5 for playing: The Bangles

let's hear it for girl bands ... they don't make 'em like the Go-Go's and the Bangles anymore. outside of Bond, there isn't any all-girl group (playing their own instruments - the Corrs don't count) that had made much of an impact in recent years (or made my iPod playlists).

the Bangles had a relatively short shelf life, and their gender may work against the possible longevity of such bands. think about it: if male rockstars have bloated egos, what more for women, who spend most of their waking hours trying to one-up the rest of their species? an implosion is always inevitable, someone will always try to get a bigger credit or a bigger share of the spotlight, and we can only speculate about the specter of dressing room catfights and snarky discourse behind the curtains.

the girls had a great 5-year run, and even though they have recently reformed sans bassist Michael Steele, they'll really be remembered for their '80s work. i know i do.

If She Knew What She Wants, Different Light (1986)


Walk Like An Egyptian, Different Light (1986)


Manic Monday, Different Light (1986)


Hazy Shade of Winter, Less Than Zero soundtrack (1987)


Eternal Flame, Everything (1988)