The B-52's – Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Debut Album, German Release

Album Front Cover Photo of The B-52's Self-Titled Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

In 1979, The B-52's unleashed their self-titled debut album — a flamboyant explosion of new wave sound, surf guitars, and eccentric vocals that redefined pop culture. This German release, produced by Chris Blackwell, introduced Europe to the band’s offbeat genius, driven by hits like “Rock Lobster” and “Planet Claire.” The album’s bright yellow cover became as iconic as its sound, forever marking the group as pioneers of post-punk playfulness and retro-futuristic flair.

Table of Contents

"The B52's" Album Description:

The year 1979 was a transformative period for the music industry, marked by the emergence of new wave music and a vibrant alternative scene. Among the trailblazers of this era were The B-52's, an American rock band hailing from Athens, Georgia. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1979, became an iconic representation of the quirky, energetic, and offbeat new wave sound. The German release of The B-52's self-titled 12" vinyl LP album played a significant role in introducing this groundbreaking band to a European audience.

The B-52's: Pioneers of New Wave

Before delving into the German release of The B-52's self-titled album, it's essential to understand the significance of the band's music in the broader context of the late 1970s music landscape. The B-52's were at the forefront of the new wave movement, a genre characterized by its experimental and eclectic sound, blending rock, punk, and electronic elements with a heavy dose of eccentricity.

The band's unique sound was characterized by driving guitar riffs, pulsating bass lines, and the distinctive trio of vocals from Fred Schneider (with his signature deadpan Sprechgesang) and the melodic harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson. The lyrics were often playful and absurd, making The B-52's a one-of-a-kind experience for listeners.

The Debut Album

The self-titled debut album "The B-52's" was released in the United States in July 1979 and quickly gained attention for its unusual combination of surf rock and new wave, along with its peculiar lyrics. Songs like "Rock Lobster" and "Planet Claire" became instant, genre-defining classics, showcasing the band’s infectious energy and utterly carefree spirit. These tracks, with their surf-rock riffs and sci-fi kitsch, immediately took hold on college radio and club dance floors.

The German Release

The German release of The B-52's self-titled album in 1979 was a crucial moment for the band's international recognition. Released by Island Records, the 12" vinyl LP often carried the German catalog number 200 776, a specific detail that collectors still eye today. Germany, with its thriving music scene, was a gateway for many American and British artists to reach a broader European audience. The album's success in Germany helped pave the way for The B-52's to become a global phenomenon.

The album's release in Germany was met with enthusiasm from fans and music critics alike. Its quirky and danceable tracks resonated with a generation looking for something fresh and exciting. The album's cover art, featuring the band's members adorned with colorful wigs, sunglasses, and retro attire, added to the band's unique visual identity.

Legacy and Impact

The B-52's self-titled album left an indelible mark on the music industry and has since become a classic. Its influence can be heard in the music of countless artists who followed in the new wave and alternative genres. The band's ability to combine fun, irreverence, and innovative music resonated with audiences around the world.

In Germany, The B-52's found a dedicated fan base, and their success in the country paved the way for numerous European tours and a lasting relationship with German fans. Over the years, the band continued to release albums and singles, maintaining their reputation as one of the pioneers of new wave music.

Album Key Details: Genre, Label, Format & Release Info

Music Genre:

New Wave

The B-52’s helped define the quirky and colorful side of New Wave — a sound fusing rock and surf music with futuristic synth textures, eccentric vocals, and danceable beats that captured the post-punk playfulness of the late 1970s.

Label & Catalognr:

Island Records – Cat#: 200 776 (Blue Label) / LC 0407

Album Packaging

This album includes the original custom yellow inner sleeve with complete lyrics of all songs by The B-52’s and photos of the band.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country:

