The B-52's – Wild Planet 2007 Remix EP is a rare, promotional-only electronic release that bridges the gap between classic new wave and modern house music. Issued by the Planet Clique record label in 2007 on both CD and 12-inch vinyl, this mini-album reinterprets three standout tracks from the band’s iconic 1980 sophomore studio album, Wild Planet. Because it was never given a full commercial retail run, the EP remains a highly sought-after collector's item for fans of the group's quirky, danceable energy.
The EP transforms the original post-punk instrumentation into 21st-century club anthems through contributions from several notable electronic music producers. Electronic pioneer Mark Moore (frontman of S'Express) delivers a pumping house remix and dub of "Quiche Lorraine," while electronic dance veterans The Grid and the production duo Manhattan Clique remix the frantic classic "Private Idaho." Additionally, Superjupiter injects a fresh electronic vibe into "Give Me Back My Man," rounding out a package that stands alongside similar mid-2000s UK promotional remix projects commissioned for the band's catalog.
The B-52's – Wild Planet 2007 Remix EP is a fascinating, club-ready artifact that successfully translates the Athens, Georgia band's retro-futuristic new wave into modern dance floor energy. Originally released as a limited Planet Clique UK promotional package, the mini-album achieves the rare feat of reworking 1980 post-punk classics without sacrificing the group's signature eccentricity. By stripping back some of the original organic instrumentation and layering punchy, driving electronic baselines, the collection breathes vibrant, 21st-century club life into a selection of beloved catalog deep cuts and singles.
The EP’s greatest strength lies in its curation of legendary house and electronic remixers who clearly understand the source material. Mark Moore of S'Express delivers an absolute standout with his interpretation of "Quiche Lorraine," morphing Fred Schneider’s deadpan vocals about a lost poodle into a pumping house groove. Meanwhile, electronic veterans The Grid and the production outfit Manhattan Clique split duties on "Private Idaho," taking Ricky Wilson's iconic, jittery surf-guitar riff and mutating it into a swirling, high-energy progressive house anthem. Superjupiter rounds out the highlights by giving "Give Me Back My Man" a sleek, electro-pop makeover that elevates Cindy Wilson's soaring, emotional vocal performance to euphoric heights.
While purists might occasionally miss the raw garage-band aesthetic and minimalist tension of the original 1980 Wild Planet album, this EP stands on its own merits as a stellar companion piece. Its main drawback is its extreme scarcity, remaining locked away as a promotional rarity on marketplaces like Discogs rather than enjoying a wide digital release. Ultimately, it serves as a joyous testament to the timelessness of The B-52's rhythm section, proving that their infectious grooves can command a modern club dance floor just as easily as they did a 1980s house party
Ripped to MP3
Side A
A1: Quiche Lorraine (S-Express Remix) – 5:54
A2: Private Idaho (The Grid Remix) – 6:17
A3: Give Me Back My Man (Superjupiter Remix) – 6:40
A4: Dirty Back Road (Formatic Remix) – 6:04
Side B
B1: Private Idaho (Manhattan Clique Remix) – 7:02
B2: Devil In My Car (MHC Re-Edit) – 6:20
B3: Give Me Back My Man (Superjupiter Dub) – 6:05
B4: Quiche Lorraine (S-Express Dub) – 5:10
(Note: The promotional CD release uses this identical order across a single continuous 8-track sequence).

Private Idaho (The Grid Remix) & Quiche Lorraine (S-Express Remix) are my favourites even at the beginning i discovered these remixes, it was really painful for me to ear B-52's songs in this way. Anyway they took a youthful shot by the same.
ReplyDeleteDo you know the two other remix EP made by Planet Clique (Whammy! & Mesopatamia)? If not and curious, i can provide you.
Fred
Thanks Pogo/Fred for your comment. I think the three remix EP’s were an experiment that for some of the songs worked brilliantly, others not so much. I have all three of the remix EP’s thanks 🙏
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteis there a chance you could post the other two remix EP's?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Anonymous, there’s a very good chance that I might
DeleteMany thanks. SPx
ReplyDelete