152: Everybody Had Matching Towels

152. "Rock Lobster" by the B-52's {#56; 4/80} [iTunes? Yes]

It wasn't a rock.

You've got to like the B-52's, right?

Lobster

I'm not sure why, but at some point I came to the decision that only one song by the B-52's could make the HondoJoe Top 200. So, that meant a showdown between "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster." (Sorry, "Private Idaho." You are great, too, but you get the bronze medal in this race.)

Both songs are excellent. "Love Shack" has the very best line to sing in an exaggerated Fred Schneider voice: "I've got me a Chrysler, it's as big as a whale and it's about to set sail!!!"

But, "Rock Lobster" has matching towels and the great dog fish, catfish, piranha bit.

Ultimately, I think it came down to the historical significance of "Rock Lobster." I remember when I first heard "Rock Lobster." My reaction was similar to the Steve Martin/Bill Murray skit on Saturday Night Live where they stood on the stage repeatedly saying "What the hell is that thing?" for about five minutes. My initial reaction to "Rock Lobster" was: "What the heck is that song?" It was just so different than anything I had ever heard before. 

And so, the winner is "Rock Lobster." (So hurry up, and bring your juke box money!)

COMING UP NEXT: Not many words rhyme with "harmonica."