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Only 16 years since their last studio album, the B-52s have returned to put some celebratory party-time spirit back into rock ‘n’ roll. All you need do is hear the propulsive synthesized beats and horn bleats intermingling with the twangy guitar of the opening cut, “Pump,” to know you’ve been waiting for this, even if you haven’t. That song – which is reminiscent of Trevor Horn’s Art of Noise productions, especially “Peter Gunn,” with a touch of bitchy Flying Lizards tossed in – is prime B-52s, as Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson add their forcefully ecstatic harmonies and Fred Schneider shouts out random randy phrases like the caller at a naughty hoedown. The band’s guitarist/musical director Keith Strickland has worked with producer Steve Osborne (New Order’s Get Ready) to update the old approach with fresh, polished and processed dance sounds. Schneider’s lyrics, however, too often touch on interesting topics – the title cut, for instance, and “Deviant Ingredient” – without offering memorably offbeat observations or catchphrases.

Standout Tracks: “Pump,” “Juliet of the Spirits” STEVEN ROSEN