All Over the Place

iTunes Review

The Bangles began their career as a spunky garage band playing ‘60s-inspired originals and covers that highlighted their harmonies and jangly guitars and made them most popular among the southern California’s early-80s Paisley Underground. With their signing to Columbia Records and association with producer David Kahne, the band began a polishing process that would make them a successful radio-friendly ‘80s pop group. Their debut album, All Over the Place, is a delectable gem from the era, featuring several well-chosen covers (‘60s pop group The Merry-Go-Round’s “Live,” the Soft Boys’ Kimberley Rew’s “Going Down to Liverpool”) and stellar originals (“Hero Takes a Fall,” “James,” “Dover Beach”) that made them one of the most refreshing groups of the era. There isn’t an ounce of fat on this tight 11-track collection. While their instrumental chops are well-presented, it’s the group’s elaborate and supportive harmonies that raise the bar. From the swooping call and responses of “All About You” and “Tell Me,” “to the orchestrated finale “More Than Meets the Eye,” this was a true group working at their prime.