TO FIND CURRENT QUEER BAND INFORMATION: Queer Bands on Tour has links to tourdates for various queer bands. This is the best place to get CURRENT information.
If you produce queer music, send a copy for review to
Larry-bob
INDEX:
Bandit Queen
Apparently they've been signed by Mammoth in the U.S.
Hormone Hotel CD. Bandit Queen is a trio with two women and a token male drummer. There are several songs about woman-woman love; "Miss Dandys" is about a female-to-male transsexual; there's a song about Frida Kahlo. The music is noisy pop; if I had to compare this to other bands, I'd say Pixies and P.J. Harvey. A really good record -- don't miss this one. Playtime Records, Box 354, Manchester M60 4PR (reviewed 9/95)
Behead the Prophet No Lord Shall
Live
I Am That Great and Fiery Force LP/CD Full length (well, could you really survive more than 20 minutes) from this rapid onslaught of guitar, violin, and screams of desperation. Printed lyrics thankfully provided. "I really want you now so I just have to say it/ You're such a prince boy yeah you've got class/ Just give it to me/ fuck me fuck me." (Outpunk/K) (reviewed 3/98)
self-titled 7". The new band with the singer and bassist from the Mukilteo Fairies, plus a violinist and a couple more members. Totally queer thrash with violin -- now that's not something you hear every day. Fortunately, printed lyrics are included. Songs include "Magnetic Field," about straight boys fascinated by queers; "Secession" is about breaking free of mainstream gay society; "Transnegative" is about mainstream gays who try to jump through hoops to please straight society and reject groups that are too queer. There are eight songs total. (Outpunk)($3, $4 overseas) (reviewed 9/95)
Adele Bertei
Zami Girl CD single.
Adele Bertei was a member of Peter and the Wolves with Peter Laughner (read
about it in From the Velvets to the Voidoids.) She was a co-founder with James
Chance of the Contortions (her picture's on the back of No New York.) Since then,
she's sung backup for various people. This record fetures Adele spewing out a string
of slang terms for Lesbians over a house beat. (Zami Girl is apparently a Jamaican
term.) The single includes a couple of other remixes. Dance music just doesn't do
much for me. I wish Adele was jamming with God Is My Co-Pilot, instead of making
disco records.
(Imago)(reviewed 10/94)
Bikini Kill
Unofficial
web page
Bitchhips
Bitchhips cassette.
Drum machine, fuzz guitars, rapid-fire vocals. The three songs
are "I've Swallowed," "16," and "Real Hustlers
have Transexual Girlfriends." See also their auto-fanzine, Like Cinderella.
(reviewed 3/98)
Unisex CD. Blueboy
Photos of the band from
Twee Kitten
Blueboy are
not the sort of band that I usually listen to, but this is just so well done, I have to like it.
Their music is crystalline pop, beautifully recorded guitars and 'cello and male and
female vocals. This isn't big haired loud guitars grunge stuff. The main singer, Paul, is
gay, and that's reflected in the lyrics. For instance, in "Marble Arch," he sings, "Sold my
flesh with eager glee/ but that was way back in '83." "Self-Portrait" is alleged to be
about Brett Anderson of Suede--"I, this nation's narcissist laureate" is one lyric. The
driving finale, "Imipramine" starts out "You say love can break a boy's heart/ I say
there's no such thing." There is a U.S.release that has extra tracks and is generally
cheaper. (Sarah Records, Box 691, Bristol BS99 1FG)(reviewed 10/94)
James Booker
Gonzo CD
Finally,
what I was wishing for in the article on James Booker in Holy Titclamps #15. A
compilation of his organ instrumental singles. And not only those, but also earlier
singles, such as "Doing the Hambone," recorded when he was 14 and rather
squeaky-voiced. Night Train/Tuff City, 200 West 72nd St, NY NY 10023.
(reviewed 10/96)
Brown-Star
Brown-Star: A Bee's Dream/ Half the Problem 7" single
Catchy non-distorto melodic pop. Do I just have a dirty mind or is it an
obvious reaction to jump to conclusions about what the lyrics "I can
feel it getting stronger, I can feel it getting hard" from "A Bee's Dream"
mean? "Half the Problem" is a song about a fucked-up relationship.
(Timmi-kat Records)
web:
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/2498/brown-star.htm
(reviewed 3/98)
Bubby Girl
Bubby Girl: My Own Pet CD.
A group of women who play tuneful indie rock songs. There are covers of
Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday, rather unusual for a band that's coming
from a rock context. There's also a few experimental tracks, like a
spoken word piece that starts "She was a whore on main street; him, he
done work for city maintenance."
(Boom Bertha Records, PO Box 5873, Irvine, CA 92716)
(reviewed 3/98)
Cheater
The Hours & Times b/w Sticky
7".
"The Hours & Times" is a good pop rock song, but it's "Sticky" that really does it
for me -- a trash-rock tune with totally queer lyrics about a "wicked little man-child
thing" wants to get sticky with. A couple of members of this band are also in the house
band at the rock'n'roll drag bar Squeezebox.
[Feb 1999: Cheater apparently appears as the band in Hedwig and the
Angry Inch.]
Detour M, Box 491, NY, NY 10101
($3)(reviewed 9/95)
Chris Cochrane
Chris Cohrane's Suck Pretty: 3 Heads CD.
Ex-No Safety
Chris Cochrane proves that just cuz you're stereotyped
as an art rocker doesn't mean you can't lay down some funk or rock out.
Words become eliptical as they do in sex and music:
"Tied my dick to a wall and pulled it tighter and tighter";
"his mouth open -- my finger convinced him." The jazz element of
rock resurfaces. Brian Wilson tune to make you smile: Vegetables.
Some tunes are reprises from his expensive Japanese Avant release Bath.
(Knitting Factory Works)
(reviewed 3/98)
Steve Cohen
Steve Cohen: Silent Too Long CD.
Piano-based songs with bass, drums, and organ (hey, Ben Folds Five are having
hits with that configuration -- aren't there enough guitar bands in the
world?). There's a number of guy-guy love songs and breakup songs. "Home for
the Holidays" is about not wanting to be with family over the holidays (easy
to releate to for a lot of queers.) "True Love" is from the point of view
of a married man trying to come to terms with his homosexuality. "Silent
Too Long" is a song about speaking up against anti-gay oppression.
(Hurricane Recording Company, PO Box 42614, Philadelphia, PA 19101.
Email - he has a mailing list of upcoming gigs: KeysCohen@aol.com
Web:
http://members.aol.com/KeysCohen)
(reviewed 3/98)
Jayne County and the Electric
Chairs
Deviation CD. Picked this one up when I was in England, though I've seen
pricy copies here in the states. The songs are really good on this one -- it kicks off with
"Transgender Rock'n Roll"; other songs include "Deviation," with verses about various
sorts of queers; the quirky "Texas Chainsaw Manicurist;" and the catchy tune "Little
Star." Serpent's Tail recently published Jayne's autobiography, "Man Enough to be a
Woman." RPM, 212 Aizlewood Mill, Nursery St., Sheffield S3 8GG, UK;
US version on Royalty Records. (reviewed
9/95)
Goddess Of Wet Dreams CD Rumors in the British Press of Jayne's death are greatly exaggerated. She is alive and performed at Wigstock 1993. This CD is apparently not a re-issue of the never-released ESP record, but is mostly new recordings. Jayne County is a transgendered performer who's been around since the 70's. Her older albums are out of print, but there's a couple of old songs reprised on this CD, notably Cream In My Jeans and Fuck Off. There's a couple New York Dolls covers, and a new song by Jayne called "Johnny Gone To Heaven" that's a tribute to Doll Johnny Thunders.(ESP Disk) (reviewed 4/94)
Cypher in the Snow
Former band member's page
with downloadable music.
Blow Away the Glitter Diamonds Stolen from the Crown CD. Trumpet belongs in punk rock is one thing Cypher proves as this crew of pirate women plunder and pillage among shifting time rhythms. Lyrics seize on the real -- working in a strip show, being a femme dyke, shooting evil parents. (Candy-Ass)) (reviewed 3/98)
Badass and Free 7". Seven queer women, including ex members of the Gr'ups, perform two songs with such unorthodox instrumentation as trumpet and banjo. The lyrics are also great -- "Militia" is about having a lesbian militia, and "She's Not" is about racism in the lesbian community. (Outpunk) ($3)(reviewed 10/96)
Pedro, Muriel & Esther: "The White to be Angry" CD.Vaginal Davis
Official Vaginal Davis webpage
with current information on live shows.
Vaginal Davis and
Glenn Meadmore in militia drag lash out with a musical onslaught too brutal to resist.
Rather than the straightforward sloganeering that is the rule in queercore, they take it
to another level with songs such as "Homosexual is Criminal," embracing the Jeffrey
Dahmer within us all. And then there's mind-blowing stuff like the operatic "Cherries in
the Snow." I find "Beggars of Life" irresistably catchy, Stones-esque with its chants of
"Na na na na -- whoo!" and descriptions of homosexual decadence. Recorded by
Steve Albini. Specta Sonic Records
(available for $10 cash from
VCD,
PO Box 741278, LA CA 90004-9278 )
(reviewed 10/96)
Queens (Make the World Go 'Round) 7". Vaginal Davis is backed up on this record by Chicago's Robespierre. "Queens (Make the World Go 'Round)" is an ode to queens (such as Ms. Davis). "The Vaginal Creme Theme" is sung by Mark Ruvolo, punctuated by inimitable dialogue from Vaginal. "Small Whyte House" starts out as a ballad with lines like "don't suck my titties/ don't even try," and then escalates into thrash. Spectra-Sonic Records, Box 477868, Chicago IL 60647 ($3.50 check to M. Freitas or $3+32 cent stamp)(reviewed 4/95)
Pedro, Muriel, and Esther 7".Metal band featuring Vaginal Creme Davis and Glen Meadmore. Amoeba Records, 5337 La Cresta Ct., LA CA 90038 ($5)(reviewed 1993)
Dave Dentinger
Flirting With a Dead Man CD.
Strange that the current female singer-songwriter resurgence
hasn't had too much of a queer male counterpart. Here Dave Dentinger,
accompanied by just his own guitar and a bassist fills that gap.
Guys and drinking are common themes, but themes explored with
a fair amount of eloquence. "You're James Dean in glasses/ You're
Budapest in a blizzard/ You're the reincarnation of the living Buddha/
In my own hometown."
(2234 North Terrace Ave, Milwaukee WI 53202.)
(reviewed 3/98)
Ed Diamond
God is Gay CD
This is a full-length CD of gay-themed R&B music. There's a range of
different modes, from slow ballads to fast dance music. Ed has a good
voice, and has come up with some clever lyrics. He goes for a rap style
on "Butt Plug" and "Hip Hop Party."
(Gig Music)
Web:
http://www.gaytunes.com/godisgay.htm
(reviewed 3/98)
Fagatron
Fagatron: cassette
Noisy two piece bass & drums punk rock with songs like Planet Fag, dik
krazy homofobes, Scream Queen, lonely boy, sex for warmth. It comes with
a sticker. Abe also does the zine Swishblade
(tape is currently out of print. Now available - a single, $3 postpaid
from Mo-Tel, PO Box 94815, Lincoln, NE 68509)
(Abe, 4711 S. 43rd St, Lincoln, NE 68516)
Web page:
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Lounge/2116/fagatron.html
(reviewed 3/98)
Fagbash
Self-titled 7".
The band
has moved from San Francisco to New York, and put out a three-song 7". (Adult
Crash, 66 Avenue A, NY, NY 10009) (reviewed 9/95)
The After Party cassette.Five songs performed by the full band, not just Paul Bonomo with backing tracks like some past recordings. Sometimes almost heavy metal, these guys don't play like sissies. The songs are (I Just Wanna) Score, Bitch Since I Met You, Pornsong, Let Me Find My Way, and Girlfriend Got Some Problems. Box 641272, SF, CA, 94109(reviewed 4/94)
"36C" CD/CS. This is punk dyke legends Fifth Column's third full-length album, and I think the best yet. They give more of an agressive rock attack, but there's touches of organ that distinguish their sound. Songs include "All Women Are Bitches," "Don't," "Donna," and "Get the Bug." (K Records) ($12)(reviewed 10/94)
Fifth Column/God Is My Co-Pilot split single The Fifth Column song, "Don't" is about all the places women are supposed to avoid to keep from being raped. "She's got a gun/ she's got a knife / she's got some scisors / she's got a life -- and that's more than I can say for you." The music of Fifth Column is strange and wonderful -- the echoey guitar and syncopated drums lend an arabic air. I've already said plenty about God-Co. There's three songs here. Sample lyrics: "Bull dykes -- now they're gay/ at least that's what their moms say." (Outpunk) ($3)(reviewed 4/94)
All Women Are Bitches 7".Toronto's dyke punk band including G.B. Jones. (K Records)(no longer available?)(reviewed 1993)
Scott Free
Getting Off Scott Free CD.
Distorted vocals rage over rock that is alternately driving, off-kilter,
and subdued. Living queer in society of rejection addressed in
"We Chose this?" ("In Iran, we choose how we are to be executed.")
Getting over religious brainwashing in "Nothing Happened": "I was
taught always to believe yes, I was saved/ then it happened to me."
Living with AIDS is a topic of songs like "Placebo" and "AIDS
Dementia." Also available: Garbage Man 7".
Leather/Western Records, Po Box 11980, Chicago, IL 60611
Web:
http://www.scottfree.net
(reviewed 3/98)
Fruit
What is Fruit CD-EP
Patrick, formerly of Kitchens of Distinction, has a new band. (If you're
not familiar with Kitchens, get thee to a record store and buy one of their
records.) The tone is more playful here. The title song is a list-song;
Gene K. is about the dancer Gene Kelly. The covers of The Man I Love and
Climb Every Mountain are kind of joke-songs. There is a full-length
record, "Hark at her" which I haven't heard, and another Fruit single
(Queen of Old Compton Street / Scatter Me) which is Patrick with his guitar,
in a different vein than this single.
(One Little Indian)
(reviewed 3/98)
http://www.stephenhero.co.uk
http://www.billcarney.com/kod/
Future Bible Heroes
Memories of Love CD.
A side project of Stephin Merritt
of Magnetic Fields along with Christopher
Ewen, formerly of Figures on
a Beach, and Claudia Gonson. Unlike Magnetic Fields, where Merritt is
firmly in the driver's seat, Ewen plays the music, while Merritt pens
the lyrics here, and Merritt and Gonson sing. The music is more laden with
quirky samples and effects than the Magnetic Fields. Through the
creation of lyrical tableaux and stories, Future Bible Heroes rediscover
the lost art of songwriting. The lyric booklet is a series of puzzles.
Deciphering the numerals "Blond Adonis" reveals the sarcastic turn of
phrase "I'm the new greek statue you can take home and enjoy/ I'm
the dream of every queen/ the world's most gorgeous boy."
web:
http://www.slowriver.com/slowriver/fbh/
Stephinsongs mailing list:
http://stephinsongs.wiw.org/
(reviewed 3/98)
Glamazon
self-titled CD.
A little bombast is a healthy thing, especially in the service of
performing heavy metal songs about topics such as the religious right,
speed addiction, poverty in America, and, naturally, Satan. The songs
are musically complex, multi-part creations. Metal lives! I'm
surprised that none of the songs on this CD directly address transgender
issues, (not that it's a law they should have to) considering that lead
singer Christine is a transsexual. But if you want to know more, visit
their website.
(New Address: PO Box 15836, North Hollywood, CA 91615 ($13))
Web:
http://www.glamazonrocks.com
(reviewed 3/98)
God Is My Co-Pilot
The
unofficial God-Co Web Page, with discographies and so on is here.
Straight Not CD/LP/CS. One thing that always disappointed me about the now-defunct Firehose was that they didn't carry on the politics of the D. Boon and the Minutemen. There's parallels in the jazz-punk stylings of God Is My Co-Pilot and the Minutemen, and in the sincere political agendas of both bands, though D. Boon sang about Central America and Sharon Topper sings about loving girls.
With God-Co, you either love `em or hate `em, and I love `em. Noisy skronk, with guitar, sax, and whatever else, topped by Sharon's endearing/annoying girl growl. The lyrics tend to be playfully sexual, as in the dialogue of "A Little Game": "Ooh -- what is it?" "Better not be your finger-- I said no fingers".
"Earliest Memory" juxtaposes a childhood memory with the thought that if she'd given birth instead of having abortions the children would be old enough to have memories of their own. "We Signify" is a manifesto of sorts about the band, and perhaps "the girl who calls herself Rebel and trieds to sell the life I'm leading" refers to Madonna. "Both Ways" is about bisexuality, and straight and gay society's insistance that people be one way or the other.
There's also a Chumbawamba cover, "Everyone's always trying to tell you how to behave," which I guess was originally a Clause 28 protest song. There are also great liner notes about Henry Rollins, homophobia, and music vs. message. 26 songs total, none over three minutes -- a total of 45 minutes.(Outpunk)(reviewed 4/94)
Fifth Column/God Is My Co-Pilot split single
Tight Like Fist: Live Recordings. 39 live tracks recorded over the course of a year at the Knitting Factory. Some of the songs have appeared elsewhere, and some are new to me. I don't think I'd heard any of the folk song stuff before. And the jacket art features a sequence of latex- and saran-wrapped women. If you don't have any God-Co records yet this is a good place to start. Even if you do have their other CDs, most of the repeat material is from the singles. (Knitting Factory) (reviewed 4/94)
Gender is as Gender Does" 7". 6 girls and boys make music that's rhythmic, noisy, jazzy. If I had to categorize it, I'd say No Wave. This single comes in two sleves, one with two girls kissing and one with two boys kissing. Songs include "Handsome Molly," "I Hate Girls," "Sun, Wind," and "Submissive." They have several other singles and a full-length CD, with another CD and more singles forthcoming. (still available, along with "on a wing and a prayer" and "Hattifatteners" from Ment Music Group, www.mentgroup.com, P.O. Box 812 Tannersville, NY 12485 (518) 734 6985) (reviewed 1993)
The Go-Go Boys
Gay Apparel Xmas Songs CD
For all those who dismiss gay music as just novelty songs, the
Go-Go Boys are here to show you what a novelty song really is.
Gay-oriented lyrics to all your favorite Xmas tunes. They
didn't have to change the line "don we now our gay apparel"
at least. Judy Tenuta makes an appearance.
(Ring Records, 4542 E. Tropicana Ave, Suite 258, Las Vegas, NV 89120.)
(reviewed 3/98)
The Goldenrods
Lesbian
Nation 7".
Lesbian Nation is an anthem that just makes you want to join in singing.
"C'mon sisters, get it together/ It's time for the rise of the Lesbian Nation." The b-side, "I
can't reach you" is a pop love song with pretty harmony vocals and plenty of
tamborine. (Harp Records)
Peter Grudzien
The
Unicorn.
Gay psychedelic country music. I'm not clear on if this is a reissue or the
first release of some home tapes. There's 14 tracks of older material, and then six
tracks labeled "The New Songs" which have electronic percussion and are apparently
of more recent vintage. Titles include "White Trash Hillbilly Trick," "Hunky-Honky," and
"Candy-Ass Lover." "Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere" is about the issue of
gays in the military. The liner notes include a picture of Peter at age 16 giving a tape of
some of his songs to Johnny Cash in 1958. [It turns out this is a re-release of a 1974
record. You can read moreabout Peter Grudzien in the 2nd volume of Incredibly
Strange Music.]
Parallel World, 332 Bleecker St #27D, NY, NY 10014 (reviewed
9/95)
Helot Revolt
In Your Face/Up Your
Butt CD.
The world's only faggot heavy metal band performs "Bigotry is not
Rebellion," "Shirts and Skins," "First Day On Earth," and "I Like Marines." Guest guitar
solos from Glen Meadmore. Also available is the more mellow Diazepam Nights CD.
De Stijl Music
(reviewed 1993)
Ladyman CD/LP. Kaia, formerly of Team Dresch, delivers her second solo album. Introspective songs sung heartfelt just to you through your headphones. That the lyrics are largely unrhymed isn't surprising considering Kaia's appearance on that Minutemen tribute record. "That's Mr. Baby To You" is like "You're so vain" sung to a closeted superstar (at least in my imagination it is.) Melissa York (Vitapup, Team Dresch) drums. No fear of a little synth now and then (including an instrumental interlude.) (Mr. Lady, PO Box 3189, Durham, NC 27715-3189) Mr. Lady website (reviewed 3/98)
Candye Kane
Diva La Grande CD
Fun blues record from vocalist Candye Kane and her band. The piano is
high in the mix, which always makes me happy. There's a queer component
represented by the song "I'm in love with a girl." A playful feminist
tone comes out in "The lord was a woman," which kicks off with a great
stride piano intro. By the way, Candye Kane is a size activist (check
her song "You Need a Great Big Woman") and former stripper and porn
star from East LA.
(Warner/Discovery Records.)
web:
http://www.candyekane.com/
(reviewed 3/98)
Jeffery K
self-titled cassette
Four acoustic guitar tracks by Jeffery Kennedy. "Miniscule Inside" goes
between major and minor, projecting a bittersweet feeling. What could
be sadder than the situation described in "No Reply" -- not getting any
mail or phone calls? The other two tracks are "The Shy Librarian"
and "Always Becoming," about a life that's lost meaning. Evocative
rainy day music.
(Jeffery Kennedy, 250 Page St. #1, SF, CA 94102 email:jkstagesf@aol.com)
(reviewed 3/98)
La Grenuda
self-titled 7".
Two members of La Grenuda are now in The
Vegas Beat,
a band which was the
surprise hit of the Dirtybird Queercore festival this summer. Until the
Vegas Beat has a record out, this 7" is the next best thing.
[They now have a full-length out on
Candyass.]
"Friend" is uptempo and propulsive;
"Something's Wrong" shows a quieter, more introspective side. "Pitfall" starts out with a
slow, but driving drum beat and strummed guitar, and slowly builds. (Live Transmission Records) (reviewed 10/96)
Lipkandy
"Pucker Up" 7".
Lo-fi garage girls, playground taunts all grown up. Song lyrics of
Pitifuck: "it's really not so complex / I was only using you for sex."
PO Box 22172 Lex, KY 40522
(reviewed 3/98)
Longstocking
Once Upon a Time Called Now CD.
Melodic noise-pop with lots of guitar (one in each speaker) and lots of
singing. This is the kind of catchy stuff that stays in your head,
and you'll be glad it did. They quote Liz Phair's "Flower" in the
opening line of Goddess Pt 4 -- think of it like a sample that launches
the song off towards its references to Shakespeare and Prince. In terms
of overt queerness
"Not A Jerk" has Tamala singing the lines "I'm a faggot / and I might be
willing / but I'm not a clown / I'm a killer."
(Chainsaw)
Fan web page:
http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/3221/longstocking.html
(reviewed 3/98)
Los Crudos
Canciones Para Leberar Nuestras Fronteras LP.
Hardcore punk in Spanish.
There's one song in English for you monoliterates out there --
"That's Right We're That Spic Band!!!" But even if you understand
Spanish, you probably won't get the lyrics without the aid of
the enclosed lyric sheet, which also provides English translations.
But as they in "Hardcorgoismo" "Pero cualquier mierda en ingles/
el mundo lo traga." The song "A los Insegueros," asks "Si you amo
a un hobre/ que tiene que ver contigo?" ("If I love a man, what is
it to you?"
(Lengua Armada, 2340 W. 24th St, Chicago, IL 60608, U.S.A. $7 ppd.)
Web:
http://rockeros.com/crudos/
(reviewed 3/98)
Lucy Stoners
Self-titled
7".
The music on this single is not so spare as on Lucy Stoners' song "Soiled
Princess" on the Dyke In The Pit compilation. But the sound is still pretty dark. The
lyrics of "Father" draw parallels between patriarchal society, worship of a male god,
and incest: "father/ father who art in heaven/ father/ father don't hurt me/ my father is
also my husband/ he sleeps with me." "Catholic school dresses" is about the
nightmare of Catholic schools. "Cathoic school dresses/ stained with blood/ from your
period/ All girls bleed/ and boys do too." "Mental Xtrakshun" is an instrumental. (Harp Records)
Juliana Luecking
Juliana
Luecking and Eve Beglarian: Dream Cum GoDown CD.
