The B-52's

The B-52's are most recognisable from their brightly coloured 50-retro look and their unique vocals, mixing the high-pitched melodic harmonies of lead singers Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson with the sprechgesang vocals of frontman Fred Schneider. Formed in early 1977, their eponymous debut album was released in 1978 and quickly gained an underground following, as their new-wave/surf pop sound caught on. The album produced their seminal song "Rock Lobster", which is named on The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list. The B-52's are also famed for the tracks "Own Private Idaho" and "Love Shack". They continue to perform all over the world and are currently preparing to release their first a new record in 16 years (tentative US release date of February 26, 2008), reportedly titled Funplex. Speaking about the album to Rolling Stone, Strickland said "It's loud, sexy rock & roll, with the beat pumped up to hot pink."