**UNDER COVER** Footsteps On The Dancefloor

**ONES TO WATCH**

In the last few months despite lowering funds in the old bank account I've still found myself on numerous occasions perusing the rails on Oxford Street. When I'm there, it usually happens whenever I walk into New Look, a certain song breaks through the usual chart drivel and stops me in my tracks. For months I only knew it as my shopping song, now I've found out what it is. 'Katy on a Mission' by upcoming artist Katy B is the soundtrack to my shopping sprees.




Katy B, a 20 something BRIT school and Goldsmiths University graduate, has been making waves in the underground garage and funky house scene for months after her debut single 'Katy on a Mission' was released earlier this year. Somehow she's the perfect mix of unique and marketable making her Radio 1's new favourite act. Both '... Mission' and her latest, 'Lights On' have played heavily on the Radio 1 playlist.




'Lights On' is a dancing song about dancing. The best kind of dancing song. While Katy sings about her love of throwing a few moves on the floor Ms Dynamite waxes lyrical making us wonder why she ever went away. Katy B is working with Ms Dynamite on her upcoming album so hopefully we'll be getting more of the same and better.

Julie Ruin is Back

You probably heard the best music news this year already but if not I shall enlighten you.

Riot Grrrl legend Kathleen Hanna has announced she will releasing new material under the name The Julie Ruin.

Hanna made the announcement whilst performing at her own tribute show, a fundraiser for the upcoming documentary about Hanna's life.

Hanna said: "Thanks you so much for coming. This is a really special night for me. We're The Julie Ruin and we're writing a new album but we're going to do some oldies."

The Julie Ruin also features Kathi Wilcox bassist in Bikini Kill and The Frumpies.

The Julie Ruin seem to be the full ensemble version of Hanna's 1999 solo outfit Julie Ruin of which featured cult hits such as 'Stay Monkey' and 'Aerocide'.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #1**

Yay It's the big day and the end of Don't Dance Her Down Boys countdown to the greatest Christmas songs ever.

Number one on the list is the brilliant, Phil Spector produced classic Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by the wonderful Darlene Love.

Well it's been a long month I'm sure you'll agree with me that it's been worth it. Merry Christmas, see you after the big day.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #2**

Probably the sexiest song about Santa ever made, the late Eartha Kitt's version of Santa Baby knocks the socks off every other version, including Marilyn's, in my eyes.

The 1953 Christmas song was orginally recorded by Kitt and has been covered by numerous others including Madonna, the Sugababes and, oddly Taylor Swift, I bet you good money our wholesome Ms Swift didn't even understand most of the double entendres that make the song what it is. They all tried to top our Eartha but none of them reached the sultry heights that she did so easily.

Also this song employs the rarely used christmas double entendre involving Christmas trees. To my memory only Lady Gaga has been brazen enough to invoke that imagery, see my earlier post, and she went full throttle with it.

This is probably Kitt's most well known song and for good reason. The perfect Christmas song for the lovers of the high life.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #3**

Number three on the list it's my old friends Karen O and the gang, ok they don't actually know me..yet, with their amazing Christmas tune 'All I Want For Christmas', not related to the well known Mariah Carey tune, number 4 on our list. This is a stand out tune, one I can listen to any time of year.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #4**

"He's gone 2000 miles/ It's very far"

One of those Christmas songs that you hear every year but never really know who it's by or even what it's called.

It's such a classic I'm just going to stop talking and listen to Chrissie sing "The children were singing/ he'll be back at Christmas time."

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #5**

Only five more days to go till Christmas and we're nearly at the end of our countdown to the greatest Christmas songs of all time. It's like those Channel 4 Greatest shows but ... better.

At number five is a tune I know a lot of people will pretend to hate in public but when they reach the safety of their bedrooms or lose their ambitions in the shower that's when they show their real feelings.

Yes the song that everyone sings at the top of their lungs at this time of year, it's 'All I Want For Christmas' by the ultimate, I-don't-do-stairs, diva that is Mariah Carey.

A controversial one but a good'un all the same, get out your hairbrush it's time to sing along.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #6**

Only one week to go are you sick of Christmas yet before it's even begun, cuz I'm not and for those of you that are on the same page as me here's the ultra cool Raveonettes with their ultra cool santa related tune.

It sounds like a Christmas rave in a snow globe. All mysterious and twinkling riffs with bounding beats.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #7**

Present face is something we've all had, admit it. Garfunkel & Oates have just put it in a very comical form for us all to enjoy.

Focusing on the more awkward part of Christmas day G&O hate getting dodgy gifts and don't want to stay quiet anymore.

I love the idea of present face being a worldwide expression.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #8**

A new song Christmas song for this list has been offered up by the amazing Beach House.

Earlier this week they released 'I Don't Care For The Winter Sun' for free on their website as a thank you to devoted fans. This is classic Beach House with added snowflakes and winteryness.

I Don't Care For The Winter Sun

Hello, Hello, Hello Kathleen

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #9**

Tracey Thorn entertains us on this sombre cover of 'Sister Winter' by Sufjan Stevens.

The track has a lot of meaning to Tracey as it was recorded around the time Tracey's mother passed away earlier this year.

Close your eyes and let the track take you away

Sister Winter- Tracey Thorn

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #10**

This really needs no introduction. Classic.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #11**

Cocknbullkid went a bit quiet for a while but now she's back with a new album, single and Christmas song to boot.

'Amazing Dave' is a pretty interesting reworking of a church choir classic with added weirdness, if that's even a real word.

For those of you who liked to day dream about being a popstar during Sunday School.

Amazing Dave- Cocknbullkid

**SONG OF THE MONTH**

The song of the month is one that you've probably already heard before but I still have to post about it.

I know technically a ten-year-old should not be able to make a hit song good enough to rival Rihanna but stranger things have happened. I've fallen for the kooky hairstyle and shrunken Lady Gaga clothes of Willow Smith.

The coolest ten year old in the world has already raised the bar for inventive, catchy pop songs and is waiting for everyone else to catch up.

'Whip My Hair' is amazing I don't care what anyone says, though I do have a pretty nasty neck injury after trying to copy the dance.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #12**

I really don't have to say anything for this one, it's just a classic.

You can't go wrong with The Crystals anyway.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #13**

Today's modern Christmas carol is from the lovely Imogen Heap. 'Just For Now' from her second album Speak For Yourself.

I love her perspective on the little different parts of Christmas that make it the best and the most annoying day of the year.

Just for now get me outta, get me outta here...

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #14**

Das Wanderlust are no strangers to the odd Christmas song. As well as recording a riot grrrl cover of the classic 'Santa Claus is Coming To Town' they have also released this sweet little tune.

'Someone To Pull Crackers With' features harmonious, choral like vocals and a little drummer boy-esque drum beat that lines the track.

I think I just felt about 50% more Christmassy, if that even is a word. If it as then I DO.

Someone To Pull Crackers With- Das Wanderlust

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #15**

Today's song is probably one that you hear at this time of year every time at many a shopping centre across Britain.

If you're a bit slow like me you will probably have not even realised who it's by or what it's even called.

'Christmas Wrapping' by the 80s new wave band The Waitresses is an upbeat, jolly song about this time of year.

It was considered a modern classic Christmas song in it's day and you can see why.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #16**

Here's Kate Bush's festive number called 'December Will Be Magic Again' complete with Kate wide-eyed and writhing around on a red wicker chair in matching red pyjamas.

Not the most obvious video for a Christmas song but it works.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #17**

Punk royalty Viv Albertine is back to show the youngun's how it's done when it comes to and all things festive.

After seeing Viv in all her glory at Ladyfest Ten I couldn't wait to devour all of her solo work in one almighty gulp, so you'll probably understand why I'm so happy she has recently released a christmas song.

'Home Sweet Home (At Christmas)' is basically a re-recording of an earlier song, 'Confessions of a MILF', but with some holly on top.

