I lived a few miles from Mary' s street , but went to M.S172 in Queens , the bad kids were know as hoods or greasers, they had 1950's hot rods and older cars. There were gangs and turfs , if you went on the wrong street ,it could be trouble. Lots of drag racing on the weekends. The girls they had were stunning, Big hair , lots of make up, pointed bras,.big fat belts with a big buckle, the tightest stretch pants you ever saw, and high heels, The smoking and cracking gum was a bonus.
@ihasch sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Your reply did not come up on my email??. I am interested in your opinion on this song. YouTube "camera obscura : super trouper (abba)" . Thank you in advance.
@ihasch sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, for some reason your reply didn't come up on my email . I'm interested in your opinion on a cover I realy love. On YouTube "camera obscura : super trouper (abba). Thank you in advance.
@ihasch for some reson your reply never got emailed to me, so I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I can certanly get a little wound up when it comes to the shangri-las I love this group. Blondie takes me back to my high school days . I would not dislike her ve
If they ever did a movie about these ladies, Tamara Braun (Ex Carly General Hospital, Ex Ava Days Of Our Lives, and Ex-Reese All My Children) would be perfect as Mary Weiss.
In the early 1960's in Queens NY, it was kinda Greaser gang time, the girls that hung out with the greasers really looked like hookers, i remember, i watched it at the corner candystore. You didnt wander into another area to much, differant kids would bully you around. The Shangri-Las songs reflected this specific time in Queens , NY where they lived , and i lived also. The songs bring it all back , the feel of the 1960's , i gave my ID bracelet to a girl in 6th grade, doing steady.
Seriously emotional song. Can so feel the pain in Mary's voice. Nicely written and performed by an amazing girl group. Though my own favs are the Ronettes these girls are something else.
Anything that can be done with the quality of sound? Maybe prob with original tape? Anyway, thanks so much for posting.
This was written by the great songwriter/producer/singer Ellie GREENWICH, who passed away this Wednesday (8/26/2009). She also wrote "Leader Of The Pack"; "The Train From Kansas City", and "Give us Your Blessings" for the Shangri-Las, as well as many dozens of other excellent songs that hundreds of artists have recorded. I've read of her "coaching" the Shangi-Las in the studio, going through all sorts of melodramatics to get the best performances out of them. Anyone know more details?
Elle Greenwich said that she was somewhat "put off" by the Shangri-las clothing & demeanor. She was used to groups like the prim & proper Crystals, & Dixie Cups. The Shangri-la's gum-chewing and torn stockings were a little much for her; yet she still wrote beautifully for them.
In the Documentary Girl Groups: The Story Of A Sound, she felt that The Shangri Las & Ronettes were the "Original" Bad Girls of Rock Music. She also wrote "Chapel Of Love" which was originally done by The Crystals but was a big hit for The Dixie Cups. She also Co-Wrote with Phil Spector & Jeff Barry (Her Ex Husband), Be My Baby, River Deep Mountain High amongst others. She was next to Carole King, the first Female Songwriter of Rock before there was even Diane Warren.
The Shangri-La's were so stunning, not just to listen to but also to look at. This was probably their best song, I think. Although "Leader Of The Pick" still sends the ice water down my back.
By the way, this song---and "Leader"---was written by Ellie Greenwich, who passed away today. She had written many other great songs too numerous to mention here. RIP Ellie
do not listen to blondies version of this song or you will be " the english pationt". blondie would be charged with rape if the cops heard her version of it.
I've heard Blondie's version and I do like them - but you're right - there's really no comparison.
The original Shangri Las are definitely from New York. There are some fakes doing the rounds who have no connection with the originals and who should be avoided at all costs! They may well be Canadian - I just don't know.
@JustineLaLoba Sorry no...they came from Queens NY. There are some fakes with no connection to the originals calling themselves The Shangri-Las. There was a big court case about it and Mary and the other original Shangri-Las were prevented from recording as The Shangri-Las because of them (the originals never registered the name, so the fakes started using it and registered it so the originals couldn't use it. The fakes might be from Detroit but who cares about them?
@JustineLaLoba No sorry, I think you must be thinking of another group. They recorded all their music with Red Bird records at the Brill Building in New York.
I agree with you that Mary is a legend of the 60's but she's still around and recording again.
She's just made a great solo album called 'Dangerous Game' and she still sounds great.
@belltocher-First, Blondie is a band, not a person. Second, whenever people use cliched terms like "raped" or "butchered" in describing different versions of a song, their comments are emotional and totally worthless. Third, which Blondie version, 1975 or 1999? The 1975 version is my all-time favorite of this Greenwich/Barry song because it is less of a wall of sound production, but this version is perfect for what it is. I like them both for different reasons.
there is a vicious rumer that these girls are from NY city USA. thay are in fact CANADIAN,and in fact come from EDMONTON,ALBERTA. that's my lie and i'm sticking to it !!!
i thought at first it was just enthatuation,but no, i absolotly love the shangri-las!!!
Shangri-Las are my favorite group of ALL TIME. Everything you need in music is in their music. Man, I wish I lived to experience the 50's and 60's, the pinnacle of American culture.
Bit of leather! Very risque for the peiod! That's what made the Shangs unique and special. They had street cred! Not for them the frilly frocks and bouffant hairdos. Can you imagine Diana Ross doing 'Leader of the Pack' ??!!
@thekillers1stfan Well, I never thought they were little angels - but I think that's why I liked them so much. They were just so different from the sophisticated, sparkly gowns and bouffant hairdo type girl groups of the period - they actually had some street cred!
I think it was the other way round though. After 'Leader of the Pack' had been such a big hit, their record company wanted to push the 'bad girl' image. Mary actually says in an interview that it was actually never like that.
My ignorant ass thought they were a black group all these years (I'm 43)....I don't care, though! STILL like the Shagri-Las! Their sound like was hard to find! And no one else can do these songs! "Remember, Walking in the Sand", ""Leader of the Pack"...they had breaks in the songs that added a climax to the music, gave them weight, impact!
I recall hearing a Mary Weiss interview in which she tells an anecdote about James Brown asking them to tour with him and that he was surprised when they showed up and saw these white girls. I believe it was a Terry Gross Fresh Air interview. Just listening to them James Brown thought they were black girls. I am a jazz fan too and for many years I assumed Mose Allison was black until I saw him perform at Blues Alley in DC.
OUTSTANDING VID! The song, stage presence, outfits, all of it was just amazing! New Shangs fan here-just discoved via you tube. I knew of the songs from older sisters, but WOW I had no idea how great the Shangs were! RIP: M&M
Absolute AWESOME VID! I have just recently discovered the Shangs via you tube. The singing, outfits, stage presence, everything, just was incredible. Mary--sheer joy to watch. The twins--mesmerizing. RIP: M&M
Amazing vid! I am just discovering how awesome the Shangs were! I cannot imagine why this song and right now not later didn't get the recognition they deserved!
Does anyone else remember a Shangri Las song called "Footsteps On The Roof"? It's really excellent, but quite different than this tune. It's one of my favorites, and not posted on this site. Maybe it's too obscure.
I know that song and it is fantastic. maybe it's just me, but it seems like it was an "updating" of the classic Shangri-Las song: a sort of tragic story line but with a rocking uptempo Motown-styled groove. Just a fantastic track!
The music, acts, and stage presentations of the '60s just also had this cool, creative attitude -- all those platforms, spotlights, staging -- none of that happens anymore and has taken all the magic out of watching entertainers with little talent perform.
i agree with you 100% on that! Shindig I think topped everyone when it came to presenting the rock and soul acts. They really seemed to respect the artists and presented them in the most astonishing ways. Even this live version- the music was a very inventive interpretation- almost more jazzy than rock 'n' roll, and yet it totally works.
yeah , this rules. I first heard the Blondie version of this but, ya gotta be glad that she help the song get more exposure. Of course the Shagri's version is the BEST!
Lyrics (cont'd)--- Know that somethin's missin inside(somethin's gone)somethin's died Its still in the streets His heart is out in the streets He grew up on the sidewalk,streetlight shinin above, he grew with no one to love He grew up on the sidewalk, he grew up runnin free He grew up and then he met me,he dont hang around with the gang no more Gee he doesn't smile like he did before I wish I didn't care,I wish I never met him They're waitin out there know I've gotta set him free Hes gotta be...
How can acts like Blondie (who covered this song), Pretenders, et. al., be in the Rock Hall and not Shangri-Las themselves? Are there quality stills of this session? This seems to be from a key period for them where they would have segued into a more adult look/sound...absolutely exquistite! From here I'm just discovering their entire back catalog and am loving it, though this is not the type of music I generally listen to. Re: this clip- Wow!
Very true. The music industry is in trouble again. Just like in the late 70s, there is a malaise in the industry. The punk movement came along and gave birth to another era of singers songwriters and musicians. The 80s were reaching back to the 50s and 60s for it's inspiration, and then came...the 90s, and music has gone downhill ever since.
This is definitely one of the more "produced" video clips I've seen of the Shangri-Las! Whoever was directing that episode of "Shindig" must have had art film aspirations! Does anybody know if the Shangri-Las made any promotional films of their songs?
These were the bad girls of rock & roll at their best. Just think! those outfits being worn in the early 60s. They took chances most girl groups back then did not. Their songs were mini operas with great stories of love and lost and death. They were priceless! and ahead of their time.
The Shangri-Las.. best girl group ever. This song is on "New York Doll" dvd(a rock documentary on The New York Dolls.) They were partly influenced by the Shangri-Las.
Such a great well done video...with out a lot of gimmicks...the beauty is in it's simplicity ,visual directness and the purity of there perfomance...and being sexy girls of course
being a big fan of many of new york city's early '70's rocknroll bands, it's such a gas to be reminded of what a HUGE inspiration these honeys were to the brats, the dolls, kiss, et al. THIS is rocknroll, kids, just ask amy..........
So many people obviously have been watching this clip and love it. Why can't acts of today take a cue from the past and learn that less is more. YOu don't need an outrageous budget to sale a song, just a good song!
best video ive seen these girls ranked up there w supremes martha reeves and had a style all their own and i was 7 when they were big we all miss this time thanks 4 memories
Hi there!Does your DVD actually have them singing 'He Cried'? That must be really rare!
That's one of my favourites too - except I thought the studio mixing wasn't too good and the backing drowns out he girls in parts. They tried to do a Phil Spector 'wall of sound' thing on it.
love this live version with the extra backing vocalists singing with mary ann and margie. and this is probably one of their best tv appearances visually
Love the group, loved this song- then I saw this clip and I was absolutely floored by this live version. First, the girls are as always beautiful, but the way their presented here- the moody lighting and camera work really captures the frame of the song. The musical arrangement is what really got me: bass, drums, guitar and a xylophone- not much more, but it seems even more powerful than the record. I don't think you could ever top all of this.
They were great, Jack good< Shindigs producer was from England and the camera work Really respected the Music and Artists Americans couldn't handle it and the show got cancelled. Thanks to the internet we can see what might have been. Thank you so much for posting this.
bnetwise, thank you for making those points. I absolutely find everything about Shindig to be incredibly well-done from the very smart music arrangements to the lighting and camera work. You also nailed it when you say Shindig's camera work respected the music. I don't think I've ever seen any other show that was produced as well and sharply as Shindig. Why it didn't last longer is confounding to me.
Hi dazzababes. Well you might be right, I'm not sure - but there's no doubting Mary's vocal abilities. I saw her in Madrid last week now that she's performing again and she can still really belt out a song 40 years later! She had kids in their twenties who weren't around when the Shangs were, screaming for more!
@jj85585: I didn't say they were lip-syncing to the single/album version - Obviously that sounds different. What I meant was that they had re-recorded the track in one-take to lip-sync to on the show so it sounds live and fresh.
It's nothing to do with Mary's vocal abilities; it just saves the hassle and technical difficulties of having a live band in the studio. Like i said... standard practice, even to this day.
I was unaware of the girl group sound of the 60's till recently. Discovering these ladies was like finding out about Christmas for the first time. Why aren't they in the r'n'roll hall of fame? Ridiculous. It's 2008 and they still sound sexier than what's out now. Amazing!
Shangri-Las were the best white girl group.I saw them LIVE & met them in '66.They were way cool.I never liked "Leader of the Pack"."Out In the Streets & "Train From Kansas City" were their best.
The Shangri-Las were the best white girl group. I saw them LIVE & met them in '66.They were pretty cool.Their records were cool EXCEPT for Leader of the Pack...hated that."Out In The Streets" & "Train From Kansas City" were the best.
I've thought for a long time that their story would make a great movie or at least a TV movie. Anyone who knows their history knows it is fascinating although sad at times. They were unlike any other 'girl group'- completely unique and totally underrated.
Both Mary Weiss Stokes & her sister should be the technical advisors on that film..another god movie which should be made is : Be My Baby ..with ronnie spector as the technical advisor
I was only a year old when the Shangri-Las music came out, but I do remember that they were one of the top groups my older sisters used to listen to. Does anyone think that Joan Jett borrowed her look from the Shangri-Las?
english: I never meant to call the Shangs a one hit wonder...it's a music industry term which describes what they ( the suits ) think is a lone #1..then they start to demand that records 2, 3 & 4 sound like the hit... for you to tell me not to call the shangri las a one hit wondr... isn't fair... because I can name a few Girl gr oups who were one hit wonders...1) The Bobbette
OK Freyja we'll just have to disagree.I have to say though that I think they were quite unique and different to most of the other sugary sweet 'girl groups' - to me anyway, they were the best. Also they're due to to be inducted into the Vocal Groups Hall of Fame next year.
You're right Freyja. They did originally in the sixties - but it still charted high (despite a very similar British motor bike 'death disc' - 'Terry' by Twinkle also being in the charts at the same time.)
Nevertheless it was reissued twice in the 70's and made the UK top 10 again both times -an incredible feat!
They rule and were not , no way 1 hit wonders. anyone else have the early Blondie EP with this song and "Platinum Blonde"? her version was a little lame. this rules!" he grew up and then he met me....."
The touring lineup of the Shangs was always variable. Betty stayed home most often, sometimes one of the Ganser sisters was out, but Mary Weiss was always out front. While they all worked hard, producer Shadow Morton has expressed his admiration of Mary's work ethic.
you're right, Freyia1313. By 1965 (when I think this song was released) girl groups were on their way out, Dylan went "electric" the Byrds defined the term "folk rock", the Beatles' music became more sophisticated, etc. These girl groups were still great though, thank goodness we have these videos.
I don't understand. Who determines what is in? It appears that DJ's will play what they consider to be "in" I would have bought "Out in the Streets" if only I would have known it was out. No DJ played "out in the streets" when it was out in LA or I would have heard and bought the song. The same is true with Right Now and Not Later reached only #99
Here in England, back in the 60's, the DJ's were obsessed with the 'Liverpool Sound'. I actually can't remember the BBC playing anything by the Shangs - they banned 'Leader of the Pack' (but relented when it was a top ten hit again, when it was re-released in the 70's) In the past few weeks though on their 'Sounds of the Sixties' radio show - they've played quite a few tracks - inclusing this one. The Shangr-Las were obviously too ahead of their time!
Well, we didn't have too many radio stations back in the 60's and the BBC had something of a monopoly. They were very prudish then and just couldn't cope with such gruesome subject matter! A similar British hit 'Terry' by Twinkle met a similar fate. Didn't stop it being a top 10 hit here three times over though!
Wow, they look like they're wearing latex fetish gear!
Ha ha.
Odd factoid: legendary '80s Brit band The Smiths' cited '60s girl groups as a major (if not obvious) influence on their own songs. Johnny Marr's faves were the Shangrilas, Morrisey's were the Marvelettes.
The two founders first met over a Marvelettes single
WOW!! This is how 60's black and white pop song drama is done! Something for video artists of this generation to look and learn - simple staging, attitude...and amazing lighting!! Madonna's neck should be so beautifully lit !!
Aww, this is just too cool! And their stage performance matches the song so well! I've never heard this song before either, and already it's one of my all time favorites. I really love the Shangri-las, as well as Reparata and the Delrons and Laura Nyro...who also don't get enough credit for great songs.
What an awesome video. They just don't do 'em like this any more. Too bad. A real classic. The mood of the video matches the mood of the song perfectly.
I just saw Mary Weiss in Cleveland at the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame. She was great. She had many wonderful stories and said the group had a ball in the mid 60's.
Sad to say but both the Ganser twins have passed away.
Mary's sister Betty is alive and well. I believe she lives close by Mary. Shangrilas Forever !!
I lived a few miles from Mary' s street , but went to M.S172 in Queens , the bad kids were know as hoods or greasers, they had 1950's hot rods and older cars. There were gangs and turfs , if you went on the wrong street ,it could be trouble. Lots of drag racing on the weekends. The girls they had were stunning, Big hair , lots of make up, pointed bras,.big fat belts with a big buckle, the tightest stretch pants you ever saw, and high heels, The smoking and cracking gum was a bonus.
1952kid 11 months ago
@ihasch sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Your reply did not come up on my email??. I am interested in your opinion on this song. YouTube "camera obscura : super trouper (abba)" . Thank you in advance.
belltocher 1 year ago
@ihasch sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, for some reason your reply didn't come up on my email . I'm interested in your opinion on a cover I realy love. On YouTube "camera obscura : super trouper (abba). Thank you in advance.
belltocher 1 year ago
@ihasch for some reson your reply never got emailed to me, so I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I can certanly get a little wound up when it comes to the shangri-las I love this group. Blondie takes me back to my high school days . I would not dislike her ve
belltocher 1 year ago
My fave Shangs record. A great performance (and a better mix than on the actual record) and a great piece of performance art.
rcriis 1 year ago
If they ever did a movie about these ladies, Tamara Braun (Ex Carly General Hospital, Ex Ava Days Of Our Lives, and Ex-Reese All My Children) would be perfect as Mary Weiss.
laminage 1 year ago
They are one of the reasons why I consider the 60's as the greatest decade in music.
54nomore 1 year ago
Love them Love them Love them Love them
strattoncharles 1 year ago
Happy Birthday Marguerite and Mary Ann RIP
jonvil2009 2 years ago
im pretty sure theyre singing live. i can tell mary weiss is. i love her voice.
shefellout 2 years ago
In the early 1960's in Queens NY, it was kinda Greaser gang time, the girls that hung out with the greasers really looked like hookers, i remember, i watched it at the corner candystore. You didnt wander into another area to much, differant kids would bully you around. The Shangri-Las songs reflected this specific time in Queens , NY where they lived , and i lived also. The songs bring it all back , the feel of the 1960's , i gave my ID bracelet to a girl in 6th grade, doing steady.
1952kid 2 years ago 3
I'll bet you have a lot of stories about that place from those days. Interesting time definitely and not like now it has to be said.
jpx08 2 years ago
Seriously emotional song. Can so feel the pain in Mary's voice. Nicely written and performed by an amazing girl group. Though my own favs are the Ronettes these girls are something else.
Anything that can be done with the quality of sound? Maybe prob with original tape? Anyway, thanks so much for posting.
ScriptWorker 2 years ago
Fine CLASS ACT ladies.
Learn from these Lady Gaga,Pink,Britney all sluts
kickassfan 2 years ago
precious video
kickassfan 2 years ago
This was written by the great songwriter/producer/singer Ellie GREENWICH, who passed away this Wednesday (8/26/2009). She also wrote "Leader Of The Pack"; "The Train From Kansas City", and "Give us Your Blessings" for the Shangri-Las, as well as many dozens of other excellent songs that hundreds of artists have recorded. I've read of her "coaching" the Shangi-Las in the studio, going through all sorts of melodramatics to get the best performances out of them. Anyone know more details?
RiotCity66 2 years ago 8
Elle Greenwich said that she was somewhat "put off" by the Shangri-las clothing & demeanor. She was used to groups like the prim & proper Crystals, & Dixie Cups. The Shangri-la's gum-chewing and torn stockings were a little much for her; yet she still wrote beautifully for them.
kenedwards88 2 years ago
In the Documentary Girl Groups: The Story Of A Sound, she felt that The Shangri Las & Ronettes were the "Original" Bad Girls of Rock Music. She also wrote "Chapel Of Love" which was originally done by The Crystals but was a big hit for The Dixie Cups. She also Co-Wrote with Phil Spector & Jeff Barry (Her Ex Husband), Be My Baby, River Deep Mountain High amongst others. She was next to Carole King, the first Female Songwriter of Rock before there was even Diane Warren.
laminage 2 years ago
The Shangri-La's were so stunning, not just to listen to but also to look at. This was probably their best song, I think. Although "Leader Of The Pick" still sends the ice water down my back.
By the way, this song---and "Leader"---was written by Ellie Greenwich, who passed away today. She had written many other great songs too numerous to mention here. RIP Ellie
poughkeepsiejohn1 2 years ago
I remeber getting Blondie's reunion album No Exit ten years ago and thinking how amazing this song was even as a cover, excellent song.
PixiesFanatic 2 years ago 4
great song...shame the sound is very distorted.
AliPeachy1 2 years ago
very great group and the their music is very good even after all these years
nate61 2 years ago
Liam Fray is a fan of these
fact.
89cheapmonday 2 years ago
Dear englishsinger
do not listen to blondies version of this song or you will be " the english pationt". blondie would be charged with rape if the cops heard her version of it.
belltocher 2 years ago
I've heard Blondie's version and I do like them - but you're right - there's really no comparison.
The original Shangri Las are definitely from New York. There are some fakes doing the rounds who have no connection with the originals and who should be avoided at all costs! They may well be Canadian - I just don't know.
englishsinger 2 years ago
@englishsinger the original Shangri Las are from Detriot...all of them..
JustineLaLoba 11 months ago
@JustineLaLoba Sorry no...they came from Queens NY. There are some fakes with no connection to the originals calling themselves The Shangri-Las. There was a big court case about it and Mary and the other original Shangri-Las were prevented from recording as The Shangri-Las because of them (the originals never registered the name, so the fakes started using it and registered it so the originals couldn't use it. The fakes might be from Detroit but who cares about them?
englishsinger 11 months ago
@englishsinger Your right....I stand corrected...They recorded the tunes in detriot though...right? Anyway...Mary is thee female vocalist of the 60s!
JustineLaLoba 11 months ago
@JustineLaLoba No sorry, I think you must be thinking of another group. They recorded all their music with Red Bird records at the Brill Building in New York.
I agree with you that Mary is a legend of the 60's but she's still around and recording again.
She's just made a great solo album called 'Dangerous Game' and she still sounds great.
englishsinger 11 months ago
@belltocher-First, Blondie is a band, not a person. Second, whenever people use cliched terms like "raped" or "butchered" in describing different versions of a song, their comments are emotional and totally worthless. Third, which Blondie version, 1975 or 1999? The 1975 version is my all-time favorite of this Greenwich/Barry song because it is less of a wall of sound production, but this version is perfect for what it is. I like them both for different reasons.
ihasch 1 year ago
@belltocher blondies version is actually amazing
Raw recording simply makes it better
JoeyMondayRefused 1 year ago
there is a vicious rumer that these girls are from NY city USA. thay are in fact CANADIAN,and in fact come from EDMONTON,ALBERTA. that's my lie and i'm sticking to it !!!
i thought at first it was just enthatuation,but no, i absolotly love the shangri-las!!!
belltocher 2 years ago
Shangri-Las are my favorite group of ALL TIME. Everything you need in music is in their music. Man, I wish I lived to experience the 50's and 60's, the pinnacle of American culture.
cherry88 2 years ago
Well, it wasn't really the pinnacle of culture for non-whites and the poor!
dubran 2 years ago
Hi dubran - don't get too uptight - we're just talking about a great record!
englishsinger 2 years ago 4
No problem, it really is an amazing song!
dubran 2 years ago
Ummm, Astoria/Queens wasn't the pinnacle for the rich or the Greeks, or Italians
tita4ewa 1 year ago
@tita4ewa The Shangri-Las were from the Cambria Heights section of Queens, not Astoria.
Soapking1965 1 year ago
What the hell were they wearing?
unclebobunclebob 2 years ago
Bit of leather! Very risque for the peiod! That's what made the Shangs unique and special. They had street cred! Not for them the frilly frocks and bouffant hairdos. Can you imagine Diana Ross doing 'Leader of the Pack' ??!!
englishsinger 2 years ago
@englishsinger they also trashed hotel rooms and did drugs, the whole nice cute girl thing is a front for them actually being badasses
thekillers1stfan 1 year ago
@thekillers1stfan Well, I never thought they were little angels - but I think that's why I liked them so much. They were just so different from the sophisticated, sparkly gowns and bouffant hairdo type girl groups of the period - they actually had some street cred!
I think it was the other way round though. After 'Leader of the Pack' had been such a big hit, their record company wanted to push the 'bad girl' image. Mary actually says in an interview that it was actually never like that.
englishsinger 1 year ago
Ronnie Spector was the queen!!!!
Cosmorainian65 2 years ago 3
Sorry, Mary Weiss was the Queen. Nobody could put the emotion into a song like she did.
Ronnie was good though - maybe a princess?
englishsinger 2 years ago
Great song ... love these girls ... but those twins sure had some big hands, man.
BotMai 2 years ago
WORD--- Girlfriend ---WORD !!!
kewlbreezevet 2 years ago
Good stuff! Thanks!
BABIEBABIE7 2 years ago
i laughed so much, thank you for pointing that out lol
CuloChula 2 years ago
so precious,eat this Britney,My Chemical Romance,and today's crap.
kickassfan 2 years ago 14
Love the Chewbaca howl from an audience member at :15
AJM303 2 years ago 6
"Train From Kansas City" -best song
this one's very cool too!
pipewatcher 2 years ago
I really miss the female groups out of the 1960's
forren6 2 years ago 19
musica sin igual
sgrippling 2 years ago 3
love this song!!!
watchingwheels422 2 years ago 4
love this song!!!
watchingwheels422 2 years ago
OMG!!!!!! Absolutely LEGENDARY! I love them and the way they performed! LOVE them!!!
prjr1973 2 years ago
And, by the way englishsinger, I agree with you that this is their best song. And that's saying a lot for a group with so many songs of utter genius.
friendlier 2 years ago
WOW. I've never seen this one. And, if I'm not mistaken, it's live live live.
friendlier 2 years ago
My ignorant ass thought they were a black group all these years (I'm 43)....I don't care, though! STILL like the Shagri-Las! Their sound like was hard to find! And no one else can do these songs! "Remember, Walking in the Sand", ""Leader of the Pack"...they had breaks in the songs that added a climax to the music, gave them weight, impact!
wdharveyoicu 2 years ago
I recall hearing a Mary Weiss interview in which she tells an anecdote about James Brown asking them to tour with him and that he was surprised when they showed up and saw these white girls. I believe it was a Terry Gross Fresh Air interview. Just listening to them James Brown thought they were black girls. I am a jazz fan too and for many years I assumed Mose Allison was black until I saw him perform at Blues Alley in DC.
HS22181 2 years ago
dont feel badly. James Brown thought the same thing before he met them
jonvil2009 2 years ago
FANTASTIC VID! The song, staging, the outfits--everything is just WOW!! I love the Shangs-recently discovered their genious on you tube. RIP: M&M
BeezerTwo 2 years ago
OUTSTANDING VID! The song, stage presence, outfits, all of it was just amazing! New Shangs fan here-just discoved via you tube. I knew of the songs from older sisters, but WOW I had no idea how great the Shangs were! RIP: M&M
BeezerTwo 2 years ago
Absolute AWESOME VID! I have just recently discovered the Shangs via you tube. The singing, outfits, stage presence, everything, just was incredible. Mary--sheer joy to watch. The twins--mesmerizing. RIP: M&M
BeezerTwo 2 years ago
Amazing vid! I am just discovering how awesome the Shangs were! I cannot imagine why this song and right now not later didn't get the recognition they deserved!
BeezerTwo 2 years ago
oh, man I feel like an idiot.
I had no idea Blondie's was a cover of the Shangri las!
elusivecharm 2 years ago
Does anyone else remember a Shangri Las song called "Footsteps On The Roof"? It's really excellent, but quite different than this tune. It's one of my favorites, and not posted on this site. Maybe it's too obscure.
arthurzdog 3 years ago
I know that song and it is fantastic. maybe it's just me, but it seems like it was an "updating" of the classic Shangri-Las song: a sort of tragic story line but with a rocking uptempo Motown-styled groove. Just a fantastic track!
tomovox 2 years ago
@arthurzdog That song has been included on youtube. It is very nice. One of their later recordings I believe.
zenileon 1 year ago
They were one of my favs. They had that 60's bad girl dramatic edge about them, that, well, made them for what they came to be. AWE-SOME!
Oldiesbuff925 3 years ago
never heard this song before, thanks for posting. The Shangri-Las wgere the best, I too wish the radio stations would play more of their music.
nojokingbob 3 years ago
The music, acts, and stage presentations of the '60s just also had this cool, creative attitude -- all those platforms, spotlights, staging -- none of that happens anymore and has taken all the magic out of watching entertainers with little talent perform.
italoman9 3 years ago 2
i agree with you 100% on that! Shindig I think topped everyone when it came to presenting the rock and soul acts. They really seemed to respect the artists and presented them in the most astonishing ways. Even this live version- the music was a very inventive interpretation- almost more jazzy than rock 'n' roll, and yet it totally works.
tomovox 2 years ago
The lyrics to this great song:
He dont, hang around with the gang no more
He dont do the wild things that he did before
He used to act bad, used to but he quit it
It makes me so sad cause I know that he did it for me (cant you see) and I can see
(It's still in the streets)His heart, is out in the streets
He dont comb his hair like he did before
He dont wear those dirty old black boots no more
But he's not the same somethin bout his kissin that tells me he's changed---
lyrics cont'd-
musicisall46 3 years ago
this is such a haunting song.
nthglasScotland 3 years ago
yeah , this rules. I first heard the Blondie version of this but, ya gotta be glad that she help the song get more exposure. Of course the Shagri's version is the BEST!
waynealarsen 3 years ago 2
eng;ish:Do you have the lyrics to this Shangri Las great? If you do, Please Post Them!
Freyja3113 3 years ago
Lyrics (cont'd)--- Know that somethin's missin inside(somethin's gone)somethin's died Its still in the streets His heart is out in the streets He grew up on the sidewalk,streetlight shinin above, he grew with no one to love He grew up on the sidewalk, he grew up runnin free He grew up and then he met me,he dont hang around with the gang no more Gee he doesn't smile like he did before I wish I didn't care,I wish I never met him They're waitin out there know I've gotta set him free Hes gotta be...
musicisall46 3 years ago
thanks for posting the lyrics,music
every time i look for these lyrics on line..It says mumbled
Freyja1133 2 years ago
Lyrics (cont'd #2)---
(out in the streets)
His heart is out in the streets.
-end-
It took 3 whole postings to get the rest up, so it will be pretty long.
Great song!
Enjoy.
musicisall46 3 years ago
Great production, great outfits, great song. There is good reason to say that they were the greatest girl group of the '60s.
1947studebaker1 3 years ago 2
How can acts like Blondie (who covered this song), Pretenders, et. al., be in the Rock Hall and not Shangri-Las themselves? Are there quality stills of this session? This seems to be from a key period for them where they would have segued into a more adult look/sound...absolutely exquistite! From here I'm just discovering their entire back catalog and am loving it, though this is not the type of music I generally listen to. Re: this clip- Wow!
tim6bond 3 years ago 2
This record did not get airplay where I lived in a small town in central CA. Pretty song and great clip! Thanks for posting it.
SandySummers 3 years ago
The modern multi-million dollar digital recording and computerized special effects of today still can't produce anything better than this.
laughatanger 3 years ago 9
You just hit the nail on the head.
With a hammer ... and it wasn't digitally re-re-re-recorded.
I think this is the best Shangri-las song ever.
Just my opinion ... for what it's worth.
BotMai 3 years ago 2
i agree with u both just 3 talented girls singing no special effects no computer tricks this is real
MarvelettesDude 3 years ago 2
Very true. The music industry is in trouble again. Just like in the late 70s, there is a malaise in the industry. The punk movement came along and gave birth to another era of singers songwriters and musicians. The 80s were reaching back to the 50s and 60s for it's inspiration, and then came...the 90s, and music has gone downhill ever since.
bandibreath 3 years ago 2
This is definitely one of the more "produced" video clips I've seen of the Shangri-Las! Whoever was directing that episode of "Shindig" must have had art film aspirations! Does anybody know if the Shangri-Las made any promotional films of their songs?
thomandybish 3 years ago 3
These were the bad girls of rock & roll at their best. Just think! those outfits being worn in the early 60s. They took chances most girl groups back then did not. Their songs were mini operas with great stories of love and lost and death. They were priceless! and ahead of their time.
54nomore 3 years ago 7
new york's best
paultinsel 3 years ago
The Shangri-Las.. best girl group ever. This song is on "New York Doll" dvd(a rock documentary on The New York Dolls.) They were partly influenced by the Shangri-Las.
newyorkdolls71 3 years ago
bitchin!
greatgambino 3 years ago 2
i love this song so much
but the back-up singers are definitely men
iwishiwereahippy 3 years ago
fool
acemacleod1 3 years ago
damn! those outfits!!
saltwaterebel 3 years ago 5
I like this song.. i love the Debbie Harry one as well.. its a top song.
suej6969 3 years ago
Such a great well done video...with out a lot of gimmicks...the beauty is in it's simplicity ,visual directness and the purity of there perfomance...and being sexy girls of course
andrewdcarter 3 years ago
being a big fan of many of new york city's early '70's rocknroll bands, it's such a gas to be reminded of what a HUGE inspiration these honeys were to the brats, the dolls, kiss, et al. THIS is rocknroll, kids, just ask amy..........
rocknrollphilip 3 years ago 2
This is my favourite song by The Shangri Las.
Just Beautiful.
chrisdunst13 3 years ago 3
So many people obviously have been watching this clip and love it. Why can't acts of today take a cue from the past and learn that less is more. YOu don't need an outrageous budget to sale a song, just a good song!
bandibreath 3 years ago 5
Really beautiful performance.
So delicate and so again precious.
kickassfan 3 years ago 2
best video ive seen these girls ranked up there w supremes martha reeves and had a style all their own and i was 7 when they were big we all miss this time thanks 4 memories
cbat115 3 years ago 3
the best video ive seen i met these girls in 1965 have a picture w them when i was 7 keep up good work
cbat115 3 years ago
This video is a diamond!
phillydog17 3 years ago 3
Great this song was video-ed and saved for posterity. I love their NYC soul! Tough as nails but sweet as a butterfly.
greatgambino 3 years ago 2
He Cried,is on The best of the Shangri-lars.on the delta lable,no 47218 made in the UK.The start of He Cried is really spooky.
watmoughwelder 3 years ago
You're absolutely right, englishsinger. Their best song, indeed! Even more in a performance like this!
rpuras 3 years ago
I got a dvd of these girls and I cannot stop playing it,He Cried must be one of the most touching songs ever,a 60 year old fan.
watmoughwelder 3 years ago
Hi there!Does your DVD actually have them singing 'He Cried'? That must be really rare!
