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The Bangles — A Hazy Shade of Winter
Album: Greatest Hits
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1636









Released: 1990
Length: 2:44
Plays (last 30 days): 3
Time, time, time
See what's become of me...

Time, time, time
See what's become of me
While I looked around
For my possibilities
I was so hard to please

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hear the Salvation Army Band
Down by the riverside
It's bound to be a better ride
Than what you've got planned
Carry a cup in your hand

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hang onto your hopes my friend
That's an easy thing to say
But if your hopes should pass away
Simply pretend
That you can build them again

Look around
Grass is high
Fields are ripe
It's the springtime of my life

Seasons change with their scenery
Weaving time in a tapestry
Won't you stop and remember me

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Comments (181)add comment
Always associate this with the "Less Than Zero" film. It was so perfectly placed.
We didn't know how good we had it in the 80s with the Bangles.
Appropriate song for 1/15/2024 when the US is in the deep freeze.
 clickfaster wrote:
mmmm Susanna Hoffs {#Heartkiss}

Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles


There was a girl in my class in high school who was the spitting image of Susanna Hoffs.  I never had the nerve to ask her out, and found out years later she wanted me to.  :(  #opportunitylost
 jlind wrote:

What a segue from Supertramp's "If Everyone Was Listening"



Three years later, and the songs are still connected in this way.
Great cover! Love the very Beatles-esque guitar, reminiscent of "Day Tripper"
My college band was supposed to open up for the Bangles, but that was the weekend they evidently landed a contract with MTV and cancelled the event. I had a crush on Susana Hoffs, and was crushed to miss my chance to meet her. Still hope to meet her some day. (Still haven't shaken that crush. Sigh ... )
 Can't we get past the posting of female artists' pictures as comments?  I don't see the lady RP listeners throwing up Lenny Kravitz (or whomever) pics all over these boards.  Guys...those days are over.  I'm as appreciative of the female form as any red-blooded dude.  But I get pretty cringed out at some clearly sexualized image as a way of evaluating the value of the artist.

clickfaster wrote:
mmmm Susanna Hoffs {#Heartkiss}

Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles


Saw Queen at Slane Castle back in the day with a few pals and my girlfriend who is now my wife of 33 years. It rained like hell. Ireland - you know. I wasn't a Queen fan then and Brian Mays 17min guitar solo didn't convert me. I appreciate Queen now - but not guitar solos. The only saving grace was the Bangles. They were terrific. I fought my way to the muddy front row for their set. It was worth it was worth the fight!
Have to say -- I like this better than the Simon & Garfunkel version.
 clickfaster wrote:
mmmm Susanna Hoffs {#Heartkiss}

Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles
 

Someone should call 911 cause she is murdering that dress. 
Micki
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:
tclodes wrote:
Remember when Susanna Hoffs got a Rickenbacker signature model and they made a poster? That was a good poster.
I thought it was Slash for a minute there.
 

Now that's funny right there!
Those sleigh bells at the bridge are pretty, pretty corny.
One of the very few remakes I like better than the original 
 Proclivities wrote:

Whether or not some listeners do not know the original or don't know that it's even a cover doesn't seem like a very logical reason to "hate" that cover version.  The Bangles were not trying to fool people into believing they had written this song when they did the cover and they probably introduced it to some people who had never heard the original recording.  Leaving out that lyric was kind of annoying but I think this was a good version and I like the tempo.
 
Yeah, how come? "They cut out the "...at any convenient time...""
I'm sure a lot of purist hate this version; but it sounds
pretty damn good to me and aged pretty well too..
Outstanding cover! Used to great effect on the Less Than Zero soundtrack.
 e_b wrote:
...2.  I hate the covers of songs where they use a somewhat obscure original and a lot of people (presumably) don't know it's not theirs.  Covers of songs like Mrs. Robinson (Lemmonheads), STP cover of that Zepp song (forgot name) are obvious, yet still good.  Even that Nirvana cover of Bowie's "Man Who Sold the World" might have been in that same category (of an obscurer song), but Cobain cited his source right on the recording (at least the MTV unplugged one we all hear). 

