Fans of The B-52s probably should be interested in hearing Tuesday’s solo debut release by band member Kate Pierson.

However, be warned: “Guitars and Microphones” doesn’t sound much like The B-52s, and, unfortunately, it’s not very good at all.

The record is far more forced than fun. It’s not at all a party like classic music from The B-52s. And the lyrics are, at times, cringeworthy, which is somewhat surprising given that Sia Furler was involved in the process.

The red flags wave immediately, in the awkward opener, "Throw Down the Roses." A cheerleader-style rant about the trivialities of rock stardom (please!), Pierson sings, "I don't wanna be a Fender guitar, played by a rock star, don't string me along." (Puh-lease!!)

By the third and title track, Pierson’s voice – still strong and forceful – has clicked into full grating mode. Clearly, Pierson’s voice is best heard in doses as it is with The B-52s. By the end of a 36-minute record, however, it’s difficult to take any more.

Musically, Pierson provides a buffet of uptempo numbers, ballads, and lounge-act crooners. None of it is good. Some of it is downright embarrassing (“Crush Me With Your Love” and “Wolves.”)

It leads one to wonder – What would drive a musician in the business for more than 30 years to decide now is the time, with such subpar material, to launch a solo effort?