HSH is a lament to troubles of a lonely housewife trapped in a monotonous, soul destroying routine of "washing, cleaning, fucking" that spirals to the point where she could think of nothing worse than entering the house that has become the bain of her life.

Yeah... It sounds a bit depressing but if you love a bit of dark humour it's amazing.

(Not for fans of Cliff Richard)

Home Sweet Home (At Christmas)

New CocknBullkid Single

Cocknbullkid, aka Anita Blay, aka pop's new saviour, has been off my radar for a while after astounding me with the brillant 'There's a Mother in Our Bed' way back in 2007.

News on the grapevine says Blay will be releasing a new single soon as a prelude to a full length album, no more single yay, in April next year.

'Hold On To Your Misery' is apparently an 'anti-anthem' song that was inspired Blay's teenage years.

You can listen to it on her Myspace page, but while your still here take a peek at her latest video 'One Eye Closed'.

www.myspace.com/cocknbullkid
h/t The Girls Are

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #18**

Hello world, here's the next instalment of Don't Dance Her Down Boys Does Christmas and today it's all about Ms Gaga and her lovely 'Christmas Tree' or rather who's under it.

Oh yes Gaga has managed to take the wholesome and completely non sexual image of a christmas tree and turn it into a sordid, innnuendo ridden ditty.

A great one to play in front of Grandma, she won't even notice it's dirty.

**DDHDB's DOES CHRISTMAS #19**

Open the door of the indie advent calender to find today's christmas song.

Dear readers, I never got over the break up of The Long Blondes, their songs were indie pop perfection why did they have to leave me, as a result I've offered up there take on a christmas song.

If Christmas to you is just another day, you hate merriment, joy and are just a general grinch when it comes to anything seasonal then you'll probably love Christmas is Cancelled.

This is probably the most sour Christmas song ever written but that's why I love it.

Kate paints a picture of a lonely, bitter woman, regretting a love that went wrong leaving her alone on the worst day of the year to be alone.

All she has to keep her company is a plate of fish and chips and the Queen's message on the TV.

It's depressing, but catchy.

The Long Blondes- Christmas is Cancelled

***DDHDB'S DOES CHRISTMAS #20***

Since I'm having a little trouble with 8 Tracks I can't make my usual mixtapes each month. Until I find a replacement, or 8 Tracks gets it's act together, I'm just going to post a new Christmas song each day till Christmas Day. I've been racking my brains for some good ones and I think I got a few you'll love.

For now here's Black Christmas by the genre defining punk rock heroine Poly Styrene. 'Black Christmas' is the first release from Poly since last year's single 'City of Christmas Ghosts' with Goldblade. Poly is hoping to follow this seasonal single with the full length album Generation Indigo next year.

Featuring her daughter Celeste 'Black Christmas' is a reggae kissed driving song that focuses on the 'true meaning of Christmas' i.e not buying presents and getting pissed in front of grandma. If you're expecting Poly's usual shrill shouty way of singing you'll find it's not but instead replaced with a grown up soft, lulling vocal.

I couldn't think of a better way of getting you into the Christmas mood.

Download 'Black Christmas' at: www.poly-styrene.com

This Is Going To Be My Theme Tune

***ONES TO WATCH***

Wild Flag (L-R Carrie Brownstein, Mary Timony, Janet Weiss, Rebecca Cole)

Ok this is nothing new but I thought I'd post about Wild Flag.

The all girl (or woman) super group was announced months ago and they have already begun their first west coasts American tour but it still think I really need to push home the point that they are just blowing my little noggin (first and last time I used the word 'noggin' I promise).

Wild Flower

Two parts Sleater-Kinney (Janet Weiss and Carrie Brownstein) and one part Helium (Mary Timony) and one part Minders (Rebecca Cole) there are enough indie legends for the band to take the world by storm.

Surprisingly they have gone for a different approach. Wild Flag are slightly low key about everything a small press release was all that was used to announce their conception, none of their songs are available on their official sites and most of the buzz around them has been spread by bloggers and fellow musicians.

