An Oldie, But a Goodie
I'm
cleaning out some files & old emails today and I ran across the results of an informal
poll I conducted with friends and coworkers in April 2001.
If the
Bangles
and the Go-Go's
were to get into a fight, who do you think would win?
Bangles 60%
Go-Go's 37.5%
Unsure .5%
Total Votes: 40
61% of women and 59% of men polled preferred the Bangles over the Go-Go's.
Among my co-workers the Bangles were favored 62.5%.
While those from my high school chose the Bangles by 60% over the Go-Go's at
40%, it is interesting to note that all the men voted for Susanna Hoffs and
company and the women chose Belinda Carlisle et al.
Don't discount the Go-Go's completely. In Texas, they were favored by
68% and in Washington, Utah and Illinois they racked up all 100% votes.
The Bangles however we chosen by 75% of Oklahoman and 68% of Arizonans and a
whopping 100% in Georgia and California.
So what exactly is the cause for the Bangles victory and the Go-Go's defeat?
A number of factors were cited. Most who voted for the Bangles did so out
of love for their music. While many die hard Go-Go's fans accused the
Bangles of being "a bunch of posers", supporters of Bangles referred
to them as "tough looking" and "full of attitude".
Perhaps the popular series VH1
Behind the Music is to blame for the Go-Go's downfall. Many were
convinced the Go-Go's past history would affect their chances of winning.
Among the comments were, "The Go-Go's are a bunch of old, dried-up,
ex-drug addicts."
However don't discount the Go-Go's completely. By far the most
persuasive and compelling argument for the Go-Go's came from a friend of mine at
work, Michael.
The Go-Go's, and I'll tell ya why.....
First,
one must not discount the fact that the Go-Go's have shear numbers,
five to four. The old ploy of crouching on all fours and having
someone push the person over would make itself available due to the
extra member. A vast number of two-on-one scenarios present
themselves as well.
Second,
Kathy Valentine is the unknown or X factor. She's a big girl, and
usually isn't smiling. No-one knows what lurks beneath that wide
stance and dark hair. Also, she's a bass player...an unstable
lot at best.
Third,
Gina is trailer trash. This is evident when you hear an interview with
her. She may have had to learn to be "scrappy" just to get
food on the table.
Fourth, Belinda's waistline. Where is it today? If she is pushing maximum
density, she could pack quite a wallop.
Fifth,
Social acceptance. By covering a Simon and Garfunkel song (Hazy Shade
Of Winter) and creating a dance sensation that still exists to this
day, (play the Bangles' Walk Like an Egyptian in a club and watch the
fools all...you know...) the Bangles gained a bit more acceptance as a
valid band. not just a gimmick. The Go-Go's know this and are not
happy about it.
Sixth,
Timeframe. the Go-Go's came up in the late 70's, early 80's in LA. (Roxy,
Troub, etc.) Globbing was not uncommon. Thrashing was violent, punks
wore spikes, etc. The Bangles came up in late 80's. Punk had died,
Wearing sunglasses at night was the biggest threat.
Finally,
Urgh!
A Music War - Small flick...Came out in the early 80's.
Starred The Police, the Dead Kennedys, Surf Punks, and many
more...including The Go-Go's. When ya see them in this movie, with
their original bassist and two lead singers, (well..Belinda is so big
she looks like two singers) you will have no doubt who the victor will
be.
