61. Reject All American

Reject All American by Bikini Kill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm still here! I didn't disappear. I just had some time away and have been busy with other projects.

So next in line we have riot grrrl band Bikini Kill with their album "Reject All American." If America is apple pies and nice girls, then yes, when listening to this album, you can consider that rejected.

"Statement of Vindication" is all out punk with yelling, sassy singing and lyrics you can barely discern. The track, like many on this album, is short and rhythmically upbeat which is typical of many punk tracks.

"Capri Pants" and "Jet Ski" are jammin' tracks that are feminist (especially "Jet Ski"). These girls are not ashamed of their sexuality or their rejection of the opposite sex. Let's face it. When guys wear the jerkface, is it any mystery why an all-girl band would write tracks like this?

There's something distinctly retro about these tracks too as if they were written in the 50s or 60s, but then tweaked to sound hardcore punk. "Distinct Complicity" has this vibe coupled by the wild, tone deaf vocals.

"False Start" is a great track. It has a cheery melodic quality compared to the other tracks. The vocals are softened and feminine with a sparkly xylophone to accompany it.

"R.I.P." sounds like an homage to someone they knew who died, but in some ways also sounds like a genuine song of mourning and frustration at that loss. Kathleen Hanna's voice just tears through you. It's the one song on the track that seems to convey that she's singing from a deeper place.

From "Bloody Ice cream" to "For Only", the band dynamically shifts from faster to slower tunes. From the wild to the tame, Bikini Kill covers their bases. "For Only" incorporates a trumpet and strums its way into a more subdued punk space.

"Tony Randall" starts off almost like an old Clash hit. The instrumentals are very reminiscent of early 80s punk. Great stuff.

The last two tracks finish the album off in style. The album's title track is an anthem for a generation sick of American traditionalism. The "Finale" is a minute and a half closing track that rocks it out in Bikini Kill fashion.

Feminist, punk, young, and fun, if you're looking for some riot grrrl tunes, check this one out.



Track listing:

1. Statement of Vindication
2. Capri Pants
3. Jet Ski
4. Distinct Complicity
5. False Start
6. R.I.P.
7. No Backrub
8. Bloody Ice Cream
9. For Only
10. Tony Randall
11. Reject All American
12. Finale

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Who are Bikini Kill?