3.  They cut out the "...at any convenient time..."


 
Whether or not some listeners do not know the original or don't know that it's even a cover doesn't seem like a very logical reason to "hate" that cover version.  The Bangles were not trying to fool people into believing they had written this song when they did the cover and they probably introduced it to some people who had never heard the original recording.  Leaving out that lyric was kind of annoying but I think this was a good version and I like the tempo.
 clickfaster wrote:
mmmm Susanna Hoffs {#Heartkiss}

Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles
 

Definitely better looking than Simon & Garfunkel but this is radio, ain't it.
 e_b wrote:
It's hard not to like a cover of a great song (assuming they don't butcher it up too much).  My only problems with this version are:

1.  I think they sped up the tempo a bit too much—I think they could have slowed it down and still kept it rockin'.

2.  I hate the covers of songs where they use a somewhat obscure original and a lot of people (presumably) don't know it's not theirs.  Covers of songs like Mrs. Robinson (Lemmonheads), STP cover of that Zepp song (forgot name) are obvious, yet still good.  Even that Nirvana cover of Bowie's "Man Who Sold the World" might have been in that same category (of an obscurer song), but Cobain cited his source right on the recording (at least the MTV unplugged one we all hear). 

3.  They cut out the "...at any convenient time..."


 
Doing a cover just to sound like the original is worthless. Doing a cover and making it your own is the only reason to do it. See Neil Young/Roxy Music versions of LIke a Hurricane if you need an example or NIN/Cash Hurt.
What a segue from Supertramp's "If Everyone Was Listening"
 ElCamoteLoco wrote:
This is so much better than the S&G version.
 
You can't possibly mean that.
Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo, I do believe it, I do believe it's true ... (needs to follow this).
 TRC wrote:
It rocks more than S&G a nice version. I DO love the originall though 10&10.

 
O Yeah and Susanna Hoffs !
It rocks more than S&G a nice version. I DO love the originall though 10&10.
 jktravl wrote:

well said

 
I agree and doing covers of any song will introduce great compositions to a wider audience.



                             Horrid. Especially the beat. 
                             But . . . .  Susanna Hoffs ~




 RDS wrote:
This has the balls that the original version never had (which is quite ironic really, all things considered)! I actually love both versions equally, so it's a nine from me.

 
well said
Needed this today! Thanks.
This has the balls that the original version never had (which is quite ironic really, all things considered)! I actually love both versions equally, so it's a nine from me.
I grew up in the 60's and I have to say I like this one better than the S&G version (although I wore that record out at the time {#Smile})
The Bangles did a whole bunch of 60's covers (including P.F. Sloan's "Where Were You When I Needed You), but this one is their best.
This is so much better than the S&G version.
 lshinkawa wrote:
Always liked this version.

 
Me too.
Always liked this version.
mmmm Susanna Hoffs {#Heartkiss}

Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles
Seriously?!
remember her eyes in the "Egyptian" video?
mmm 
This song is Great, and is definitely the Bangles best, even though it's a cover.  Turn it UP!  {#Cool}
Yikes! {#Bananajam}
Pretty decent cover of a great song.

It's hard not to like a cover of a great song (assuming they don't butcher it up too much).  My only problems with this version are:

1.  I think they sped up the tempo a bit too much—I think they could have slowed it down and still kept it rockin'.

2.  I hate the covers of songs where they use a somewhat obscure original and a lot of people (presumably) don't know it's not theirs.  Covers of songs like Mrs. Robinson (Lemmonheads), STP cover of that Zepp song (forgot name) are obvious, yet still good.  Even that Nirvana cover of Bowie's "Man Who Sold the World" might have been in that same category (of an obscurer song), but Cobain cited his source right on the recording (at least the MTV unplugged one we all hear). 

3.  They cut out the "...at any convenient time..."


Would much prefer to hear Bananarama than the "Walk Like an Egyptian" chicks.
A sold 7 Despite the:

 


hmm, yeah, no thanks ... (psd = Stevie Ray baby!!! super Voodoo Chile : )
When is the new Album?  Amazing then, amazing now.

WCW on a Thursday?
Always thought this was a great cover (& perfect for rockin' up a cold February Monday Morning by the way{#Eyes})

What next eh? Kelly Osbournes' cover of Papa Don't Preach perhaps?
Although I wouldn't go as far as some people who called them the female Beatles, the Bangles were definitely underrated. They had great harmonies, good music, and as this shows they could rock. Check the utube vids. What more can you ask? Sussanah Hoffs even played a Rickenbacker. {#Laughing}
Wow, this holds up really well. I hadn't even thought of this band in ages.
I'm pretty sure that wasn't The Bangles :-)
Ummm, I think this is the SG version.  At least today.
 beinder wrote:
It says "The Bangles", but this does not sound like any bangles I remember. Play list error perhaps.

 
The Playlist display seems to be running about two or three minutes ahead of the audio.  Now The Bangles are playing but Broken Bells is displayed above.
What I am hearing isn't the Bangles. Sounds like those hacks Simon & Garfunkel to me.
Glad it is S & G and not the Bangles on this hazy shade of Winter.
 
It says "The Bangles", but this does not sound like any bangles I remember. Play list error perhaps.
I don't get why this cover was done. It's terrible.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Well, I'm not sure I'd go that far, but it's not bad. Kinda makes you wonder what a real rockin' version would sound like: Slipknot does Simon & Garfunkel!

 
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes specializes in punk covers of songs like this.  They may even do this one.

Great cover, but not as good as the original.  It was one of the few times that S&G really rocked!
WOW, and people complain about Bill playing Blue Oyster Cult....
One pie with extra cheese.....
This is a great cover.  And I've always liked it because my band used to play a cover of their cover.  S&G rocks!
this set is killing me
 jagdriver wrote:
I'll take it any day over S&G's version.
 
Well, I'm not sure I'd go that far, but it's not bad. Kinda makes you wonder what a real rockin' version would sound like: Slipknot does Simon & Garfunkel!

 jmsmy wrote:

A great cover of a great song.
80's top 40 on RP - Never try to put Bill in a box.


 
amen brother

A great cover of a great song.
80's top 40 on RP - Never try to put Bill in a box.


I'll take it any day over S&G's version.
lame-o - but a terrific song
{#Cowboy}
 daveesh wrote:

it just might be... here's one of the outtakes:

 
 
Great photoshopping there. {#Cool}


Seriously?! the Bangles on RP?!! did bill fall asleep at the helm & the little elves are running the show now?{#Stupid}
Can you imagine if they had backed S & G in the day ?? Sexing up Paul and Arty !?!?
Actually no, I can't imagine it.



nice version "light" and  tribute to a original version written by Simon and Garfunkel

** 5 / 6 **


How can this song be ANYTHING but a 10! The 80's rock, dude.
"Risky Business" yesterday, and now "Less than Zero". Gotta tune in tomorrow for "Ferris Beuller".
Nice cover, seems familiar.  Whatever, I like.

EDIT:  Duh, see previous comment.  How could I miss it in 2009?  {#Ask}  I recognize the original and the cover and think the cover is a good one.  A solid 8. 
 Danimal174 wrote:
I absolutely love this version. One of the few covers that I like better than the original (and I'm a big fan of the Simon & Garfunkel version). I just love the rocking guitar riff on this one. Great choice for a Monday...thanks for keeping me awake!


 

{#Yes}
Great f'ing song—10!!!  not kidding...  it rocks!

{#Bananasplit}
YAY, winter! Machines cleaning snow from the sidewalks here at UNBC so students can get to class!!! Gotta love it! Lovely shade of WHITE!
 snowcat wrote:
Wow.  Takes me back to 'Less Than Zero'.  One of my all-time favorite movies.
 
yep! me too...


Outstanding !
Wow.  Takes me back to 'Less Than Zero'.  One of my all-time favorite movies.
 OmegaConcern wrote:
Occasionally a cover really hits the mark.  This is one of those occasions.  Great version.
 


Occasionally a cover really hits the mark.  This is one of those occasions.  Great version.
I can only figure you're playing this in August because the weather this summer's been as crappy down in Paradise as it's been up here in Vancouver.
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

I thought it was Slash for a minute there.
 
it just might be... here's one of the outtakes:

 

SURPRISE!!!!!  Just when I was all but snoozing off here... great change of pace!  Fun bit.  We all need a fun bit...


kylemichael wrote:
Call me a crazy bastard but I like it.

You're a crazy bastard.

I must be too, since I like it also.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't make me think of WINTER!!!!!!!!!{#Stop}
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I thought it was Slash for a minute there.
Dude, don't say that!
tclodes wrote:
Remember when Susanna Hoffs got a Rickenbacker signature model and they made a poster? That was a good poster.
I thought it was Slash for a minute there.
seraphinn wrote:
Ahhh...Less Than Zero. Song brings back memories.
Yes! Reminds me of Freshman year at LSU
Remember when Susanna Hoffs got a Rickenbacker signature model and they made a poster? That was a good poster.
Ahhhh you can hear Hoff's sweet helium voice coming through...and I don't mean "The Hoff"

I like this version a lot, but it seems more appropriate... in winter?
a_genuine_find wrote:
Looks like a Poison CD cover
Hey it was the 80s - everything looked like that!
I absolutely love this version. One of the few covers that I like better than the original (and I'm a big fan of the Simon & Garfunkel version). I just love the rocking guitar riff on this one. Great choice for a Monday...thanks for keeping me awake!
michaelgmitchell wrote:
A solid 7. Nothing more. Nothing less. Gets the toes tappin'. Forget the "who" they were. Good cover.
Same for me there. Also kind of like the lyrics, as they paint a picture of a part of my life.
Looks like a Poison CD cover
thewiseking wrote:
great cover. love the riff. evokes an era very, very nicely. (the 80s that is)
I guess. Maybe that's why I dislike it. The S & G original evokes its era very, very nicely (the 60s, that is). There was a sense of foreboding and an element of urgency in that one that is missing here.
Ahhh...Less Than Zero. Song brings back memories.
Yeh, I was surprised it was The Bangles... great track
It's currently -8 Celcius and there is a foot of snow on the ground. I'm tired of winter.
kylemichael wrote:
Call me a crazy bastard but I like it.
Ditto, and I'm a 80s bubblegum-pop hater
great cover. love the riff. evokes an era very, very nicely. (the 80s that is)
Wow...the Bangles....really? Diggin deep today.
artmarcia wrote:
Simon and Garfunkel...redo. Jury's out on this one. Maybe it will grow on me.
How much longer do you think that'll take? That's one slow jury! came out 20-some years ago...
People used to say I looked like Susanna Hoffs in HS..... (must have been the hair)
rtrudeau wrote:
Signed on just to make sure I'd rated this a 1 already. Yep.
Rebel.
A solid 7. Nothing more. Nothing less. Gets the toes tappin'. Forget the "who" they were. Good cover.
Great stuff, a time capsule, tight playing. Underrated.
Signed on just to make sure I'd rated this a 1 already. Yep.
parrothead wrote:
One thing is for sure,give them credit, they did play all of there own instruments. Just listen to this!
They did have a guy playing keyboards in concert. Not sure about in the studio but you're right, they weren't just fronting a bunch of studio hacks.
Something they did quite well in my opinion!
Call me a crazy bastard but I like it.
Surprisingly - not too bad an interpretation of the original
Simon and Garfunkel...redo. Jury's out on this one. Maybe it will grow on me.
...wow!..
Cool. I like this cover!
wow this stinks - like the cover art even
redeyespy wrote:
Not even close. Your description may describe lots of cover attempts, but not this one. The Bangles get dismissed all the time, but they were pretty good, actually.
Great song. Reminds me of the Less Than Zero soundtrack.
hippiechick wrote:
One of my guilt pleasures.
Me too..!