Word: mesopotamia
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Loiry's book, aimed at "altering the future history by explaining the past," fails because it attempts too much. The author tries to chronicle the complete history of children and youth from the times of ancient civilizations. In 200 pages he travels through time from Mesopotamia and Sparta through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the twentieth century. In the remaining 40 pages, he finally attacks the problems of today, and tries to set up comprehensive guidelines for the future. This rush through the "rise and fall" of children ultimately undermines his own cause, Loiry, a professional political activist...
...fans nonetheless may feel betrayed by this new direction. The songs off "Mesopotamia" are indeed relatively restrained compared to the manicle "Private Idaho" or "Planet Claire." And the sound is thicker, more introspective than their earlier work Critics say the 52's have been a "limited" hand all along all the latest albums shows, these harpies claim, is the pretentious drivel that arises when a cutesy band takes itself too seriously...
While the B-52's no longer bop indiscriminately, they have lost none of the loony, self-conscious humor that made them so endearing "Mesopotamia" is a very intelligent album, much more cerebral than say, "Wild Planet." But it still makes you want to dance, which more often than not makes or breaks a pop album...
...HUMOR EMERGES in later numbers like title cut "Mesopotamia" or "Throw that Beat in the Garbage Can." the 52's best trick has always been to create danceable tunes, with lyrics so ridiculous that you feel tremendously self-conscious while twitching your feel. "I am no student of ancient culture," warbles the silly frontman Fred Schneider in "Mesopotamia," which he trumpets in concert as being kind of "geological." Before I talk, I should read a book." Yeah, he should, but these don't sound like the sort of lyrics that go with dance music...
...which serves to show us that there is a lot more behind this hand than sheer, lovable eccentricity that they have happily not abandoned. Keep "Planet Claire," "Rock Lobster," and "Private Idaho" stored away in a safe place for future listening pleasure. You'll need em again, Go get "Mesopotamia." It's not limited or pretentious. Just try to keep still when playing it. Just try not to giggle. Bet you can't. The party's not stopping. It is just moving to a different room...