The B-52s: Cindy Wilson (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards, keyboard bass); Fred Schneider (vocals); Ricky Wilson (guitar); Keith Strickland (drums). Recorded at Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas in April 1980. Also available with THE B-52S on 1 cassette. If you have any doubt that WILD PLANET was intended as the ultimate in new-wave party albums, just turn your attention to the opening "Party Out of Bounds." The song sums up everything that's great about the B-52s, the kitschy, minimalist dance band that somehow managed to overcome its primitive musicianship and crank out a big pile of hit records. On one level, the track is an exuberant invitation to cut loose; on another, it's a slightly veiled homage to S&M, set to an irresistible beat and edgy guitar track. WILD PLANET's next eight tracks continue along the same lines. The B-52s keep the dance beats coming while amusing any party people who take care to pay attention to the group's witty, oddball lyrics. "Runnin' Around," "Private Idaho," and "Strobe Light" are the other standout tracks here, but nearly every song has something to recommend it. Casual fans may want to skip WILD PLANET and the band's equally impressive eponymous debut album and jump directly to TIME CAPSULE, an 18-track best-of package. But those who choose to dig a little deeper and pick up the original discs won't be disappointed.

• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Pop
• RSD Date: DDD