[mod.music.gaffa] females in indi rock

Love-Hounds-request@EDDIE.MIT.EDU.UUCP (03/24/87)

Really-From: hogge@p.cs.uiuc.edu (John Hogge)

Why don't we discuss:

             Female Artists on Independent Labels 


One thing I've noticed after a year or so of much listening to "indi" music is
this: outside of dance mersch which I avoid and thus can't comment on, if an
album has female vocals or mostly female bandmembers, chances are it's a very
good album.  The only exception I've run into is this funny 12" by Fuzzbox, an
all girl group that sounds (according to local friend) like the Bangles on 
both speed *and* LSD.  (Even then, the 12" is fun.)

I welcome any discussion of why this might be true or opposing opinions 
(hopefully in the form of a list of indi girls who make bad music).  The only
reason I can think of for why this claim might be true would be something like
an undeliberate sexist filter in the music scene on girl musicians which
weeds out the mediocre 90% of female musicians, leaving only the best for
recordings.  But this is mere speculation, what the hell do I know?  

Anyway, this is the list of female artists I listen to.  The starred (*) ones
are highly recommended.

All-Female:
*Frightwig (alternately trashy/dirgy post punk, screamin' vocals, strong 
            lyrics)
 Wilma (like Frightwig but calmer, more towards weird pop, except for the
        excellent slow hardcore-style cover of Georgy Girl.)
 The Slits (raw, damaged punk)
*Holy Sisters of the Da Da Ga Ga (creative, weird psychedelic/folk/whoknows 
                                  pop.  Interesting "cover" of Monkees and
                                  others.)
 Fuzzbox (comic relief)

Female Vocal Only Groups:
*Throwing Muses (similar to Holy Sisters but with serious tone.  4AD, so you
                 know it's probably great, and it is.)
*Cocteau Twins (Unique vocal work backed by rich, omminous guitar work.
                "Garlands" is essential listening.)
 Lydia Lunch (Morbid post punk; distinctively forlorn lyrics, bratty vocals)
 Diamanda Galas (undisputed queen of post-operatic terrorism.  Disturbing
                 lyrics, amazing vocal techniques.)
*Diana Rogerson (interesting solo work from ex Nurse With Wound member; 
                 carries on with NWW's unique style of listenable found-sound
                 collages)
*Mad Violets (happy, fun psychedelic rock)
*SS20 (intense psychedelic rock by Chrissie Hynde soundalike who is better)
 Danielle Dax (very eclectic; pretty singing.)
*Gutbank (hard rocking post punk with female lead guitarists.  How many of  
          those do you know of (outside of all-girl groups)?  3 girls 1 guy.)
 Susy & Banshees (do lots of dance apparently, but also the post psych stuff
                  on "A Kiss in the Dreamhouse")
*KUKL (actually has male vocals too.  Innovative, weird post punk with lots
       of dissonance organized into a carnival-like atmosphere.)


This list isn't complete--add to it.
--John

Love-Hounds-request@EDDIE.MIT.EDU.UUCP (03/25/87)

Really-From: rutgers!uw-beaver!tektronix!reed!soren (Soren Petersen)

In article <8703240932.AA08481@p.cs.uiuc.edu> you write:
>Why don't we discuss:

>             Female Artists on Independent Labels 

>*Frightwig (alternately trashy/dirgy post punk, screamin' vocals, strong 
>            lyrics)

Yeah!  Their *Cat Farm Faboo* album is great.  Has anyone heard the new
album (reviewed in the L.A. Weekly although not yet seen here in Portland).

Another mostly female group I've been listening to is the Band Of Susans
(four women (three called Susan), two men) who have an E.P. called *Blessing 
and Curse* -- good thrash/psychedelia, well worth checking out even though 
the record jacket kinda makes them look like yet another boring nu-wave 
post REM folk-rock group.

-- 
				soren f petersen
				tektronix!reed!soren

"Reality is a Capitalist concept"

Love-Hounds-request@EDDIE.MIT.EDU.UUCP (03/25/87)

Really-From: Patrick J. Waara <Waara.wbst@Xerox.COM>

>One thing I've noticed after a year or so of much listening to "indi"
music is
>this:  if an
>album has female vocals or mostly female bandmembers, chances are it's
a very
>good album.  

>The only 
>reason I can think of for why this claim might be true would be
something like
>an undeliberate sexist filter in the music scene on girl musicians
which
>weeds out the mediocre 90% of female musicians, leaving only the best
for
>recordings.  

Or it could be an undeliberate sexist beacon in your head that makes you
like female vocals over male vocals.  It's a hellofalot more senuous
listening to a throaty Chrissie Hynde singing "Lust turns to anger.  A
push to shove.  Somethin' was sticky on the shag rug.  Look at the
time.", than Lee Ving singing, "Piss on your warm embrace.  I just wanna
cum in your face."  (Or even something nicer for that matter.)  I know
my girlfriend likes the male oriented bands better than the female ones.
In fact she said she really doesn't like female singers at all.

As to additions to the list, though they may no longer be on indies, you
simply have to include Xeanne Cervenka (Sp?) of X.  Still one of my all
time favorites, eventhough, they've been strugglin' lately.  May as well
mention the Mourning Glories while I'm at it.

~Pat