When thinking about some of the most delightfully weird and outright fun bands to emerge from the new-wave scene, did anyone do it better than the legendary B52s? While they always had a natural oddball quality about them, few bands managed to channel that energy into something as infectiously danceable as the B52s, as this classic performance of “Private Idaho” from 1980 demonstrates beautifully. Between Fred Schneider’s quirky delivery/mannerisms, Kate Pierson’s stoic expression whilst cackling wildly (with an epic beehive hairdo to boot), Ricky Wilson’s surfy guitar licks (R.I.P.), and his sister’s complimentary dance moves/vocals, this is peak old-school B52s in all their spunky glory. Enjoy:
