Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

typicalgirls - [TypicalGirls] Girl Power (the book)

typicalgirls AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Typical Girls: Women in Punk/Post-Punk/Underground Music (Circa 1975-1980s)

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: Dina Hornreich <dina.hornreich AT gmail.com>
  • To: Typical Girls <typicalgirls AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [TypicalGirls] Girl Power (the book)
  • Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 09:56:08 -0700

Is anyone else reading Marisa Meltzer's book on the explosion of women in rock/pop music in the 90s?

I'm only halfway through it right now, but I do see it's relevance to this listserv. It begins with a chapter on riot grrrl, and it includes interviews with list-members like Sharon Cheslow and Tobi Vail. I think she puts things into a historical perspective that is certainly valid (albeit a little subjective), and overlaps with mine (being from "that" generation).

Reading it reminds me of a theory I never developed about women in music being part of some kind of giant constellation rather than unifying category in and of itself. There is no one identifying factor, but taking a few gigantic steps back you can see something uniquely identifyingly female. Or not.

What is weird is that it keeps me wondering why I choose (or have chosen) to listen to the music that I do -- to hear what's new and innovative and interesting without overlooking the tendency of women to have been marginalized; to feel like I am part of something bigger and important (a feminist force); just because it catches me in that certain way.

On an unrelated note, I have to thank the list for introducing me to bands like wetdog and the coathangers. Did we discuss tUnE-yArDs?

...Dina




Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page