This list of songs is inspired by lists published by radio station KEXP-FM from Seattle in 2010, as well as the latest poll taken in 2021 by Rolling Stone Magazine. For the most part I will faithfully countdown from their lists, starting at Song #500 and going until I reach Song #1. When you see the song title listed as something like: Song #XXX (KEXP)….it means that I am working off of the official KEXP list. Song XXX (RS) means the song is coming from the Rolling Stone list. If I post the song title as being: Song #xxx (KTOM), it means I have gone rogue and am inserting a song choice from my own personal list of tunes I really like. In any case, you are going to get to hear a great song and learn the story behind it. Finally, just so everyone is aware, I am not a music critic nor a musician. I am a music fan and an armchair storyteller. Here is the story behind today’s song. Enjoy.
KEXP: The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History.
Song #461: Love Shack by the B52s.
The B52s are from Athens, Georgia (the same hometown that gave rise to R.E.M., as well). The band consists of singers Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson on guitar and Keith Strickland on drums and keyboards. *(Ricky Wilson has since passed away). The band had several minor hits such as, “Roam”, “My Private Idaho” and “Planet Claire” but, they are best known for their two monster hits, “Rock Lobster” and this song, “Love Shack”.
“Love Shack” was released in 1989 from an album called, “Cosmic Thing”. It became a #1 hit all over the world for the band and earned them a Gold record in the process. There is no hidden meaning nor symbolism behind the lyrics of the song. It is a party song. It is set in a small cabin, reminiscent of one owned and enjoyed by singer, Kate Pierson, as she grew up. When the songs closes with Pierson exclaiming, “Tin roof….rusted!”, she is referring to this cabin which had a rusty tin roof on top and so many fun times held within.
“Love Shack” is a song that is loved and enjoyed by all manner of music lover. It certainly is well-loved in our house. It was even performed at a school concert at the girl’s elementary school one year! Part of the appeal of this song is that it is fun and light and describes cherished times with friends and family that we all enjoy. A good house party is a wonderful thing. Hopefully, we will be able to safely enjoy that again, sooner than later. When that time does come….and it will…..I will happily provide the tunes!
The link to the music video for Love Shack by The B-52s can be found here.
The B-52s have a fun website that you can reach by clicking on the link here.
Thanks to KEXP for inspiring the writing of this post. A link to their great website can be found here.
Tom MacInnes, Writer 