Warning: I have friends that poke fun at alternative chick bands as lesbian, hyper-feminist music. In some cases, yes, this is true. However, as a music loving individual, I don't always enjoy music movements, especially those of females, being reduced down to such stereotypes, especially unfounded ones. Don't get me wrong, many genres are funny, nuanced, and downright ridiculous, and female musicians are not exempt from that. In fact, they are the ugly stepchildren of chick flicks. But I love ugly step children more than chick flicks...I digress.
Anyway, with this caveat that female artists (not on the Top 40 list) are often taken down a peg by both women and men, I would like to dedicate my very first blog post to my favorite female finds from 2010. The list is not all-inclusive by any means, as I know there are many albums missing...in which case I encourage anyone to offer their suggestions. Bring it. But I don't expect many people to rep with the same love for ugly stepchildren that I have. Enjoy!
Lissie - Catching A Tiger - recording in the quaint and beautiful town of Ojai, Lissie's vocals are powerful and familiar like a folk or country singer, yet stripped of the trite twang that sometimes accompanies that genre. Her extremely laid back profile breathes new character into the singer songwriter chick-with-a-guitar genre. The album is filled with many solid standards.
Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid Suites II & III - The artistic prowess from this (remarkably beautiful) songstress is not only undeniable, it is downright astounding. Her first full length studio album is embossed with an ornate and regal style. Drama is executed in the most luminous and contemporary fashion. I have to admit that the album may take a few listens to appropriately gather up all of the layered richness put forth. Backed by the likes of Big Boi, Of Montreal, and Saul Williams, amongst others, you have likely heard her single "Tightrope" echoing in a store somewhere in the past six months.
Warpaint - The Fool - A nice follow up to their EP, this all female ensemble balances the ethereal and delicate with percussive soundscapes to compliment each other in the various applications throughout their album. These contrasting sonic schools would traditionally divide many bands, but Warpaint embraces them, letting both light and heavy simmer to perfection. The track "Bees" is on of my favorite jams of the year with it's haunting, bass heavy, and mischievous electronic overtones.
Best Coast - Crazy For You - Despite being whiney, full of angst, and repetition, I love this band. While sinfully adolescent, somehow they possess an aesthetic to pull it off; being lo-fi to blend the vocals tones, tinkering with Southern California surf melodies, and drawing upon simplistic lyrical content akin to early Beach Boys. These tracks offer youthful anthems to alternative females. In a time when pop stars referred to by first-name-only dominate pop culture, Bethany Consentino extends an unrefined sound to lovelorn and dazed teens.
Marina & The Diamonds - The Family Jewels - Pop, wit, attitude and melodrama. With the first lyrics that chirp from the album ("I was pulling out my hair the day I got the deal"), the listener hits the gas on Marina's frank and unrelenting drive to be a success. Akin to a memoir, there is an addictive amount of energy, defiance, and passion to this release. Entranced by the folly of Hollywood, the album is both a comment on that society and a unsparing review of herself. Not to mention her live show had the magnetic charge of the sun.
The Secret Sisters - The Secret Sisters - Vocally enchanting, this sister duo is lovely and exquisite in their classic harmonies. Their album contains covers and original material, the song selection and crystal quality of the vocals is intoxicating and magnetic, like sirens. I was swept away by the classic, raw talent these ladies execute with their standout instrument.
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