Wild Flag at High Drive

I suppose that is far more of a real, grassroots way of spreading the word rather than employing a huge PR and marketing team.

Obviously the music's amazing. Their are only a few musicians that could scream "Come on and ride/ Pony up" over classic rock riffs and still make it sound good.

According to their official twitter account they're recording their first 7" right now. I can imagine Carrie laying down some spine-tingly riffs over Janet's steady beats.



www.myspace.com/wildflag 

Have You Heard The Newsflash...

I love this song but can't find any information on the vocalist Sandra Melody.

If anyone knows anything about her I will repay you in gumdrops and fruit pastilles (I'm so poor).

Kathleen Hanna The Tribute Show

Well it's been a good year for Kathleen Hanna lovers. This summer saw the opening of the Bikini Kill archive blog detailing the lives of the 90s band like a diary from Hanna herself, the Le Tigre: On Tour documentary showed in London this Autumn, news that there will also be a Kathleen Hanna documentary and now...gasp...a Kathleen Hanna tribute show.

If there is anyone from punk history that is due their moment of glory then Hanna is certainly right up there, with Poly Styrene and The Raincoats right behind her those ladies were mind-blowing.

The show, Rah Rah Replica, features some of Hanna's contemporaries, friends and probably those who idolised her as a awkward teenage picking up the mic to perform covers of Hanna's most popular songs. You know that's going to turn into one huge sing-along after 5 minutes.

Unfortunately it's at the Knitting Factory in New York for those England-based Hanna lovers like me. But New Yorkers can also let out a little cry because it's already sold out, ha!

All proceeds from the show will go towards Sini Anderson's documentary on Hanna which is in production now.

Reports say that Anderson will be filming the entire show so fingers crossed we'll be able to be there, if only by watching on a dvd or youtube, soon.

For now I wanna know what song of Hanna's vast back catalogue you would cover. I get first dibs on Deceptacon.

*MIXTAPE ALERT* Ladyfest Ten

This November Don't Dance Her Down Boys will be dedicated to Ladyfest Ten, the global arts festival that celebrates women's creativity and counter culture.

This month's mixtape has a selction of the best grrrl bands paying the festival this weekend giving a little taster of just how mind-shatteringly amazing our programme is.

We've got MEN, La La Vasquez, Nicky Click, Vile Vile Creatures, Lady Leshurr, Tender Trap, Viv Albertine, Trash Kit, Severin, Battant and many more.

For more information about Ladyfest Ten's music programme visit: www.ladyfestten.com/music

Tracklist:
1. Don't Rush Me- La La Vasquez
2. Women's Final- Wetdog
3. Do You Want a Boyfriend?- Tender Trap
4. Silver Chord- Jane Weaver
5. Found Love in a Graveyard- Veronica Falls
6. Cadets- Trash Kit
7. Lair- Peepholes
8. Make It Reverse- MEN
9. NIMN- She Makes War

Just Found Out About...Tami Hart

So I was browsing YouTube the other day and I managed to stumble across one of the best singers I've heard in a while.

While watching some videos of the 'Girls To The Front' launch party, which is an amazing book by the way and if you haven't already you should get a copy, I noticed there were some videos of some bands that played the launch.

Then I clicked on Tami Hart playing a song called 'Yr Shadow' and I was immediately drawn in. Her broken down vocals reminded me of a rawer version of Beth Ditto and the bluesy, three chord guitar riff mirrored some of the early White Stripes work.

To me this is just perfect.



www.myspace.com/xotamihartox

I Love This!!!

This is just cute.

h/t Suck My Left One

**SONG OF THE MONTH**

It's that time of the month, it's the song of the month, yay!

Judge me if you will but I have to admit that I think I've fallen astray. I just couldn't help myself that string section, that voice, that red hair. How could I resist. Yes readers I've fallen in love with a song from the Twilight soundtrack.

Now to bring my cool points up in your eyes I have never actually seen the trilogy and I'm actually unsure of what it's actually about (I think it's something about monsters) but I love this song and I know you do to. I mean how could you not. Flo is at her best, screaming her lungs out about love and death and looking pretty damn cool doing it.

