The B-52’s – Private Idaho (US 12” Promo) (1980)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Hold onto your beehives, kids—today we’re teleporting back to the zany, post-punk planet of The B-52’s, and this time… you’re headed straight to your own Private Idaho! 🌵💃

From their sophomore album Wild Planet, “Private Idaho” is a woozy swirl of surf rock, sci-fi twang, and cryptic political commentary—all shaken up in that unmistakable B-52’s cocktail. Fred Schneider’s shout-speak delivery, Cindy and Kate’s glorious harmonies, and that reverb-drenched guitar? Chef’s kiss! This track struts, strangles, and spins like a disco ball in a trailer park—and we LOVE it.

Released in late 1980, “Private Idaho” became the band’s second U.S. charting single, peaking at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching #5 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart—a major feat for such a gleefully unorthodox group. Down under, the song was a surprise hit, reaching #11 in Australia, where it remains a cult favorite.

This 12″ promo packs the full-length LP version, but what makes it truly special is the B-side: an instrumental version of “Party Out Of Bounds”—the opening track of Wild Planet! This mix is exclusive to Private Idaho singles and isn’t widely available elsewhere. It’s an absolute party-starter, even without the vocals—kitschy, manic, and full of that signature B-52’s sass.

🎈🎶 These two tracks are a celebration of the group’s fearless weirdness, queer-coded joy, and wild energy—making them perfect for Pride Month. Long before mainstream culture caught on, the B-52’s were unapologetically themselves, creating space for all the freaks, misfits, and dancefloor dreamers to come together and let go.

🌀So whether you’re lost in your own Private Idaho or just partying out of bounds—this 12” is a reminder to embrace the odd, crank up the fun, and dance like you’ve got a bouffant on fire!

Stay bold, stay loud, stay proud!

SIDE A:
Private Idaho 3:34
Written-By – C. WilsonF. SchneiderK. PiersonK. StricklandR. Wilson*

SIDE B:
Party Out Of Bounds (Instrumental) 4:30
Written-By – K. StricklandR. Wilson

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1980 Private Idaho U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #74
1980 Private Idaho U.S. Billboard Dance / Club Songs #5

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Warner Bros. Records – PRO-A-890
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: Aug 1980
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave, Pop Rock

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From the Warner Bros. Album BSK 3471 Wild Planet.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus:  Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp:
Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC:
Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning
: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans
: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner

SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!


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Muff Diver
Muff Diver
June 14, 2025 7:07 pm

Thanks again, Paul 🙂

Eric
Eric
June 6, 2025 3:47 pm

Hey Paul, it’s weird for us in the UK seeing The B-52s on Warner Bros. Private Idaho was on Island here (as with all their first few albums & singles).

Loving the pride month selection… as a favour (favor in the U.S.A.!) could you possibly re-post the 12″ of Marc Almond’s “The Boy Who Came Back” and its wonderful flipside “Joey Demento” (extended). I have it on an ancient cassette tape but a hi-fi burningtheground version would be a massive treat!

Jeffrey
Jeffrey
June 6, 2025 9:30 am

Thank you Paul! I’m not sure I have heard the instrumental of Party. 🙂 Have a great weekend.

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
June 6, 2025 6:03 am

I love how the B-52’s channel surf rock, new wave and dance all into one infectious beat! Thank you for this rarity Paul!! I’m excited about the exclusive B-side too. I’ve actually been into their incredible comeback album, Cosmic Thing, recently (one of those I keep coming back to), so this is a nice treat! Big thank you!

Grant
Grant
June 5, 2025 5:12 pm

I live in Georgia and went to UGA in Athens so you know I love me some B-52s!!! Thanks very much for this one Paul!

DJ XREY
DJ XREY
June 5, 2025 2:34 pm

Thanks Paul for spotlighting my favorite party band of all time! I’ve seen them three times in concert and they never disappoint. They’ve added some younger musicians to their live show that keeps their spirit alive as long as Fred keeps his politics to himself. He talked smack about Geo “W” Bush at the O.C. Fair in Costa Mesa the last time I saw them, and they briefly were booed. (OC has been a long-time Republican stronghold, and he should have know better.) Fun fact: Correct spelling: The B-52s. Late in their career they realized the apostrophe in their name… Read more »

Last edited 9 months ago by DJ XREY
gnihtytterp
gnihtytterp
June 5, 2025 2:11 pm

Many thanks, love your B-52’s singles, wonderful rips

Mark
Mark
June 5, 2025 1:51 pm

I wasn’t aware of this B-52’s music period. Such a fun record, though. I will play it loud!

Thanks Paul.

PhotoHop
PhotoHop
June 5, 2025 12:34 pm

Very Nice! Thanks for taking the time and effort to rip and share this!

Jeff
Jeff
June 5, 2025 11:59 am

I’m jumping for joy, Paul!! This is the epitome of what New Wave is!! Quirky, herky-jerky rhythms, and enthusiastically wild vocals!! I just love the selection today!! The B52’s are so eccentrically marvelous!! And what an influence they were. I keep on thinking how Bobby Orlando aped their style on his, “Just A Gigolo” record by Barbi and the Kens!! I love it. And the B-side is so incredible! It’s true how certain parties can get out of hand! I considered this record a warning to NOT HAVE A PARTY when my parents were away!! Anyway, I just love this… Read more »

Dean
Dean
June 5, 2025 11:51 am

Wow, I didn’t even know this existed. Huge thanks!