Introducing the Queens, NY masters of the melodrama, The Shangri-Las. Formed in the early 1960's, the La's consisted of two sets of sisters Mary and Betty Weiss, and the identical twins Marge and Mary Ann Ganser. Originally honing their skills at school dances, and sock hops they were soon approached by record producer George Morton to record a demo of his freshly penned "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" (the first and only song he'd ever written at that point). The song was a hit sending the girls into a whirlwind of recording and touring that was only exacerbated more by the massive success of their next single "Leader of the Pack".
The band continued on with a string of minor hits throughout the decade. However, come 1968 the La's luck had changed as enthusiasm for the band waned the members disappeared into a trite life of day jobs, and in Mary Ann's case drug abuse (eventually succumbing to an overdose in 1970). All of which having seen very little of their fortune due to the crooked music industry of the time.
Unlike most "girl groups", The Shangri-Las sang heartbreaking tales that often ended in sadness and death. Playing on such grim topics the girls created a tough image that would follow them throughout their career and serve as a precursor and inspiration to the early NYC punk scene. The La's rediscovery in the mid-70's led to a reunion at CBGB's and an entire LP of scrapped material that is now assumed lost.
This collection compiles all of the girls hits as well as some lesser known favorites and b-sides. All of which are surprisingly solid as it was normal practice to compile albums of pre-released hit singles and various filler in the 60's. The La's avoided this and remained rather consistent, and are in my opinion one of the best and under appreciated groups of their time. This will appeal to anyone into The Ronettes, The Crystals or even fans of more modern era groups such as Belle and Sebastian, The Carrots, and the recently hyped to death Vivian Girls. "When I say I'm in love, you best believe I'm in love, L-U-V".
-Daniel Marc Cafferty
Personal album highlights:
- Remember (Walking in the Sand)
- Give Him a Great Big Kiss
- Out in the Streets
- Give Us Your Blessings
Myrmidons of Melodrama - if you enjoy the album please support the band and your favorite independent record store by purchasing a copy
Check out the La's performing "Out In the Streets" on Shindig
Mary Weiss still performs and records both her La's hits and new material. She can be found on myspace.
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