National Album Day 2019: the B52’s by The B52s

I like a challenge in life. I like to push my comfort zone a little further everyday and I never stand defeated. But when we were asked to get involved with National Album Day 2019 and write about one album we don’t skip and enjoy from start to finish, I started getting cold sweats. Panic, horror… I sit here, with an empty page, and this is scarier than anything Stephen King could have imagined. Which album was I going to pick?

I could have taken the easy way out. Blood Sugar Sex Magik plays a very important part in my life. I was always obsessed by the early Red Hot Chili Peppers. Or I could have picked Mother’s Milk. But I also love The Clash, and London Calling is the second most important soundtrack of my life. Or anything by The Hives, The Rolling Stones, The Cramps, New Bomb Turks,… Then, it came, as an epiphany! I could pick an album I thoroughly enjoy and that I think is painfully underrated by the masses. So, on this National Album Day, let’s take a trip to Athens. Not the one in Greece. We’re going to Georgia. Turn on the lava lights, it’s about to get groovy.

One album I’ve always loved from start to finish is the first album of The B52s, titled “B52’s”. When I discovered the band as a teenager in 2005 or 2006, I thought they were the quintessential of cool. Whether it was the beehives, their unique sound or the beautiful harmonies of Kate and Cindy, I was struck. It’s up there in my top 5 favourite albums of all time.

B52’s came out in 1978. The bizarre Planet Claire, with its outer-dimensional vibe and the “Peter Gunn” styling, is the opening track and definitely builds up the tension. Punk influences show in 52 Girls and Dance This Mess Around. Rock Lobster is a world of its own, written by guitarist Ricky Wilson who turned up at band practice saying “I’ve just written the stupidest guitar line you’ve ever heard”. Little did he know, this was going to become one of the best songs of the century.

The rest of the album is interesting. While the band keeps their post-punk influences obvious, Lava has a psychedelic vibe, while Hero Worship is considered to be one of the first Riot Grrrl songs ever written. 6060-842 is an energetic track, perfect for parties and easy to sing along to.

Downtown closes the album. It is a cover the 1964 anthem by Petula Clark that they managed to turn around and make their own. This album came out 41 years ago, and since then, nothing as weird and peculiar has come out. This is a perfect party album, but it’s also worth to stop and give it a proper listen just to catch every little element that built the special sound of a very special band.

Don’t (ever) Skip B52’s

the B52’s by The B52s, 1978, is chosen by rock music photographer Pauline Di Silvestro

The Jim Jones All Stars @ Rock City, Nottingham (Louise Phillips)

Jim Jones All Stars Announce October UK Tour In Support Of New Album ‘Cat Fight’

Jim Jones All Stars are set to return to the road this October, announcing a nine-date UK headline tour in support of...

Tori Darke (Henry Finnegan / @finneganfoto)

Tori Darke Turns Heartbreak Into Empowerment With New Single ‘Who I Am (Without You)’

Australian country-pop powerhouse Tori Darke returns with her infectious new single, Who I Am (Without You), transforming the pain of a breakup into an upbeat celebration of self-discovery and starting over. Co-written in Nashville with Australian country star Morgan Evans, the hook-filled track finds Darke looking beyond the immediate aftermath of heartbreak to explore the freedom that can come with rebuilding your life on your own terms.

James Marriott @ Latitude Festival 2026 (Kalpesh Patel)

James Marriott Unleashes ‘Burn Down The Disco’ And Announces O2 Academy Brixton Headline Show

James Marriott has unveiled his explosive new single, Burn Down The Disco, as the singer-songwriter enters another ambitious chapter in his rapidly accelerating career. Released ahead of his recent main stage appearances at Reading & Leeds Festival and Electric Picnic, the track finds Marriott leaning into a more visceral side of his sound, combining driving guitars and euphoric production with a lyric centred on obsession, attraction and the point where desire becomes destructive.

East Exchange Release Debut EP ‘torn between ties.’

Liverpool-born rising stars east exchange have released their long-awaited debut EP, torn between ties., marking a major milestone for the four-piece as they continue their rapid rise through the UK alternative scene. Released via AWAL, the six-track EP explores emotional struggle, self-reflection and the complexities of human connection, bringing together the band’s distinctive blend of 90s grunge and melodic alternative rock.

HEADSEND Announce Second EP ‘A Delicate Balance’ And Unleash New Single ‘Biopsy Of An Unknown Growth’

Australian heavy trio HEADSEND announce their second EP, A Delicate Balance, set for release on 6th November, alongside the arrival of new single Biopsy Of An Unknown Growth – a swirling, heart-hammering track that further establishes the band as one of the country’s most compelling emerging heavy acts.

Natalie Imbruglia Enters A New Era With New Album ‘Algorithm’

Natalie Imbruglia enters a bold new chapter with the release of her new album Algorithm, a deeply personal and creatively liberated record that sees the Australian-British singer-songwriter embracing freedom, self-belief and a renewed sense of artistic control.

Rumer Shares ‘Before The Planes’, A Song Of Hope And Remembrance Ahead Of 9/11’s 25th Anniversary

British singer-songwriter Rumer has dropped her new single Before The Planes, a deeply reflective song honouring the firefighters, first responders and civilians whose courage and sacrifice defined the immediate aftermath of the 11th September 2001 attacks.

Gabriella Cilmi Shares Soulful New Single ‘Pieces’ Ahead Of First Album In 13 Years

Gabriella Cilmi shares her new single Pieces, the latest preview of her forthcoming album Pure Love, due 9th October and marking her first full-length release in 13 years.