The Bangles – Hazy Shade of Winter

“A Hazy Shade of Winter” is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel, released on October 22, 1966.

In 1987, the Bangles recorded a cover version for the soundtrack of the film Less than Zero, which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1987, the Bangles were approached to record a song for the soundtrack of the film “Less Than Zero”.  They chose to record a cover of “A Hazy Shade of Winter”, which they had been performing live since at least as far back as March 1983.

Their cover, retitled “Hazy Shade of Winter”, was a harder-edged rock song that removed most of the bridge section. The record, like the rest of the soundtrack album, was produced by Rick Rubin. After a fruitful but disappointing experience with David Kahne, the producer of their album Different Light (where they were given little input in the production of the songs), the group decided to take more control for the recording of this song, and they were given an additional producer credit.

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The Bangles - Hazy Shade of Winter

The Bangles - Hazy Shade of Winter (Official Video)02:47

Lead vocals were performed jointly by all four members of the group, with a short solo led by Susanna Hoffs towards the end. This was a rare occurrence in The Bangles songs, as they mostly had just one member singing lead. Due to pressure from their record label, The Bangles removed the verse from the original song that contained the line “drinking my vodka and lime”.

“Hazy Shade of Winter” was not included on any of the group’s studio albums, but later appeared on their first official Greatest Hits in 1990, and on many of their subsequent compilations.

Here’s a bit of movie trivia: A young Brad Pitt was an extra in Less Than Zero (Partygoer/Preppy Kid At Fight). He earned $38 for his appearance.

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Brad Pitt - Less Than Zero (1987)

Brad Pitt being an Extra for 3 minutes00:33

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