Customer Reviews

Doll Revolution

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was so thrilled when their reunion album finally happened. I did not, however, expect it to exceed classics such as All Over The Place and Different Light, and it doesn't, but the songs are as fresh as if hearing them for the first time ever. After fifteen years... Wow! Getting this prevented me from tearing off my own head, to paraphrase the leading song. Key=[lead vocalist]

After the phrase, "One must tear off one's own head," comes a quick burst of snarling punkish guitar and Susanna's familiar sugary voice. I haven't heard the original Elvis Costello version, but they really jam on "Tear Off Your Own Head (Doll Revolution)" This opening number makes this yet another classic in the Bangles pantheon of hits.

"Stealing Rosemary" is a simple song of a woman doing the title action for her man. What, without parsley, sage, and thyme? Kidding. [Debbi]

"Something That You Said" is another classic, with the solid Beatles/Byrds influence heard with the guitar and the harmony vocals. The drum machine in the background paints a modern addition. And Susanna's voice never sounded so good!

"Ask Me No Questions" has rhythmic overtones of the Beatles "Rain" without the feedback guitar. The main chorus goes "Oh, I'm in love with you/But I turn away when you look in my eyes/Ask me no questions I'll tell you no lies." [Debbi]

"Rain Song" sung by Vicki is an upbeat guitar-oriented number where when it rains, she remembers her ex. And there's a bitter taste with this line: "I'm doing fine as long as you stay locked up/Inside a cloud of grey" Whoa! [Vicki]

That's quite a fancy dresser in "Nickel Romeo", someone who's described as "a Cheshire cat in yellow Beatle boots". "Strange desperation-you gotta cop that fix/Making every little girl is keeping you alive." That bad, huh? [Michael]

"Ride The Ride" has a similar beat but less ferocious than "Doll Revolution". With signature guitar hooks, call it a close cousin to "In Your Room" [all]

Just what I needed, another tender ballad to melt my heart, and my favourite song here. "I Will Take Care Of You" is an affirmative song of support from a loved one who will stand tall alongside through times of fear and sadness: "Smile, if you can now/Smile through your tears/Here where your fears are known/
Know you're safe at home." Magic! [Susanna, of course!]

Guitar and soundwise, the upbeat "Here Right Now" sounds like Green-era R.E.M. and calls for one to slow down. "Stand back and take a look around you/Running from the pressures of a restless world/Hush for a moment, baby, just be still/Here now./Spend a minute next to me." Amen to that!

The woman in bittersweet "Single By Choice" is affirmative of the title, adding "Never marry, never ever divorce/Listen to the solitary voice." Even though she gives bad experiences she had, sad, isn't it? [Vicki]

"Lost At Sea" details a couple who's lost so far in arguments that it's as if they are lost at sea. The solution: "Take my hand, come to me/Save a life, rescue you, rescue me." Another Byrdsy song replete with harmonies. [Vicki]

"Song For A Good Son" details a woman explaining to her son why she seems emotionally cold. She is scarred by the loss of her mother, taken by the ocean current. There are suicidal overtones: "Waterside so deep and wide/If I follow, maybe I will find her." [Michael]

"Grateful" is a lullaby to one's young son, enhanced by chorus harmonies of "All we are and all we need is" while Susanna's whispery sweet voice does lead.

The bonus DVD contains "A Day In The Life Of The Bangles" mini-documentary, which basically explains how they felt about getting back together, story behind "TOYOH", and their amazement at the large fan base they had, the "Something That You Said" video, audio and lyrics pages.

All the familiar elements are there, Susanna's sweet voice, the tight harmonies, the 60's rock influenced sound, the brand of garage pop/rock hybrid. It's as if they never broke up. A warm welcome back!

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.

Its been well over a decade since the last new Bangles studio album (EVERYTHING was released in 1988!) In the music biz, that's a very long time. But Susannah, Vicki, Debbie and Michael have finally come back together...after 15 years of exhaustion, hurt, anger, arguments, seperate careers, marriages, kids...and you know what? They come back clicking together like they'd never been apart.

All the notable Bangle elements are here: Excellent vocals, great songwriting, competent musicianship, good production. Its not as "poppy" as previous works, but its still very catchy, "hooky" tunes. In a way, I was sort of hoping that this album would include "Get the Girl" from the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack, the song that brought the Bangles back together. Not that the album is hurt by it not being included.

The strongest tracks here, by far, are the brilliant first single, "Something That You Said," and the mostly group-written rocker "Ride the Ride," which the newly-reformed girls debuted in club dates and on TV appearances almost 2 years ago.

The album kicks off in very fine fashion with "Tear Off Your Own Head," a cover of a fantastic Elvis Costello. Debbie has a number of really shining moments on the album, especially "Stealing Rosemary" and "Here Right Now." Michael contributes some great tunes as well, with the best being "Song for a Good Son" and the rockin' "Between the Two."

