The Ritz New York 84 by The Bangles: A Pop-Rock Time Capsule That’s Way Better Than You’d Expect
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—when I saw The Ritz New York 84 pop up on my radar, I was like, “Wait, The Bangles are still making music?” Spoiler alert: they absolutely are, and this album is kinda great. Released in 2017 under the Echoes label (nice name, very echoey), it's a mix of rock and pop with that signature Pop Rock swagger that made them famous back in the day. And yeah, it’s live, baby! Recorded at—you guessed it—the Ritz in NYC, this record feels like sneaking into a secret gig where everyone’s having way too much fun.
Now, there’s a lot to unpack here with 18 tracks—I mean, who even has the stamina for that? But two songs really stuck out to me. First up: “Going Down to Liverpool.” If you’re thinking, “Oh, didn’t they already do this one?”—you’re right! This is their classic track, but something about hearing it live in 2017 makes it feel fresh again. Maybe it’s the crackle in Susanna Hoffs’ voice or the way the crowd eats it up like it’s dessert. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s proof that some tunes don’t age, no matter how hard time tries to mess with them.
Then there’s “Hero Takes a Fall.” Oh man, this one hits different live. There’s an energy here that studio versions just can’t capture. The harmonies hit harder, the guitars sound dirtier, and honestly, it feels like the band is reminding us—and maybe themselves—that they’ve still got it. Plus, isn’t it wild how these lyrics about flawed heroes somehow feel more relevant now than ever? Like, haven’t we all been rooting for someone who turned out to be kinda trash lately?
Other highlights include “I’m Not Talking” (always a bop) and “Where Were You When I Needed You,” which sounds eerily relatable after surviving the dumpster fire of recent years. Honestly, if you’re looking for background noise while folding laundry, this ain’t it. These tracks demand your attention, like that one friend who insists you listen to every detail of their story.
So, what’s the verdict? The Ritz New York 84 isn’t perfect—it drags a little in parts, and yeah, some of the jokes between songs land flatter than pancakes—but it’s charming as hell. Listening to it feels like catching up with an old friend who’s still cooler than you’ll ever be.
Final thought: Who knew a live album from 2017 could remind me why I fell in love with The Bangles in the first place? Oh, and also, does anyone else think “Dover Beach” should’ve been longer? Just me? Cool.