1979 – Made in Germany

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • Chris Blackwell – Producer
    Founder of Island Records and one of the most influential figures in modern music, Blackwell launched the global careers of artists like Bob Marley, Grace Jones, and U2. His production work on The B-52’s debut captured the band’s quirky new wave energy with clarity and balance.
  • Robert Ash – Co-Producer / Engineer
    British recording engineer and producer who worked across post-punk and new wave projects during the late 1970s and 1980s. His technical precision and experimental mic techniques helped define the crisp, danceable sound of The B-52’s early recordings.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up (Vocals / Guitars / Drums):
  • Fred Schneider – Vocals, Percussion
    Known for his deadpan, talk-sung vocal style and eccentric stage persona, Fred became the band’s charismatic frontman and lyrical architect, defining the quirky humor that made The B-52’s stand out in the late-1970s New Wave scene.
  • Ricky Wilson – Guitar
    As the band’s lead guitarist and primary arranger, Ricky developed a distinctive, reverb-heavy sound by using unusual tunings and rhythmic strumming. His innovative approach gave The B-52’s their surf-meets-space-rock identity before his untimely passing in 1985.
  • Keith Strickland – Drums, Percussion
    A founding member who later transitioned to guitar after Ricky’s death, Strickland’s tight rhythmic sense and melodic vision helped sustain the group’s success through albums like “Cosmic Thing,” keeping their sound both danceable and timeless.
Band Line-up (Keyboards / Vocals):
  • Kate Pierson – Vocals, Keyboards
    Renowned for her powerful, wide-ranging voice and vibrant stage presence, Pierson’s harmonies became a defining feature of the band. She later collaborated with artists like Iggy Pop and R.E.M., cementing her as a New Wave icon.
  • Cindy Wilson – Vocals, Tambourine
    With her soulful tone and playful energy, Cindy brought emotional warmth to The B-52’s sound. As a co-founder and songwriter, her contributions on tracks like “Dance This Mess Around” helped propel the band’s rise from Athens clubs to international stardom.
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Planet Claire
    Released as a single in July 1979; notable for its “Peter Gunn” riff reference and strong college/club play.
  2. 52 Girls
    Issued in single configurations in some territories (paired with “6060-842” on certain European releases).
  3. Dance This Mess Around
    Released as a single in 1979 (Japan / Colombia and promo releases noted); also became a live favourite.
  4. Rock Lobster
    Originally released on DB Records (1978) and reissued in 1979; the band’s breakout track with multiple single versions.
Video: B52s Planet Claire FULL HQ Restored best version!!
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Lava
  2. There’s a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon)
  3. Hero Worship
  4. 6060-842
    Short instrumental/novelty track; issued as a single or B-side in some UK/European pressings (see various 1979 single configurations).
  5. Downtown Cover
    Cover of Tony Hatch / Petula Clark’s 1964 hit, reimagined in The B-52’s playful new-wave style.
Video: The B-52's - Rock Lobster (Official Music Video)

Disclaimer: Track durations not shown; single releases and B-sides varied by territory—Planet Claire, Rock Lobster and Dance This Mess Around were widely issued as singles; 52 Girls and 6060-842 appear in single configurations in certain European markets. No guest artists or bonus tracks are credited on the original 1979 German LP.

Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of The B-52’s self-titled debut album (German release), showing all five band members standing against a solid bright yellow background. From left to right: Fred Schneider in a navy suit and white shoes with a sly expression; Keith Strickland in black wearing sunglasses; Kate Pierson in a white blouse with black and white striped pants and a massive auburn beehive; Ricky Wilson in a red and yellow shirt with a neutral pose; and Cindy Wilson in a white flared-sleeve blouse, black trousers, and a tall white bouffant wig while holding a striped handbag. The red 'The B-52’s' logo appears above them, with the 'NEW WAVE' graphic in the upper right corner, evoking a playful yet edgy late-1970s style.

The front cover of The B-52’s self-titled debut album is a riot of visual energy and stylized eccentricity. Against a bold, unbroken yellow background, the five members stand frozen in their signature mix of deadpan attitude and cartoonish flair. The composition is strikingly symmetrical yet chaotic, capturing the band’s unique blend of camp, color, and rhythm.

From left to right, Fred Schneider wears a navy blue suit with white shoes and a knowing smirk, exuding a detached, almost ironic charisma. Next, Keith Strickland stands in sleek black, his dark sunglasses giving him a mysterious, modernist silhouette. Center stage, Kate Pierson dominates with a towering auburn beehive, a crisp white blouse, and bold black-and-white striped trousers — a living embodiment of retro-futurism.

Beside her, Ricky Wilson wears a bright red jacket over a yellow shirt, his casual stance grounding the visual intensity of the others. Completing the lineup, Cindy Wilson strikes a poised, almost theatrical pose, her enormous white bouffant wig and flared white sleeves outlined in black giving her a stylized, almost pop-art presence. She holds a striped handbag that subtly mirrors the pattern of Kate’s pants.

