The B-52’s – “Rock Lobster” (1978) Review | The Crustacean That Swept the Nation

Kronomyth 0.1: The birth of rock and lobster roll.

I remember when Beck’s “Loser” became a big hit, and a fellow writer told me that she was sure she’d heard this exact song years ago and I was like, “Okay.” I’ve never been a big conversationalist. Had I been, I might have mentioned that the same thing happened to me with Rock Lobster. It was the summer of 1978, I think, and I was visiting Point Sebago with my family and cousins for a vacation. On the radio, I heard this song and was immediately struck by how catchy and new it was. A year or so later when “Rock Lobster” became a hit, it was like déjà vu. The original version of the song, which was first released regionally in Georgia, is very similar to the re-recorded version that appears on The B-52’s. There might be a few more maritime animals namechecked on the original, but that’s about it for differences. The B side, 52 Girls, was also already fully formed more or less, with subtle changes over time (e.g., I think the bass moved down in the mix for the elpee version). The original single is something of a collectible these days, particularly since I don’t recall seeing these versions show up on reissues or compilations. It’s definitely a sign of great things to come. I would say there’s a certain innocence to it too, except that I’m not sure The B-52’s ever lost that innocence.

The Product

A1. Rock Lobster (Fred Schneider/Ricky Wilson) (4:37)
B1. 52 Girls (Jeremy Ayers/Ricky Wilson)

The Players

Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson. Produced by B-52’s and Kevin Dunn; engineered by Bruce Baxter.

The Pictures

Photo by Ann States.

The Plastic

Released on 7-inch single in July 1978 in the US (DB, DB-52) with picture sleeve.