Gee, why is no one talking about a movie titled 'The Punk Singer'?
I'm shocked. Maybe, it could be a good movie, but could definitely use a better name. Don't think many people would be caught dead watching a movie with this title.
shareDoes the title even make sense?
When I glanced over it the first thing I thought of was The Jazz Singer.
Looks like it is more of a documentary than a movie. I had not heard of the riot grrrl movement, would be interesting to see what that is about.
That's because nobody gives a $hit about the "riot grrl" movement, which refers to nothing more than all-girl punk bands, territory that had already been trodden in the 1970s. The only difference is that the girls ratcheted up the girl power rhetoric, and later twaddled off to the Suicide Girl website. This "movement" contributed absolutely nothing new or innovative on the musical landscape. It was all style with zero substance.
share@ccr1633
Yes,it did---it was responsible for the huge influx of female rock bands in the '90's, and revitalized feminism for young girls. Bad enough you couldn't stop talking s*** about black people every damn where you went,now you're gonna dog out women,too? Just STFU, crawl off and die, you racist sexist troll.
For people actually interested in the movie's subject, read a book called GIRLS IN THE FRONT, which is a good overview of the whole riot girls history. I remember hearing about it back in the day, and Bikini Kill made some bad-ass songs---check this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuHEQEsCjDo
I'm checking it out myself.
>>This "movement" contributed absolutely nothing new or innovative on the musical landscape. It was all style with zero substance.
Pretty much. All these "going against the grain" and "down with normality" is hugely amusing because you pretty much know what will come out their mouth and their slogans are nothing but recycled and used. Such movements think they're being original, new, edgy ... whatever you want to called it ... in reality they're anything but, coming out as childlike, naive, bitter, unwarranted angst and just plain old sad. As a woman they do not inspire nor will they ever.
2013: Ain't Them Bodies Saints, Her, Short Term 12, Only Lovers Left Alive
As a woman, it was inspiring for me at the time. Just because it didn't do anything for you, don't assume that nobody else liked it because you didn't.
shareOkay then, name for us all the great innovations, albums, and lasting contributions to the music landscape that was wrought by the riot grrl movement. Here, I'll name some oldies that would qualify in their own sub-genres: Blue (Joni Mitchell), Sgt Peppers (Beatles), Are You Experienced (Hendrix), The Ramones (self titled debut), Straight Outta Compton (NWA), Horses (Patti Smith Group), Nevermind (Nirvana), Led Zeppelin I, The Bends (Radiohead), Trans-Europe Express (Kraftwerk). I could go on.
So, what are all those grrrrreat albums produced by the riot grrls?
Just off the top of my head: "Call the Doctor" by Sleater-Kinney and "Bricks Are Heavy" by L7.
I hope this helps.
BitchinCamaro wrote:
Just off the top of my head: "Call the Doctor" by Sleater-Kinney and "Bricks Are Heavy" by L7.
Well, they're ok songs. My problem is that they sound completely derivative of 70s and 80s punk and alternative music. Ever listened to The Pixies? The Subhumans? There's nothing innovative whatsoever in these songs. To be fair, I understand that this is your opinion and that you consider these to be landmark songs in the history of rock and pop music. I have different criteria. Again, it seems that the whole Riot Grrrl thing really centers amplifying the role of women in punk, and not the music or even the attitude itself, which had all been covered already.
Here's a link to the Sleater-Kinney song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_37YRkp4hIQ
Does anyone else REALLY think this is innovative music?
share
I was referring to the entire albums. In the pantheon, it is fair to consider these two examples as lesser than, say, "Come on Pilgrim", but as far as their importance in "amplifying the role of women in punk", I believe that they (among others) are indeed essential.
I'll offer an example of why I think the work of these bands, including Bikini Kill, are important despite the issue of the role of women in music, at large, and in punk, in particular, having already been covered:
MLK and Malcolm X covered the issue of obtaining civil rights for the Black community 50 years ago. Should we disregard the efforts of those who have come after them to continue the struggle against discrimination? Should we consider the struggle complete? I would answer no to both of these questions.
Returning to the albums "Call the Doctor" and "Bricks Are Heavy", I'll put "Good Things" and "Pretend We're Dead" up there with anything off "Nevermind"--Nirvana being essentially a derivative of the Pixies loud/quiet song-style and the truly innovative music of Mudhoney. By the mid-80s, just how truly innovative was any punk music? PIL held that rock was obsolete by the end of the 70s. None of this really has much to do with the importance of Kathleen Hanna and her peers, which I believe has to do with an attempt to put the final nail in the coffin of a music world where women are considered secondary.
Without Kathleen Hanna no one except people in the Northwest would even know who Nirvana were and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" would never have been a hit, much less written. And Nirvana wouldn't have just been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There's your burn notice, dude. Accept it and move on.
shareYou still don't get it. Riot Grrrl not only inspired women to pick up an instrument but to also speak up.
So none of the bands they influenced had a hit, who cares? Are you really surprised they don't get played on the radio?
As a woman they do not inspire me nor will they ever.
That's what I meant. Then again I really don't care if it inspired you ... the whole "At least it will inspire just one child!" it begging the minority. share