The B-52s invite listeners to 'Funplex'

The B-52s – Funplex (Astralwerks): In three decades, The B-52s' retro-kitsch rock 'n' roll has evolved about as much as the pencil. On the band's first album since 1992, Fred Schneider's innuendo – delivered, as always, in a gleefully camp rap – is so self-parodic that Russ Meyer film titles get a shout out on the title track and "Love in the Year 3000" sounds like a would-be soundtrack to "Barbarella." Even so, the joie de vivre of singers Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson is irresistible on "Dancing Now" and "Juliet of the Spirits." Best of all the fun fare is "Eyes Wide Open," with its LCD Soundsystem-like dance-floor groove. Grade: B – Stephen Humphries