B-52s before the rest of the clan wakes up

Spring cleaning must have taken its toll: Everybody else remains sleeping this morning, even the pets.
I am sitting here listening to the B-52's, marveling at the songs and their ability to make we wag my head.
It's really difficult for me to comprehend that late 70s/early 80s scene in ATHENS, GA.
I think I understand the *how* about the scene -- the 40 WATT CLUB and other venues gave the bands an opportunity to grow undisturbed from outside trends.
That helped PYLON, R.E.M., the B-52's and others develop in their own idiosyncratic ways.
I still don't understand the *why* about the scene. Why Athens? What is it about the students at the University of Georgia?
Ah well. Perhaps some things are best unexplained.
I'll just keep listening and enjoying... and waiting for everybody else to wake up!