Juliana interviews 60
queer women, asking them the questions "What's your favorite sex fantasy," "What
makes you cum," and "How do you go down on a woman." Eve provides the mixes and
backgrounds. There's an amazing variety of answers to the three questions. (Kill Rock Stars) ($10) (reviewed 9/95)
Big Broad CD. Juliana does spoken word pieces with musical backing. She creates vivid characters and scenes with her storytelling and versitile voice, stories about lesbian life and other topics. "Married in Midair" is about two lesbians who the the knot while skydiving. "Esperanza Dreams" is about a girl who takes a woman who delivers the mail as a role model. "Hide and Seek" is a rapid monolog about a closeted woman whom the community has to tiptoe around. There's 30 tracks in all. (Kill Rock Stars) (reviewed 4/95)
She's Good People" 7". This is a record of six spoken-word pieces by Juliana Luecking. Juliana creates people and places with her voice and the help of clarinet, bass and some other sounds. Her performances leave you with a really great feeling. "Sistahood and Guppie" is about two women who ride their motorcycle to the desert. "Perfect Lesbian Bar" describes the scene, which recreates places from women's sexual pasts. "Playing Doctor" is about helping a friend extract a tampon. "Cleaver. Cleavage" is about figuring what to say to a friend who's had breast enlargement surgery. There will be a full-length CD of Juliana Luecking coming out on KRS soon. To contact Juliana directly about her other projects, write 200 Sterling Place #2B, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Kill Rock Stars) (reviewed 10/94)
Get Lost CD. Stephin Merritt's Magnetic Fields are an anomaly. He writes songs with lyrics, with arrangements, with style. The lyrics are worthy of Noel Coward, the arrangements are intricate compositions of keyboards and guitar, the style is unlike anything else these days. Sample lyric: "In a cool gay bar/ where the people are entertaining/ when the sun clocks in/ we'll still be talking and champagning." (Merge, Box 1235, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.) (reviewed 10/96)
Mailibu Barbi
Self-titled
7".
This four-woman band puts on a great show of tight, metal-edged songs. The
single includes "Party With Death" and two other songs. (Harp
Records)($3.50)(reviewed 1993)
(reviewed 3/98)
Special Rites 7"This is a queer hardcore band. It's a good thing that the lyrics
for the six songs are printed on the sleeve, or you'd never decipher them. "Four Letter
Love" is a queer thrash love song. "Ripped Out" is about people who want to "change"
homosexuals. The Fairies have broken up, but Josh and Quitty have a new band
called Behead The Prophet No Lord Shall Livethat has
a 7" and a CD.
(Kill Rock Stars) (reviewed
4/95)
Closet Check 7" The Fairies are an honest-to-goodness queer hardcore
band. Hardcore means loud and very fast. Fortunately, there's a lyric sheet so you can
decipher what's going on. There's 12 songs on this single, including "Oly Latent Boys,"
"Boys Fuck Rock Stars," (I think that one's about Kurt Cobain) "Making Plans for
Confrontation" (which ends with the line "Meet your end from a pissed off fag.") "I Had
a Relationship in My Head," "Heavy Into Brett," (which might be about homos who
fetishize punks), "Who's Been Fornicating In My Bed" (about inconsiderate hetero
roomates).The singer, Josh, does the zine "Now I twist your nipples..." (Outpunk)(reviewed 10/94)
Jacky'o'lantern 7".
Organ-n-drums-driven time-sig-shifting song about -- what? wet dream
of a pumpkinhead? After an instrumental interlude reminiscent of those
toy interludes on late-period Husker Du records comes the sexy
Pony 4 Honey which brings to mind the angular rhythms of early-80s
Rough Trade bands, a sound we need to hear more of. Great and
unusual record.
Outpunk)
(reviewed 3/98)
self-titled CD.
The lyrics are all printed and I'm going to leave it to the listener
to decode what this stuff is about since I don't want to embarass myself
with more public misinterpretation. I also don't understand how just two people
make so much music. Surely Rachel doesn't play drums and organ at the same
time? Or Radio the guitar and bass. Must be a miracle of modern technology.
But in any case, having a small number of people has not limited them in
the way some fixed-instrumentation bands have been limited in the past --
there's a good variety of innovative sounds on this record.
Some material duplicated from 7"s but I'm not sure what-all.
Chainsaw)
(reviewed 3/98)
The members are Zeena Parkins, Chris Cochrane, Ann Rupel, Tim Spelios, and Doug
Seidel. There's an article in a recent issue of Option about No Safety, which includes
a statement by Cochrane, who is gay, complaining about God Is My Co-pilot's use of
queer imagery in their songs, despite the fact that Sharon and Craig are married to
each other. But as God-Co have said, you'll learn more about gay life from listening to
them than by reading the Advocate. I'd take God-Co over Madonna any day. God-
Co's song "Straight Not" is a comeback to nay-sayers -- they point out that gender
attractions aren't set in stone. (The song is on the Knitting Factory CD, not the Outpunk
CD of the same name.)
No Safety's lyrics aren't particularly overt, by contrast with God-Co's -- but whose are?
"Lonely," with lyrics "I'm disappearing/ hold me/ hold me/ what I saw/ you won't
remember/ what I saw/ won't touch you no more," has an AIDS-era insight into
intimacy and loss. Actually, No Safety's songs "Heavenly Puss" and "Master/Slave"
are pretty overt.
We listen to songs for the music and for the lyrics. Mainstream hit songs are all about
heterosexual love. The reaction of punk was not to sing love songs. In many cases, the
lyrics ended up being about politics. And now, we have songs about queer politics. But
now we want to hear love songs or sex songs again, but queer this time. Filling in the
blanks in the representation of our lives.(Knitting
Factory)(reviewed 4/94)
More Lovin' from our Oven CD.
Another collection of singles and compilation tracks from Pansy
Division on CD, for those of you who didn't get the singles.
Among the tracks are the Steve Albini-recorded tunes from the
Queer to the Core and Manada singles, and the tracks from
the metal single which featured Kirk Hammet of Metallica.
(Lookout) (reviewed 3/98)
Wish I'd Taken Pictures CD. Their fourth full-length recording, counting
last years singles compilation, and their best yet. Play "Expiration Date" for someone,
and they'll never guess this is Pansy Division, with its distorted vocals. They address
gay culture with songs such as "Dick of Death," "Sidewalk Sale," and "Vanilla." Also
now available is the "For Those About to Suck Cock" single, with heavy metal songs
and uncredited guest guitar from Kirk Hammet of Metallica. For Pansy Division trading
cards, t-shirts, etc. write Box 460885, SF CA 94146-0885 (overseas send IRC)
(Lookout) (reviewed 10/96)
Pile Up CD. This is a compilation of 20 tracks that have appeared on singles
and compilations. There are some Pansy Division originals here, and also a lot of
covers, such as Liz Phair's "Flower," an uptempo version of Joe Jackson's "Real Men"
("Don't call me a faggot/ unless you are a friend"), Prince's "Jack U Off," "Jackson," with
Jon singing Nancy Sinatra's part and Calvin Johnson doing the Lee Hazelwood part,
and Husker Du's "The Biggest Lie." (Lookout) For Pansy
Division records and t-shirts, write to Pansy Division, Box 460885, SF, CA 94146-0885
(overseas send IRC.) (reviewed 4/95)
Deflowered CD. This is Pansy Division's second full-length recording. It's got
a lot of the sort of pop-punk songs that appeared on their debut, Deflowered.
Examples of these are "Groovy Underwear," "James Bondage", and "Rachbottomoff.".
There's some that offer critisism: "Reciprocate," a plea for mutuality in sex;
"Anonymous," about slam-pit groping; "Not Enough of You To Go Around," about
someone who won't return phone calls. And there's some that are downright dark:
"Fluffy City," an anti-L.A. song; "Negative Queen," about someone with too much bad
attitude; "Denny" (based on a poem by Trebor Healy) about an HIV-positive guy; and
"Deep Water," about being stuck in the midwest. Plus there's two covers, one by
Jonathan Richman, the other Pete Shelly's "Homosapien." As a bonus, the booklet
includes a guide to gay youth groups. (Lookout) (reviewed
10/94)
Undressed LP/Cass/CD. This queer rock band has a full-length
LP/Cassette/CD, "Undressed," and a couple singles, including Bill and Ted's
Homosexual Adventure. (Lookout) (single $3, LP/CS $7,
CD $10)(reviewed 1993)
Fem in a Black Leather Jacket 7".
This single single has the songs "Fem in a
Black Leather Jacket," "Homo Christmas," and "Smells Like Queer Spirit,"
their re-worded version of the Nirvana song. Also forthcoming is a
full-length LP/Cassette/CD,
"Undressed." (single $3, LP/CS $7, CD $10)(reviewed 1993)
Welcome to My World cassette.
4-track experiments by this ex-2 Nice Girls
member. Gretchen talks over guitar, synth and rhythm tracks, with found dialogue from
exploitation movies and other sources. "A Downer" is about lesbians getting girls
hooked on acid. "How Lesbians Get That Way" uses a reading from a book about how
women turn to other women after being dumped by men. "The Penetration Solution"
ponders the question of straight people who have only half the experience -- only
penetrating, or only being penetrated, over the soundtrack of a gay porn movie. "Who
Would You Rather Have Sex With" ponders the question in the case of various
celebrites, politicians and their wives (Nancy or Barbara?) Gretchen Phillips, Box
4600, Austin, TX 78765 ($8.50) (reviewed 4/94)Matmos
Self-titled
CD.
There's a lot of electronic music around these
days. Most electronic musicians seem determined to make music that
fits into pre-defined genres -- jungle, trip-hop, house -- rather than
making music that bursts free of any such shackles of categorization.
Matmos are beyond all that. They make musical soundscapes that are smart,
interesting, and uniquely their own. That doesn't mean that they eschew
beats -- there are beats here, but you won't hear any Amen breaks or James
Brown samples. Instead, they play with crayfish neural tissues and
amplified hair. Did I mention they're queer?
$10, checks payable to Martin Schmidt. Vague Terrain, 2710 20th St,
San Francisco, CA 94110.
web:
http://www.abrupt.org/PRODUCT/matmos.html
Mercurochrome
Self-titled
7".
Listening to this, I'm wondering where the credit is on this for the
violin or 'cello. Or maybe Gee just has a very unusual way of playing
the guitar. In any case, these three women produce a very unique and
musically accomplished sound. Should appeal to fans of artful pop like
Versus.
(Ratt Records, Box 555, Santa Rosa CA 95402)
(reviewed 3/98)The official Mouthfull web page
has info about the UK-based queercore band, their upcoming
gigs, and other stuff.
Mukilteo Fairies
The Need
Web site:
http://www.olywa.net/need
http://www.transfused.com/
Nightnurse
Skirt EP.
Three song EP from the new band of Ellyott of Sister George. "Skirt"
is about a affair with a heartless girl. Ellyott's voice
still has that tough sneer to it, the music's a wall of fuzz-tone
sound. "I Love Being Used Properly" centers around an off-kilter riff,
alternating with a slow headbanging part. "Cockshy" kicks off with
a drumbeat, then the guitars start thrashing.
(Better Records) band contact: The Nursery,
54-56 Compton Street, London ec1v 0je UK.
web:
http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~joekeith/nightnurse.html
http://www.nightnurse.com"
has downloadable mp3 music by Nightnurse.
(reviewed 3/98)JaiJai Noire
Pounding the Box CD
Jaijai sings with passion about women to the lead guitar she plays and
pounding drums. But also quieter songs like "Strip & Dance" ("the only woman
I ever lost my head for/ looked dead-on like Jayne Mansfield.") Can
definitely tell there's a punk influence in there with the hi-tempo song
"Allez! (Go!)" but bet that JaiJai has changed its delivery in the 10 years
since she wrote it, evolved from its thrash origins. Two women
bubblebathing feature on the cover.
Lesbian Snake Charmers Recrds, Box 410990, SF CA 94141 ($12)
web:
http://www.jaijai.com/
(reviewed 3/98)No Safety
Live at the Knitting
Factory.
The music No Safety make is eminently listenable, jazzy but rockist. Guitar
and percussion-heavy, with intricate rhythms. (Has anyone ever figured out why art
rock has to have such angular rhythms? Does it prove you're smarter if you can play
those tricky beats? Someone ask Fred Frith, ok?) But it's still pretty melodic and song-
like. There's a quiet cover of Come's song "Submerge," with an intensely emotional
vocal. (Come is Thalia Zedek's current band. Her old band Uzi's sole record was
recently re-released.) Occasionally, things get funky, although the possibility remains
that the 40-second "He's Some Kind of Dope Bitch" is meant as kind of a Talking
Heads parody.Pale
cassette demo
Four synth-pop
songs by a gay male duo. "We Two Boys" uses a Walt Whitman poem as its text;
"What's the Rush" is a comment on drug use in the rave scene, with Leaf
Phoenix's 911 call; "Ask Me John" is an Ocean Blue cover; "Time Works For
No One" is about spouse abuse.
(Timmi-kat Records)($3)
Pansy Division
You can find on-line Pansy Division videos at
Throttlebox
Make sure to search for Pansy Division at Lookout Records' web site.Gretchen Phillips
Web page with information about Gretchen's present and past musical
activites with bands like Meat Joy, Girls in the Nose and 2 Nice Girls.Phranc
www.pholksinger.com --
Phranc's Official Web Page
Candyass
another
Phranc web page
Goofyfoot CD EP.Phranc, the jewish lesbian punk folksinger, has a new CD out on KRS, who put out a single by her last year. The cover shows Phranc on her surfboard, and appropriately enough, it starts out with "Suferfdyke Pal" and ends with an instrumental surf song, "Goofyfoot," which has all-boy surf band Satan's Pilgrims on it. There's a couple of covers, "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "Ode to Billy Joe." "Bulldagger Swagger" is reprised from the single. There's also other guest musicians, including Kaia and Donna from Team Dresch, Patty Schemel of Hole, and Tobi Vail of Bikini Kill. (Kill Rock Stars) (reviewed 9/95)
Bulldagger Swagger/ Hillary's Eyebrows 7". The Jewish lesbian folksinger is back. Bulldagger Swagger is a tribute to butch lesbians (of which Phranc is one), while Hillary's Eyebrows is an ode to the first lady. (Kill Rock Stars) (reviewed 4/95)
Pussy Tourette
In Hi-Fi
CD/CS.
Drag sensation Pussy performs dirty blues. 8 songs, including "$70",
"Fuck my Pussy", "French Bitch", and "Free Pussy". Feather Boa Music, 584 Castro Box
1260, SF CA 94114 ($20)(reviewed 1993)
Queen Pen
My Melody CD.
Hip-hop record with a woman MC. On one song, "Girlfriend" she raps
"girlfriend, girlfriend, yes I had your girlfriend."
(the song borrows musically from the Me'Shell Ndegeocello song "Boyfriend.")
It's well-done but not especially innovative musically, leaning heavily
on Puffy-style mega-samples instead of chopping things up. (If you want
innovative, listen to Latyrx.) I'm sure this is just the start of the
queer hip-hop we're going to be hearing in the future. (Interscope)
(reviewed 3/98)
(see my list of Queer Hip Hop links
for more info on Queen Pen)
Sally Strugglers
self titled 7".
The music is uptempo punk rock.
"Big Boy" is an anthem to big guys -- "Call me a chubby chaser, I
don't care, you think it's strange when I stop and stare/
at that big bear of a man, you just wouldn't understand."
The other three songs offer more fast, poppy joy.
$3 from Smalltown Kids, PO Box 292, Lexington, KY 40584-0292
[Address appears to no longer work -- I have an email
address for the singer.] (reviewed 10/96)
See here
for a store that lists the record in their catalog.
Scanner
Scanner vs Signs ov Chaos CD-EP.
Scanner (Robin Rimbaud) and Signs ov Chaos (Michael Wells)
swapped samples and remixed each other producing "mothlight,"
"thee rubber boys," "thee ghosts," "kink," and two tracks
both titled "michael jackson." This is fairly different
from Scanner's usual stuff -- the cellular phone scans barely make an
appearence (a notable exception being the telephone negotiations of
"thee rubber boys") It seems that SoC has punched up Scanner's tracks
more than Scanner has punched down SoC's, so it's not so ambient, more
beat-oriented. I'm not familiar with SoC's other work (Michael Wells
also records under a multitude of other names -- see
web:
http://www.brainwashed.com/gto/)
Scanner web page:
http://www.obsolete.com/scanner/
Earache Records, Suite 915, 295 Lafayette St., NY NY 10012.
Web:
http://www.earache.com
(reviewed 3/98)
Sister George
Drag King
CD/12".
Outpunk has made a U.S. release of this British queercore band's record.
Same eight songs as the UK version, but it has a different cover and a lyric sheet, so
now I understand that "Janey's Block" is about Jane Bowles' writer's block. This is a
great record, and now it's available at a lower price to folks in the U.S. (Outpunk)(CD $10, LP $7, add $1 Canada, $2 overseas; see
address above) (reviewed 9/95)
Drag King CD/LP. British queercore band Sister George may be the homo punk band you've been waiting your whole life for. The 8 songs get across a message about non-mainstream queer experience. The song "Sister George" includes the classic line "I never met a man quite like you before, girl"; "Let's Breed" is a sarcastic paen to heterosexual reproduction; "Virus Envy" is about lesbian AIDS transmission-- "Girl-to-girl HIV transmission/is going to go on happening if we give it permission"; "100X No!" incorporates a cover of Tom Robinson's "Glad to be Gay," and samples of Aileen Wuornos. (Catcall Records, 142B St. Paul's Road, London, N1 2LL)(reviewed 10/94)
Six Inch Killaz
5-song cassette
This band with transgender members plays fuzzed out guitar punk with drum
machine. P.I.G. starts out with a sample from the movie Women in Revolt --
the title stands for "Politically Involved Girls." "Jackie" is naturally
a salute to Jackie O. Other tunes are Straitjacket, Trashola, and The
Great Seducer.
web: http://www.phreak.co.uk/killaz/
(33 Romford Road, Stratford, London E15 4LY UK)
(reviewed 3/98)
Call the
Doctor
CD/LP. Sleater-Kinney
Official website:
http://www.sleater-kinney.com/
The dual guitars of Sleater-Kinney center in from both directions on a
harmony in an uncanny way. And Corin Tucker's voice is unearthly in its intensity.
Sleater-Kinney can be my Joey Ramone anytime. (Chainsaw) (reviewed 10/96)
Smoke
Heaven on a Popsicle Stick
CD.
The lead singer of this band, Benjamin, has
a gravelly voice and has been
known to dress in genderfuck drag. The
music is kind of loose, with prominent 'cello,
banjo, and trumpet. It brings Big Star's Third
record to mind. "I Do" is a description of
the ideal boyfriend -- "Mr. Right's more a boy
than not/ he's long and lean /the strong
silent type/ 'cept for in sex he's loud and mean/
with that Matt Dillon mouth and that
suck-it-faggot smile/ I could use someone to
tell me what to do for a while." "Freak" has
a great image of a neon sign about one's head
flashing "freak, freak." There's also a
song about Luke Perry's feet. Benjamin's
previous band was the Opal Foxx Quintet;
their CD, also available from Long Play, was
partially produced by Michael Stipe, and
Benjamin has been cited as an influence on Stipe's
coming out. Long Play Records,
Box 55233, Atlanta, GA 30308(reviewed 4/95)
Smoke web page
See the memorial page to Benjamin,
Benjamin Remembered.
See this article
on Benjamin.
Web Page: http://www.radioactive.net/BANDS/SNOWPONY/snowp1.html
The Little Girls Understand 7". Katherine Gifford (ex-Stereolab) and Deb Googe (ex-My Bloody Valentine) are in this band. The two songs on it are "Come & sit here on your daddy's knee" and "Who's going to be your daddy now." There are liner notes by Pat Califia explaining the reclaimation of the term "daddy" in the dyke scene. In addition to being a "concept" single, it's musically good, especially some interesting mix tricks on the second song. They sound closer to MBV than Stereolab, I'd say. It's in a brown cardboard jacket, and was a limited release. They also have two other singles. (Go a href="http://radioactive.net/boom.html">here to hear a clip from one of them.) (Rough Trade Singles Club) (reviewed 3/98)
Vespa-Sex 7".A 5-song 7" from this San Francisco-based "patheti-core" band, featured on Outpunk Dance Party. The songs are "It's a really bad scene"; "Vespa-Sex", about someone who's into scooter riders, of course; "Elbo Grease"; "Double Your Chances," a song about bisexuality; and "Powter Choice," a mock-grindcore anti-dieting song. Comes with an amusing 12-page booklet. (Outpunk$3/$4 overseas)(reviewed 9/95)
The New Team Dresch v 6.0 beta 7".
Captain My Captain CD/LP. I find the lyrics on this, Team Dresch's second full-length release more overtly queer, and that's just fine with me. "Uncle Phranc" is about families of choice vs. families of origin and rings so true. "I'm Illegal" is about not being allowed to be affectionate in public. "Musical Fanzine" really represents the connections that can be made through zines -- "queer sex is great, it's fun as shit don't worry Jesus is dead and God don't exist". (Chainsaw or Candy- Ass) (reviewed 10/96)
Personal Best CD.Team Dresch is kind of a punk rock dyke supergroup, with Donna Dresch, who's played with "so many bands" (as Fifth Column sang in their song about her), Kaia from Adickdid, and Jody from Hazel. At their live shows, they have self-defense demonstrations. "Hate the Christian Right" is a rant against homophobic oppression. "Growing Up in Springfield" is about being a young lesbian in a small town. Other songs include "Fagetarian and Dyke" and "She's Crushing My Mind." (Chainsaw or Candy-Ass)(reviewed 4/95)
Self-titled 7". Donna Dresch, the namesake of this band, is the same Donna
as in the Fifth Column song; she's been in many other bands and published the zine
Chainsaw. Now she's in this all-dyke band with Kaia and Jody. "Hand Grenade" is a
catchy song with a line that "she knows how to fight." "Endtime Relay" is a little
crunchier. "Molasses in January" is, as you might guess, a slower song. Some lyrics:
"You superbutch punk-ass motherfucker/ lay down between between my legs/ come
up here and say that to my face." The cover art is based on an old lesbian romance
novel. (Kill Rock Stars) (reviewed 10/94)
Terre Thaemlitz
Couture Cosmetique CD
The liner notes are great, and serve to give the music a context
much different from the usual vague feel-goodism of ambient music.
The notes kick off with this quote from Dont Rhine of Ultra-Red:
"While the development of Queer-positive imagery and graphics exploded
with AIDS activism in the 1980's, sonically we have little more than,
'Hey-hey, ho-ho, Homophobia's got to go!'"
But enough about the notes -- what about the music? Voices and other
sounds filter in and out at the limits of audibility. "Some het guy's
probably thinkin' that he's checking out [inaudible] got six inches tucked
between the crack of my ass [inaudible]." Mechanical sounds thwart your
expectations of easy listening... after being lulled by drones you're
jolted with auditory shocks, a sort of ambient aversion therapy.
(Comatonse Recordings, 1097-b 54th street, Oakland, CA 94608)
Web:
http://www.comatonse.com/
GayToday article on Thaemlitz
(reviewed 3/98)
G.R.R.L. CD. Beat-oriented rather than ambient like some of Thaemlitz' other work, this falls into (and transcends) a variety of categories. Instrumental with the exception of China Doll (Kill All Who Call Me), sung in Chinese by Chiu-fen Chen, which attacks fetishization of Asians. (Comatonse) (reviewed 3/98)
Third Sex
A photo
of the band and a link to a discussion area.
