It’s been thirty-one years since Susanna Hoffs, Debbie Peterson, Vicki Peterson and one-time Runaways bassist Michael Steele (and, damn, they still look good! Milf alert!) formed as The Bangles (Steele left the band in 2005). Susanna Hoffs’ girlishly delicate but strong soprano reflected the rebellious, sometimes pretentious often fun mood of the time. “Walk Like An Egyptian” was a near-instant anthem. They also  hit big with “Manic Monday”  and “Hazy Shade of Winter,” two Prince-penned songs.

The Bangles had the definitive X factor and are now claiming their well-paved blip on 2011′s musical radar with Sweetheart of The Sun (Waterfront Records). You’ll hear echos of the Mamas And The Papas in here which is only natural considering Hoffs has spoken of her love for 60′s music. ”I’ll Never Be Through With You” is The Bangles in their purest unrequited love ballad form, contrasting a sunny melody against the lyrical backdrop of dealing of requited passion but unrequited love that’s still so good you can’t let it go. “I’ll never have you completely/ But somehow I don’t care.”

“Anna Lee” has a folksy, less poppy ring to it, a portrayal of a strong, feisty woman who doesn’t apologize for it. At certain moments though, things mushify and border on Carole and Paula from 70s morning kid’s show The Magic Garden. The batter hardens back up on  ”What a Life,” a sweetly ironic wry take on day-to-day life hassles, the kind of day that makes you sarcastically comment “good times” to the guy on the massive line in front of you at Duane Reade. It conveys unpleasantness pleasantly.  ”Under A Cloud” covers the ground you find yourself on when you’re down and just don’t frigging feel like dealing with any noun at all be it a person place or thing.

With lovely harmonies and arrangements that balance the rock feminine with a classical touch, the Bangles convey unpleasant feelings so prettily and pleasantly that is at the core of their lasting appeal.

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The Bangles – Walk Like An Egyptian (Bassnectar’s 2003 Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD] by Bassnectar