Shangri-Las' Golden Hits of the Shangri-Las

The Shangri-Las were a unique and influential girl-group of the 1960s, challenging pop standards and foreshadowing tough women in music. This book examines their validation and aims to free them from the girl-group category, viewing them with the individuality traditionally afforded to rock groups. They briefly challenged the status quo under the guise of sticky-sweet pop.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The Shangri-Las, among the numerous girl groups that emerged in the 1960s, stand out as uniquely influential and idiosyncratic. Despite their relatively short tenure together, they managed to profoundly disrupt pop conventions and set the stage for a generation of formidable female musicians. While they may not receive the same critical acclaim as the Ronettes or enjoy the same level of household recognition as the Supremes, the Shangri-Las have a distinct place in the history of girl groups. Their unconventional style, characterized by a blend of low-brow theatrics and uncouth flair, has often placed them outside the mainstream of girl-group canon.

This book delves into the ongoing quest for validation of 1960s girl groups as a whole, while paradoxically seeking to liberate the Shangri-Las from that classification. It presents them as individuals, akin to rock groups, deserving of the same level of individuality and recognition. The Shangri-Las achieved a remarkable feat by challenging the status quo through the guise of sticky-sweet pop, a genre that few pop groups were able to successfully navigate. While they may not have sustained this approach throughout their career, they briefly demonstrated its potential in their compilation album, Golden Hits of the Shangri-Las.

Through their music and their impact on the genre, the Shangri-Las continue to inspire and influence artists today. Their legacy as trailblazers in the world of girl groups remains undiminished, and their influence can be heard in the music of countless artists who have followed in their footsteps. Whether through their rebellious spirit, their catchy melodies, or their enduring popularity, the Shangri-Las remain a vital part of the musical landscape and a testament to the power of female empowerment and individuality.

Weight: 130g
Dimension: 171 x 137 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501331749