The B-52's - Dance this Mess Around

The B-52's debut album is one of the most enjoyable plays in my collection. You can listen to it regardless of your mood, and you're practically guaranteed to have a good time. Also it's an album that I'd include in my list of top 10 debut albums ever. The others are in no specific order : The Velvet Underground & Nico, Talking Heads - '77, The Jesus and Mary Chain - Psychocandy, Pavement - Slanted & Enchanted, The Violent Femmes - s/t, Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures, Television - Marquee Moon, Devo - Q- Are We Not Men A- We Are Devo!, and Weezer - The Blue Album.

Apart from the undeniable classic that is "Rock Lobster," "Dance this Mess Around" is my favorite song on the album. It's one of those songs that's so good you simply cannot choose just one favorite part. You'll hear a section, think wow- this is totally awesome. How can it get better than this? Then the next part comes, leaving you dazed and sorry to have even questioned. The hooks are rapid fire. It's a blast. Go have a dance party with yourself, or anyone in close proximity. Just go for it.

You know who else is a big fan of this song? Michael Showalter from Stella. He lists it as his 7th favorite song ever (#1 being the Pixies "Wave of Mutilation.") Nice going. I sure do miss Stella.

The B-52's - Dance this Mess Around

"Remember when you held my hand
Remember when you were my man
Walk talk in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over, think it over
Roll it over in your mind
Why don't you dance with me
I'm not no Limburger
Just a limburger

Dance this mess around
Dance this mess around, 'round, 'round

Everybody goes to parties
They dance this mess around
They do the Shu-ga-loo
Do the Shy Tuna
Do the Camel Walk
Do the Hip-o-crit

Ah-Hippy Hippy forward Hippy Hippy
Hippy Shake, Hippy Shake

Oh-it's time to do 'em right
Hey now, don't that make you feel a whole lot better?
Huh?
I say, don't that make you feel a whole lot better

What you say?
I'm just askin'

Shake-Bake-Shake-Bake

Everybody goes to parties
They dance this mess around
They do all 16 dances
Do the Coo-ca-choo
Do the Aqua-velva
Do the Dirty Dog
Do the Escalator

Ah-Hippy Hippy forward Hippy Hippy
Hippy Shake, Hippy Shake

It's time to do 'em right
Hey! Fred, now don't that make you feel a whole lot better now?
Huh?

Say, don't that make you feel a whole lot better?

What you say?
I'm just askin'"

Now for a performance of the song circa 1979. What a great performance. I'd love to see them live sometime. I wonder if they still can put on a killer show. I probably would have to take a bathroom break during "Love Shack" however...I still can't stand that song.


The B-52's - B-52's @ Amazon.com