It's a little emo but I don't care, I'm a little emo inside and I don't care who knows.

Ladyfest Ten Next Weekend

So after a year of planning, stressing, organising and, most importantly, making friends it's all over. Ladyfest Ten comes to London Town on the 12-14th November.

I can promise you it's going to be a good one I can promise you that.

Our programme has the likes of MEN, Shazia Mirza, Nicky Click, Kate Smurthwaite, Trash Kit, Wet Dog, Viv Albertine and a fabulous Lady Garden.

We also have amazing workshops on how to run a Ladyfest, self defence, comedy, screen writing, bike maintenance and a ukulele jamming session.

As with all Ladyfests all the money raised from Ladyfest Ten will be donated to  charity. We have chosen the wonderful charity Eaves that provides housing and support to vulnerable women.

If you haven't already bought tickets then what are you waiting for go get them, now. Ticket prices start at £12.50 so get buying.

You find out more information about Ladyfest's history, programme information and purchasing tickets at www.ladyfestten.com.

If you have any questions then get in touch at info@ladyfestten.com.

New M.I.A Track on Twitter

M.I.A posted a new mysterious track on her Twitter page today.

The rapper posted a link to a mysterious website called Bedroom to the Hallway to the Road to the World. The bass heavy club track is as yet untitled. Check it out here.

Girls To The Front

If you're of the riot grrrl loving inclination like myself you've probably already ordered Sara Marcus' new book Girls To The Front.

GTTF documents the history of riot grrrl in the early 90s and what it meant to young girls then.

I can't wait to get stuck in and will be posting a review when I get the book.

For now I'll send you over to Tobi Vail's J I G S A W online fanzine who posted about The Girls To The Front discussion panel in Olympia where a lot of interesting topics where thrown around.

Wanna Join A Riot Grrrl Band....

Ok so this post is purely personal but it is related to female musicians as I've started a riot grrrl band. I responded to an callout for riot grrrl loving girls who wanted to start a band.

We originally formed so we could enter the Just a Girl competition but we were too late. Now a month later we've jammed, talked and already wrote two songs together.

Steph and Ray

Our influences are Sleater Kinney, Throwing Muses, Bikini Kill, Sonic Youth, Le Tigre, Peaches etc.

If you wanna join this experimental fun we're looking for a bassist and also a drummer too.

If you like the look of us then get in touch at dontdanceherdownboys@gmail.com.

The Corin Tucker Band- Riley (Video)

Just A Girl Competition

LIVE ||
Birds of Paradise / Blue Cherrys / She Makes War / Minnie Birch / GLDGRVZ / Amazon Molly
Compered by the brilliant Zoe Grisedale.

DJ’s ||
**GIRL GERMS**
Spinning the best of 90′s pop, punk and riot grrrl, Girl Germs will have you dancing into the early hours. Cut some rug, shake your tail feathers, throw some shapes. Nice.

EXTRAS ||
- Raffle! | Prizes include: 1 x Weekend Ladyfest Ten Music pass, 2 x London Rollergirls bout tickets & a London Rollergirls booty bag (T shirt, merch etc.) and a ‘bundle’ which will comprise, CD’s, DVD’s, booze etc.
- Support your favourites! | ’Team’ badges & cupcakes will be available to buy for a bargainous £1!
- Zines! | Enjoy the best of DIY zine culture!
- Temporary tattoo & moustache bar! | A band tattoo? A Charlie Chaplin ‘stache? It’s all here…

VENUE ||
The Horatia
98-102 Holloway Road.
Nearest tube: Highbury & Islington & Holloway Road

DOORS || 7.30 – 2am.
£5 on the door
£4 NUS
All proceeds will be donated to Ladyfest Ten.

**SONG OF THE MONTH**

So It's been a while since I've posted anything on here. You probably haven't missed me but I've missed you and the release I get from writing so I'm going to try and update more often.

