For many of us, this song was a kooky introduction to the fascinating world of marine biology and cowbell percussion. For some of us, this early new wave anthem was also an initiation to a social activity called slam dancing that used to fill the floor with tomfoolery at the Banook Canoe Club in Dartmouth.
From the opening guitar and synth riffs, "Rock Lobster" by The B-52s is both catchy and menacing.
The lyrics are silly and fun, sometimes hysterical, always ridiculous: "There they saw a rock. It wasn't a rock. It was a Rock Lobster."
While the frenetic guitar riff is a throwback to surfer rock, the track turns on its head halfway in to pure chaos, becoming almost punk.
The interplay that follows between Fred Schneider's lead vocals and Kate Pierson's sound effects are mind blowing.
When the dust settles, "Rock Lobster" may have been that magic point in time where the rawness of punk collided with the innovation of new wave. Regardless, this is a polarizing track, one you either adore or despise.
Other favourites from 1978: From the opening guitar and synth riffs, "Rock Lobster" by The B-52s is both catchy and menacing.
The lyrics are silly and fun, sometimes hysterical, always ridiculous: "There they saw a rock. It wasn't a rock. It was a Rock Lobster."
While the frenetic guitar riff is a throwback to surfer rock, the track turns on its head halfway in to pure chaos, becoming almost punk.
The interplay that follows between Fred Schneider's lead vocals and Kate Pierson's sound effects are mind blowing.
When the dust settles, "Rock Lobster" may have been that magic point in time where the rawness of punk collided with the innovation of new wave. Regardless, this is a polarizing track, one you either adore or despise.
"Baker Street" – Gerry Rafferty
"September" – Earth, Wind and Fire
"Sultans of Swing" – Dire Straits
