{"title":"The B-52's","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout The B-52's\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe B-52's formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. The founding lineup was Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson, and Keith Strickland. The band's name references a slang term for the bouffant hairstyle worn by the female members. Guitarist Ricky Wilson died of AIDS-related illness in 1985; Strickland moved from drums to guitar, and the band continued. The B-52's helped put the Athens music scene on the map alongside acts like R.E.M.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSound and style\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe B-52's blend new wave, post-punk, surf rock, and dance-pop into a distinctive, campy party sound. Their music features call-and-response vocals between Schneider's sprechgesang and the harmonies of Pierson and Wilson, angular guitar, and retro-futuristic themes. The band is widely cited as one of the defining new wave acts and a touchstone for kitsch-forward pop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDiscography highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe B-52's (1979, Warner Bros.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWild Planet (1980)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCosmic Thing (1989, featuring Love Shack and Roam)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFunplex (2008)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFor collectors\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 1979 debut has been reissued and remastered multiple times, and the band's Warner Bros. catalog appears in various pressings and anniversary editions. Original pressings of the debut and Cosmic Thing-era releases are common collector targets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhere to start\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eListeners new to The B-52's often start with the self-titled debut (1979) for Rock Lobster or Cosmic Thing (1989) for the hits. For related listening, see \u003cspan class=\"related-collections\"\u003eExplore more: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/punk-new-wave-vinyl-records\"\u003ePunk \u0026amp; New Wave\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-b-52-s-cosmic-thing-vinyl","title":"Cosmic Thing LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eCosmic Thing is the fifth studio album by new wave band The B-52's, released in 1989.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540840886455,"sku":"210000082239","price":26.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/cosmic-thing.jpg?v=1781154454"},{"product_id":"the-b-52-s-wild-planet-vinyl","title":"Wild Planet LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe second album by The B-52's, released in 1980. Features the songs \"Private Idaho\", \"Give Me Back My Man\", and \"Party Out Of Bounds\". The B-52s are an American new wave band, formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540841083063,"sku":"210000058159","price":26.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3663837-2678103.jpg?v=1781154455"},{"product_id":"the-b-52-s-self-titled-vinyl","title":"Self-Titled LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe B-52's self-titled LP marks their debut, blending punk and new wave styles. It includes popular tracks like \"Rock Lobster\" and \"Planet Claire.\" This album reflects their early energy and distinctive sound.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785735483575,"sku":"210000057818","price":26.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3917638.jpg?v=1783045764"},{"product_id":"the-b-52-s-time-capsule-songs-for-a-future-generation-pink-vinyl","title":"Time Capsule: Songs for a Future Generation 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe B-52's are at it again with \"Time Capsule: Songs for a Future Generation,\" presented on pink vinyl. This double LP holds the band's kinetic tracks, where every hook jabs at your senses like a well-placed critique. Those eccentric hairstyles may fade, yet the audacity of their sound remains sharply relevant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785786765495,"sku":"210000088907","price":41.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"the-b-52-s-whammy-color-vinyl","title":"Whammy! LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe B-52's \"Whammy!\" LP spins vibrant tales, fueled by a friction of punk and new wave rhythms. Tracks like \"Legal Tender\" and \"Whammy Kiss\" pulse with clarity and intent, revealing an era of bold experimentation. Clever lyrics entwined with punchy melodies evoke their quirky brilliance, ensuring its presence resonates with both nostalgic listeners and new enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785892311223,"sku":"210000076794","price":26.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4162424-2920816.jpg?v=1783046215"},{"product_id":"the-b-52-s-wild-planet-vinyl-rsd-bf-25-picture-disc","title":"Wild Planet LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eWild Planet, originally released in 1980, celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2025. This exclusive RSD Black Friday picture disc of The B-52's Gold-certified, sophomore album includes fan favorites like \"Private Idaho\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785929568439,"sku":"210000101927","price":31.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4462720-3460398.jpg?v=1783046316"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.waxtraxrecords.com\/collections\/the-b-52s.oembed","provider":"Wax Trax Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}