Two years after the release of
Whammy!, guitarist
Ricky Wilson died of AIDS, a shattering blow for
the B-52's. The group recouped and finished
Bouncing Off the Satellites, the album they were recording when
Wilson died. Considering their loss, it's not surprising that
the B-52's don't sound entirely focused throughout the record, and it's easy to forgive them for the momentary loss of direction. Musically, it's a continuation of
Whammy!, with the group's signature sound being enhanced by drum machines, synths, and sessionmen. There are so many musicians on the record that it winds up sounding too carefully considered -- the polar opposite of the loose, inspired fun of their early work. That said, there are some flashes of inspiration scattered throughout the album ("Wig," "Juicy Jungle," "Theme for a Nude Beach," "She Brakes for Rainbows"). There isn't quite enough to make it of interest to anyone but the dedicated, yet those listeners will find that there's enough worth hearing on Bouncing off the Satellites, especially if they're in a forgiving mood. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine