Hey folks,

I don't recall us discussing this album already, so I thought I'd throw it
out there:

About a month ago I picked up the Bangles' new album "Doll Revolution" and I
think it's gonna end up in my Top 10 of the year. I was not a huge Bangles
fan in the '80s, although I liked their singles. This new release, however,
is REALLY cool.

Great harmony vocals, tasty jangly guitars, and very melodic and diverse. It
reminds me a lot of the best Rembrandts' work. The producer is one of my
faves, Brad Wood, who has done great work with other girl-pop acts like Liz
Phair, Veruca Salt, That Dog, etc. It's the dictionary definition of power
pop....very hooky and bright, but with a garagey rock edge.

The title track was written by Elvis Costello for a TV show that never
aired, and it ROCKS. Another standout track is a minor-key mid-tempo song
called "Single by Choice" about being an unmarried adult....very interesting
tune with a subject that could've been very clumsy and awkward and cheesy,
but instead turns out very personal and poignant.

There are a couple Susannah Hoffs ballads (a la "Eternal Flame") that are
quite pretty, and seems like they could be hits nowadays too.

The disc also came with a bonus DVD with some cool stuff on it, especially
audio from the Bangles' first 45 RPM single back in the early early 80s.

Jonathan Rundman
http://www.jonathanrundman.com