TIS THE SEASON! OR IS IT?! First Time Hearing The Bangles - Hazy Shade of Winter Reaction!

[@jeffpope3221]

Yes, the song was used in the movie "Less Than Zero" with Robert Downey Jr., Andrew McCarthy and Jamie Gertz.

[@brianmcdonald7520]

that was a good movie

[@mpwiedemann]

Really great movie and worth a watch.

[@maikluhan]

Tell them that the guy in the clip is Iron Man. For make It easier😄

[@sassypatty2666]

Oh, and James Spader!

[@serinx]

yes, Iron Man and Ultron are both in Less Than Zero

[@jimbofett74comics81]

Susanna Hoffs was every teenage boys crush in the 80s

[@MarkJones-rl9ph]

Still is! She's so good looking it's ridiculous...

[@frankF-pn3hl]

Thank you guys, Sam you rock!!!

[@samjohnson7869]

Unless you were gay 🤷

[@wallacewhipps1206]

The lyrics of A Hazy Shade of Winter paint a vivid image of the changing seasons as a metaphor for the ever-changing stages of life. The phrase “time, time, time, see what’s become of me” reflects the introspection and self-reflection that often accompanies the passing of time. It speaks to the universal struggle of trying to find meaning and purpose amidst the constant flux of life. The repeated lines “look around, leaves are brown, and the sky is a hazy shade of winter” capture the feelings of desolation and isolation that can come with the cold, harsh realities of the world.

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

Nice description. Thank you.

[@danielmarshall3102]

Killer version of this song and the best example of the Bangles true talent. THE DRUMMER KILLS IT beating the hell out of the snare ...

[@aaronmelling3186]

Let's not get carried away, the drumming is nothing spectacular.

[@GonRogue-85]

​@@aaronmelling3186 Your opinion.

[@dalesands1857]

If you liked this, you'll like their Eternal Flame w/Susanna Hoff's lead vocal.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

One of my fave 80s songs! The Simon & Garfunkle original is great too. Really good lyrics If you want a serious christmas song maybe check out Joni Mitchell's song River

[@orangeandblackattack]

lyrics by original version Simon and Garfunkel..both good but ill take orig cause whole album is top tier

[@simianinc]

@@orangeandblackattack Don't suggest Garfinkel is anywhere near the lyrics. It makes Simon lose his sh*t

[@chasestreet8082]

The Bangles' version of this song is just a blast to listen to. Its fast tempo is just a ton of fun to rock out to. Compare that to the movie it was used in (Less Than Zero), and... Well, while the movie is definitely all about living fast... Its not a fun ride by any means by the time you get to the end of it. The scariest part is to think that the movie is probably pretty close to what Robert Downey Jr.'s life was really like back then. Still, as others have already said, this song definitely displays even more of the talent that the Bangles possessed. Susanna Hoffs and the other ladies, apart from being beautiful, were some of the most talented ladies of the decade. Glad you enjoyed the song!

[@barsandbarbells2022]

😂 maybe we'll have to check out the movie! The ladies were definitely trend setters!

[@CatherinePearl100]

Also, if you decide to watch the movie, look for a young James Spader from Blacklist as a drug dealer.

[@gwydion56]

I actually knew the answer this time! The Bangles were a great group that split up far too soon. So much talent there in those four women, and some great harmonies. This song is one of my favorites.

[@Ambaryerno]

Unfortunately, the record label killed the group by trying to promote Susanna Hoffs over the rest of the band. Their core sound was built around four-part vocal harmony, so they didn't actually have a true lead singer, but trying to force one on them upset the chemistry of the band. Mickey, Debi, and Vicki all resented Hoffs being pushed forward - and to her credit, Hoffs didn't like it, either To be fair, I think Hoffs does have the best and most distinctive voice, (her vocals on Eternal Flame are just *chef's kiss*) and she just had "it" in her looks and stage presence, so I can't ENTIRELY fault the label for seeing her as the natural member to focus on. It just undermined what the band was about.

[@alisonmatheson7118]

It's cute you thought this was about Christmas😂😂😂

[@Falconer1128]

I would guess whoever requested them to do this one said it was a Christmas tune. But .... nope. It isn't.

[@barsandbarbells2022]

😅

[@laziojohnny79]

Well there are a bit of jingle-bells in it, they sing about leaves being brown and a patch of snow on the ground and it's about winter. So it's not thát weird, although it never gave me true christmasy vibes either.

[@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus]

This is my favorite Bangles song. They actually started playing together in December 1980 but nothing really happened until '81 as you say. 'Going Down To Liverpool' is a great tune by them as well. I'm also hoping for you to listen to 'The Pogues - Fairytale of New York' for another great Christmas (Is it Christmas?) song. Cheers.

[@PopsBarnCatMafia]

That was from a movie called "Less Than Zero" from back in the mid 80's. It was a pretty popular movie back then. If you look close, you will see a very young Robert Downey Jr., James Spader, and Jami Getz in the scenes... all just starting out their careers. I think it was the year my daughter was born in 1987 because I remember seeing it about that time

[@jenniferfoster1692]

I recently realized from some reactors' comments that many younger people don't recognize Robert Downey Jr without facial hair! I've known him since very early movies like Tuff Turf w/him & James Spader, so I know and like his clean shaven face better. I doubt many younger people even recognize him in this video.

[@PopsBarnCatMafia]

lol. Indeed@@jenniferfoster1692

[@dvsreed]

They have been performing this edgier version of this song since their early days. When they were asked to do a song for the Less Than Zero soundtrack they suggested this song. This is the closest to the Bangles actual sound that you have heard so far. They do this song live really well.

[@Ambaryerno]

Yeah, most people think of their 80s pop-oriented tracks like Manic Monday and Eternal Flame, but their core sound is much more influenced by 60s punk, while drawing on the Beatles with their use of four-part vocal harmonies.

[@Shabenn]

They made this song their own. Damn good stuff! A Christmas selection for you, Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses. Great song. Good one here.

[@Ambaryerno]

I think a lot of people consider the Bangles' version superior to Simon and Garfunkel's. Including Simon and Garfunkel. The Bangles' version was certainly more successful (charting at #2 vs. #13).

[@SG-js2qn]

The song is about how dreams can crash when you are young and struggling. So you've got the contrast of the cold winter and the springtime of life. I'd like to point out that there was a medieval influence in a lot of the great songs of the period in which this was written. The medieval and old folk / classical influence in rock often gets overlooked. We find it here in lyrics like: "Ahhh, seasons change with the scenery Weaving time in a tapestry Won't you stop and remember me At any convenient time? Funny how my memory skips While looking over manuscripts ..."

[@jenniferfoster1692]

I love this song! It's the edgier side of the Bangles. This was in the movie Less Than Zero, a great GenX era Robert Downey Jr, dark, out of control freinds movie.That's the clips you see in the video.

[@Pton_reaction_addict]

Susanna Hoffs was my crush in the 80s. Love many of their tracks.

[@gregroberts8240]

i think she was everyones crush back then 😂

[@Ambaryerno]

She's got eyes you can just get lost in.

[@firedoc5]

Never thought of it as Christmasy. LOL This is one song that stands out from the 80's as one of the better ones. The all-girl bands like the Bangles and Go-Go's and others, really made a name for themselves, but seem to have faded out by the 00's, unfortunately.

[@mikephotos225]

My favorite Bangle has always been Michael Steele (Susan Thomas) on bass, but Debbie Peterson kills it on drums here.

[@metalmark1214]

Susanna Hoffs ❤️

[@JRAWJRAW]

Absolute banger track, thanks for the reaction.

[@mcgee227]

AAAAH Susanna, the love of my life.

[@oktober-vh6gl]

The movie that featured this song, Less Than Zero, was a GREAT 80's movie that's overlooked by too many. It's a great flick worth watching if you can find a copy...

[@jenniferfoster1692]

Yes, loved the movie when it came out as I was the same age as the characters and lived in L.A. I always associate thsi song with that movie.

[@Ambaryerno]

Most people think of the Bangles for their more 80s pop-oriented songs like Manic Monday and Eternal Flame. However, Hazy Shade of Winter is closer to what their core sound, with a lot of 60s punk influence, while also drawing on the harmonic structure of the Beatles.

[@ronburgardt6495]

Two things are particularly striking about this song. First, the drummer kills it. She carries the energy of the song almost by herself. Another thing I find unusual is that the vocals are entirely harmony. There is no solo vocal part throughout. I wouldn't normally recommend that, but it works here.

[@carolain183]

In fact, if there is a part that not everyone sings, only Susanna sings. Watch the official video

[@vovindequasahi]

Love The Bangles!! Great Rock band!

[@myrdozer]

This one rocks! That Drummer is killin it as they all are

[@mervmartin2112]

You'll want the lyrics, it's a Paul Simon song. And Paul writes deep. Dangling Conversation is another one

[@stevenblock9712]

Nobody writes lyrics like Paul Simon. And now you should be curious about the original version by Simon and Garfunkel.

[@headlibrarian1996]

I am still disappointed The Bangles didn’t write or cover more tracks in this rock style.

[@scottallen6160]

I’ve always felt the moment I connect with a song or movie is what I remember about it. The time of day or night, or the temperature or weather, so I do think of Christmas time when I hear this song. I had gotten the Bangles collection for Christmas. So another that reminds me of this time of year is Eternal Flame. I heard it at night with only candles lit and looking at the Christmas lights outside.

[@stephenniehaus8635]

In my opinion, one of the best rock songs

[@paulmorris8762]

it's a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's song - I think it was part of soundtrack to Less Than Zero with Robert Downey Jr

[@MrYoup11]

I've never associated this song with Christmas, but I like it.

[@mmacgregor4669]

Best Xmas Rock song ever-Father Christmas by the Kinks. Nothing else is even close. Says EVERYONE who has ever heard it 😂

[@NYCNibbles]

saw them opening for Cyndi Lauper at Maple Leaf Gardens in '84, from the front row (bought from scalpers right before the show for only $25/pop) ... looking up at Susanna Hoffs on stage for the first time as a teenage guy 😍😍

[@mitchellsouphasith3763]

This is a Simon and Garfunkel tune. The lyrics are bomb.

[@hokiedoo]

HAHAHA,the year I graduated from high school 1981 🤣,I listened to more classic rock but the Bengals were big on the radio!

[@travismorris9303]

Another great female band The Graces "Lay Down Your Arms" and "Fear No Love" are particularly good. Also would love to see you react to Hideaway by Berlin

[@dansiegel333]

“Look around, leaves are brown, there’s a patch of snow on the ground.” Ho Ho Ho.

[@alu.minium521]

A very good cover of a Simon and Garfunkel song.

[@metalmark1214]

If you like all female bands, head to Japan - Lovebites, Band-Maid, Aldious, Mary's Blood, Bridear, Trident, Nemophila, Fate Gear to name a few. So much talent there.

[@gregroberts8240]

seasons of life. "its the springtime of my life" patch of snow on the ground = grey hair

[@karenduncan2478]

It was on Stranger Things season 1 too! It was on episode 2 at the end. But 1st season was set for 1983. So whoever was in charge of the music made a mistake cause this song was in 1987 setting was 1983.

[@EKS511]

this makes me wanna watch Less Than Zero again. I haven't seen that movie in forever.

[@phantomrockerr]

Love this version.

[@shanenolan5625]

This is a cover of a Simon and garfunkel song from the 60s . Original is acoustic

[@Bikebrh]

This was from the movie "Less Than Zero", one of Robert Downey Jr.'s early movies. I hated the movie, but I love this version the song. It sounds peppy, but it is actually from the POV of someone who is depressed about how his/her life is going, thus the "hazy shade of winter" metaphor.

[@Tijuanabill]

First rule of lifetime wealth from music: Make Christmas songs. They NEVER go away.

[@thehonestwoodcutterbradywe8011]

The bangles is an all girl group formed In. 1981.Vicki and.debbie.Peterson are sisters and had been in other bands previously before meeting Susanna Hoffa and then recruiting former runways bassist micheal.steele.their first album together was released in 1985

[@thehonestwoodcutterbradywe8011]

*Hoffs*

[@Renkk17]

Hazy Shade of Winter is in the Movie - Less than Zero .... parts of the movie are shown in the music video Clay (Andrew McCarthy) comes home to Los Angeles after his first semester of college and encounters some disturbing developments. His former lover, burgeoning model Blair (Jami Gertz), has begun to abuse cocaine. But her addiction pales in comparison to the drug dependency of her new boyfriend, Julian (Robert Downey Jr.), who's also Clay's childhood buddy. Clay tries to help them get sober, but the process is complicated by Rip (James Spader), a callous dealer Julian is indebted to. Release date: November 6, 1987 (USA)

[@TonyM1961]

One Christmas song for you is the classic tune Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee circa 1958 at age 13

[@miavega8888]

Always reminds me of Less than zero!

[@danielbenincasa770]

They had this song in the movie " Less than zero "

[@WMalven]

Hey, guys, The Moody Blues did a beautiful Christmas album, "December." Try the song, "Don't Need a Reindeer"

[@antwaun9763]

"Father Christmas" by The Kinks...Classic

[@efakter1]

DIO-“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Theres your Metal Christmas song!

