes.