review by

Blair Witch

The Bangles

Doll Revolution

released 2003 on Loch Records

 
1. Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution) 3:57
2. Stealing Rosemary 3:32
3. Something That You Said 4:16
4. Ask Me No Questions 3:26
5. The Rain Song 3:41
6. Nickel Romeo 4:57
7. Ride the Ride 4:48
8. I Will Take Care of You 3:56
9. Here Right Now 3:24
10. Single by Choice 3:41
11. Lost at Sea 3:55
12. Song for a Good Son 4:01
13. Mixed Messages 3:19
14. Between the Two 3:42
15. Grateful 4:59 

Susanna Hoffs -acoustic & electric guitars, vocals.

Debbi Peterson - acoustic guitar, drums, percussion, vocals.

Vicki Peterson - lead guitar, acoustic & electric guitar, mandolin, vocals.

Michael Steele - bass, acoustic & electric guitar, vocals.

Credits
Produced by Brad Wood & the Bangles

Additional musicians:

Acoustic & electric guitar, wurlitzer electric piano - Dillon O'Brian

Bangle Boys Choir - Dave Grohl, John Crooke & Chick Wolverton

Keyboards - Greg Hilfman & Chick Wolverton

Lap & pedal steel - Greg Leisz

Mandolin, accordion & keyboards - Peter Holsapple

Harmonium - R Walt Vincent

"I will take care of you": Strings arranged by David Campbell Viola - Leah Katz, Violin - Melissa Reiner & Michael Nicholson, Cello - Guenevere Measham

Released in 2003 on an independent label, this is the Bangles first album since 1988. I was excited at first about the release of this album, because I was a Bangles fan back in the 80`s. But these gals seemed to have grown up some & have taken on a more contemporary sound now.

The title track of the album `Doll Revolution` is reminiscent of the old Bangles sound & style & is a good rocking song. But much to my surprise, all the rest of the songs on the album were nothing more than regurgitated slow music much similar to the sound they began to take on towards the end of their 80`s walk of fame.

I was thrilled to see the Bangles try to make a comeback, but unfortunately this album missed the mark.

The title track `Doll Revolution` is the only good song on the entire album. the other fourteen tracks might be enjoyable to some people over the age of 45 or so, but this is not up to par with The Bangles earlier material. Their first release in 1984 `All Over The Place` was an awesome album with outstanding writing, but after that they began to lose the inspiration & this album is the lowest point in their career yet.

As much as I love The Bangles, this album is dismal at best & put me to sleep

I have to give it a thumbs down.

Blair Witch can be reached by email at

blairwitch@nightmareonchatstreet.com