That's one of my favourites too - except I thought the studio mixing wasn't too good and the backing drowns out he girls in parts. They tried to do a Phil Spector 'wall of sound' thing on it.
englishsinger 3 years ago
You're absolutely right, englishsinger. Their best song, indeed! Even more in a performance like this!
rpuras 3 years ago
love this live version with the extra backing vocalists singing with mary ann and margie. and this is probably one of their best tv appearances visually
atomicgdogg6 3 years ago
Love the group, loved this song- then I saw this clip and I was absolutely floored by this live version. First, the girls are as always beautiful, but the way their presented here- the moody lighting and camera work really captures the frame of the song. The musical arrangement is what really got me: bass, drums, guitar and a xylophone- not much more, but it seems even more powerful than the record. I don't think you could ever top all of this.
tomovox 3 years ago 3
See the clothing, the presentation, their style 44 years later..Are they artists? Of course!!!!!
kickassfan 3 years ago
They were great, Jack good< Shindigs producer was from England and the camera work Really respected the Music and Artists Americans couldn't handle it and the show got cancelled. Thanks to the internet we can see what might have been. Thank you so much for posting this.
bnetwise 4 years ago 2
bnetwise, thank you for making those points. I absolutely find everything about Shindig to be incredibly well-done from the very smart music arrangements to the lighting and camera work. You also nailed it when you say Shindig's camera work respected the music. I don't think I've ever seen any other show that was produced as well and sharply as Shindig. Why it didn't last longer is confounding to me.
tomovox 3 years ago
Wow! Awesome song! Might be there best song? I love this group! They are one of the top 3 girl groups of all time! Go Shangs-
coolcougs 4 years ago
I remember seeing this on Shindig as a kid and loving this song. 40 years later it still hold up as amazingly cool. the Shangs rule!
KAHUNABUD 4 years ago
I love them!
FashionLux1990 4 years ago
Nice to hear a group singing live rather than lip-syncing
JohnAGood 4 years ago
Actually, they were lip-syncing to a pre-recorded "live" track.
Standard practice on Shindig apparently.
dazzababes 3 years ago
Hi dazzababes. Well you might be right, I'm not sure - but there's no doubting Mary's vocal abilities. I saw her in Madrid last week now that she's performing again and she can still really belt out a song 40 years later! She had kids in their twenties who weren't around when the Shangs were, screaming for more!
englishsinger 3 years ago
No they weren't they were singing live, if you listen to the song, then listen to them peforming it, you can hear the difference
jj85585 3 years ago 2
@jj85585: I didn't say they were lip-syncing to the single/album version - Obviously that sounds different. What I meant was that they had re-recorded the track in one-take to lip-sync to on the show so it sounds live and fresh.
It's nothing to do with Mary's vocal abilities; it just saves the hassle and technical difficulties of having a live band in the studio. Like i said... standard practice, even to this day.
dazzababes 3 years ago
This is really beautiful!!!!!!
kickassfan 4 years ago
I Agree! The need to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Heartbear 3 years ago
Beautiful
gabonicabitis 4 years ago
So, who's going to be elected next into the r 'n' r hall of fame, Boy George? Gimme a break.
Anyway, thank God for YouTube. Today's kids are definitely being shortchanged.
nickbutane56 4 years ago
The Rock n' Roll hall of fame is a pathetic joke. Nevertheless they have just been inducted into the Vocal Groups Hall of Fame - not before time!
englishsinger 4 years ago
I was unaware of the girl group sound of the 60's till recently. Discovering these ladies was like finding out about Christmas for the first time. Why aren't they in the r'n'roll hall of fame? Ridiculous. It's 2008 and they still sound sexier than what's out now. Amazing!
nickbutane56 4 years ago
Eat your hearts out supremes.
xtryd 4 years ago
Shangri-Las were the best white girl group.I saw them LIVE & met them in '66.They were way cool.I never liked "Leader of the Pack"."Out In the Streets & "Train From Kansas City" were their best.
soulfultony 4 years ago
The Shangri-Las were the best white girl group. I saw them LIVE & met them in '66.They were pretty cool.Their records were cool EXCEPT for Leader of the Pack...hated that."Out In The Streets" & "Train From Kansas City" were the best.
soulfultony 4 years ago
EASILY THE BEST GIRL GROUP EVER!!!
RESISTANCEFIGHTER 4 years ago 2
apapap.. don't forgett spice girls!
amazerg 4 years ago
It 'IS' their best song! And they look so good.
Quevida55 4 years ago 3
WOW! this is so GOOD! There are NO female groups like this today. I trully love the Shangri-Las! Someone make a movie about them dammit!
prjr1973 4 years ago 2
I've thought for a long time that their story would make a great movie or at least a TV movie. Anyone who knows their history knows it is fascinating although sad at times. They were unlike any other 'girl group'- completely unique and totally underrated.
englishsinger 4 years ago
Both Mary Weiss Stokes & her sister should be the technical advisors on that film..another god movie which should be made is : Be My Baby ..with ronnie spector as the technical advisor
Freyja1313 4 years ago
I love this song!
Nadine91273 4 years ago
shaggy: this video reminds me of the glamour shots of Joan Crawford& Rita HAyworth from the 30s& early /late forties
Freyja1313 4 years ago
I was 13 when this song came out.
You just don't hear this on the radio,
and that's a dirty shame.
surfwave1951 4 years ago 3
I was only a year old when the Shangri-Las music came out, but I do remember that they were one of the top groups my older sisters used to listen to. Does anyone think that Joan Jett borrowed her look from the Shangri-Las?
Yesimustbestupid 4 years ago
so so cool....i love this music, i was just a wee lass! haha...brings me back thanx for posting this..
lisa1gas 4 years ago
That was great.
