|
Bangles
Return to Bangleonia
(Shout! Factory)
First Appeared in The Music Box, February 2008, Volume 15, #2
Written by Kirk deCordova
Mon February 4, 2008, 07:15 AM CST
The Bangles, once the female power-pop darlings of the ’80s music scene, is
back with a new DVD. Entitled Return to Bangleonia, the collection
captures the outfit during its 2000 reunion tour at the House of Blues in Los
Angeles. Although the girls hadn’t recorded together for a decade, the spirit of
the band still was able to shine brightly throughout the show. The athletic
interactions between Susanna Hoffs (rhythm guitar) and Vicki Peterson (lead
guitar) were nothing short of remarkable, while Debbi Peterson (drums) and
Michael Steele (bass) kept the rhythm on an even keel. Yet, the stage antics did
not serve as the concert’s highlights; instead, the music took center stage as
the Bangles demonstrated that its best years might not necessarily have been in
the past. Still attractive and clearly having fun, the Bangles churned out a
performance that spotlighted its endearing, though imperfect musical skills,
while also pleasing the lively fans at the House of Blues.
All of the Bangles’ famed hits are included on Return to Bangleonia,
including the Prince-penned smash Manic Monday and the former MTV staple
Walk Like an Egyptian. The Bangles’ ’60s inspired tune In My Room
was a crowd favorite as was the show-opening rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s
Hazy Shade of Winter. Material from the band’s 2003 endeavor Doll
Revolution, which had not been issued at the time of the show, also was
mixed into the group’s set list. These cuts included Here Right Now and
Stealing Rosemary. The concert concluded with Eternal Flame, the
Bangles’ syrupy, internationally successful ballad from 1989. In the end, the
show proved to be a proper balance of songs both old and new.
Return to Bangleonia contains a few bonus features, including a concert
commentary by the Bangles as well as acoustic performances of Manic Monday
and Ride the Ride, both of which stand in contrast to the renditions that
the group delivered during its electric show. Finally, rare band photos and a
lackluster interview with the Bangles sans Steele cap off the DVD’s extra
materials.
In the end, Return to Bangleonia captures a moment in time that
reveals a once-famous ensemble as it attempts to stage a comeback. With Steele’s
departure in 2005, this concert gives fans one last look at the Bangles’ famous
’80s line-up. Consequently, Return to Bangleonia is a DVD that most
Bangles fans should see and perhaps even purchase.  ½
Return to Bangleonia is available from Amazon.com.
To order, Click Here!
For Canadian orders, please
Click Here!
For UK orders, please
Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2008 The Music Box
| 
