Music Mundays - Girl Power

When Kailana first asked me to do a Music Mundays post for her, I was happy to accept. Then the reality of it sank in and the question of "What will I do my post on?" popped up. I love music, all different kinds. So many different topics I could use. Then it hit me. Chick Rockers. See? That's me. Always have been. I don't claim to be a big feminist or anything. But if you read my blog, you know I tend to gravitate towards books with strong female protagonists. Well....the same goes for music. I've always loved bands (or even solo acts) that have a great female singer.

Siouxsie and the Banshees:

You can't start a post like this without the Queen of Goth! Susan Ballion, or Siouxsie Sioux, is the lead singer in the band Siouxsie and the Banshees. Formed in 1976, they became one of the most influential British rock bands in history. Post-punk and edgy, the band and the lead singer have always been considered to be "Goth" in nature. But Siouxsie is a rocker and one that I have admired for a long time. She set the stage for a lot of Chicks that have come after her. Their first album, The Scream is awesome, although Tinderbox might be my favorite. Some of my favorite songs include Cities in the Dust, The Passenger, Peek-a-Boo, and this one: Kiss Them For Me:

Patti Smith:


Dubbed the "Godmother of Punk", Patti Smith has been making music since the 60's. Infusing "beat poetry" with her music, she has created some incredible songs. She even played the last set at the famed CBGB's in New York City. Although still singing today, Patti is probably more known for her activism and her anti-war stance. Patti is one tough chick! My favorite songs Because the Night and this one, Dancing Barefoot:





Sleater-Kinney:

This all-girl American Rock band was formed in 1993 as part of the riot grrrl scene. I stumbled upon this band late, but have loved them every since. These girls are all about Girl Power. Most of their music is anti-establishment and a throw-back to the old punk bands of the late 70's. Their message was one of rebelling against the traditional gender roles and basic female empowerment. When the band broke up in 2006, I have to say I shed more than one tear. These girls were AWESOME! One of my favorite songs is I Want to be Your Joey Ramone from the album, Call the Doctor. But I think their best album is All Hands on the Bad One. Here is a song from that album, You're No Rock-n-Roll Fun:



Alanis Morissette:


There is no way to have a post on Girl Power and chick rockers without including Alanis Morissette!! The very first time I heard the song You Ought to Know, from Jagged Little Pill (which I would include in my top 5 albums of all-time), I went out and bought it. Released in 1995, this album is the epitome of angry girl rock!! Every song is fantastic and wonderful, and it will always be one of my favorites. Although she has become less angry, Alanis' music is still fantastic. Flavors of Entanglement was released just last year. On a sides not, Alanis has also acted in quite a few movies, including portraying God in Kevin Smith's Dogma. And I just found out that she is going to be on this season of one of my favorite show, Weeds!! Here is the one and only, You Ought to Know:


via videosift.com

Garbage:


Although there are boys in the band, Shirley Manson still qualifies for an awesome pick for my Girl Power post. There first self-titled album, Garbage is still the best they ever released. Released in 1995, this alternative rock album is still one of my favorites. With songs like Only Happy When it Rains, Queer and Stupid Girl, it infuses "pop melodies with alternative music, trip-hop and electronica". Shirley Manson is fantastic. LOVE her!!

Stupid Girl:





Well....that's it for me! It's late and I'm tired. I just wanted to thank Kailana for letting me share a few of my favorite Girl Power bands/singers!!

** Edited to add, this is Stephanie from Stephanie's Confessions of a Book-a-holic. Thanks for posting, Stephanie!