Myrmidons of Melodrama [RPM 506]

by The Shangri-Las

Overview

Although this is extremely similar to the 1994 CD Shangri-Las compilation on RPM bearing the same title, there are some small differences that might give you pause for consideration if you're either choosing between the two of them or considering "upgrading" with the new version. One of their two rare pre-Red Bird singles, "Wishing Well"/"Hate to Say I Told You So," has been dropped from the track lineup, as has their cover of the Chantels' "Maybe." In their place is the less impressive of the other pre-Red Bird 45s, "Simon Says"/"Simon Speaks," a live (or perhaps pseudo-live) early soul-pop novelty effort. In addition, seven songs, including several of their biggest hits, are heard in stereo. Close listening reveals some difference between those and the more commonly heard versions, like a longer fade on "Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)" and an extra instrumental bar after the crash on "Leader of the Pack" (which actually diminishes that classic's impact slightly). There's a new cover and longer, updated liner notes. All this doesn't necessarily add up to an improvement. It's good to have the rare "Simon Says"/"Simon Speaks" single available at last, but you still need "Wishing Well"/"Hate to Say I Told You So" and the two post-Red Bird 1966-1967 Mercury singles (available on Mercury's The Best of the Shangri-Las CD) to assemble all of the group's important rarities. More embarrassingly, the running order of tracks 24 through 28 play in a different sequence than that listed on the cover. And most importantly, you still need to buy no less than three CDs -- Mercury's The Best of the Shangri-Las and both RPM configurations of Myrmidons of Melodrama -- to get everything of interest by the group. That's a luxury that most fans would agree should somehow have been covered by a more affordable, convenient two-CD set if possible. If for some reason this is the only Shangri-Las comp you can lay your hands on, though, it's a very good one, including all of their big hits, several fine semi-forgotten low-charting singles, several other worthy obscure cuts, and additional assorted rarities. ~ Richie Unterberger

Product Details

Release Date:	05/14/2021
Label:	Rpm
UPC:	5013929550629
Rank:	85499

Tracks

1. Remember (Walking in the Sand)
2. It's Easier to Cry
3. Leader of the Pack
4. What Is Love?
5. Give Him a Great Big Kiss
6. Out in the Streets
7. The Boy
8. Give Us Your Blessings
9. Heaven Only Knows
10. Right Now and Not Later
11. The Train From Kansas City
12. Never Again
13. I'm Blue
14. What's a Girl Supposed to Do?
15. The Dum Dum Ditty
16. You Cheated, You Lied
17. I Can Never Go Home Anymore
18. Bull Dog
19. Long Live Our Love
20. Sophisticated Boom Boom
21. He Cried
22. Dressed in Black
23. Past, Present, and Future
24. Paradise
25. Love You More Than Yesterday
26. Give Him a Great Big Kiss
27. Simon Says
28. Simon Speaks
29. Radio Spot #1 Revlon: How Pretty Can You Get?
30. Radio Spot #2 Revlon: Natural Wonder
31. Radio Spot #3 Good Taste Tip: Gift Receiving
32. Radio Spot #4 Good Taste Tip: Dating Courtesy

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Shangri-Las   Primary Artist
George "Shadow" Morton   Conductor
Leroy Glover   Conductor

Technical Credits

Robert Steinberg   Composer
Artie Butler   Composer,Arranger
Artie Ripp   Producer
Sal DiTroia   Arranger
Ted Daryll   Composer
Sidney Barnes   Composer
Mick Patrick   Annotation,Liner Notes,Memorabilia,Photo Courtesy
Bobby Hart   Composer
Ike Turner   Composer
Ellie Greenwich   Composer
Greg Richards   Composer
Robert Bateman   Composer
Robert Mosely   Composer
Perry Botkin, Jr.   Composer
Jerry Leiber   Composer
Mike Stoller   Composer
Joseph DeAngelis   Composer
Harry Nilsson   Composer
Tommy Boyce   Composer
Gil Garfield   Composer
Phil Spector   Composer
Larry Martire   Composer
George "Shadow" Morton   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Jeff Barry   Composer,Producer
Brooks Arthur   Engineer
Leroy Glover   Arranger
Jerome Jackson   Composer
Vinny Gormann   Composer
Steve Venet   Composer
Don Burch   Composer
Bob Bateman   Arranger,Producer
Tony Michaels   Composer
Hy Mizrahi   Composer
Kenneth Hollon   Composer
Ronald Moseley   Producer
Robert Racano   Composer
Paul "PK" Kelly   Design,Artwork
Levon Helm   Composer