On this day in music history: December 27, 1985 - “Manic Monday” by The Bangles is released. Written by Christopher (aka Prince), it is the fourth single release for the rock band from Los Angeles, CA. Not long after releasing their major label debut album “All Over The Place” in mid 1984, The Bangles receive a phone call from R&B and pop megastar Prince. The musician tells them that he loves their album, especially “Hero Takes A Fall”. What he doesn’t say but is obvious is that he is also attracted to their petite, doe eyed lead singer and rhythm guitarist Susanna Hoffs. He tells them that he has two songs for them. Already big fans of the Minnesota born musician, The Bangles say yes to his offer, with Prince sending them a cassette with the two songs. The two songs on the tape are “Jealous Girl” and “Manic Monday”. “Manic Monday” is written by Prince just as he is completing work on the blockbuster soundtrack and film “Purple Rain”. It is originally recorded by Apollonia 6 for their album released in late 1984. However, Prince has a change of heart about Apollonia 6’s version and pulls it from the album. The Bangles decide that “Manic Monday” is perfect for them and tell Prince that is the song that they are going to record. The Bangles cut it at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, CA in mid 1985 with producer David Kahne. Coincidentally, it is the same studio favored by Prince, when he’s not working in his home base of Minneapolis. Prior to embarking on a tour, he attends a Bangles rehearsal and hears their arrangement of his song for the first time. At first apologizing to Prince that their keyboardist who also plays on the song is not present at the rehearsal, the band launch into the song. He then cryptically says, “You don’t need the keyboards. It’s gonna go”, and then walks out. When “Manic Monday” is included on The Bangles album, it is credited to the pseudonym “Christopher”, after Prince’s character Christopher Tracy in his second film “Under The Cherry Moon”. “Monday” is released two weeks ahead of The Bangles second album “Different Light”, it quickly takes off. Entering the Hot 100 at #86 on January 25, 1986, it peaks at #2 twelve weeks later on April 19, 1986. Trimmed down to 3:03 for the LP and 7" single releases, “Monday” is recorded with an additional instrumental break and reprise of the bridge that is cut from those releases. However, the complete version of the song running 4:38 (also known as the “Extended California Version”) is released by CBS Records as a promotional 12" single in the US, and as a commercially issued 12" in the UK and the rest of Europe. Ironically, The Bangles’ single is held off from the top spot on the chart by Prince & The Revolution’s “Kiss”. Also a huge hit internationally, the success of “Manic Monday” helps take the band to pop stardom and helps propel their album to 3x Platinum status in the US. “Manic Monday” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
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