Canter Bridge

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For a while back in the 1980s, the Bangles—fronted by the inimitable Susanna Hoffs—practically defined the upbeat Girl Band phenomenon. Lightly packaged female angst about men, relationships, and getting to work late again combine with one of the all-time most memorable tunes (‘Walk Like an Egyptian’) to make Different Light an eminently own-able album, one that repays regular listening. The latter song also generated one of the best early music videos.

Influences? One thinks of Heart, especially in the broody voice of Vicki Peterson, who looks seriously offended on the album paperwork. There’s an almost Dylan-esque ironic randomnness in the lyrics of ‘Egyptian’, though the similarities end there.

In sum, a tight sound and a fun band to watch. ‘Generative of a question that may await resolution in eternity: ‘What ever happened to the Bangles?’