Downtown • The B-52's

[SouliaBoy]

Did she sing the word "Titty"?

[mrluigi0521]

Like if lost brought you here

[deadboydansmith089]

punk from the south

[Derpocracy]

that are a bunch of rednecks singing...

[johnd5547]

GSU sucks...

/watch?v=BIh7SvEHDno

[jaderunes]

Wow! I heard it! You don't hear that lyric in the 80's remake either!

[BullFrogsParadise]

Wow, brings back to when times were not as so CRAP as now. Looking at things these days makes me sick. So...I forgot the word I wanted to use describe today, but to make things easy most things these days are SH*T! I'm just a misplaced 25yo dude I guess. lol

[joemama4twenty]

Wow - this is amazing! You just never know what gems you'll find when you start wandering around in here. Thanks for posting this! ♥

[Arthurianwarp]

Do I detect a lyric that wasn't allowed in the Album Version of this song a few years later, folks...??? (listen closely)

[xxxNAYBOBxxx]

It NEEDS more COWBELL!!

[pvtpstr]

uh, fred? little more cowbell okay?

[RobotModel790]

Its hard to believe that such a band like them could actually originate from a small town like Athens, Georgia. And then they performed in a rednecked place like Atlanta, Georgia as a prelude to launching their career.

[Arthurianwarp]

@RobotModel790 You forget that's where REM started also...

[pogwok3412]

what did she say @ 1:13? if it's what i think i heard, lmao! if not, well,... it sure sounded like it! love this video though! thanks!!!

[tecdessus]

@pogwok3412 Yeah, thought I heard it on another clip too, imagine Cindy using that kind of language ! lol.

[Arthurianwarp]

@pogwok3412 I think you're right... she says something the CENSORS wouldn't allow back then in the lyrics.

[musicforchewfaygs]

fred's so gay.

[buddyeagle]

Sounds like EMBALO Brazilian beat. Cooooooooooooll!

[Dubxela]

Wow, I really love this band. they have so much freedom with how they want their music. Some may dislike them as if they were crazy but really its whats fun all about. I think they were just too much ahead of their generation but surely they'll rock!!

[djfuel100]

16 people have no soul

[anthonyelizondo]

fucking brilliant!

[PUDGIE62]

long time B52's fan, just found this.............there is hope for this planet

[bonniegrrl]

Thanks for posting vintage B's! I LOVE this concert so much!

[Fersomling]

The voice of one of the girls satisfies something in my head, kinda like scratchin an itch.

[ctronjock]

keith is so cute beating those drums...

[ward462]

Unbelievable! I love it. Can't believe the B-52's are now a 'classic'. Time stops for no one.

[DrJTG]

this is got a VU grove to it? The organ maybe?

[mrbusters]

So glad that all of these videos were made early in their career.

[phantom1897]

Thank goodness I know they have better songs, this may be an interesting cover but not timeless or anything. Just a decent piece for the time.

[gibbley]

wow

[tommythefarmer]

raw..love it

[hell4raizer]

'gotta have more cowbell!

[keasr]

This is an awesome, some consider this simply noise but i say it is very raw and inspired. Infinitely better than Petula Clark's version, imo. But then again, I love noise.

[DancingSpiderman]

I bet toddler baby girls everywhere love this version.

It is very cute and perky.

[populationcontroller]

Thank fuckin god for all the synthesized vocal tracks and massive amounts of post production work. These guys really suck ass, they are a Brittany Spears. If aliens are listening to this they will blast our planet with neutron radiation or some other shit to rid the planet of us.

[mikecaz1]

@populationcontroller A true idiot has spoken.

[101Volts]

@mikecaz1 More like a spoon to cause a stir.

[TalkingOcean1]

@mikecaz1 LOL; comparing B52's to Britany Spears!! A cookie cutter pop slut like the rest compared to an ahead of their time original New Wave/Retro 50's 60's/surfer punk band. These kids need deprogrammed.

[tecdessus]

@populationcontroller You no like, you no watch, s`easy . okay :)

[populationcontroller]

These guys are the Brittany Spears of the 70s, they suck without over production and post production cleanup, real music overlay, synthesized vocal tracks, etc., etc.! This is fucking noise................

[stvst]

yeah punk originale

[mrsteachmusic]

This is amazing!

[borddakter]

more cowbell!

[Othy238]

It looks like a place in London where NEW groups came to play -shit - memories!

[jayheadj420]

Incredible Footage!

[anthonyfernando63]

The enigmatic Keith Strickland.  : - )

[Chilze]

I'll come

[unkpop]

Genuine punks. Love it.

[GisMadz]

yeahaa, love it!

[gtas123]

This song SUCKS in comparison to Rock Lobster.

[iammready]

Well if I can do my hair...

[Anteroization]

I am from that era, the catch of the song was that is was a little out of tune, like if the girls were out of it, bad singing but at the same time great singing, hope you get it ?

