The Bangles Album: “Doll Revolution [Original]”

Those looking for a slick, over-produced '80s revivial are in for a surprise. This CD sounds the way Bangles live shows do - with all the melodies and harmonies the fans have known for years. All in all this is a fairly strong album but there is some filler in the 15 new tracks. The first single "Something That You Said" is pleasant enough but the real riches lie in "Ride The Ride" and "Tear Off Your Own Head (It's A Doll Revolution)" (written by Elvis Costello and on his 2002 release "When I Was Cruel"). These songs are jangly, hook-laden classics that deserve to be singles. Be warned! The girls all have fair share of lead vocals here, so it isn't all about Susanna! Special bonus on the Japanese issue is both sides of the very first Bangles 7" single released on their own label back in 1981. This CD is most definitely recommended and was well worth the wait!

When was the last time you bought an "album" and the artist DIDN'T disappoint you. Well, welcome back the Bangles - proving with Doll Revolution that they were more than pretty faces. This is sophisticated songwriting and performance that leaves the listener aching at the beauty of it. Every track is a treat and it's one of those albums one can put on and just daydream. It is an aural pleasure to be back in their company. No one can ever say these ladies - excuse me, these musicians - weren't deserving of their fame. This is music that doesn't disappoint - real people making knocked-out real music. As I said, it's a pleasure to be back in their company.

The Bangles ARE back, big time, with this CD. I hope we won't have to wait another 15 or so years for the next one. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this, unless they were expecting "Walk Like an Egyptian, part 2". For me, although I too was probably drawn originally by "Walk Like an Egyptian" and "Manic Monday", the Bangles were a great jangle/pop/rock band with awesome vocals (nice looking too, of course); not the "novelty act" that some of the hit singles might imply. Easily the best of the female groups I've heard, a real band too (i.e. real musicians), not just a singing act.

The 80's Bangles were probably underrated as a live band. And while "Walk Like an Egyptian" was a great record, it didn't really feature what the band did best in their live performances (the vocals, with their own jangle/pop/rock instrumentation). This CD comes close to the appeal of their live act; the producer of the CD deserves credit for not overdoing it (though "Nickel Romeo" appropriately does have some extra production, which works). I'd have liked just a little more live sound on a few of the songs, such as "Something that you said" - the Bangles did this song live for AOL, and live it sounds better to me than on the CD. Susanna Hoff's vocals seem slightly too "affected" here (especially on "Something"), while they sound more natural (and thus better) live. Also I thought Vicki's "The Rain Song" sounded a little better live, but I still like it here. But those are minor quibbles (I do recommend that anyone with AOL access check out their six song live set though, called AOL Studios "full set" or something).

The only other - again very minor - quibble I'd have here is with the lyrics on some songs. Not offensive (thankfully), just could be a little more suited to my taste, if we were to get truly picky (everyone's a critic!). The Elvis Costello title track for instance, sounds great but the lyrics are a bit strange (maybe I just don't "get" them?). The Hoffs ballad "I will take care of you" is really good, no doubt heartfelt (about her husband? child?) too, but sounded a bit syrupy when I first heard it; then again I just let this CD play without skipping anything, so I should probably admit I like all the songs, including that one. Also - "Stealing Rosemary", a song about taking herbs from the neighbors garden? At least it's original, so in that way it's appreciated. It sounds awesome however, as do the other songs. Ok, on second thought, the lyrics are just fine. And a lot of them are excellent, which are the ones I remember anyway.

Aside from those minor quibbles, this is easily the best CD I've heard, of those issued in the past dozen years. Definitely one you can listen to over and over again. I won't comment too much on the individual songs. But I have to agree with many others that the Michael Steele songs are the strength of the album, especially in that they set it apart from prior Bangles albums, give it a new dimension. Without her songs, it would still be a very nice Bangles album, very worthy of the reunion. But Michael's songs take the album to another level, both with her singing and the songs themselves. "Nickel Romeo" sounds a lot like a Beatles song from their "psychedelic" era, the others aren't as Beatlesque but they are also great. I understand that Michael had been reclusive and reluctant to join the reunion, but she sure brought a lot when they convinced her to come back. Beyond Michael's terrific songs, hugely enjoyable vocal and instrumentation from the entire band, throughout the CD. Debbi also sounds particularly good, better than I recall in the past, but they all sound great. Excellent CD, even if I feel slightly altered lyrics would have made it even better, still very worthy of 5 stars. And let's hope for another Bangles CD in a years or two, or maybe even a live DVD. But if you don't buy this one and listen to it a few time, you are truly missing out.

It doesn't seem like fifteen years have passed between Everything, the Bangles last studio album, and Doll Revolution, the reunion release from the all female pop quartet. Those who remember where the group left off, will find that the band has resumed very close to that point, playing the same light, melodic mid-tempo rock, with a tinge of 60's flavor. The band is back stronger than ever with poignant songwriting, and the trademark background vocal harmonies that thicken the mix with their sweetness.

The years have naturally brought maturity and introspection to the songwriting, but the music retains a mostly positive vibe. As before there is balance, with the vocal duties divided between the band's members. Also as before, the singles feature the luscious voice of Susanna Hoffs. Something That You Said is a touching musical gem, with a breathy vocal that is Susanna at her best. Changing pace, she leads the band as they rip and tear into Doll Revolution, showing that these ladies can still rock. Her gentle ballad, I Will Take Care of You, with its light accompaniment and orchestral backing, is reminiscent of the group's last #1 hit, Eternal Flame.

