Before I thought the Bangles were everything, they were all over the place!

I didn't really get into the quartet The Bangles until they released their third album Everything in 1988. I mean, I liked their singles "Walk Like An Egyptian" and "Manic Monday" but I didn't become a true fan until the "Eternal Flame" era. Although Everything was by far their most stylized and commercial album, their was an accessibility and feminine feel I could easily relate to even as an eighth grader. Of course, the music scene moved forward and so did I. Only recently did I go back and listen to the humble beginnings of this landmark girl band.

In the beginning the band was a hybrid of British rock, American rock and folk music. Based in Los Angeles they were part of an underground music movement led by Paisley Park. In 1984 they released their debut album, All Over The Place. Filled with simple rock/pop gems, girlish harmonies and fairly aggressive guitar the album definitely exhibits all the trademark elements of The Bangles as they took shape.

The album opens with the likable "Hero Takes A Fall". The song isn't really complex but the fully developed harmonies really give a lot of texture to the enjoyable pop melody. "Live", to me, has a complete Beatles vibe to it although I can't really say why I feel that way. I just hear echoes of songs like "Ticket To Ride" and such in the melodies and phrasing. A song about living life to the fullest its a nice little gem that really engages you.

"James" is a spunky little ditty about (go figure) about a guy named James who turns out to be a disappointing boyfriend. Fun, engaging guitar against fantastic vocals and harmonies give this short song a lot of personality. Another highlight of the same vein is "Tell Me" with it's odd blend of rock influences. Fifties rock peaks from the lush folk harmonies and it's very energetic and hard not to like.

I love the garage rock sound of "Restless" as Vicki takes the lead and informs her guy she's not going to just wait while he decides he wants to wander because he's restless. The guitars are adamant and powerful and it's definitely one of the best songs on the album. "He's Got A Secret" continues a bit with the theme of a philandering man although this time Susanna Hoffs takes the lead which gives it a more girly sound against the electric guitars.

"Going Down To Liverpool" isn't my favorite on the album but it still is a great addition because it has a different sound from some of the other tracks on the album. Definitely accessing a more folk flavored vibe, it's distinctive from the rest of the album.

"More Than Meets The Eye" ends on the album with dramatic strings, four part harmony and a slower sound. It's pretty much the only ballad on the album. The harmonies are nice although they aren't flawless. This isn't a bad thing though because it gives their sound a lot of character.

Other tracks included are "Dover Beach" wistful and thoughtful, the taunting "Silent Treatment", the shuffling "All About You". All three tracks fall comfortably in place with the rest of the album.

One of the attributes I have always loved about The Bangles is the fact they have such a distinctive sound although they have done many songs that don't sound the same. Their harmonies are definitely their calling card and you can hear their style used on all kinds of contemporary music. Not to mention The Donnas might as well as be a tribute band. Anyway, if you want to hear where it all began, (and I recommend you do) then you definitely should check out All Over The Place.