[desiguy3]

haha petula clark sang it sad wistful song, while the b52's made it a rowdy punk style song. nice contrast.

[Kramnosnits]

Truly awful........(even though the 52's have talent and great music).....this is abysmal, and an insult to pop music.

[skullyj2002]

You CAN'T insult pop music. It is totally 100% shameless and has never cared what anyone thinks of it, as long as lots of people buy it.

[iammready]

Yes! Thanks for the illustration to kramno haha. You are absolutely correct! * - *  (if I can do my hair)

[Kramnosnits]

What you say, actually, is just about true. But this is still low art; if art at all. But don't misunderstand, I hold most of the B-52's output in high regard. Just not this.

[iammready]

YOU're the awful one. This is beautifully vintage! It's so delicious I think I am gonna have it now for dessert!

[SFPsychoDane]

david byrne made the recordings with them that were later released as the EP "Mesopotamia" . . . so there is a definate connection there

[lebarosky]

This is amazing. You think Talking Heads ever saw something like this, and were inspired?

[andymadrid]

This is American High Art pure and simple. They will be remembered as artists. SO much fun. So original. The singer is HOT! Still has it's edge!

[akafrank]

downtown cafe = highland tap

[iekoom]

I am speechless; this is gold. thank you!

[TheDolphin52]

YES, THESE VIDEOS ARE ABSOLUTELY RARE STUFF! THEY SHOW THE B-52´S ARE INDEED THE BEST BAND OF THE PLANET EVER!! and my friend Gabster457 and all my other B-52s-Brothers and Sisters I DO recommend you buy ALL their compilation because it´s ABSOLUTE TREASURE!!!!!!!!!

[clownpants]

The best! Nothin' like them before or since.

[gabster457]

This is awesome =) where can I watch/listen to the album version?

[fijago]

Their first album called "The B52s" get it, you won't regret it x

[dave777blaster]

a travesty, this is  rediculous .

[scorekeepn]

Is that classic or what? I'm gonna cry

[stretchpost]

Thank God for Youtube!! I just never thought I'd see anything like this. Brilliant. So much more real than most of the over-produced crap which passes for music nowadays!

[demonhoopa]

@stretchpost I seem to recall this being reviled as "what music has come to these days" by older people when it first came out.

[stretchpost]

@demonhoopa you are so right! My brother introduced me to The B52s, Talking Heads, Ramones and VU when I was about 11, and I've railed against the mainstream ever since!

[jiffcat]

hey everyone on youtube let all go downtown now or are you a square, what do you say.?

[perkjc01]

Yes, we do realize how precious. It captures an instant where they were young, strong, beautiful, and blossoming as a band. Their not polished yet but the raw talent and sound almost brings a tear to your eye. I wish I could have been there.... thank you kmills74!!!

[iammready]

Vintage cool thanks. this is the s h t !

pretty!

[drummergirl1025]

heehee:) a rare cindy song before kate stole the spotlight. this, hero worship, give me back my man...she was so punnnkkk XD

[doogle1001]

I couldn't agree with you more! So true.

[theScytheofGod]

My favortie Cindy song from the B-52's is Give Me Back My Man. Until this song, I hadn't heard either of the girls sing lead.

[bigarv65]

I always thought this was the oddest inclusion of a song not written by them.  Totaly bizarre and totaly cool.

[madrereus16]

sing it! DOWNTOWN!

[bgg222]

Damn, that was painful to watch and listen to. They were much better once they got out of their "black and white phase" and learned a bit more about performing music.

[codisdead]

you, sir, are wrong.

[kajc67]

This is the best of their stuff! Raw... and impromptu. I got see them like this in Athens, GA and NYC. Awesome!

[MaceMn]

Petula has nothin' to worry about.

[B52sguy]

Do you realize just how precious this is.

I've never seen this on Vid before. I was at that club that weekend.

Joseph

[hhcoap]

b52 are the coolest alive

[pachotuve]

this was my first contact with punk music...lol

[maxhieliger]

great then...great now....

[197919922000]

interesting cover!

[Kidrocksis]

this is the $#iT !

I know a place to go.... life's makin' me grumpy...

[jezebel272]

awesome! thanks for posting!

[dryland57]

They sound like crap! Horrible.

[everythingt]

ahole

[56BUICKRiviera]

This makes me want to follow Cindy around with a cowbell

[TalkingDevoB52]

So is the dark haired one Cindy then ? ? ??

[everythingt]

or just anywhere right?

[TalkingDevoB52]

Which one is the dark haired one singing most of this Cindy or Katie ? ?

[everythingt]

yep Cindy is the lead here and a blonde in most vids and currently

[TalkingDevoB52]

Thanks for letting me know, to be honest though now that I know which one she is I dont think she's ever looked as pretty as at this show and her voice is unbelievable.

[letzgosk8cy]

kick ass!!!!

