The Bangles
Ladies and Gentlemen… The Bangles!
Omnivore Records
Available initially in 2014 as an independent, digital-only release, this crunchy collection from So-Cal’s chart-busting poster girls is now (finally) available in a hard copy format via the folks at Omnivore Records.
Given the impressive string of well-produced Top 30 pop singles and platinum-selling albums that the band racked up during the ’80s, many fans may have been oblivious to the Bangles’ authentic ’60s-style, surf rock roots – until now.
Comprised primarily of their first recordings from the early “Bangs” era, this blistering beach blanket set captures founding members Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson and Debbi Peterson perfectly – in all of their low-fi, pre-major label glory.
The Ventures-flavored “Bitchen Summer/Speedway” and the “Taxman”-meets-“Monday Monday”-style “Getting Out of Hand” both set the stage nicely for the 16-song compilation – while the engaging “Summer of Love”-inspired “I’m in Line” and the guitar-driven “How is the Air Up There?” will certainly ensure that listeners remain tuned-in throughout. However, for my money, it’s the charm and energy of “Call on Me” and “The Real World” that hooked me fully and reeled me in completely.
In sum, by reaching back to the past, The Bangles have succeeded in providing a sizzlin’ soundtrack for the scorching days of summer – 2016.
