Chicks' rock
September 27, 2010 2:08 PM Subscribe
What's your favorite current female-fronted rock?
Metal, pop, punk, emo, death, math, bit, whatever, as long as it rocks.
Metal, pop, punk, emo, death, math, bit, whatever, as long as it rocks.
Deerhoof or Blonde Redhead
posted by orme at 2:11 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by orme at 2:11 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Sleater-Kinney.
posted by King Bee at 2:11 PM on September 27, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by King Bee at 2:11 PM on September 27, 2010 [3 favorites]
Within Temptation and I'll echo Blonde Redhead because they can't be promoted enough.
posted by zephyr_words at 2:12 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by zephyr_words at 2:12 PM on September 27, 2010
Noisettes, Janelle Monae, The Gathering, Paramore.
posted by jbickers at 2:13 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by jbickers at 2:13 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Tegan and Sara (twice as good: twin fronted rock!)
posted by vespabelle at 2:14 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by vespabelle at 2:14 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
Metric.
posted by cirrostratus at 2:18 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by cirrostratus at 2:18 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
The Fiery Furnaces. Also seconding Janelle Monáe and Deerhoof.
posted by valrus at 2:18 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by valrus at 2:18 PM on September 27, 2010
Another vote for Metric. Their latest album, Fantasies, is fantastic.
posted by Twicketface at 2:20 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Twicketface at 2:20 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also I haven't really listened to Sleigh Bells but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before someone mentions them. From what little that I've heard, that they rock is absolutely not up for debate.
posted by valrus at 2:21 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by valrus at 2:21 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
Dresden Dolls?
posted by lauranesson at 2:26 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by lauranesson at 2:26 PM on September 27, 2010
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
St. Vincent
Dresden Dolls (defunct as of a few years ago -- I don't know if that counts as "current")
Rilo Kiley
My Brightest Diamond
The Go! Team
If a band with a frontwoman and frontman counts, I'd add:
the New Pornographers
Sonic Youth
posted by John Cohen at 2:27 PM on September 27, 2010
St. Vincent
Dresden Dolls (defunct as of a few years ago -- I don't know if that counts as "current")
Rilo Kiley
My Brightest Diamond
The Go! Team
If a band with a frontwoman and frontman counts, I'd add:
the New Pornographers
Sonic Youth
posted by John Cohen at 2:27 PM on September 27, 2010
Hard seconding:
Sleigh Bells
Amanda Palmer/Dresden Dolls
Deerhoof
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Blonde Redhead
Adding:
Coco Rosie
Fiona Apple
Florence + the Machine
White Hinterland
Bjork
posted by Lutoslawski at 2:31 PM on September 27, 2010
Sleigh Bells
Amanda Palmer/Dresden Dolls
Deerhoof
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Blonde Redhead
Adding:
Coco Rosie
Fiona Apple
Florence + the Machine
White Hinterland
Bjork
posted by Lutoslawski at 2:31 PM on September 27, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks for all the answers. For clarification, by "rocks", I don't mean it in the "you rock, dude/ette!" sense, but rather in the "your marshall stacks sound awesome, dude/ette!" sense.
posted by signal at 2:38 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by signal at 2:38 PM on September 27, 2010
Hell's Belles
posted by CrystalDave at 2:39 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by CrystalDave at 2:39 PM on September 27, 2010
The Muffs have been making great pop-punk in semi-obscurity for years.
Visqueen. Powerful stuff.
posted by Mountain Goatse at 2:42 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Visqueen. Powerful stuff.
posted by Mountain Goatse at 2:42 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Eisley.
