multi-selecting objects in object mode

I’m trying to select all the objects in a area, I can RMB and then shift-rmb on each one individually and add to the set of things selected.
but when I try to area select using the B-key nothing good happens. The cursor shows up and I can drag using
the LMB to see an area but when I release nothing get selected.

It works in edit mode when I’m selecting vertices or faces or what ever.

It seems like is should work, any hints on what I’m doing wrong. I’m using blender 2.75a on Ubuntu 15.4.

using blender 2.75Rc1 on windows 10, it seams to work; you only have to select B once and then drag do you keep the B pressed down ?.