Time Capsule: Songs For A Future Generation

B-52's | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 26, 1998)
• Original Release Date: May 26, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reprise / Wea
• ASIN: B0000062W1
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (65 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,287 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Planet Claire

2. 52 Girls

3. Rock Lobster

4. Party Out of Bounds

5. Strobe Light

6. Private Idaho

7. Quiche Lorraine

8. Mesopotamia

9. Song for a Future Generation

10. Summer of Love [Original Unreleased Mix][#]

11. Channel Z

12. Deadbeat Club

13. Love Shack

14. Roam

15. Good Stuff

16. Is That You Mo-Dean?

17. Debbie

18. Hallucinating Pluto

Editorial Reviews

TIME CAPSULE SONGS FOR A FUTURE GENERATION B 52'S Release Date: 1998-05-26 1. Planet Claire 2. 52 Girls 3. Rock Lobster 4. Party Out of Bounds 5. Strobe Light 6. Private Idaho 7. Quiche Lorraine 8. Mesopotamia 9. Song for a Future Generation 10. Summer of Love [Original Unreleased Mix][#] - B-52's 11. Channel Z 12. Deadbeat Club 13. Love Shack 14. Roam 15. Good Stuff 16. Is That You Mo-Dean? 17. Debbie 18. Hallucinating Pluto

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hair Today, Here Tomorrow, June 9, 2006

By 

El Lagarto (Sandown, NH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Time Capsule: Songs For A Future Generation (Audio CD)

Every once in a very long while a thoroughly delightful group appears out of nowhere with something new to say and a distinct, immediately identifiable way of saying it. Such is the case with the B-52's who pull off a nearly impossible trick and make it look easy. For starters, they are musically intoxicating and certainly can't be topped for dance party appeal. The vocal blend of Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson is a lovely, natural fit, and Fred Schneider's droll, spoken word additions provide an effective and often hilarious counterpoint. Keith Strickland knows that a band like this needs basic, pure drumming, nothing flashy, and he delivers. The late, lamented Ricky Wilson provided great retro surf guitar, right on time and target. The frequent use of left-field sound effects sprinkles the songs with splendid surprises.

The song writing, especially lyrics, is always slightly cracked and completely charming. Catchy tunes devoted to poorly planned parties, ruins in Mesopotamia, and making love in strobe light are delivered without irony; no matter how absurd the subject it all seems to make sense when the B-52's do it. As good as these individual contributions are, it is the collective vibe and sensibility that sends this group over the top, their Own, Private I Don't Know is recognizable from 100 paces.

While several anthology CDs are currently available, this one shines most brightly. I was considering the 2-CD compilation, Nude On The Moon, but decided against it after learning about the alternate mixes, etc. Time Capsule: Songs For A Future Generation has the absolute requisite B-52's hits you can't live without, and plenty more besides. Nice to know that future generations will have quality neo-absurdist surf-guitar dance party music to enjoy - they'll need it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funky and Stylish, June 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Time Capsule: Songs For A Future Generation (Audio CD)

The B-52's were formed 6 years before I was born, but I was aware of their presence growing up, thanks to "Roam", but it wasn't until last year when this album came out that I realised how funky they really are. I can truly say that I have 18 more favorite songs than I did before I heard Time Capsule. I hope the B-52's make a whole new album once Cindy Wilson has finished making babies, but in the meantime I am looking forward to hearing two of their other albums, Wild Planet and Mesopotamia. I really like the vocal style of Kate Pierson, and I think she is brilliant on "Good Stuff". Fred Schneider has a kind of weird voice but it is really effective on "Quiche Lorraine". I think one of the resons the B-52's are so enduring is that they use their strengths instead of trying to be like something else. My favorite tracks are "Rock Lobster", "Strobelight", Mesopotamia" and "Debbie". The one song that took me a long time to get to like was "Song for a Future Generation", but I got there in the end. Having listened to their other stuff, I feel that "Dance this Mess Around" should have been included, but what are you going to do? Another good point about Time Capsule is that it has one of the most stylish sleeve designs ever, and'll look great in anyone's collection.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rock Lobster, March 5, 2003

By 

SC (San Diego) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time Capsule: Songs For A Future Generation (Audio CD)

Seriously, I have loved the B-52s since I was three, when "Roam" was released. I had to have this CD, which is a compilation of all their best songs circa 1979 until 1992. My favorites are "Rock Lobster", "52 Girls", "Private Idaho", "Lorraine Quiche", "Love Shack", "Roam" and "Good Stuff". Although many people my age love pop and other mindless music, "Time Capsule: Songs for a Future Generation" isn't leaving my CD player anytime soon. Cindy and Kate's voices go very well together, harmonies and all...and of course, the two-foot wigs and outrageous femininity is also fantastic. Overall: 100/100 A+