posted by Pennyblack at 2:47 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by Pennyblack at 2:47 PM on September 27, 2010
in the one guy/one girl fronted category:
Black Mountain
The Duchess and the Duke
in the "duh" category:
Pj Harvey
Bjork
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Sleater-Kinney
Le Tigre
The Breeders
Two Ton Boa
A little (actually a lot) folksy/crooney, but pretty:
First Aid Kit
Weird but awesome:
cocorosie
and current obsessions:
Beach House
Headless Horseman
posted by photoboothsupermodel at 2:54 PM on September 27, 2010
Black Mountain
The Duchess and the Duke
in the "duh" category:
Pj Harvey
Bjork
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Sleater-Kinney
Le Tigre
The Breeders
Two Ton Boa
A little (actually a lot) folksy/crooney, but pretty:
First Aid Kit
Weird but awesome:
cocorosie
and current obsessions:
Beach House
Headless Horseman
posted by photoboothsupermodel at 2:54 PM on September 27, 2010
I highly recommend "Even In Blackouts". There aren't too many YouTube videos of them, but here are some good ones.
I believe all their albums are on iTunes.
posted by lholladay at 2:59 PM on September 27, 2010
I believe all their albums are on iTunes.
posted by lholladay at 2:59 PM on September 27, 2010
Goldfrapp
Spiderbait (actually only about a third of the songs are fronted by Janet English, but they are very good)
Genitorturers
posted by quin at 3:07 PM on September 27, 2010
Spiderbait (actually only about a third of the songs are fronted by Janet English, but they are very good)
Genitorturers
posted by quin at 3:07 PM on September 27, 2010
Dresden Dolls (defunct as of a few years ago -- I don't know if that counts as "current")
They're on a 10th anniversary reunion tour deal right now, I believe. I don't know if this means new music is coming out, but they're definitely playing shows.
posted by King Bee at 3:11 PM on September 27, 2010
They're on a 10th anniversary reunion tour deal right now, I believe. I don't know if this means new music is coming out, but they're definitely playing shows.
posted by King Bee at 3:11 PM on September 27, 2010
Another vote for the amazing Muffs. Also, Sleater-Kinney and PJ Harvey.
posted by cropshy at 3:16 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by cropshy at 3:16 PM on September 27, 2010
NEKO CASE
posted by Threeway Handshake at 3:25 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by Threeway Handshake at 3:25 PM on September 27, 2010
I'll second The Gathering, St. Vincent, Janelle Monae, and My Brightest Diamond while I raise you To-Mera, Madder Mortem, Fever Ray, Stream of Passion, Aghora, and The Reasoning.
posted by far from gormless at 3:26 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by far from gormless at 3:26 PM on September 27, 2010
I was going to say Metric.
Also Camera Obscura and Be Your Own Pet/Jemina Pearl.
posted by ibmcginty at 3:27 PM on September 27, 2010
Also Camera Obscura and Be Your Own Pet/Jemina Pearl.
posted by ibmcginty at 3:27 PM on September 27, 2010
The Breeders
I was going to suggest them but I wasn't sure about the "current" criterion. They put out 2 great albums in the early '90s, then broke up. Since then, they've reunited, and they put out an album as recently as 2008, but from what I've heard it doesn't come close to the greatness of their '90s work. If you're not familiar with the Breeders and want to check them out, start with Pod and Last Splash.
posted by John Cohen at 3:29 PM on September 27, 2010
I was going to suggest them but I wasn't sure about the "current" criterion. They put out 2 great albums in the early '90s, then broke up. Since then, they've reunited, and they put out an album as recently as 2008, but from what I've heard it doesn't come close to the greatness of their '90s work. If you're not familiar with the Breeders and want to check them out, start with Pod and Last Splash.
posted by John Cohen at 3:29 PM on September 27, 2010
Concrete Blonde
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 3:32 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 3:32 PM on September 27, 2010
Not sure if this counts, but I love Mates of State.
Not at all current: Letters To Cleo. I miss ska.
posted by maryr at 3:32 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
Not at all current: Letters To Cleo. I miss ska.
posted by maryr at 3:32 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
Agreeing with Metric and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The New Pornographers have a great female vocalist, as do Stars.
