Susanna Hoffs

By TODD EVERETT

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That dog (Roxy; 448 seats; $ 12.50) Promoted by GoldenVoice.
 
Bands: (Hoffs) Michael Lockwood, Bill Bonk, Dan McCarroll; (that dog) Anna Waronker, Petra Haden, Rachel Haden, Tony Maxwell, Steve McDonald.
 

Reviewed Nov. 12, 1996. A decade after her year of greatest success as lead singer of the Bangles and five years after her debut solo album, Susanna Hoffs is back with a new label (London/Island), and a new, self-titled album. While her million-dollar voice and coquettish look remain intact, they're paired with $ 1.98 new material and presentation. It's surprising that Hoffs doesn't make more effort to present herself as a solo artist with well-remembered million-sellers to her credit instead of her current, back-to-the-bars posture. Most of Hoffs' new material is undistinguished at first hearing. Contrast this with versions of Bangles songs and other oldies, where Hoffs and her band, for the most part, re-created the original, more imaginative arrangements of tunes ranging from "If He Knew What She Wants" (performed solo with acoustic guitar) to a somewhat punked-up reading of Lulu's "To Sir With Love." Unfortunate affectation in capitalization aside, opening act that dog is aces. Quartet, which probably include Bangles among its influences along with Who and Beach Boys, among others features peppy tunes, interesting lyrics, textured arrangements and strong drumming by Tony Maxwell. Most of the material was, singer-guitarist Anna Waronker said, from the group's upcoming DGC label album (and third LP overall); highlights included "Cowboy Hat," with its propulsive 6/ 8 tempo, and "Minneapolis," with a guitar break from Waronker that sounded like one of those backward solos on Beatles' records. Todd Everett