This collection of B-52's cover songs is not too radically different sonically from the FRED SCHNEIDER solo record “Just…Fred” from over a decade ago (which featured members of SIX FINGER SATELLITE, SHADOWY MEN ON A SHADOWY PLANET and DEADLY CUPCAKE). Play these 2 discs side-to-side and the feel is there to some degree. The goal here is to expose the listener to lesser-known songs by The B52’s with the heavier edge from the band KARMADOZA.

The female vocals sound just like the originals. Whether that is a good thing may depend on your taste. Mine say it’s a good thing. Unfortunately the male counterpart is less successful. Some typical tuneless tough guy twaddle is what we get here. This is more than evident than ever on the more popular “Private Idaho”. The punk/hard rock format to which all these songs have been modified comes off as very typical. But nevertheless, things do come together well on some tracks presented here. The formula seems to work best during “Mesopotamia” and it is followed by “Give Me Back My Man” at a close second. A lot is left to be desired in tracks like “Private Idaho” and “606-0842” because the tracks aren't spiked with much musical inventiveness and the aforementioned male vocals drag things down. Luckily the male presence is not bad enough to ruin “Strobe Light” or “Hot Lava” (livened up significantly by overdriven bass guitar). The bass also adds to “Dirty Back Road” as the original band eschewed bass guitar in favor of the organ bass.

Although I somewhat agree with the idea of exposing the lesser-known songs, some of the better known songs are just that - better. “Rock Lobster” is by far, with very little debate The B52’s crowning achievement. The bio boasts about leaving out that one and “Planet Clair”. I’ve never once heard “Planet Clair” on the radio. I would assume it’s omission has more to do with the weak male vocal presence here, as both cuts featured Fred Schneider front and center. This vocalist could not fathom having to handle something as limpwristed as “Quiche Lorraine”, either. And how could they forget “Party Out Of Bounds”? This “tribute” should have been handled better with a lot more focus on Fred's contributions. KARMADOZA were about three-fourths successful here. I’ve yet to hear of a full-length tribute or even any B52’s covers anywhere else yet so this still makes for some enjoyable listening.

- Herring

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