Eclectic new-wave rockers B-52's channel their 1980s-era past while helping alternative music turn the page into the 1990s with their first big hit off "Cosmic Thing"
Great article and thanks for the mention! I love “Channel Z!” If people can look past how ubiquitous “Love Shack” has become over the years, the entire Cosmic Thing album is really pretty great. Who knew that such a great party album could be born from the grief of losing Ricky Wilson.
In the context of the band’s history, I think it’s remarkable that they not only broke out in the mainstream after Wilson’s death, but that they were able to do it with such an upbeat album. Even “Channel Z,” for its political undertones, still manages to have a good time with it. I think there’s something to be said for dealing with your grief but then realizing that, even though you’re mourning a death, you still have a life of your own to live. Maybe “Cosmic Thing” is that life-affirming push forward for the band.
Great article and thanks for the mention! I love “Channel Z!” If people can look past how ubiquitous “Love Shack” has become over the years, the entire Cosmic Thing album is really pretty great. Who knew that such a great party album could be born from the grief of losing Ricky Wilson.
In the context of the band’s history, I think it’s remarkable that they not only broke out in the mainstream after Wilson’s death, but that they were able to do it with such an upbeat album. Even “Channel Z,” for its political undertones, still manages to have a good time with it. I think there’s something to be said for dealing with your grief but then realizing that, even though you’re mourning a death, you still have a life of your own to live. Maybe “Cosmic Thing” is that life-affirming push forward for the band.