Hazy Shade of Winter

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hazy Shade of Winter" by The Bangles, a track from the Less Than Zero: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and this song has a fascinating backstory for all you Zoo Freaks out there. Originally written by Paul Simon and recorded by Simon & Garfunkel in 1966, The Bangles transformed it into a hard-rocking hit in 1987. In a 2021 interview with American Songwriter, Susanna Hoffs recalled hearing the song on K-EARTH 101 while working at her aunt and uncle’s ceramic factory. She was so captivated by its "badass folk-rock" vibe that she rushed to band rehearsal and insisted they cover it. The band had been playing it live since their early club days in 1981, turning it into a "noisy number" by 1983. When approached to contribute to the Less Than Zero film, they recorded it with producer Rick Rubin, layering their voices for a rich, psych-pop sound that Hoffs likened to something by The Electric Prunes.

Another cool tidbit comes from a Songfacts interview with guitarist Vicki Peterson, who shared the challenge of adapting the song’s original 12-string acoustic riff into a rocking electric guitar part. She noted it was tough to make it "sound as cool but different," but their solution was to "rock it up," giving it a fresh, urgent edge. The Bangles’ version outperformed the original, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, only bested by their hits "Walk Like An Egyptian" and "Eternal Flame." Interestingly, due to pressure from their record label, they cut a verse containing the line "drinking my vodka and lime" to keep the song radio-friendly. The music video, directed by Jim Shea, featured the band in a studio with TV screens showing scenes from Less Than Zero, but licensing issues kept it off their Greatest Hits video compilation. Fun fact: Steve Bartek from Oingo Boingo played acoustic guitar on the track, adding a unique layer to the recording.

The Bangles, hailing from Los Angeles, began their journey in the early 1980s as part of the Paisley Underground scene, a revival of 1960s jangle-pop and psychedelic rock. Formed in 1981, the band started as The Colours, founded by sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson and Susanna Hoffs, with Annette Zilinskas on bass. Initially inspired by The Beatles, The Byrds, and other 60s acts, they honed their sound in LA’s garage-rock circuit. Zilinskas left in 1983, replaced by Michael Steele, and the band renamed themselves The Bangles, a nod to the 60s-inspired sound they loved. Their self-titled EP in 1982 caught attention, leading to a deal with Columbia Records. Their debut album, All Over the Place (1984), showcased their harmonious vocals and jangly guitars, earning critical praise and setting the stage for their breakthrough with Different Light (1986).

The Bangles’ rise wasn’t without challenges—they faced industry pressure to conform to a more polished pop image, but their musicianship shone through, often underrated as noted in a 2008 blog post on Oh Manchester, So Much To Answer For. They disbanded in 1989 but reunited in the late 1990s, continuing to tour and release music, including albums like Doll Revolution (2003) and Sweetheart of the Sun (2011). Their enduring appeal lies in their catchy melodies, tight harmonies, and ability to blend retro influences with modern flair, making them a staple of 80s pop-rock.

For more on The Bangles, check out their official website at thebangles.com. You can follow them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours and releases. Fans can connect through communities like the Bangles Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group for sharing memories and news. There’s also Bangles Fanzine, a fan-run site with detailed discographies and articles celebrating the band’s legacy. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO and vibe with The Bangles’ timeless sound!