Bangles ‎– Ladies And Gentlemen… The Bangles! (LP)

This “album” includes the 5-song, self-titled E.P., their debut indie single from 1981, “Getting Out Of Hand”/”Call On Me” (initially issued under the moniker “The Bangs”) and several demos and live tracks from the period. 

How can you not be intrigued by and love their versions of “Outside Chance” (an ’81 demo) and “Seven And Seven Is” (live, early ’84)?  Hearing The Bangles in their raw-er, live setting reminds you of what a terrific live band they were, even in that first phase – perhaps (biased, I know) their best period.  But going back to the originally released single and E.P., it’s a joy to hear them in a clean, crisp, digitally remastered fashion.  “Getting Out Of Hand” and the rave-up frenzy of “Call On Me” are the perfect table setters for that five song masterpiece.

The power and perfection of “The Real World” notwithstanding, the wonderfully Beatlesque “I’m In Line” is a pure powerhouse, with “Taxman”-like influence written all over it – and who could ask for more?  “Want You” is a 100-mile-an-hour riff and rave fest and “Mary Street” just shines with pop gold.  The band’s cover of The La Di Da’s “How Is The Air Up There?” closed out the original e.p. and still sounds as perfectly snarling as it did when I first heard it in ’82.  The opening instrumental “Bitchen Summer” is cool and Ventures-like and a great opener to this compilation.

Label: Omnivore Recordings

Country: US

Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)