Every now and then I'd like to present a little something about the folks that have shaped me in some way, hence the title, 'It's all YOUR fault'.
Although I don't begrudge them their 90s success, I must say I never want to hear bloody 'Love Shack' ever again. I hates it. But the B52s in the their early prime had a massive impact on my 11 year old self. I wanted to go out in the world and meet people who looked like that. They opened up my eyes to a whole new world of camp glamour. The reason why it worked is because they approached everything they did with the utmost seriousness. I have a quote from Stuart Coupe's 'The New Rock'n'roll' (my bible as a teen) in which the B52s apparently deemed themselves "too fashionable" for much of the UK music press. I always admired them for that.
Last night my friend who shall remain The Silver Fox threw a lovely party. One of the reasons it was so nice was that my friends' kids are getting to the age where they join in with the grownups rather than sitting there sullenly with crossed arms. Some of them were cheeky buggers. One of them was labelling all the adults. I was 'The Dancin' Man'. Anyway, at one stage the first side of the B52s' yellow album came on and the kids watched bemused as the grownups all frugged, watusied and got down on the floor during 'Rock Lobster'. Some of them even joined in, even though it looked like it was some bizarre anthropological experiment for them. It was a great moment. Everyone in the room was being silly, regardless of age.
I think every child should see their parents dance like a loon at some stage.
Anyway, I figure this song fits quite well with the melancholy theme of the blog. I always thought that Cindy Wilson's voice had a very plaintive quality.
Best bit: WHY DON'T YOU DANCE WITH ME?! I'M NOT NO LIMBURGER!! and DO THE SHY TUNA!
This image is a detail from a record cover, artist unknown. The record is 'Hits for Honky Tonk' by Emil Stern and His Honky Tonk Piano.
Hey Dancin' man, In college at (Univ. of California at) Berkeley, I saw them perform Rock Lobster live at a free outdoor performance. They weren't super famous then, it was lunch time, and I just happened to be walking by. Great moment.
My kids would still die of embarrassment if they saw me dancing. Someday soon maybe.....
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 04, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Love the illustration by the way!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 04, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Oh wow! That does sound like a great moment! I am pea-green with envy! ;)
Perhaps you can start practising some moves to roll out at their next big function - graduation? Parent Teacher Night? Meeting the new sweetheart for the first time?
Posted by: a thousand shades of twilight | August 04, 2008 at 08:55 PM
PS Glad you like the illustration too! I like the seriousness of these two. They couldn't exactly be described as "twistin' round the fire, havin' fun" or "frugging" could they?
Posted by: a thousand shades of twilight | August 04, 2008 at 08:58 PM
I've noticed you become possessed whenever you hear the B52s. Best not to mess with you then...
Posted by: Ralphie | August 05, 2008 at 06:53 PM
I've noticed you become possessed whenever you hear the B52s. Best not to mess with you then...
Posted by: Ralphie | August 05, 2008 at 06:53 PM
I've noticed you become possessed whenever you hear the B52s. Best not to mess with you then...
Posted by: Ralphie | August 05, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Yes, nothin' gets in the way of Dancin' Man!
Yes, nothin' gets in the way of Dancin' Man!
Yes, nothin' gets in the way of Dancin' Man!
As I always say.
Mind you, Ralphie Dear, I have seen you possessed by the spirit of A French Cabaret Artiste when dancing to "Un Homme et une femme"..
Posted by: a thousand shades of twilight | August 05, 2008 at 10:46 PM