They's Third Sex web page
For info about Third Sex, email Peyton (who is a member of the band) at Pagel@aracnet.com
Card Carryin' CD/LP. Brand new full-length record by this Portland- based dyke trio. Driven by Killer's propulsive drumming, Peyton and Trish play bass and guitar riffs and trade vocals. Lyrical topics range from fucked-up relationships ("Crazy Glue," "Definition") to messed up family stuff -- the lyrics of "Love in the Basement" are "My sister is the girl I was when I was 13/ I want to tell her everything I learned the hard way/...They won't let me talk to her cause I am the lesbian freak." But there's also fun stuff like "Un Deux Trois Cat" where at least the two-timing is being done by a kitty-cat. Don't miss their next tour --tour dates can be found at the Chainsaw web site. (Chainsaw) (reviewed 10/96)
Self-titled 7".Debut single from this dyke trio from Portland, who also appear
on Free to Fight. The songs are "Feed Me," "My Expense" and their song about family
communication "Mombies". The way the guitarist and bassist trade off vocals is very
effective, especially on Mombies, where they yell back and forth like a mother and a
daughter "Why can't you get over it -- I don't know, I don't know". Great cover photos of
the band in family drag. (Kill Rock Stars) (reviewed
9/95)
Tribe 8
Role Models For Amerika CD. Third full-length from San Francisco's punk dyke superstars. Stream-of-conciousness rants, the headbanging thrash, if you don't know by now where have you been? It's a sign of how close they are to the reality they talk about that they're able to be irreverent about topics like breast cancer and the psych hospital industry. Tribe 8 are writing the songs about stuff nobody else is singing about -- sewing jeans in prison, people who talk about "white trash," being a femme dyke. (Alternative Tentacles) (reviewed 3/98)
Snarkism CD/LP. The CD is really great -- their best yet. Plus you get cover art by Diane DiMassa. Some of the songs include Republican Lullaby -- total hardcore, with great political lyrics; Tranny Chaser -- guest backing vocals from Justin Bond, with Lynn singing about various drag queens; She Said -- a song about a bad band manager and the band she manages; Checking Out Your Babe -- hip-hop- esque song about playing around with het's minds; Jim, Darby, & Sid -- a song about those dead (clothed) rock star boys; Wrong Bathroom -- ever get challenged about what bathroom you're in?; People Hate Me -- a song about getting ostracized for being different; Dead Clothed Boys -- When you can get live nude girls for free, what's worth paying for? (Alternative Tentacles) (reviewed 10/96)
Fist City CD. Tribe 8's long-awaited first full-length record is out, and if you haven't heard this great band of dykes yet, it's time. The music is rockin' punk, and Lynn Breedlove has a great tough, sarcastic voice. There's a few songs that have appeared in different versions on other records (classics like "Manipulate," "Neanderthal Dyke," "Femme Bitch Top," and "Frat Pig") but there's a lot of new material also. Some of the new songs: "Butch in the Streets" is about a woman who's femme in the sheets, naturally. "Romeo and Julio" is about having been a fag in a past life. "Kick" is about having a junkie girlfriend. "Freedom" is about monogamy and non-monogamy. "Flippersnapper" is about the exploits of a member of Tribe 8. (Alternative Tentacles) (reviewed 4/95)
Allen's Mom 7"/CD5. The theme of this single is mothers; the back cover has pictures of each of the band members' moms. "Allen's Mom" is about a mother who leaves her husband for another woman. "Chickenshit" is about having a lover who's afraid of commitment. "Mom Gone Song" is about not being able to communicate with one's mother. (Outpunk)(reviewed 10/94)
By the time we get to Colorado CD/LP/CS 6 song CD by this dyke punk band, including "Lezbophobia". (Outpunk)(reviewed 1993)
Pig Bitch 7". Great punk dyke band. Songs are Femme Bitch Top, Frat Pig, Power Boy,and Neanderthal Dyke.(reviewed 1992)
Tribe 8 / Blatz split 7". Two songs each by these queer bands. Also available: Tribe 8 "Pig Bitch" 7". A Tribe 8 CD is forthcoming. (Outpunk, no longer available) (reviewed 1992)
Ultra-Red
Soundtracks and Guess Work cassettes.
Soundtracks is ambient music that incorporates sounds from
a needle exchange, recorded to document police harassment.
I find that the sounds have been processed enough that I
don't recognize their origins. Guess Work includes recordings
from a demonstration against labor practices by the Guess
clothing company.
Web:
http://www.comatonse.com/ultrared/
(reviewed 3/98)
Various Artists
Can't Help Lovin'
That Man
If you can get into stuff from the 1930's, you will like this CD of songs
sung by men about men. "Masculine Women, Feminine Men" seems kind of
homophobic. "Help!" is about a sissy who's scared of girls. Cliff Edwards, who did the
voice of Jiminy Cricket, sings "Come Up and See Me Sometime." There's 25 songs, 78
minutes. (Columbia) (reviewed 4/94)
Diesel Queens vs. Insainsts double 7". The Diesel Queens rock out on "Manson Family Feud," "Man-boy Love," "Punks Went Dirthead" (about sell-outs) "Happy Peppy" (an ode to the rave scene) and "I Love Cheese." The Insaints blaze through seven songs on their 7". The best song is the last one, "Whore": "If I wasn't here, you'd be alone/ If it weren't for me, you would be alone tonight/ I'll take your money/ give you the company/ you don't know me/ you don't own me/ and I won't give it away" One record's clear with red spots, and the other's purple. (Blacklist, 475 Valencia SF, CA 94103) (reviewed 4/94)
Fluke/Samsara split 7". Each band contributes two songs to this EP. Fluke's songs are "100 Million Little Girls" (about female genital mutilation in Africa) and "Answers Melt". Samsara's songs are "My Gears Are Slipping" and "We Won't Give Up" (which has the lyrics "The body is a temple," and is dedicated to the riot grrrls). (Out of Bounds Records, Box 4809, Alexandria, VA 22303)(reviewed 10/94)
Free To Fight 7" A sequel to the CD/LP self defense compilation. This 7" has a song each by Sleater-Kinney ("Big Big Lights") and Cypher in the Snow ("Blame the Victim.") There are also spoken word segments on the record. The theme of this 7" is finding alternatives to girls fighting girls. The Cypher song is about being in an abusive relationship. Plus the record comes with extensive amounts of writing about self-defense, including excerpts from letters prompted by the earlier parts of the project. Three more 7"s in the series are promised. $20 subscription to the series includes a poster. Candy-Ass) (reviewed 3/98)
Free To Fight CD/double LP. A compilation of music and spoken word with the theme of women's self-defense.Bands include Team Dresch, Fifth Column, Third Sex, and many more. Alsoincludes a zine of writing about self-defense. (Candy-Ass) (reviewed 10/94)
Gay Pride 7" compilation. SPDFGH, from Australia, does a short tune called "Sweet"; Pansy Division does "Bill and Ted's Homosexual Adventure"; Chumbawamba does "Ugliest Part of the Body"; Mambo Taxi plays a hilarious song called "Brett From Suede (It's About Time You Got Laid By a Man); Doom does a thrash song that rhymes "homophobia" and "claustrophobia"; Wat Tyler does "Wet, Wet, Wet (the fucking bed)," actually covering a Troggs song. This is mostly out of print, but if you look around, you might find a copy. Rugger Bugger Discs, Box 357, London SE19 1AD(reviewed 4/95)
Marigold Records four band 7".
Team Dresch, F-80, Shove, and Dahlia Seed each contribute a song.
Team Dresch's song is the atypical-for-them synth song "What Can a
Lover Do," which also has some cool effects of fucking with the
recording speed. F-80's "Casanova" is an energetic plea for
"some lovin'". I can't really tell you what Shove's "Sock Tan"
is about (how about a lyric sheet?). It has an interesting
structure -- two fast verses, then a slow one. Dahlia Seed's
"Standing 8 Count" perhaps refers to the pounding drum beat
that drives it.