[@denisewhitfield8843]

You should do their “in your room” video. It’s my favorite.

[@danielcrow4247]

You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch by Small Town Titans, a rocking version of the song.

[@JG-fv9bv]

A great Christmas song ..... Chris de Burgh "A Spaceman Came Travelling" ... any live version will be great

[@mitzifrancis9843]

I enjoyed the Bangles cover of the 1968 original song by Simon and Garfunkel from the classic Bookends album. BUT... their interpretation just doesn't have the gut-punch impact that the Simon and Garfunkel version has, for me. The last way I'd describe the original is any kind of light-hearted pre-holiday feel. If you read the lyrics and listen to the 1968 original, I think you'll come away with a very different, and in my opinion, much richer experience of this song. It's been a go-to since I first listened to it, over and over again, when I got the Bookends album as a gift from my parents in 1968 (I was 12 years old.) I'd pleaded for this album as my present. Mom was reluctant (this was the late 60s and my dad was a Chief of Police.) She asked me, " But aren't these musicians kind of radical?" We were a very reasonable family so I informed her that all the song lyrics were printed on the back of the album. I suggested they read them and then decide whether it was an appropriate gift for their 12 year old child. Which, of course, they did as I knew they would. There are so many great songs on that album. But I know I'd love to see you react to this version of the song.❤ Even at 12, the double whammy of what felt like despair in the lyrics combined with a much sharper, almost more painful, piercing feel of the instrumentals resonated.

[@matthewcostello3530]

Andrw Mccarthy was home on Christmas vacation from College

[@ajruther67]

Those were movie clips from the 1987 movie Less than Zero starring Robert Downey Jr, Andrew McCarthy and Jamie Gertz.

[@jmhaces]

Yeah, the movies is "Less Than Zero," starring a young Robert Downey Jr. The OST for that movie is awesome.

[@timothybush9633]

Hi Phil & Sam, Merry Christmas to you both🎅🤶🌲🙏

[@barsandbarbells2022]

Happy holidays!

[@cjbunker8889]

classic song being played in a classic movie "less than zero"

[@richarddaugherty8583]

This is a cover of the original song by Paul Simon, who reportedly hated this cover. I love both versions. The original has this guitar riff, but not the rock version this is. It was a hit for Simon. I think this is the best version. Someday I'll get around to watching the movie Less Than Zero that the clips to this video are from. I'm not sure it's relevant to the song though.

[@Boodieman72]

From the movie soundtrack to Less Than Zero

[@williamyates694]

I prefer the original. Nothing against women, or holidays lol. This might be one of those of when you came up. Good reaction. If you wanna be obscure for a moment...check out Badlands Winters Call. The guirarist was from Ozzy, and the drummer is the KISS drummer. Jake E. Lee and Eric Singer. It's a cry back to great 70s early 80's hard rock. 🍻🤟

[@kaleemdin7963]

The Bangles were formed in 1981.

[@chris8534]

A transvision vamp reaction would go well with this one

[@boosuedon]

It's Paul Simon man! It is poetry set to music, that's what he does!

[@retro-robbo]

Not really about the seasons, or christmas. Its all metaphors for passage of time and life, winter being close to the end a sign of despair. The video itself is clips from the movie "Less Than Zero", starring Robert Downey Jr, Andrew McCarthy and Jami Gertz. Well worth a watch.

[@paule6752]

If you're looking for Christmas songs with an Australian take, then you can't go past Paul Kelly's How To Make Gravy.

[@donjackson5522]

For King & Country’s version of Little Drummer Boy

[@oldmanghost219]

....And Now it is time to .... "Walk Like An Egyptian' ...

[@instructionaldesigner7310]

it was never intended to be a traditional christmas song. It's in the same vein as the Boxer its a reflective song and melancholy as a protest person that has moved from the spring of life when he was full of power and promise but now he discovers he is in winter of life and hasn't acheived (if your hopes should slip away ... simply pretend that you can build them again). Basically the song is a warning - look around we are entering the winter of our life and we haven't done much . Also very much like John Lennon's HAppy Christmas another year over and a new one just begun BUT what have you done .... to help end war and bring peace

[@radone5896]

My band and I used to play a somewhat modified version of this to get the crowd dancing, is somewhat poignant for me as my band days are now gone and I'm in the fall of my life approaching winter, leaves are brown.

