Originally a Simon & Garfunkel song from the 60s. This version was in Less Than Zero, a great 80s rich-kids-on-cocaine movie starring Robert Downey Jr.
"A Hazy Shade of Winter" was a top twenty hit for Simon & Garfunkel in the Winter of 1966. The first time I heard the song was in the early eighties after I inherited several boxes of old records from a great uncle with a hoarding problem. Amongst them was a beat up copy of Simon & Garfunkel's Bookends album from 1968. It was the fourth song on side two, right after "Mrs. Robinson" and right before "At The Zoo". The Bangles pick up the pace on the song. Debbi Peterson's drum work makes the song really pop. And the tone Vicki Peterson chose to play that riff with was years ahead of its time. The video ties in as a promotion for the 1987 film Less Than Zero, starring Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, Robert Downey Jr., and James Spader, about drugged-out Los Angeles rich kids. The soundtrack was killer -- Aerosmith, Roy Orbison, Poison, LL Cool J, Glenn Danzig, Slayer, Public Enemy, Joan Jett, and The Bangles. When you're ready for more from The Bangles, check out "Going Down to Liverpool" along with many others.
This may be may favorite Bangles song, ironic since it's not only a cover, but a soundtrack song and not from a full album. But you're right, there's a bite, an attack in the way they all play and sing this. The harmonies are tight and perfect, Debbi's drumming is ferocious, Vicki's lead guitar has such an attack, Mickey's bass is broody and earthy and Susannah blends all their voices together effortlessly (not to mention her rhythm guitar). I just love love love it!
....The Bangles, Empress!?? ***BANGLES TRIVIA TIME!!*** ....wanna get to it!? (CONT.) - Originally for the 1987 flick "Less Than Zero", it was featured on the 'Def Jam' Label (a hip hop label) distributed by Columbia / Sony (The Bangles label); they thought they Girls would help the label 'sell' the Soundtrack better.... - The Bangles PERSONALLY asked Simon & Garfunkel (the writers) if they could change the line, "...carry a gun in your hand..." to, "carry a cup in your hand..." because they were against weaponry, Paul Simon agreed....and, gave them WRITERS CREDIT! - The Girls wanted to show their audience that they were a BAND, and could play their instruments harder than they were allowed on 'Manic Monday' & 'Walking Down Your Street' ...they ALL played everything, on the track...... - It was a HUGE #2 Pop hit, Feb., of 1988....wanna see the Top Ten!? .... 10. I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man - Prince 9. Tunnel Of Love - Bruce Springsteen 8. Say You Will - Foreigner 7. What Have I Done To Deserve This? - Pet Shop Boys & Dusty Springfield 6. Hungry Eyes (from, "Dirty Dancing") - Eric Carmen 5. I Want To Be Your Man - Roger 4. Seasons Change -Expose 3. Need You Tonight - INXS 2. ***Hazy Shade Of Winter*** - Bangles 1. Could've Been - Tiffany ...and get this, Prince was ALSO in the Top Ten with The Girls, when "Manic Monday" & "Kiss" shared the same Top Ten, in 1986!
Tiffany’s Could’ve Been was such a huge song during that time. It’s very strange now it’s been long forgotten and there was no official music video to uphold its #1 status but her other music videos All This Time, I Think We’re Alone Now has maintained millions of views as of today. #2 Hazy Shade of Winter by the Bangles behind Tiffany has upheld its cover decades later. Even it got resurgence and renewed interest from Stranger Things TV show. I’m seeing a lot of Gen Z kids discovering Hazy Shade of Winter. I think Could’ve Been missed out by not having a visual music video or even any renewed interest lately in the song. IMO, I remember when it peaked #2 that week on the charts. Bangles cover is one of the best ones made among the other song cover remakes occurring in the 80’s
@@rpdbu8250 ....***TIFFANY TRIVIA TIME!!*** ...Just for YOU, RPD.... ...a Female songwriter had a VERY bad breakup, and wrote the tune, to give to Kim Carnes; Tiffany's Manager heard her demo and ERASED her vocals (from the demo) & gave it to Tiffany who LOVED IT....the Song, that is.... - The manager promised the Songwriter a production deal (to write songs for Tiff's next Album), but, she didn't take it and wanted more money , AFTER "Could've Been" hit #1..... ...Tiffany was touring, and didn't have the budget for a Video; they WERE going to film a 'live' appearance, but they already DID it, with, "I Think We're Alone...", and they were fighting the Songwriter's legal case, after she sued to get acknowledgement for the demo, where her Vocals were erased.... ....THAT'S why were was very little promotion (or, Video), on a #1 hit!
As I recall, Hazy Shade of Winter is more indicative of the sound the Bangles had in the beginning, and they still do live. While they're best known for their more upbeat pop sound, they are rockers through and through, and much of their live stuff (when they're not doing their pop material) has a similar harder edge to HSW
When most people think of the Bangles they think of that bright, upbeat pop sound on songs like Manic Monday. Then they get to this one and are blown away when Vicki starts in on that guitar riff, and Debbi starts hammering on the snares. Those girls were fully capable of rocking HARD.
Yes, I love this one! The Bangles are good stuff. No comment regarding Susanna Heoffs this time , I see. Hmm, where will this go? Hopefully further. In the meantime, will we be watching an episode of Dynasty, do you think? On my way to another segment of you watching Joan 's documentary, right now.
Always loved this song. My only complaint is it's too short. I recommend In Your Room official video next. These ladies have a lot of bangers. Without a doubt they are one of the best all female bands out there.
