Planet Claire

AMG Review of Planet Claire

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Released within months of the official, Warner-sanctioned compilation, Planet Claire was another European compilation of the B-52's' early years, containing a nearly identical lineup to Dance This Mess Around and The Best of the B-52's. That means all the familiar items are here -- "Planet Claire," "Rock Lobster," "Lava," "Downtown," "6060-842," "52 Girls," "Future Generation," "Wig," "Girl From Ipanema Goes to Greenland" -- plus a couple of ringers to distinguish it from its predecessors. Like its cousins, it's a likable, enjoyable collection of the group's best years, but it falls short of matching the excellence of Dance This Mess Around or Time Capsule. Casual fans on a budget might find it worthwhile, but American fans should be aware that they'll be paying high import prices for an average compilation.