The B-52's had not been heard from since their 1983 release of
Whammy!. Out of nowhere comes this brightly displayed CD, with
surrealist space-age cover art by
Kenny Scharf.
Dedicated to the memory of Ricky Wilson
The above is embedded over a colorful photo of a bright tissue paper flower, over a blue background. The photo, on the back page of the liner notes of this album, was taken by inaugural member Keith Strickland. Sadly, one of their own, Ricky Wilson, had died shortly after they had finished recording, of complications from AIDS.
Bouncing Off the Satellites is the fourth major album release from The B-52's. It was recorded in July of 1985 and released in early 1986 by Warner Bros. Records, Inc. It takes full advantage of the Fairlight CMI, with Tony Mansfield at the helm. While one of the more obscure albums (perhaps less known than Whammy! even), it's a good listen for one who wants to better understand where the B-52's have come from, and where they were headed. Dare I say, mainstream culture was stupid to ignore this release. One nice thing about this band: The styles may change, the instruments may change, but the writing and the unmistakable vocal talent keep the signature the same.
Having listened to all of the "B's" albums from 1979 to present, I can tell you that Bouncing Off the Satellites is a shout out to the world. It's a sign that the signal is getting clearer, the energy is increasing, and you'd best listen. Indeed, there's much more substance and fine tuning lyrically, and more topics covered; such as their hint towards social activism, having loved and lost, and what The B-52's are best at:
Just having fun.
This album is almost sensual in the way attacks your senses with thoughtful messages and 80s-like yet unique instrumentals and rhythms. In these 10 songs, you'll find music that will make you think, laugh, dance, dream and cry.
Not quite the retro club-hops of The B-52's and Wild Planet, and not quite the jumpy rock-influenced Cosmic Thing or Good Stuff... Somewhere nicely in between.
Tracks:
01. Summer of Love
02. Girl from Ipanema Goes to Greenland
03. Housework
04. Detour Thru Your Mind
05. Wig
06. Theme for a Nude Beach
07. Ain't It A Shame
08. Juicy Jungle
09. Communicate
10. She Brakes for Rainbows
Cast of Characters:
Fred Schneider III
Vocals
Cindy Wilson
Vocals
Kate Pierson
Vocals, Organ
Ricky Wilson
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Vocals
Keith Strickland
Bass Guitar, Sitar, Table Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
Supporting Cast:
Tony Mansfield
Fairlight CMI
Mark Mazur
Guitar, Bass Guitar
Tim Rollins
Guitar
John Coté
Background Vocals, "All Other Instruments"
We would like to give a special thanks to all of our friends, families and fans for all of your love and support. We couldn't have done it without you. Love, The B's.