Here's the Song of the month for October is 'Freeloader' from Throwing Muses' 1996 album Limbo. I've been listening to this song non-stop since I heard it a week ago.

The simplicity of the lyrics, the quiet-loud song structure, Hersh's hypnotic growl I'm drawn to it all.

If you're a lover of female-fronted 90s noise rock you'll love this.

It's Been A While...

...What can I say no posts for a month but I can explain. You see I moved house and haven't been able to get the internet here till last week. Now I'm working 7 days a week so I won't be able to post as regularly as I would like but I've got quite a few ideas that I want to get out so I'll try and get those up soon.

For now I'll make your day by giving you the film that was almost forgotten in time. It's the infamous Lucy Thane documentary Bikini Kill Changed My Life. It's somehow found it's way onto the internet after all these years.

Enjoy x.x.x.

**SONG OF THE MONTH**

Phil, Tina and Ike

There is only one song that could qualify to make the top spot on Song of the Month. Decided by the number of times I've played it on repeat and felt my heart beating out the tune as I listen this month's title goes to 'River Deep, Mountain High' by Tina Turner.

Produced by Phil Spector the song was sold as an Ike and Tina Turner record but Spector, aware of Ike's controlling nature, paid Ike to stay away so the record only featured Tina's vocals and Spector's famous "Wall of Sound".

I could never do this song justice using whatever words i could come with to describe it so I'll just get straight to the point. Just listen and fall in love.

Just A Girl Competition

Phew, there is a lot going on this summer isn't there, first UK Feminista, then the Ladyfest Ten fundraisers, of which there is a great one next week, now fabulous online magazine The Girls Are have set up a competition where all female bands can win a chance to play at Ladyfest Ten this November in North London.

The winning band will be picked by a panel of judges which include The Other Womans' Ruth Barnes, Charlotte Richardson Andrews from Wears The Trousers and the legendary Viv Albertine. For those that don't know who Viv is she was a member of the amazing punk experimental band The Slits. Know you know, bow your head in shame for not recognising a genius when one is introduced to you.

This is a great opportunity for new, emerging bands, young musicians or girls in their bedroom with just a guitar, a head full of songs and access to put an ad on gumtree. That is the makings of a band right there. I've already written my Poly Styrene inspired ad looking for 'young punx that want to stix it together'.

To enter simply read through the following points:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Bands must contain at least 2 people, and for the purposes of this competition, must be all-female.- Band members must be aged 18 +.
- Bands must be unsigned.
- Bands must pay a £10 non-refundable entry fee (which will be donated to Ladyfest Ten), and submit an Mp3, JPEG and band bio to justagirl@thegirlsare.com by 8 Sept 2010.

TO ENTER:
- Download the rules and regulations & timeline PDF (right click here) and make sure you accept all the conditions.- Pay your £10 registration fee via Paypal (ladyfestten@gmail.com)- Email justagirl@thegirlsare.com with:- Your Paypal transaction details
- Your Mp3
- Your band bio
- Your band Jpeg

WHAT NEXT?
- You will receive a confirmation email with an entry no, which you will need to note.- The panel of judges will deliberate on entries before releasing a short-list.
- You will be notified about whether or not you have made the shortlist on 21 Sept.

Good Luck x.x.x.

ALBUM REVIEW: Kristin Hersh- Crooked

In the age of mp3, the internet and downloads some artists have decided to take the album to a new level and establishing a new connection between artist and fan.

The artist in question is Kristin Hersh who has recently put out her latest album, Crooked, in book form filled with essays, exclusive online commentary, videos and demos.

Crooked is Hersh's eighth solo album in a quarter of a century career which has seen her fronting alt rockers Throwing Muses, growling with 50 Foot Wave and cooing alongside Michael Stipe in the mid 90s. 

Crooked has come a long way since Hersh put her demos up on the CASH music project. With input from fans over the years they have changed and merged to become part of a solid and challenging album.

