Remembered

Few Shangri-Las compilations can rival the definitive Myrmidons of Melodrama (whose two versions are the best anthologies of the girls' music), but Remembered still offers a comprehensive look at the singles, B-sides, and assorted rarities that made the Shangri-Las commercially viable in the 1960s and famously interesting afterwards. All the requisite themes are here -- the misunderstood love, the unforgiving parents, the tough girl posturing -- although it's worth noting that Myrmidons of Melodrama is an obvious model for this track list, and Remembered takes three discs to accomplish what Myrmidons did in one. Unique additions are mostly limited to the presence of two novelty songs, both by the Detergents (whose lead singer, Ron Dante, was also the lead singer on the Archies' number one single "Sugar, Sugar"). Accordingly, those who deem their Shangri-Las collections incomplete without the inclusion of "Leader of the Laundromat" should pick up this budget-priced collection, but most fans will want to stick with Myrmidons of Melodrama, which also features useful liner notes and several classic radio spots. ~ Andrew Leahey|