Home Read Albums Of The Week: Susanna Hoffs | The Deep End

Albums Of The Week: Susanna Hoffs | The Deep End

Nope, she's still not writing new songs — but on her latest covers album, the Bangles leader balances Peter Asher's timeless pop sophistication with an updated playlist.

THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE:Susanna Hoffs, cofounder of the multi platinum-selling Bangles, career solo artist, and one of pop music’s premier interpreters, has partnered with legendary producer Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, 10,000 Maniacs) to curate and record a collection of Susanna’s favorite classic and contemporary popular songs, including gems by The Rolling Stones and Squeeze, and newer songs by Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Joy Oladokum and Brandy Clarke.

Boasting one of pop’s most beloved voices, Hoffs grew up in L.A. with an ever-present soundtrack of ’60s music. She loved to sing and play guitar, going on to study the arts in college. Stirred by punk and new wave, Susanna started her first band with David Roback while at UC Berkeley. Upon returning to L.A., she placed a want ad which led her to Vicki and Debbi Peterson. In December 1980, they met in the garage of Susanna’s parents’ home and a band was born. Blending ’60s garage rock, lush harmonies, and jangly guitars, The Bangles became a seminal band of the ’80s with a string of hits from three platinum-selling albums. Over the decades since, The Bangles continued to tour and release LPs.

Photo by Jonathon Kingsbury.

In 1991, Susanna issued a pop-heavy solo album, When You’re A Boy. Five years later, her eponymous LP brought her closer to her musical roots than she’d been in a long time which was met with critical praise. After working together in the Austin Powers films, Susanna and Matthew Sweet formed Sid ‘n Susie, releasing three volumes of their acclaimed Under the Covers series. In 2011, she stole away to the studio for Someday, a retro modern solo set that served as a stylish homage to the ’60s pop that she grew up on. She followed that up in short order with two EPs.

More recently, Susanna has collaborated with The Zombies, Tom Petty, Chris Martin, Mike Campbell, Jack Antonoff, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, Aimee Mann, Andrew Bird, Jon Brion, Maya Rudolph and others.”

 

Photo by Jonathon Kingsbury.