The book is illustrated with stunning pictures of photographs of flowers, lyrics and complex essays that shed more light on the complexities of Hersh's approach to writing than they do of the songs themselves which is not a bad thing. Hersh has an almost other-worldly way of looking at music, songwriting, and life itself and to see it written down is quite fascinating. 

The most Hersh reveals is that the title track 'Crooked' is about her friend saving her from the bipolar disorder that ruled her life by introducing her to acupuncture.

Crooked is driven by Hersh's stripped back vocals, her accomplished guitar playing and her simple recording which results in a album which sounds unsettling, rough around the edges and vulnerable. Crooked is a superb album and a must have for any Hersh fans out there.

Crooked is published by The Friday project. For more information about this release click here.

You Want Me Be Somebody Who I'm Really Not...

Corin Tucker News

Corin Tucker, former lead vocalist in everyone's favourite punk rock trio Sleater-Kinney, is releasing her debut album, 1,000 years, in October and has given us a sneak peak with the track 'Doubt'. It has all the warbling and riffage, is that a word, that we loved in Sleater-Kinney with added maturity.

Corin also talked about her love for Bikini Kill and why they were so important to girls when they first came out:

Even more than the records, the live experience of that band was so incredibly visceral. Like, I never didn't cry at their shows. Most of my friends and I would have tears streaming down our faces when they played those songs. It was a really intense time, and they were marking this space for women to say that we are these total natural forces to be reckoned with; we're sexual beings that are ready to battle for our own territory. 

Download Corin Tucker's new song 'Doubt' here.

More Crackers Please!

The wonderful ladies behind East London club night spectacular Unskinny Bop are hosting a Le Tigre themed benefit for Ladyfest Ten, and cripes, it is a corker! Taking place at Bethnal Green Library on 29 August, this jam-packed day comprises:

– an exclusive preview film screening of Le Tigre: On Tour, an in-progress edit of the forthcoming documentary due out in 2011!

– the chance to sing, dance and be filmed in for our karaoke music video of Keep On Livin’, for submission to the Le Tigre contest!

– entry to ticketholders-only afterparty at a nearby pub featuring Bop DJs and Ladyfest 2002 Allstars!

– stalls, zines, merch, and much more!

Entry is £9 each, and all proceeds go to Ladyfest Ten. Tickets will be available online very very soon so watch this space! The amazing venue for this amazing event is the wonderful Bethnal Green Library, located in the gardens just behind the tube station. We regret the halls we are using are on the first floor with no lift access; however we will do our utmost to ensure no-one with a ticket is prevented from attending.

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY ON SALE SOON!! MORE UPDATES TO COME SOON TOO!! WATCH THIS SPACE!!

*MIXTAPE TAPE ALERT* Feminist Anthems Pt. 2

I promised you the second part of the Feminist Anthems mixtape and here it is. I think it's pretty cool, covers a number of genres and also has a few tracks that you might not have read a feminist meaning in but it's there.

Let me know if you agree, disagree or think I left some out. This is going to be the soundtrack to the next Feminist Tsunami so it's gotta good.

Find Feminist Anthems Part 1 here.

Tracklisting:
1. She Bop- Cyndi Lauper
2. Bata Model- Crass
3. What's Love Got To Do With It- Tina Turner
4. Typical Girls- The Slits
5. I'm A Woman- Maria Muldaur
6. I'm So Excited- Le Tigre
7. Too Many Fish In The Sea- Marvelettes
8. Lola- The Raincoats
9. Tunic (Song For Karen)- Sonic Youth
10. Suck My Left One- Bikini Kill

**SONG OF THE MONTH**

A lot of songs could have made this spot this month but I settled for one song that has been in my head for a while. The song of the month is Queens of Noise by The Runaways.

You probably already know what recent film influenced this decision but if you don't I recently saw the biopic Runaways starring Kristen Stewart, Of Twilight fame, as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning, of having a weird name and child star fame, as Cherie Currie.

I didn't know much about the Runaways before but I loved it and looked up their whole back catalog.

I thought this was just a great song, simple as really. Don't need to say anything else, just enjoy.