Finally, Dragonette, even if they just have 1 killer song, it is quite killer -- YouTube Dragonette - Pick Up the Phone.
posted by demagogue at 3:36 PM on September 27, 2010
Finally, Dragonette, even if they just have 1 killer song, it is quite killer -- YouTube Dragonette - Pick Up the Phone.
posted by demagogue at 3:36 PM on September 27, 2010
2 new ones i really like:
Puro Instinct
Best Coast
posted by iamscott at 3:48 PM on September 27, 2010
Puro Instinct
Best Coast
posted by iamscott at 3:48 PM on September 27, 2010
Marina and the Diamonds!
posted by wuzandfuzz at 3:52 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by wuzandfuzz at 3:52 PM on September 27, 2010
Also, The Veronicas (although they tend much more towards the pop end of the spectrum.)
posted by wuzandfuzz at 3:55 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by wuzandfuzz at 3:55 PM on September 27, 2010
The Donnas
Morningwood
If we're including metal, The Deafening
maryr, Letter's to Cleo's lead singer Kay Hanley has a new band, Palmdale whose first album Get Wasted rocks like her old band did. And her solo releases Cherry Marmalade and Weaponize were excellent too.
posted by nicwolff at 4:00 PM on September 27, 2010
Morningwood
If we're including metal, The Deafening
maryr, Letter's to Cleo's lead singer Kay Hanley has a new band, Palmdale whose first album Get Wasted rocks like her old band did. And her solo releases Cherry Marmalade and Weaponize were excellent too.
posted by nicwolff at 4:00 PM on September 27, 2010
oh damn - I missed the word current! sorry
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 4:02 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 4:02 PM on September 27, 2010
Thirding St Vincent - she's magnificent.
(And I'm very taken with the album by OMO at the moment, though it's quiet quirkiness rather than rock as such.)
posted by Grangousier at 4:06 PM on September 27, 2010
(And I'm very taken with the album by OMO at the moment, though it's quiet quirkiness rather than rock as such.)
posted by Grangousier at 4:06 PM on September 27, 2010
OOIOO is an all-female rock n' roll band led by Yoshimi from the Boredoms. They are transcendent. I second Beach House and Blonde Redhead.
posted by pinetree at 4:13 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by pinetree at 4:13 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Bettie Serveert has been around for a while, but I've been listening to their new song Semaphore a fair amount.
For more on the ROCK side, Besnard Lakes have a husband and wife team who both sing. The linked song, Albatross, has a MBV feel to it, and definitely meets the stack of guitars criterion.
posted by sauril at 4:24 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
For more on the ROCK side, Besnard Lakes have a husband and wife team who both sing. The linked song, Albatross, has a MBV feel to it, and definitely meets the stack of guitars criterion.
posted by sauril at 4:24 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
(Nthing) Metric
(Nthing) Sleigh Bells
(Adding) Warpaint
posted by dayintoday at 4:25 PM on September 27, 2010
(Nthing) Sleigh Bells
(Adding) Warpaint
posted by dayintoday at 4:25 PM on September 27, 2010
Vivian Girls. So good.
posted by Ironmouth at 4:28 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Ironmouth at 4:28 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Seconding/Nthing Visqueen, Janelle Monae, The Kills/Dead Weather (Allison Mosshart is lead singer for both), St. Vincent & Besnard Lakes.
adding White Mystery. Alex White rocks SO f'n hard.
posted by KingEdRa at 4:44 PM on September 27, 2010
adding White Mystery. Alex White rocks SO f'n hard.
posted by KingEdRa at 4:44 PM on September 27, 2010
Best Coast
Electrelane (though now defunct) rock. Even when covering "Leonard Cohen".
posted by dobbs at 4:51 PM on September 27, 2010
Electrelane (though now defunct) rock. Even when covering "Leonard Cohen".