Quevida55 4 years ago
what's the name of the song ?
boedda2007 4 years ago
out in the streets
Freyja1313 4 years ago
english: I never meant to call the Shangs a one hit wonder...it's a music industry term which describes what they ( the suits ) think is a lone #1..then they start to demand that records 2, 3 & 4 sound like the hit... for you to tell me not to call the shangri las a one hit wondr... isn't fair... because I can name a few Girl gr oups who were one hit wonders...1) The Bobbette
2) The Chantels &
3) the crystals
Freyja1313 4 years ago
OK Freyja we'll just have to disagree.I have to say though that I think they were quite unique and different to most of the other sugary sweet 'girl groups' - to me anyway, they were the best. Also they're due to to be inducted into the Vocal Groups Hall of Fame next year.
englishsinger 4 years ago
s for the shangs being inducted in to the R&Rhof .. it's about time!
why did it take the ronettes to get them in?
Freyja1313 4 years ago
English: they banned leader of the pack in england because of the lyrical theme.... a accidental death
Freyja1313 4 years ago
You're right Freyja. They did originally in the sixties - but it still charted high (despite a very similar British motor bike 'death disc' - 'Terry' by Twinkle also being in the charts at the same time.)
Nevertheless it was reissued twice in the 70's and made the UK top 10 again both times -an incredible feat!
englishsinger 4 years ago
They rule and were not , no way 1 hit wonders. anyone else have the early Blondie EP with this song and "Platinum Blonde"? her version was a little lame. this rules!" he grew up and then he met me....."
waynealarsen 4 years ago
That's nice to hear, English congrats to the shangs!....
Freyja1313 4 years ago
Why is there sometimes four shangrilas singing and at other times only three?
jsanchez28 4 years ago
I think it was because Betty was married & raising A family
Freyja1313 4 years ago
The touring lineup of the Shangs was always variable. Betty stayed home most often, sometimes one of the Ganser sisters was out, but Mary Weiss was always out front. While they all worked hard, producer Shadow Morton has expressed his admiration of Mary's work ethic.
oldbobcat 3 years ago
This song "out in the streets" only went up to #53 on the pop charts in its six short weeks on the charts. Why?
jsanchez28 4 years ago
The Girl groups sound was on its way out..along with all of the pop/rick sounds
Psychdelia was coming in...the music industry changed in a big way by that time
Freyja1313 4 years ago
you're right, Freyia1313. By 1965 (when I think this song was released) girl groups were on their way out, Dylan went "electric" the Byrds defined the term "folk rock", the Beatles' music became more sophisticated, etc. These girl groups were still great though, thank goodness we have these videos.
BeatsonsGirl84 4 years ago
jsanchez28:The Girl groups sound was on its way out..along with all of the pop/rock sounds
Psychdelia was coming in...the music industry had changed in a big way by that time
Freyja1313 4 years ago
I don't understand. Who determines what is in? It appears that DJ's will play what they consider to be "in" I would have bought "Out in the Streets" if only I would have known it was out. No DJ played "out in the streets" when it was out in LA or I would have heard and bought the song. The same is true with Right Now and Not Later reached only #99
jsanchez28 4 years ago
Here in England, back in the 60's, the DJ's were obsessed with the 'Liverpool Sound'. I actually can't remember the BBC playing anything by the Shangs - they banned 'Leader of the Pack' (but relented when it was a top ten hit again, when it was re-released in the 70's) In the past few weeks though on their 'Sounds of the Sixties' radio show - they've played quite a few tracks - inclusing this one. The Shangr-Las were obviously too ahead of their time!
englishsinger 4 years ago
English: they banned leader of the pack in england because of the lyrical theme.... a accidental death
Freyja1313 4 years ago
englsih:could explain to me& other posters...why leader of the pack was banned in england,while it was a nuyber one rec0rd here across the pond?
Freyja1313 4 years ago
Well, we didn't have too many radio stations back in the 60's and the BBC had something of a monopoly. They were very prudish then and just couldn't cope with such gruesome subject matter! A similar British hit 'Terry' by Twinkle met a similar fate. Didn't stop it being a top 10 hit here three times over though!
englishsinger 4 years ago
jsanchez: the music industry decides what is hot ( musically speaking) ..& what isn't
Freyja1313 4 years ago
Can someone post the lyrics for one of my favorite Shangri las songs?
Freyja1313 4 years ago
Wow, they look like they're wearing latex fetish gear!
Ha ha.
Odd factoid: legendary '80s Brit band The Smiths' cited '60s girl groups as a major (if not obvious) influence on their own songs. Johnny Marr's faves were the Shangrilas, Morrisey's were the Marvelettes.
The two founders first met over a Marvelettes single
at Morrissey's house.
Bobb9999 4 years ago
Above all, the most significant of all the girl groups. Producer Shadow Morton was a genius.
kmarc123 4 years ago
kmarc: so was Phil spector..too bad he believed his own press
Freyja1313 4 years ago
The best song and the ultimate performance by this classic group ... The Shangri-Las.
BotMai 4 years ago
just the best heartbreakers ever....those voices just kill me.
VCS3DOCO 4 years ago
WOW!! This is how 60's black and white pop song drama is done! Something for video artists of this generation to look and learn - simple staging, attitude...and amazing lighting!! Madonna's neck should be so beautifully lit !!
bobbymoya 4 years ago
Beautiful harmony!
Cissy2cute 4 years ago
Aww, this is just too cool! And their stage performance matches the song so well! I've never heard this song before either, and already it's one of my all time favorites. I really love the Shangri-las, as well as Reparata and the Delrons and Laura Nyro...who also don't get enough credit for great songs.
artlongjr 4 years ago
What an awesome video. They just don't do 'em like this any more. Too bad. A real classic. The mood of the video matches the mood of the song perfectly.
Stemolandmar 4 years ago
I just saw Mary Weiss in Cleveland at the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame. She was great. She had many wonderful stories and said the group had a ball in the mid 60's.
Sad to say but both the Ganser twins have passed away.
Mary's sister Betty is alive and well. I believe she lives close by Mary. Shangrilas Forever !!
SMITHFRANK 4 years ago