I guess I’ve always considered myself to be a feminist. By that I feel women should absolutely be paid the same as any guy, not ever regard themselves as inferior because they lack Y chromosomes, or double Dutch through hoops just to be heard versus some know-it-all mansplainer. Oh, and men in supposed positions of power should be the last people to rule over what they do with their bodies.
Not to make it look as if I’m puffing out my chest, but I am all for equality in every way, shape and form; wish this was something that didn’t necessarily have to be called out, if you know what I mean. All I really care about is if you rock, regardless of gender, race, or whatever your “preference” may be. The last thing the artists on this playlist need is for me to validate how awesome they all are. However, if Sarah McLachlan wants to revive Lilith Fair again with even a smidgen of these choices, I’ll be the first to complain at 10:01 AM of the on sale date when they’re sold out on Ticketmaster.
Sleater-Kinney – Hurry On Home
Annie Clark AKA St. Vincent is taking a break from her own womanly domination to produce the highly anticipated next album by indie darlings Sleater-Kinney. “Hurry On Home” features sweet throwback synths and gospelly “Ooooh”s from heaven. Now just hurry on with your fall tour!
The Breeders – Nervous Mary
Pixies will likely always be deemed as the more important band; just between you, me, and no doubt thousands of alt-thusiasts, I prefer the family dynamic Kim Deal has going on with wonder twin Kelley, and couldn’t be happier they seem to be committed to “breeding” more music!
7 Year Bitch – The Scratch
The shortest song on this week’s playlist didn’t beat around the bush when it came out in 1994, and gets to the point now swifter than any well-placed kick to the babymaker. I know I wouldn’t want to receive any #MeToo comeuppance from these nasty, vindictive grudge-holders.
Babes in Toyland – Sweet ’69
This song has everything – Thinly veiled double entendres, balls to the wall power chords, alternative credibility despite being on the outside looking into my Top 1,000 Songs Before 2000 (more on that some other time). And don’t forget The Bruce Dickinson-worthy cowbell, baby!
L7 – Uppin’ the Ice
These holdovers from grunge’s glory days are anything but old rock maids. You’d definitely be put on their “Shitlist” or have a bloody tampon thrown at you for insinuating a thing. All these years later, they’re not afraid of flipping someone like President Trump the bird.
Bikini Kill – Rebel Girl
The queen bees of riot grrrl have returned with a vengeance to kick the misogynistic hornet’s nest. After a series of well received and estrogen-charged shows in LA and NYC, Kathleen Hanna and her militant crew will assemble in September to headline Chicago’s annual Riot Fest.
The Beaches – Want What You Got
Jordan and Kylie Miller are siblings, but considering how The Beaches have been playing Toronto bars they were underage teens the four members are probably closer than sisters. They just put out The Professional EP, and are ready to upstage The Rolling Stones this summer.
Donna Grantis – TRASHFORMER
Prince’s guitar counterp in 3rdeyegirl was budding Canadian goddess Donna Grantis. Her song titles on solo effort Diamonds & Dynamite deserve the ALL CAPS treatment for their sheer instrumental intensity; “TRASHFORMER” sees the Raps fan duetting with Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready.
Thunderpussy – Somebody to Love
It’s a shame how in 2019 women more often than not feel they have to take things to the extreme to get ahead. Like call themselves Thunderpussy in order to grab attention. OK it works, albeit in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way that Grace Slick herself would get a kick out of.
The Distillers – Man vs. Magnet
Brody Dalle is no Mrs. Josh Homme. She’s her own person and back with first loves The Distillers, playing early-2000s punk hits on their reunion tour although the band has found time to record ferocious new songs like “Man vs. Magnet”. Album #4 is also apparently in the works.
The Regrettes – Dress Up
Lydia Night has only been of legal voting age for less than a year, but she’s been upsetting the applecart of ingrained gender expectations as long as The Regrettes have been around at least. “Dress Up” is all sorts of pop-punk fun…even if she is a blade whose cuts can hurt.
Veruca Salt – The Gospel According to Saint Me
I have been head over heels in love with Nina Gordon and Louise Post of Veruca Salt’s subdued harmonies combined with swelling distortion beginning from American Thighs, and have maintained my crush all the way through most recent album Ghost Notes. Please don’t tell my wife.
Another Crush – Empty Promises
Talk about a great first impression – Breathy vocals backed by radio-ready modern rock. Whether you're a boy or girl, no matter your sexual denomination (Happy Pride, BTW), keep your ear out for these up-and-comers out of Hamilton fronted by confidently cool Heather Valley.