[thesupeshow]

Excellent Rare Film,,,amazin' where it all

starts at,,Cheers

[kenziegunn]

Live! It's so much cooler.

[pulpstress]

I want some tea!

Brilliant. Just brilliant.

[OpieJohansen]

I hope aliens are intercepting the transmission of this song, cuz they will surely think that we are the coolest, freshest, dopest, most in-effect race in the galaxy!!

This is one of the best bands in history doing one of the best covers ever!!!

Petulla Clarks version is intercepted by aliens=Independence Day scenario plays out.

B-52's version= Close Encounters + E.T.

[MrAiredale]

@OpieJohansen Granted, this is the cutest thing I ever did see, but don't go disrespecting Petula!

[openyourmind25]

I love how abruptly they stop. Makes me giggle.

[dickweed1963]

Fred rockin that cow bell

[waynealarsen]

LOVE THIS!!!!

[AmebErMy]

Stupendo, versione movimentata! :D

[eddiereddie]

Great, Great, Great

[8616420]

even thou im still cell at the time they play it. still the best classic video i see also the dancing quite unique hope the see them play again .. but cindy became to fat the last time i sow them to bad.. anyway . thanks for the video mate..

[wisdomist]

Sadly, where I live downtown went down the drain years ago.

[Bexxii0121]

i prefer the petula clark version personally

[OpieJohansen]

Petula Clark said in an interview that she also preferred her version best, but it was pointed out that her version had no cow bell to which she thought, then replied, "I like the B-52's version better too!"

[menyc]

makes pet clark even hotter than she was. thanks for that!

[killo10000]

Pero que coño es esto :O

[titOskuUn]

sacate a ver tu mierdeton, pendejo!!

[killo10000]

no digo ke sea mala solo ke es un poco extraña, no?

[titOskuUn]

bueno en eso tal vez tengas razon es un poco raro pero es excelente en esa epoca era un grupo innovador y hasta todavia siguen...disculpa mi insulto saludos :D

[DocFliege]

Beefcake.

[jonnywondernose]

Best version of Downtown EVER. Although Neil Young has a close second

[rosebudd33]

Maravillosos y únicos, como siempre. En esta ocasión, además, mejoran la canción original.

[LittleRedKing]

Heavenly.

[Heinrich1122]

damn . . .

[steelcitystrings]

Ufo's mmmmmmm. Maybe. Just keep on thinking people!? Cosmic Orchard of sounds! Peace D>

[gerlule]

Un grupo realmente maravilloso!! estupenda rola!!!

[rickenba]

GOD! I wish i were there!! a true PARTY!

[OpieJohansen]

This has always been my favorite B-52's song forever, but since I got YouTube (ie.cable modem last week) and discovered the exceptional use of cow-bell in this tune, it has moved up 1000 notches to "best song ever"!!!

....If aliens are monitoring earth, they must have picked up on this song 30 years ago and decided it was time to make Contact!! Look at all the U.F.O. sightings in the last 30 years...Coincidence?...the B-52's and myself think not!!!

[bobbysevensevenseven]

"...maybe I'll see you there, if I can do my hair!"

CLASSIC B-52's!

[Kodachrome945]

no one sings it better than Petula, but this is a very fun cover

[Twonionmaster]

This is better than the album version, i love how the girls mess with the lyrics, and Fred has more energy in this rendition. Instrumentally it's the same though.

[knifeman69]

this is a better version than the original

[ntnightmares]

wow a brilliant version of one of my fave songs, I have to get one of their albums!

[101Volts]

I know you posted that 11 months ago but if you haven't yet, Buy their first album! You will NOT regret it!

[edwgregory]

Is that Fred looking like a man with that beard? Wow! They all look and sound great.

[duggfl]

GREAT to see my favorite group again!

[socratesahhh]

Classic.

[ohsithecassettes]

¡The B-52's por siempre!

[Winky395]

its got plenty of cowbell!

[Limburgers]

Can't wait till the new album gets out

[musclepecman]

This snarling cur is foaming at the mouth. Freakin' groovey nectar!!!  I remember those days. the B's were and still are the shiznit party band...you go girls...and Kate and Cindy too.

[KingOfTheZulus]

this is just great!

[okcoul1]

Please, I really would like this video for my page!

What do i have to do ?

[okcoul1]

Oh please !! Send me the embed of this wonderfull Video !!

MEaSE !I'll be so glad !

Clémence.

[guarachon63]

Chills. Thanks so much for sharing all of these. Genius.

[andrewdcarter]

they are all so young...and so skinny.

[Boheamie]

oh me days!!! OHHHHHHHHHHHOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHoh­ohohhh thank you so much!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx listening to this on one of their albums, cute!! young cindy, she was about 19 around this time!! aww the ickle baby face !! anyways thank you so much! x

[markofkane2]

Thanks. :)

[carloscheesey]

oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god. get on your knees and worship!

[thenewglenaxp]

DUDE theya re just so bad they rule lol