Music Notes: The Bangles, Doll Revolution

January 4th, 2007

I thought I would apply my recent song / album ranking formula to a different group. This time I’ve picked a band that doesn’t have that big of a oeuvre, so it won’t take too long: The Bangles, with only four albums to their name. I’ll save the more prolific artists like Elvis Costello, Radiohead, or the entire solo career of Paul McCartney for another day.

You may recall from my Five Things post that I fessed up to being a member of the Bangles fan club in my youth. So there’s some sentimental appeal to revisiting the 80s female pop band in a more objective manner.

So where is the band today? They broke up around 1990 I believe. Around 2000, The Bangles reunited for a tour and recorded a new, fourth album: Doll Revolution. The title track was written by Elvis Costello (his version appears on When I Was Cruel). In addition to a few Susanna Hoffs numbers, other songs are contributed by Vicki Peterson and a few by bassist Michael Steele. This album is more varied than its predecessors, but sags terribly during the second half. I think a smarter producer would have trimmed some of the fat. However, the album does mark a return to the girls, guitars, and harmonies formula that is the core of their sound, rather than some of the overproduced pop meandering, characteristic of the album Everything.

With Doll Revolution, the whole of The Bangles is definitely better than the pieces. Susanna Hoffs contributes songs that are mostly sentimental ballads. Michael Steele phones in one great song, and is expert at creating a story or imaginary mood. Vicki Peterson has some great ideas but some awkward chord progressions and a tendency to rely on an easy cliche for a lyric, frustrates me. But as a group, the vocal harmonies are inventive and outstanding, and in some places cover up some dodgy songwriting. There’s no question the combination of these talented women combines to form something unique with room to grow. Sadly, bassist Michael Steele left the group in 2005, so any future Bangle recordings will miss her subtle third voice — what I’d like to call the “Harrison” factor.

So without further ado, here’s my song-by-song breakdown. Other Bangle albums will follow in subsequent posts.

Doll Revolution

= 5 stars

A sequel to In Your Room, written by Elvis Costello. After several spins I’m thinking I prefer The Bangles’ version to Costello’s. It has a nice beat, some sneaky drum fills, and the Bangle harmonies. Susanna Hoffs can stick an action figure in a kitchenette any day.

Stealing Rosemary

= 3 stars

A strange beat, with some nice harmonies that cover up an otherwise odd and lackluster song.

Something That You Said

= 4 stars

This midtempo, romantic tune sounds phoned-in, direct from Susanna Hoffs’ solo career, but I’m a sucker for the straightforward, hook-laden chorus. Pity that there’s a perfect place for a guitar solo that isn’t realized.

Ask Me No Questions

= 2 stars

There’s a uniquely gorgeous second section to this slower Vicki song, but it takes a while to get there.

The Rain Song

= 2 stars

Not into this one.

Nickel Romeo

= 5 stars

This tune has a similar beat to Everything’s Watching the Sky but this is a real song, with some interesting allusions to XTC, I Am The Walrus, and Bob Dylan. Great key changes throughout. +1 for the flange-laden drum fill.

Ride the Ride

= 5 stars

The Bangles may be at their best when she sticks to these straightforward, friendly rockers. Again, a great harmony vocals make this into Simon and Garfunkel style duet.

I Will Take Care of You

= 4 stars

A Susanna Hoffs ballad, which near the end resembles Oasis.

Here Right Now

= 2 stars

A fairly unnecessary “movie theme” tune.

Single By Choice

= 3 stars

While I appreciate the sentiment, doesn’t do the concept justice.

Lost at Sea

= 4 stars

This song grew on me after a few listens, largely thanks to some neat harmonies near the end. I’m saying that quite a bit, aren’t I?

Song for a Good Son

= 1 star

Contributed by Michael Steele, resembles Suzanne Vega; a bit too fast to truly the needed atmosphere.

Mixed Messages

= 1 star

Don’t get this one.

Between the Two

= 1 star

Sadly, ditto. I think this might be an extra, added track.

Grateful

= 3 stars

A nice George Harrison / Beatley ending from Susanna. “All we are and all we need”… is love, right?

Wikipedia: Doll Revolution

iTunes Store Link: Doll Revolution — The Bangles