Back with a Bang4 Out Of 5 Stars
A surprisingly spry and energetic comeback, The Bangles' "Sweetheart Of The Sun" picks up right where their jangle-pop classics from the 80's left off. For a band that could have easily spent the rest of their performing lives playing "Walk Like An Egyptian" at state fairs, this album snaps with creativity while still showcasing their tight harmonies, chiming guitars and classic-pop sensibilities. There's even a rocking cover of Todd Rundgren and Nazz's "Open My Eyes."
That might be due to producer Matthew Sweet as producer. He's done a pair of cover albums with Susanna Hoffs, and he treats the band with care and a light touch. The Bangles are now a trio (bassist Michael Steele has retired) but the vocals are still recognizable. They strut their stuff right away with the opening "Anabelle Lee," a single so catchy and retro that it could have been an "All Over The Place" outtake. You can pick Susanna Hoffs' raspy voice right out of the mix, as sisters Vicki Peterson and Debbie Peterson blend in perfectly. Then they kick the gears up a notch with the peppery "Ball and Chain," reminding folks that Vicki was a darn good lead guitarist. Of course there's a wannabe "Eternal Flame," this time it's "One of Two."
What's really cool about "Sweethearts Of The Sun" is that it sounds like natural progression. As the mid-20's guy that bought "All Over The Place" and "Different Light" and still loves them both, this album sounds like something I'd have been expecting from the band three decades on. One member lesser, a little rougher along the edges and singing like (and about) adult women. Sweet was sympathetic enough to frame this all in an album that plays remarkably better than I think anyone would have expected. After all, anyone remember the dismal "Doll Revolution" from 2003? This time, I think you'll hang on to this Bangles Reunion for a longer time. One of 2011's more pleasant surprises.
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