posted by dobbs at 4:51 PM on September 27, 2010
Sahara Hotnights
Juliette and the Licks
Susan Tedeschi
Melissa auf der Maur
Lacuna Coil
posted by Iosephus at 5:45 PM on September 27, 2010
Juliette and the Licks
Susan Tedeschi
Melissa auf der Maur
Lacuna Coil
posted by Iosephus at 5:45 PM on September 27, 2010
lemuria
the major stars have a new singer who rocks
i am not sure if they count as current, but come is playing a couple of shows this month
posted by phil at 5:45 PM on September 27, 2010
the major stars have a new singer who rocks
i am not sure if they count as current, but come is playing a couple of shows this month
posted by phil at 5:45 PM on September 27, 2010
Au Revoir Simone
The Blow (Bonjour Jeune Fille)
Arcade Fire when Régine Cassagne sings (Haiti, Sprawl II, etc)
Asobi Seksu (New Years)
Ting Tings (Shut Up and Let Me Go)
Metric (Black Sheep is recent and rocks hard)
Dirty Projectors (No Intention)
The New Pornographers (Up in the Dark)
Plasticenes (Barcelona)
I miss Sleater Kinney real bad.
posted by zoomorphic at 6:08 PM on September 27, 2010 [3 favorites]
The Blow (Bonjour Jeune Fille)
Arcade Fire when Régine Cassagne sings (Haiti, Sprawl II, etc)
Asobi Seksu (New Years)
Ting Tings (Shut Up and Let Me Go)
Metric (Black Sheep is recent and rocks hard)
Dirty Projectors (No Intention)
The New Pornographers (Up in the Dark)
Plasticenes (Barcelona)
I miss Sleater Kinney real bad.
posted by zoomorphic at 6:08 PM on September 27, 2010 [3 favorites]
Thanks for all the answers. For clarification, by "rocks", I don't mean it in the "you rock, dude/ette!" sense, but rather in the "your marshall stacks sound awesome, dude/ette!" sense.
Screaming Females
posted by marco_nj at 6:27 PM on September 27, 2010
Screaming Females
posted by marco_nj at 6:27 PM on September 27, 2010
I think they're defunct but big thumbs up to Hell's Belles, esp. live. Same with AC/DShe.
posted by armoir from antproof case at 6:30 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by armoir from antproof case at 6:30 PM on September 27, 2010
St. Vincent
one that no one else mentioned is "Land of Talk"
posted by stratastar at 7:28 PM on September 27, 2010
one that no one else mentioned is "Land of Talk"
posted by stratastar at 7:28 PM on September 27, 2010
Hell's Belles appear to be actively touring - and yeah, they're awesome. If you dig them, you might like their lead guitarist's loud snotty solo band, Adrian and the Sickness. (Disclaimer: Adrian lives in Austin and is a casual friend of mine.)
posted by restless_nomad at 8:27 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by restless_nomad at 8:27 PM on September 27, 2010
P.J. Harvey
Company of Thieves (see them live, they're touring right now, and that girl & her voice can blow the roof off any dump)
posted by Lukenlogs at 8:29 PM on September 27, 2010
Company of Thieves (see them live, they're touring right now, and that girl & her voice can blow the roof off any dump)
posted by Lukenlogs at 8:29 PM on September 27, 2010
Santigold
Peaches
Yo Majesty
MIA
La Roux
CSS
Thunderheist
posted by S_Wolf at 8:43 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Peaches
Yo Majesty
MIA
La Roux
CSS
Thunderheist
posted by S_Wolf at 8:43 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'd like to add you say party (Lose all time is the album that rocks the most imho), as well mention Royksopp, they have numerous women guest vocalist and they lay down some wicked tracks.
posted by glip at 9:02 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by glip at 9:02 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Neko Case, and Sharon Jones. Sharon Jones rocks especially hard in concert.
posted by Devika at 9:38 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by Devika at 9:38 PM on September 27, 2010
How about Flyleaf. Check out All Around Me. Awesome video.
posted by Junior687 at 9:40 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by Junior687 at 9:40 PM on September 27, 2010
No love for KT Tunstall? I like her stuff.
