This Sliver Label LP dazzles with glorious textures, deeper low-end frequencies, more pronounced midrange information, and enhanced vocal dynamics absent from prior editions. Especially noticeable is the additional color and sense of rhythmic involvement in the already-persuasive pop-rock tunes, guaranteed to lighten any mood and ignite any celebration.

Urging listeners to "roam around the world" on one of the two Top 5 singles here, the B-52's follow their own instructions, constructing lively fare assembled from quirky riffs, bizarre albeit smooth harmonies, strident lead vocals, jagged tempos, and infectious choruses. At heart, Cosmic Thing is a dance-your-ass-off soiree. Leader Fred Schneider delights in kitsch, his deliveries combining goofy pronouncements and half-rapped words that speak the co-ed ensemble's long tradition of originality, flair, campiness, and irreverence.

Better still is the band's embrace of a shinier, funkier sound established by producers Don Was and Nile Rodgers. The production, exponentially improved on this reissue, complements the upbeat energy, well-crafted songwriting, and emotional exuberance demonstrated on everything ranging from the kick-starting "Bushfire" to rambunctious "Junebug" to wild, weird, and wonderful "Love Shack." Just try not to smile after spinning this LP. It's impossible.