Man was I disappointed by this new album, had high hopes for the first two songs but it´s all just the same afterwards,too bad, maybe after another 15 years=

starbuck said:

It's worth sticking with because I'm finding it a real grower. Previously The B-52s have been almost instant with me when I've first heard one of their albums, but this time around it took a few more listens to start getting into it. It feels like they've got their energy back after the somewhat disappointing Good Stuff.

Haystack said:

Totally agree. There are a few instant classics - 'Pump', I am going to be loving a looooong time - but, after a couple of weeks, I am LOVING this album!! It just took time to sink in a little. The only track I'm not that fussed with is 'Too Much To Think About' and, even then, it's not that bad.

I love this album!

matt said:

Wow.

This is a very good album, especially considering that it's their first in 16 years, and it's been 19 years since their last album with all living members.

In some ways, the music is throwback to their raw early stuff. But it also has a new electronica flavor that doesn't sound contrived. And perhaps above all, it does both of these without losing the unique B-52s sound.

The album definitely exceeded my expectations, which admittedly weren't very high. I saw the B-52s live in 2004 (they played in a parking lot across the street from my home -- very cool), and while I enjoyed the show, it was basically a nostalgia performance.

There's no "Love Shack" on this LP, but it's probably the first B-52s album that I enjoy listening to in its entirety. In fact, there are very few albums by any artist that I'll listen to from start to end, so they did a great job with this.

* * *

Although the difference isn't much, I do prefer the vinyl version to the CD. To my non-audiophile ears, the vinyl has slightly better dynamics.