(Marigold Records, 241 James St., Mounth Ephraim, NJ 08059)
(reviewed 3/98)
Masturbating Twat 7" compilation. Squack does "Masturbating Twat," which of
course is an ode to self-pleasure; Quivvver's "Taboo" is a love song, but I
couldn't decipher the lyrics enough to figure out if it's a queer song; Mona Elliott plays
"A.M. Radio"; Cheesecake's "Brats" is like the stuff parents yell at kids; Meghan
McLaughlin plays "The Carolina Song"; Lint does "Popcorn," a cute song about
popcorn and candy. Comes with a 16-page zine. Fistful Records, Box 390210,
Cambridge, MA 02139-0003(reviewed 4/95)
Outpunk Dance Party CD/LP/Cass.
This is the ultimate queer punk
compilation. The Mukilteo Fairies contribute "Queer Enough for You," a hardcore rant
about conforming to gay stereotypes; Power Snatch tells exactly how they're going to
make your "Booty Go"; UK queercore band Sister George's "Handle Bar" has a
fuzztone groove and super sarcastic lyrics; Double Zero's "Pacer" has lyrics about a
dyke S/M scene; Swine King's song "All Broke Down" features Biscuit of the legendary
Big Boys, in as fine form as ever; CWA's "Chickenhawk" is a rap about a dyke w/ bike
who seduces a straight girl--"Boy I fucked your girlfriend, and she is done with boys";
Pansy Division's "I Can't Sleep" is about a pick-up gone sour; Hyperdrive Kittens
contribute the catchy pop-rock song "Rock'n'Roll Drag Queen"; Jolt's "Rise" is an emo-
y song about coming out of the closet; Sta-Prest's "Nelly Strut/Suspiria" is a K-style
song about vampire lesbians; Tribe 8's "Oversize Ego" segues into a cover of Devo's
"The Girl You Want." This compilation is just plain required. Also out now from Outpunk
is a reissue of the "There's a Dyke in the Pit" compilation on all three formats. (Outpunk)(reviewed 10/94)
Queer to the Core CD.
A probably bootleg reissue of some old queer novelty tunes. The Teddy
and Darrel "These Are the Hits You Silly Savage" LP is reissued in its
entirety. According to Rhino Records,
one of the people on this record
was future California Lt. Governor Mike Curb. It's kind of like the Frogs,
in that it's probably a joke record where the people doing it aren't
gay, though who knows. Three singles on Camp Records are included (including
the classic "I'd Rather Swish than Fight," which I always wished Sta-Prest
would do a cover of.) Camp Records also released the LP "The Queen is
in the Closet," but it's not on here.
(The Camp Records tracks are apparently circa 1965, as they're
advertised in a
Vagabond
catalog from that year.)
And there's an exerpt of the Pearl
Box Revue double LP, which is a tape of a group of drag queens including
Dorian Corey of Paris is Burning fame talking circa 1970. If the people
who put out this rerelease are reading this (or people who know about the
original releases, even better) please get in touch with me.
(Quick Nuts)
(reviewed 3/98)
Sibilance #1 CD: This is a queer audio zine
on CD. Some of the pieces: "Asexual" is an electronic rant - "You make me want to be
asexual"; "Ale Heigh" is a pig-latin Gregorian chant; "Discharge" couples the reading
of a military discharge for reason of homosexuality with Sousa music; "Charlie off the
Wall" is a plea to a Manson fan to be more discreet; other pieces include "Gym Queen"
and "Michael's a Faggot." The price is a bargain: $5. Trip Records, 79 Franklin St, NY,
NY 10013-3408. email: sibilance@tripnet.com web: http://www.tripnet.com/sibilance
(reviewed 10/96)
Stars Kill Rock compilation
CD/LP. 17 bands, including Tribe 8, Slant 6, Pansy Division, and the instant
classic "Only Straight Girls Wear Dresses" by Cunts With Attitude (CWA). This is great stuff.
(Kill Rock Stars) (reviewed 1993)
Stop Homophobia Now 7" compilation.
Four bands, four songs. And it also
comes with a booklet with pages from each band and from several other folks,
including Dave on Damn Nation zine, Baby Sue comics, a comic by Terry Sapp, Gary
Fembot, Matt Outpunk, and Jen Angel of Fucktooth. Here's the songs: Fagbash:
"Another Freak Out": The title has the double meaning of a freak coming out. And the
music's fast and exciting as Paul Bonomo freaks out. Black Angel's Death Song:
"Brother and Sisters" is a song about homophobia. Pansy Division covers "Cowboys
Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other," a song which they played on tour in
Texas. It's a great song. Happy Flowers: "Toast Fire" is a feedback-drenched song
about accidentally setting mom's toaster on fire. 6403 Johnny Morris Rd #12, Austin,
TX 78724 ($3)(reviewed 4/94)
There's a Dyke in the Pit 7" compilation. Compilation with a song each by grrrl
bands Bikini Kill (Suck My Left One),Tribe 8 (Manipulate), Lucy Stoners (Soiled
Princess), and 7 Year Bitch(Dead Men Don't Rape.)
(Outpunk)
(reviewed 1992)
"Succubus" cass.
Feel/P.V.I (Is a Lie) 7".
The music is driving, rhymic punk rock. I guess "Feel" is
about having sex. "You may be a stranger / but I can really feel it." P.V.I. stands "Penile-
Vaginal Intercourse," and it's about the oppression of women. (Lounge
Singer)(reviewed 4/94)
The Vegas Beat
Self-titled CD
Sharing members with the final incarnation of Team Dresch, The Vegas
Beat mines a territory where melody intersects poetry. Melody carried
in "Gotta Know You"'s verses in the vocals over a sustained guitar chord,
becoming more harmonically complex in the choruses. Tapes from a talk
radio show with an ex-gay theme underly "Cyst." Madigan's cello guests
on two tracks, including "Pitfall," a song also on the 7" recorded by
members of the band when they were in La Grenuda. Brainy, mature rock lives.
(Candy-Ass/Live Transmission) (reviewed 3/98)
Womyn of Destruction
Estrojet web
page (succssor band to WoD.)
W.O.D. make hard-driving, melodic music. "Burn Me" is about
getting a pap smear; "Fetus" is a pro-choice song; "Booty" is a funky song about girls'
butts; "Big Stinkin' Man" is a rap ode to street harassers; "P.V.I. (is a lie)" is about the
myth that women get pleasure from penile-vaginal intercourse; "Mass-Murdering
Buddhist" is about becoming just that; "Devour" is a slower, sensual, but still powerful
song, featuring guitar and accordion. (P.O. Box 29919, Baltimore, MD 21230)(reviewed 10/94)The Zookeeper's Wife
New Theories of Dating cassette.
Lo-fi tunes that bring to mind His Name is Alive and Guided by Voices (though
a little more keyboard oriented.) There's a variety of singers. "Letter to
a lover" is about an imaginary letter to a same-sex boyfriend. I'd suggest
asking for the lyric sheet.
web:
http://www.lifelikerecords.com
(Lifelike Records, PO Box 1052, Rome, GA 30162)
(reviewed 3/98)
Alternative Tentacles
Box 419092
San Francisco, CA 94141-9092
web page: http://www.alternativetentacles.com
Candy-Ass
Chainsaw is now doing Candy-Ass mailorder.
NEW URL:Candy-Ass Records Web
Page.
Chainsaw
PO Box 1151
Olympia, WA 98507-1151
NEW URL:Official Chainsaw Records Web
Page
Harp Records
Box 460465
San Francisco, CA 94146
Outpunk Records
Box 170501
San Francisco, CA 94117
email: outpunk@sirius.com
QueerCorps/Outpunk Web Page
Kill Rock Stars
120 NE State Ave PMB #418 (must put PMB)
Olympia, WA 98501
email: killrkstrs@aol.com
Killrockstars.com - official
web page
unofficial
KRS web page
Knitting Factory
74 Leonard St.
NY NY 10013
Tel: 212-219-3055
Fax: 212-219-3401
email: kf@knittingfactory.com
Knitting Factory Web Page
K Records
Box 7154
Olympia, WA 98507
email: K@olywa.net
NEW URL:K Records Web Page
Lookout Records
P.O. Box 11374
Berkeley, CA 94701
email: llivermore@aol.com
NEW: Official Lookout Records
WebPage
timmi-kat ReCoRDS-usa
p.o. box 156
Denair, CA 95316
http://www.moontrentmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/timmikat