I also have to mention Amy X Neuburg. Disclosure: I used to run a little indie label, and I had the privilege of releasing 3 of Amy's amazing albums. However, I closed the label and Amy now owns all the rights, so I get nothing out of recommending her other than the pleasure of maybe turning you on to her music. For a more objective view, here's my favorite columnist, Jon Carroll, gushing about her.
posted by kristi at 9:52 PM on September 27, 2010
I also have to mention Amy X Neuburg. Disclosure: I used to run a little indie label, and I had the privilege of releasing 3 of Amy's amazing albums. However, I closed the label and Amy now owns all the rights, so I get nothing out of recommending her other than the pleasure of maybe turning you on to her music. For a more objective view, here's my favorite columnist, Jon Carroll, gushing about her.
posted by kristi at 9:52 PM on September 27, 2010
They broke up last year or so but Grand Ole Party were pretty awesome.
posted by fshgrl at 9:56 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by fshgrl at 9:56 PM on September 27, 2010
erase errata
posted by brevator at 10:15 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by brevator at 10:15 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Nightwish; I prefer their original singer to the current incarnation, but both have their virtues.
The whole operatic metal genre is chock-full of female-fronted outfits; thrash or NWOBHM-flavoured metal + soprano is the standard for the genre.
Sadly Foamy Ed are defunct, which is a pity 'cause they were excellent, but Fur Patrol are still around, but may be a bit more mellow/poppy than you like.
posted by rodgerd at 12:09 AM on September 28, 2010
The whole operatic metal genre is chock-full of female-fronted outfits; thrash or NWOBHM-flavoured metal + soprano is the standard for the genre.
Sadly Foamy Ed are defunct, which is a pity 'cause they were excellent, but Fur Patrol are still around, but may be a bit more mellow/poppy than you like.
posted by rodgerd at 12:09 AM on September 28, 2010
Some people have mentioned missing Sleater-Kinney, and in case you're one of them FYI: Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss are joining up with Mary Timony from Helium (!!!!) and someone I'm not familiar with in a band called Wild Flag. They're working on an album right now. I am so afraid it will disappoint me (Helium is a Top 5 band for me and I've pined for them for what, about a decade now? And C&J were my favorite components of SK), but I'm really hoping it will be as amazing it sounds like it could be. I can think of so many lady-fronted groups I adored from the past 20 years, but in terms of, "still putting out records right now I love"? Nada for me (I can think of some where there is a woman or two involved, but I don't think of them as lady-centered). Even Electrelane who it felt like just got here are dead. Bah. It makes me sad and also makes me realize I am getting old...
posted by ifjuly at 6:45 AM on September 28, 2010
posted by ifjuly at 6:45 AM on September 28, 2010
HotChaCha. I saw these gals play in Boston a few weeks ago and they were ferocious.
posted by otolith at 7:26 AM on September 28, 2010
posted by otolith at 7:26 AM on September 28, 2010
One vote for Spinnerette, Brody Dalle of the Distillers new band.
posted by Atom12 at 12:59 PM on September 28, 2010
posted by Atom12 at 12:59 PM on September 28, 2010
Spinnerette! That was what I was trying to think of.
posted by restless_nomad at 1:01 PM on September 28, 2010
posted by restless_nomad at 1:01 PM on September 28, 2010
Corin Tucker from Sleater-Kinney just put out an album.
posted by surfgator at 3:20 PM on September 28, 2010
posted by surfgator at 3:20 PM on September 28, 2010
Kleveland just came to our town a few weeks ago. Super fun. Highly recommended!
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 9:33 PM on September 29, 2010
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 9:33 PM on September 29, 2010
Dum Dum Girls. Love this band. Garage rock + girl group + absolutely gorgeous voice.
posted by citron at 5:25 PM on October 2, 2010
posted by citron at 5:25 PM on October 2, 2010
Oh, man, I've got to tell you about The Duke Spirit. Check it out.
Not the sound of a stack of Marshall stacks, but ABSOLUTELY rock, and their female lead singer is unbelievable cool. I especially like the album Cuts Across the Land.
posted by nosila at 1:05 PM on October 3, 2010
Not the sound of a stack of Marshall stacks, but ABSOLUTELY rock, and their female lead singer is unbelievable cool. I especially like the album Cuts Across the Land.
posted by nosila at 1:05 PM on October 3, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by studentbaker at 2:10 PM on September 27, 2010