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Today is International Women's Day, commemorating the struggle for women's rights. You would think that in this age, the so-called "civilized" one, there is no need to fight for women's rights and equality but apparently (and mainly because of people like this one - click) there is. So today, we devote a playlist to all the women in music. However, we are Merchants Of Air, so no Beyoncé, no Lady Gaga, no Avril Lavigne. There are many others that deserve to be on this list. Here are some of the women that shaped your favorite music...
Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Didn't It Rain
A pioneer of mid-20th-century music, she attained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel recordings, characterized by a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and rhythmic accompaniment that was a precursor of rock and roll. She influenced early rock-and-roll musicians, including Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. So yes, she is the one that actually started it all, the "Godmother of Rock 'n Roll".
Girlschool - Race with the Devil
Girlschool are a British rock band that formed in the new wave of British heavy metal scene in 1978 and frequently associated with contemporaries Motörhead. They are the longest running all-female rock band, still active after more than 35 years. For that alone, Girlschool can indeed be seen as a groundbreaking act for female rockers all around the world.
Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now
Rolling Stone called her "one of the greatest songwriters ever", and AllMusic has stated, "When the dust settles, Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century". Singer/songwriter/painter Joni Mitchell has been an example for many women around the world, inspiring them to turn their own emotions into beautiful songs.
Kittie - Brackish
The all female nu-metal band Kittie showed the world that women can be make music just as intense and heavy as their male counterparts. Even though someone once called this Canadian band 'Cute Korn' these girls can scratch, claw and bite, and definitely come up with an energetic live show.
Melt-Banana - Shield For Your Eyes...
Speaking about energetic live performances, Japanese noise group Melt Banana are as intense as a massive meteor impact. Fronted by Yasuko Onuki, Melt Banana has been mesmerizing noise fans around the globe and with good reason too. Nobody does this like Melt Banana.
Shonen Knife - It's a New Find
Japanese punk rockers Shonen Knife have been legends since 1981. With their poppy punk rock, inspired by The Ramones and The Beach Boys, they have been playing stages all over the world, much to the delight of an enthusiastic crowd.
The Shangri-Las -Leader Of The Pack
Back in the sixties, there were several all-female bands climbing the charts. The Shangri-Las threw their melodramatic teenage anthems into the record collections of many fans, with 'Leader Of The Pack' still be a widely recognized tune.
Siouxsie And The Banshees - Spellbound
Of course Siouxsie deserves a spot on this list. The absolute queen of new wave is still a constant on gothic and new wave parties everywhere. 'Spellbound' is just one of her many hits.
The Great Kat - Flight Of The Bumblebee
Mad as a whistle to some, a shredding mastermind to others, The Great Kat is a guitar and violin virtuoso gone wild. During her career she mostly turned classical pieces into speed metal tunes. Why? Well, I guess she just was the first person on earth who discovered that headbanging on Beethoven is perfectly possible.
Zola Jesus - Night
Zola Jesus is the stage name of American singer-songwriter and producer Nika Roza Danilova. I've seen her perform alone on stage, armed with what looked like a tape deck and a microphone. Last year, she cooperated on the new Jozef Van Wissem album (read), which turned out to be something completely different but equally captivating. Zola Jesus is truly one of the best female performers in the electronic scene.
Myrkur - Nattens Barn
If you are one of those nitwits that think women do not belong in the black metal scene, please get off this site immediately. Myrkur is the one-woman black metal musical project of the highly talented Danish musician Amalie Bruun. Although massively respected by many black metal fans, Myrkur has been dealing with negative comments and remarks throughout her career, but, as you can see, she is still going strong.
Janis Joplin - To Love Somebody
Janis Joplin was an influential American singer of the 1960s. Her raw, powerful and uninhibited singing style, combined with her turbulent and emotional lifestyle, made her one of the biggest female stars in her lifetime. To this day, she inspires girls to rock out and to rock hard.
Jo Lemaire + Flouze - Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je M'en Vais
Just because it's one of the most beautiful covers in the history of covering music, we picked this version of Gainsbourg's 'Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je M'en Vais' by Belgian vocalist Jo Lemaire. This is her biggest hit, that's true, but Jo Lemaire is one of the most respected female artists from Belgium and she is blessed with a beautiful voice.
Cocteau Twins - Carolyn's Fingers
To this day, the unique voice of Elizabeth Fraser is a reference for many young women starting out in the rock scene and even in the doom metal scene (see Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard for example). To some, Elizabeth Fraser might be best known for being the vocalist in Massive Attack's smash hit 'Teardrop' but for shoegazers like me, Cocteau Twins will always be a landmark.
Aretha Franklin - Respect
And we end this list with some good advice by Aretha Franklin, arguably one of the greatest voices in pop and soul music history. Just a little respect, that's pretty much all it takes.
Serge & Eline