While Hoff's voice may strike the most familiar chord with those who remember the Bangles only for their hits, she is just one of four gifted voices in this remarkable band. The wealth of talent results in great diversity and range in the music. Stealing Rosemary, sung by guitarist Vicki Peterson, is simply one of the best Bangles songs ever. Drummer Debbi Peterson's Here Right Now, with its groovy beat, optimistic message, and catchy chorus, is destined to become a classic. Ride the Ride is a bouncy rocker that just elevates your spirits. Vicki's anthem Single By Choice, is a song that reverberates, and resonates its message. And she scores again with The Rain Song, a moving tune about triggered memories.

Michael Steele steps up big time, adding some darker flavors and intriguing lyrics with her contributions. The melancholy Song for a Good Son, tells a fascinating and ambiguous tale of death and destiny. The hypnotically captivating Nickel Romeo, draws you in to get a glimpse of a man who habitually uses women. Despite not being a great guy, you'll still probably find yourself singing "Hey Mister ...Nickel Romeo". The production is reminiscent of George Martin's, with an eastern flavor. Parting can be rough sometimes, and Between the Two chronicles one such instance, covering again the theme of coping and overcoming.

If you liked Everything, you will love the diversity of Doll Revolution. Dedicated to "George" (Harrison), it is quite simply the best thing the Bangles have ever done. Many years removed, the band has continued along the same musical direction, showing both growth and maturity. The melodies, the harmonies, the emotion, and the beat, are all there. The Bangles are now seasoned veterans who can still connect with their audience, make them warm and comfortable, and bring a tear to the eye. "There's no place better than here right now", and it's wonderful to have them back.

I have long thought of the Bangles as a second tier band, sort of the ugly stepsisters to the more enjoyable GoGo's, and nowhere near in the same league as the Cinderella of all groups, Fanny (still the premiere all-female band). I've always liked the group, I just wasn't moved by them. Too much of the time they seemed like four individuals fighting for the solo spotlight, versus a tight, together unit. Well, all that has changed with DOLL REVOLUTION, the new release from 2003's Most Improved act. Tight, cohesive and intelligent, this is a group to be reckoned with. This is clear right from the start; the disc opens with a blistering cover of Elvis Costello's "Tear Off Your Own Head." Susanna Hoff's opening "HEY!" only hints at things to come in the rest of the song...hand claps, a pounding rhythm section, tinkling piano and soaring vocals coalesce, resulting in one of the Bangles' best, hardest rocking songs to date. "Stealing Rosemary" has a rockin', neo-folk vibe to it, while "Something That You Said" has a delicate (yet fresh) techno groove behind it's hushed vocals and tender lyrics. This touching song of true love ("Showing you every weakness and feeling strong for it/I used to run from real love now I long for it/Now I know what I've been missing/Since I've been listening") features an assured lead vocal from Hoffs, probably her best to date. The same could be said about Debbi Peterson and her aching take on "Ask Me No Questions." Gorgeous harmonies round out this beauty. "The Rain Song" has to be one of my favorite tracks. A mid-tempo rocker, it sports a gutsy lead vocal from guitarist Vicki Peterson and smart lyrics ("I don't think about us much anymore/Frankly the topic has become a bore" and "I don't think about us when I'm sleeping/It doesn't even cross my dreamlike mind/And I don't think I see your face through the curtains/Hell, I don't even miss you half the time"). This is an AC hit waiting to happen! Bassist Michael Steele steps into the spotlight and shines on her groovy "Nickel Romeo." This cut is a great example of how much the group has grown into a more unified musical unit. "Ride The Ride" is a rollicking group effort, while "I Will Take Care Of You" is another gentle Hoffs number. "Here Right Now" is a real gem that slowly grew on me. Drummer Debbi Peterson was always kind of "the kid sister who has to be in the band" to me, sort of a female Ringo, but she has SO come into her own on DOLL REVOLUTION, both as a vocalist and lyricist ("In and outta town/Time for you to settle down/Stand back, take a look around you/You're runnin' from the pressures of the restless world/Hush for a moment, baby just be still"). Captivating....simply captivating! From here we segue into another favorite, Vicki Peterson's hauntingly dark "Single By Choice." With it's opening chorus ("Single by choice/Never married, never ever divorced/Listen to the solitary voice/Tell you I'm single by choice"), one might think there's a bitterness to the song, but nothing could be farther from the truth...as you get deeper into the track, you see there's an intelligence and life-experience to it that's missing from much of today's music ("I know what you're thinkin'/She can't be complete/Til the right kind of man/Comes sweep her off her feet/Well I've been there before/Times four, times five/With the right kind of man/Barely made it out alive"). Brava, Ms. Peterson (kind of ironic, though, that Vicki just got engaged)! "Lost At Sea" is another winner from Peterson's baby sister...Debbi once again shines on this heartfelt ballad that builds and soars, with spot-on lyrics that everyone can identify with ("Can we try to salvage what we can/From the weight of water and sand/Lift us up again", "Well,you walk/Never ever looking back/One defends and one attacks/There's a thousand reasons to begin again"). "Song For A Good Son" is a great story-song from Steele. Intense and propulsive, the lyrics are stunningly visual - sort of a mini movie! - and Michael delivers them with conviction and in a strong, authoritative vocal. "Mixed Messages" and "Between The Two" are probably my two least favorite tracks on DOLL REVOLUTION, not because they're bad, just because everything else is so strong. "Mixed Messages" has a nice enough 60's feel to it, while "Between The Two" has a soaring (albeit slightly forced) intensity. The disc closes with the gorgeous "Grateful." Be it an ode to her children or a musical thank-you to her fellow band members for a successful second chance together, the song is delivered from Hoffs' heart and gut. Floating out of your speakers, it makes you thankful for unexpected opportunities and small surprises. Much the same could be said about DOLL REVOLUTION!