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
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