Above them, the album title “The B-52’s” is written in red lowercase and uppercase lettering, playful and unmistakable. To the top right, the black-and-white “NEW WAVE” logo stamp and a small dancing figure declare both genre and movement. The overall design radiates the band’s identity — ironic, futuristic, nostalgic, and defiantly strange — marking a bold visual anthem for the new wave revolution of 1979.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of The B-52’s self-titled debut album (German release). The design features a vibrant yellow background filled with printed song lyrics in red text for tracks including 'Planet Claire,' '52 Girls,' 'Dance This Mess Around,' and 'Rock Lobster.' To the right, a metallic blue Mosrite-style electric guitar with a white pickguard and a patterned black-and-white strap leans diagonally across the frame. At the bottom center, the Island Records palm logo and catalog number '200 776 / 98534' are printed in red, confirming this German pressing.

The back cover of The B-52’s self-titled debut album radiates the same eccentric charm as the front, set against a vivid yellow canvas that visually hums with energy. Song lyrics are printed across the left and center sections in red, typewritten text — a bold design choice that matches the band’s brash, colorful personality. Each song title, from “Planet Claire” to “Rock Lobster,” is capitalized and punctuated by playful line breaks, echoing the rhythmic pulse of the music itself.

Dominating the right side of the composition is a gleaming electric guitar — a deep ocean-blue Mosrite-style model with a cream pickguard and chrome hardware. Its black-and-white patterned strap drapes loosely, suggesting the aftermath of a frenetic recording session. The guitar’s angled placement injects movement into an otherwise static layout, symbolizing the band’s kinetic sound and unpolished creativity.

Beneath the text, the familiar red Island Records palm tree logo anchors the design, accompanied by the catalog number 200 776 / 98534. The typography is clean and minimal, ensuring the visual focus remains on the lyrics and the instrument. This German edition’s striking contrast of red on yellow makes it instantly recognizable to collectors — a vivid statement that turns even the back of the record into a celebration of visual rhythm and musical rebellion.

Close-up of Record Label
Close-up of Side One record label for The B-52’s self-titled debut album (German release). The circular blue label carries the classic Island Records palm tree logo at the bottom — a yellow and orange sunset over a small green palm — with the word 'ISLAND' printed in white capitals beneath it. The text above reads 'Play Loud' followed by the four tracks on Side One: 'Planet Claire,' '52 Girls,' 'Dance This Mess Around,' and 'Rock Lobster,' each with songwriting credits. The upper text also lists 'Produced by Chris Blackwell.' On the right, the catalog number '200 776' and 'STEREO' marking appear above the copyright line '(P) 1979 Island Records' and the LC code '0407.' On the left are the GEMA logo and the ST33 speed symbol, all printed in crisp black type. Around the edge runs fine white German copyright text, completing a clean late-1970s design.

This close-up of the Side One record label from The B-52’s self-titled German LP captures the essence of Island Records’ late-1970s style — simple, functional, yet distinctly elegant. The label’s background fades in a cool ocean-blue gradient, evoking the label’s tropical motif and reflecting the band’s playful, sun-drenched sound.

Across the top, the phrase “Play Loud” introduces the track listing, with the four songs neatly organized and credited: “Planet Claire”, “52 Girls”, “Dance This Mess Around”, and the signature hit “Rock Lobster.” Beneath the song titles sits the band’s name, B 52’s, followed by the production credit to Chris Blackwell. The typography is clean, sans-serif, and centered — efficient yet inviting.

The lower half features Island’s iconic logo: a vivid sun setting behind a stylized green palm tree within a white outlined circle. To the right, the catalog number 200 776 and the STEREO designation appear above the copyright year (P) 1979 Island Records. The GEMA rights box and ST33 symbol flank the left, indicating a standard 33 RPM European pressing. A ring of small white text encircles the outer edge, denoting copyright and reproduction restrictions — a subtle hallmark of authenticity for collectors.

Collector’s Notes

The German edition of “The B-52’s” is especially prized among collectors for its vivid color saturation and clean Island Records blue label. Unlike later reissues, the 1979 pressing includes the original yellow lyric inner sleeve — a detail often missing from surviving copies.

Index of B-52's Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

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