The reason that I rated this album 4 stars is that to me, I don't hear the same strength as usual in Vicki's tunes. Nothing here compares with "Angels Don't Fall in Love" (one of my fave Bangle tunes ever) or "Different Light" from the album by that same name, nor "Bell Jar" or "Watching the Sky" from EVERYTHING. Her best tune here is "The Rain Song." Still the rest of it is good, if not as good as her norm (forgive me, Vicki!)

All-in-all, this is a fantastic album that will greatly please Bangle fans. My concern is that with such a lengthy hiatus, fickle American pop radio won't pick them back up. That would be a shame. This is extremely well-crafted American Pop.

Congratulations gals! Thanks for a great new album, and...welcome home.

For those of us who heard the Bangles (or even the Bangs) live in the early 80's, all we ever wanted was a production team that could capture the essence of the Fab Femme Four's live sound on CD. (FYI, no one has ever rocked Love's "7 and 7 Is" like Debbi Peterson. Ever.)

It has finally arrived.

The whole package is on display in "Doll Revolution": Chiming folk-rock guitars, glorious four-part harmonies, intelligent use of minor keys -- and some songwriting skills that have matured and mellowed like fine wine. The Gurls are all very much three-dimensional human beings, and they actually get to display their versatility on "DR" thanks to Brad Wood's sympathetic presence behind the mixing board. Susanna Hoffs is in excellent voice, to be sure, but so are Vicki Peterson, her sister Debbi (so often shortchanged on 80's albums), and the luminous Michael Steele.

(And hey -- SOME of us have no problem discerning who is singing lead on Bangles records, thank you very much...)

;)

"Something That You Said" was a great choice for the first single -- Susanna Hoffs proves that she has not lost a step vocally from the late 80's, and "I Will Take Care of You" indicates that motherhood has added new dimensions to her songwriting. In many ways, though, this is Michael Steele's finest hour as a Bangle. "Nickel Romeo" is an awesome psychedelic pastiche; "Song For a Good Son" will elicit real grief from anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one; and "Between the Two" just flat-out ROCKS.

Overall, this is the strongest album the Bangles have ever turned out -- these 15 songs stand as a statement for a new millennium.

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.

The best Bangles album since "All Over The Place". During their days as MTV stars, the girls were overproduced with plastic-y synthesizers and big boomy drums. Here, they get back to the basics: guitars, garage vibe, and those wonderful vocal harmonies. While a few of the songs are a bit weak, overall, this is a welcome return to form. In a more fair world, this record would sell 14 million, and Britney would be playing boat shows. Oh well. If you are a Bangles fan, look no further.

I couldn't get enough of the Bangles their first time around. As a guy in my mid-20s when "All Over The Place" came out, I was hooked immediately by their musical energy, infectious melodies, intelligent lyrics...oh yeah, and the fact that they were hot.
And it was easy to see throughout their subsequent albums how any comparisons between them and the Go-Gos--and there were many at the time--were ridiculous. No contest. The Bangles were better singers, better songwriters, and better musicians. My only complaint was that Columbia Records insisted on creating the false impression that Susanna Hoffs was the group's lead singer, by picking her songs for the group's singles/videos--a real injustice to the others, whom I actually prefer to Hoffs.
Other than that, it comes as such a pleasant surprise that with "Doll Revolution" they pick up right where they left off.
I always skip the first cut, "Tear Off Your Own Head" (I was never an Elvis Costello fan), and then sit back to enjoy the rest of the cd, which is filled with still more great Bangles pop melodies (which really are impossible to get out of your head),classic harmonies and crisp production. Each member of the group has her own musical personality and distinctive voice, and they blend together every bit as much now as they did 15+ years ago.
I still don't care much for Susanna Hoffs. I guess I'm still holding a grudge abut her dominance over the group in the '80s. Debbie Peterson (the beautiful blonde drummer) is probably the best singer on this disc. Listen to her on "Ask Me No Questions" and especially "Lost At Sea", on which she delivers such a superb and sensitive vocal performance that I often play it several times in a row (the nasal quality of her voice--which I honestly love--is matched only by Aimee Mann). These two songs are also among the strongest melodies on the album, along with the fabulous "Mixed Messages" sung by Vicki Peterson.
As for Michael Steele, she is, with due respect to the others, on another plane entirely. Her songs with the group, dating back to the first album have always had a special quality-- dark and brooding more often than not,deep,poetic--worthy of a solo career, but still a perfect contrast to the more pop-oriented songs of the others. "Nickel Romeo" and the hard driving "Between the Two" are excellent.
These girls (well, women actually, considering they're all over 40 by now), are still hugely talented at what they do, still remarkably gorgeous, and still underrated for reasons I have yet to fathom. Buy this cd!

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!