Back Again...

I've been meaning to post this for a while, but didn't wanna go too overboard with LA and girl groups, but now I give you the Bangles. This is a great pop record. According to Tom Scharpling, the Bangles were the only Paisley Underground group to really make pop records. I disagree with the man this time, though they definitely are way more on the pop side than The Dream Syndicate and Rain Parade, though I would argue not quite as much as The Three O'Clock. What distinguishes the Bangles so much amongst their contemporaries isn't just that they are all female, but they are definitely the best vocalists. The group's harmonies, which I beleive often, if not always involved all members are the tightest and best realized, especially compared to the constant solo vocals of The Dream Syndicate, and Rain Parade's loose amateurism.

This debut was made before people (*cough* Prince aka "Christopher") designated Susanna Hoffs as the focal point, so the other members' vocals, especially those of Vicki Peterson are more prevailant than on later records. However, I would argue Hoffs steals the show every time she opens her mouth even when merely harmonizing. The songwriting is tight, but it's undeniable that a lot of the best songs are not originals... However the whole thing is really solid and the band really shows off their talents in a unique way even if the songs are not their own. Standout tracks: "Hero Takes a Fall," "Dover Beach," "Going Down To Liverpool."


The Bangles - All Over The Place (1984)

If you wish, feel free to include a Bangles 1-4 in the style of Scharpling and Wurster's "Kid eBay", therefor including a then and now. Mine is: (then) Susanna, Michael, Vicki, Debbi (now) Susanna, Vicki, Michael, Debbi