The Kathleen Hanna Project

Yes it's the documentary that we've all been waiting for, a documentary on riot grrrl icon and feminist Kathleen Hanna is finally being made by Sini Anderson, co-founder of the spoken word performance group Sister Spit.

We've waited a long time for this but we may have to hold out a bit longer as Sini sent out a letter via Facebook asking for donations to pay for the expensive equipment needed to make the documentary.

If I had a million pounds I would give it all to them, well I would pay off my student debts and buy myself a flat first, because I think this film is so vitally needed.

Spread the word as it would be a shame if this never saw the light of day.

For more information: Facebook.com/TheKathleenHannaProject

GIG REVIEW: Kristin Hersh @ Round Midnight 26/07/10

Waiting in a cosy jazz club in North London were a bunch of uber fans. Uber technological fans that picked up on a tweet about a free secret gig and consequently made their way down to be so close to their idol they could touch her. Who else could inspire this much admiration and love from complete strangers other than Kristin Hersh.

The frontwoman of the seminal post punk band Throwing Muses is releasing her latest album Crooked in book form complete with downloads, commentary videos and demos. Hersh knows how to please her fans.

Having only been a fan of Hersh's for about the last couple of months I felt an imposter. I haven't followed her for the whole of her 20 year career or spent hours on end devouring her music. I have a lot to catch up on but I'm ready for the challenge.

Her husband Billy O'Connell introduced her on stage and joked that although their is no cd with the book you could buy the book and the CD-R's they were selling and put the CD-R in the book (this information will make more sense later on).

Kristin made her way through the crowd and like all iconic female singer she was tiny (think PJ Harvey and Amy Winehouse). I think she just about reached my shoulder but her diminitive size doubled when she played the opening chords of 'Mississppi Kite'.

Although shy Hersh knows how to capture a crowd's attention; going from one great song to another and occasionally peppering her set with wry musings on life and stories about school friends with weird skin conditions.

After the gig I had to get a book and meet Kristin so I queued up and bought a book from her husband. They didn't have any except for the open one on the stage so I took that one (again information will be relevenat later).

Kristin came over and signed my book and also wrote a little cute curly design in it that just made me want to hug her. I wanted to have a long conversation but as always in those situations my brain goes dead and I just try to get myself out of the situation as quickly as possible.

On the tube home looking through my book a CD-R fell out (see I wasn't just rambling, those details were there for a reason) and I realised I had taken the book that her husband put the CD-R in.

Essentially this post is just me apologising for accidentally stealing Kristin's CD. So Kristin if you're reading this I'm sorry but if it makes a difference I loved your set.

I Forgot...

.... how much I love The Kills.

**GOLDEN OLDIES**

My hunger for an old school girl band and needing to hear more ska music and finally been satisfied at once by the discovery of The Bodysnatchers.

The Bodysnatchers were a seven piece all female ska band, the only all female band on 2 Tone Records, who started life when bassist Nicky Summers put an ad in Melody Maker after being blown away by The Specials at an early gig.

She recruited vocalist and songwriter Rhoda Dakar, Stella Barker on rhythm guitar, SJ Owen on lead guitar, Pennie Leyton on keyboards, Jane Summers on drums and Miranda Joyce on saxophone.

Like all of my favourite bands the Bodysnatcher girls were either self taught or didn't know how to play at all so they just winged it and hoped something good came out.



Apparently they settled on their name because "the music is body snatching" which is a great way to look at music.

They played their first gig in November 1979 in Windsir Castle pub in London. Within a couple of months the band landed a support slot on tour with Selector and got signed by 2 Tone Records.

Due to their lack of experience the band mostly played covers including their biggest hit 'Let's Do The Rocksteady'.



As quickly as they rose to fame, they descended in the same way. The Bodysnatchers disbanded in October 1980 citing 'musical differences'.

Nicky and Rhoda were meant to work together afterwards but nothing came of it. A few band members found success with The Belle Stars and Rhoda released a single with Special AKA.

It's a shame how history has more or less erased this group but we can still enjoy them for the rude girls they were.