In this installment of Show vs. Show, we take a look at two bands both welcome at any party. It’s the battle of young and not-so-young as The B-52s bring out their campy tunes and CSS turn on their Brazilian beats for Dallas audiences.
Despite a healthy discography, we might always know The B-52s for “Love Shack,” but there are worse tunes on which to hang a legacy. Now a classic party anthem, the song has held up for more than 20 years.
The band’s talent shouldn’t be overlooked for its camp factor. When the late Ricky Wilson threw down that riff for “Rock Lobster,” he made music history with a strong sound. It’s easy to blow off, but over the years, has proven unforgettable. Guitarist Keith Strickland stepped in and filled those shoes with the perfect blend of musicality and whimsy.
Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson always keep our attention with their mod outfits and high-to-heaven ’dos, but Fred Schneider symbolizes the band most with his outrageous flair.
But don’t count out CSS for party ’peal. The Brazilian popsters may be the heirs apparent to The B-52s (if not LMFAO), infusing a comic touch on their songs. They don’t offer as much of a punchline as The Bs do, but with tunes like “Let’s Reggae All Night” and “City Grrrl,” they add their own panache. Another point in their corner is opening dance band and performance artists MEN, led by lesbian JD Samson.
This should be more like Party vs. Party. All that’s missing are the party favors, confetti and punch bowl.
— Rich Lopez
Artist: The B-52s
The B52's
Known mostly for… being the premiere party rock band veterans, churning out hits “Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack” and “Roam.”
Good for the gays? As gay as it can get. Their camp factor is off the charts. And of course, there’s queer singer Fred Schneider.
What to wear? Anything but beige or gray. And lots of hairspray.
Relevance: The B-52s haven’t delivered big since 1989’s Cosmic Thing, but their songs are timeless fun.
Reason to be there: This is one resilient band that wholeheartedly still delivers. And how awesome is “Love Shack” going to sound live?
Reason to not: It’s in Frisco.
Deets: Dr. Pepper Arena, 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco. Nov. 3
at 7:30 p.m. $27–$77. Ticketmaster.com.
Artist: CSS
CSS
Known mostly for… their Brazilian dance pop. Hipsters party out to this band
that wants nothing more than to have a good time.
Good for the gays? With openers MEN, both are queer-centric with refreshing
but catchy tunes.
What to wear? Ironic T-shirts and colorful Converse Chuck Taylors.
Relevance: Their latest album, La Liberacion, strikes an unusual dance chord that’s also infectious and irreverent.
Reason to be there: While CSS has a strong fan base, they are still off the gaydar. You can be the one to tell all your friends about them.
Reason to not: With this one-two punch of catchy alterna-pop, there really isn’t a reason not to be there.
Deets: With MEN. House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. Oct. 28
at 8 p.m. $18–$20. HouseOfBlues.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition October 28, 2011.
Any idea why the B52s concert was cancelled?
@John Thanks for your note. I checked Ticketmaster.com and sure enough, the concert is now canceled. I have a call in to Dr. Pepper Arena (who deleted the show already from their calendar) to see what news there may be.
I guess CSS and MEN win this round.
Venues compete for events to make as much profit as possible. That’s good business. But I am curious to know if the Frisco arena organization isn’t branding itself as something it’s not. It’s not urban and its demographic audience doesn’t care for urban culture.
It’s not the old, funky Bronco Bowl where the B-52s played in the 1980s. It’s not the cool, funky House of Blues where the B-52s played recently. Cirque du Soleil moved from the urban center to the distant suburbs and lost the vibe it originally had. Driving to Frisco to see the B-52s and Cirque is something I’ll pass up.
It really blows that they would cancel and no reason given to their fans. It looks like their show is still on for Houston tomorrow…