It seems I've been thinking a lot about the Bangles these day, what with a brand new album -- Doll Revolution -- on the horizon, thus marking the first studio disc from the ladies since 1988's Everything. Indeed, 1990's Greatest Hits was issued after folks figured the Bangles had ceased to exist as a commercial entity. This particular disc, then, is a clear attempt by Columbia to wring a few more bucks out of an act that made millions of dollars for the label in the 1980s.

So, of course, this compilation is about what you'd expect -- the most marketable tracks the Bangles recorded all put together on a disc with some snazzy packaging and some retrospective notes on the band's career. As such, the disc succeeds wonderfully, giving most listeners about all the Bangles tracks they want or might remember.

However, the problem with this compilation is that some very good tracks weren't included. While the Bangles' mix of guitar-pop and harmonies gave rise to some very fluffy and marketable tunes, there were a few that really demonstrated the band's roots in the alleged "paisley underground." I'd argue, in fact, the best track from the band, "Dover Beach," should have been included in this compilation as the wistful vocals, busy lead guitar from Vicki Peterson and 1960s-influenced harmonies all combined to show what the band did best -- crank out some great guitar-pop with a little bit of bite to it.

And, speaking of tracks that should have been included, what about the catty "James," pulsating "Bell Jar" or even the reflective "Glitter Years?" Indeed, some of the best tracks were left off in favor of songs that sold.

Still, this is a fine compilation which highlights the band's ability to put together some very slick pop and demonstrates quite well why the Bangles were such a big deal in the 1980s. I'd wager that anyone over the age of say, 25, will remember a good number of these tracks quite well.

Perhaps the most memorable is the over-produced, overly-sentimental "Eternal Flame," which is a mushy ballad that caught on in some quarters. Furthermore, you've got "Manic Monday," another huge hit which was written for the band by none other than Prince and serves as a mid-tempo, escapist number (with the usual great harmonies from the band members, of course). "Walk Like an Egyptian" was another huge hit and stands as another very fun song with very little substance. But, who cares? The Bangles were never about writing hard-hitting songs, anyway, but the tracks the band recorded tended to be enjoyable as all get-out.

There are a couple of nice surprises here, too, such as the band's guitar-heavy remake of Simon & Garfunkel's "Hazy Shade of Winter." That track, which appeared in the movie Less Than Zero, wasn't released on a Bangles LP prior to this compilation and stands as somewhat of an accomplishment for the band. Why? They took one of those limp-wristed tracks from sleep-inducing Simon & Garfunkel and turned it into a driving, enjoyable track with a biting lead guitar part in it. Yeah, I know. The Bangles never were considered a "serious" act like Simon & Garfunkel, but the band actually improved on "Hazy Shade of Winter" quite a bit because it didn't bore the listener to tears (Simon & Garfunkel's wimpy songs either made me sleepy or more than a bit irritated -- I hate them all).

Another fine surprise here is a breezy remake of the Grass Roots'"Where Were You When I Needed You," which is a fine example of a "girl band" track from the 1960s. Frankly, the vast majority of tracks here are great, but I should mention two more -- the vengeful "Hero Takes a Fall" and the downright gleeful "Going Down to Liverpool" (slackers of the world, rejoice).

In spite of a few shortcomings, this album presents all the big hits, some nice surprises and more fun than you can shake a stick at. If you don't have any early Bangles discs, this is a good one get if you're curious about what made the group such an attraction a couple of decades ago. Sure, you're not going to hear any hard-hitting, controversial tracks here. However, if you want something deep and meaningful, what the hell are you doing thinking about buying a Bangles disc, anyway?


Want to read more about the Bangles? Check out my reviews on Doll Revolution, Everything, A Different Light and All Over the Place. Enjoy!


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: At Work