[@jr.resendes7373]

The movie Less Than Zero was a coming of age story about college senior Andrew McCarthy, his main love interest Jamie Gertz with Robert Downey Jr. playing his true to life (at that time) cocaine addict/love triangle, and his dealer, James Slader. Awesome movie, outstanding cinematography, with a very memorable zoom in scene with a camera shot about 1/2 mile away, zooming in to a close up (prior to drones). All topped off by the Bangles super performance. Here is the famous clip back in the 1980's: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2Hdo5J7mchpp68si=tyyKUhAcFALNn9Qa

[@michaelisles4756]

Got to do Merry Christmas by Slade guy,s ❤

[@shanenolan5625]

This was from a movie soundtrack. Robert Downey jr movie

[@oldsoldier4u814]

"Less Than Zero" from 1987

[@shanenolan5625]

@oldsoldier4u814 yes , with Andrew Mccarthy.

[@oldsoldier4u814]

@@shanenolan5625 Yup - but I was more into Jamie Gertz!! 🤪🤪🤪

[@shanenolan5625]

@@oldsoldier4u814 😆 a man of taste

[@cahill2283]

If you want good Christmas music, try Pentatonix (Mary, Did You Know; Hallelujah, etc)

[@chrisgraham6187]

Have you reacted to Joni Mitchell's RIVER? ITs one of the best songs ever and has some Xmas overtones and melodies.

[@jaybourne1185]

time, time, time... see what's become of me? "hazy shade of winter" is song originally written and performed by simon & garfunkel. it is song about self-reflection though the different seasons of life. the original version is nice but there is something uniquely special about the more rock twist of the cover performed by the bangles for the movie less than zero released in 1987. although not a huge fan of the group, i really like this interpretation and their version really seems to much better capture the crazy ups and downs and reality of life. in short, the girls absolutely rock on this. if you want to react to a great Christmas song... check "o holy night" by haley reinhart & dave damiani's (b/w 2022 solo live jazz take ) and also the joslin & irving symphony (a live full blown orchestra take). completely different but both are truly amazing! 😎

[@Tijuanabill]

The movie is "Less Than Zero" staring Robert Downey, Jr. It could be the story of his actual life, but it isn't, because he didn't die IRL.

[@mickeycooper4332]

Watch the movie "Less Than Zero". Robert Downey Jr, Andrew McCarthy, Jamie Gertz

[@clannad99germany70]

The better version as the original of Simon and Garfunkel. And in the spotlight, the so pretty Susanna Hoffs.

[@gregroberts8240]

you want Christmas ok , check out 'happy Christmas/ war is over' from john Lennon & plastic ono band. somewhat dated song w its strong reference to vietnam war, but w the way the world is now it fits. and it is a GREAT SONG by a master song writer.

[@gkiferonhs]

You guys ought to do some Simon & Garfunkle (original writers). Like Dylan , they were epic poets and composers of the folk music generation. Virtually any of their songs will be good. I Am A Rock, The Boxer, America. I could go on and on.

[@richardmartin9565]

The Bangles were enjoyable.

[@Bikebrh]

She's beating those drums like they insulted her mother!

[@armadillotoe]

In the 80s, there were several forgettable girl bands. (IMO) The Bangles were head and shoulders above the rest. I always like to see musicians who actually play instruments. This song is one of the great Paul Simon tunes. I hope you find time to listen to the original Simon and Garfunkle version even if you don't react to it.

[@SIXX2772]

Not a christmas song, thank God! lol

[@markmurphy558]

Just listen to the original Simon & Garfinkel version for the lyrics. Totally different approach.

[@alphamt]

Can I suggest that you check out Girish and The Chronicles "Identity Crisis" (Official video). They are a hard rock/metal band from India. They are not really well known here in the West. The vocalist is powerful and the whole band is excellent. Some great guitar riffs in this track.

[@DMichaelAtLarge]

What in the world made you think this was a Christmas song? Just because the word "winter" was in the title? By that logic, it could also be a New Year song, or a Martin Luther King Day song, or a Valentine Day song, or...

[@hokiedoo]

🤔 when did the Bengals form,I would have to guess late 80's early 90's 🤔

[@timothydeweese6931]

If you want a devastating movie experience watch Less Than Zero.

[@MsAppeljack]

From the film Less Than Zero, look for a very young Robert Downey Junior.

[@williamreiser3118]

Metal Christmas try Theocracy songs All I want for Christmas is my old job back or Rudolph verses Frosty you will not regret it

[@mikethej4218]

Kinks... Father Christmas...please

[@kathylee1261]

Not a Christmas song. Whoever told you that was pulling your leg