In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a playlist inspired by a handful of lady musicians The Crow’s Nest staff jams to. From pop to soul to DIY punk produced by solo artists and female-fronted bands, some with only female members, this mix has something for everyone.
“Twin Peaks” by Genders
Who doesn’t like songs named after the best murder-mystery serial drama ever? I don’t know if this track actually meant to pay tribute to the television show, but they both have a whimsically noir feel. This indie rock four-piece, led by vocalist and guitarist Maggie Morris, blends psychedelic notes with vocals and instrumentals that range from loud and upbeat to dark and gritty.
“End of the Line” by Hurray for the Riff Raff
Ten seconds into this old country-folk ballad, and you’re hooked. Frontwoman Alynda Lee Segarra’s vocals are hard to resist. She charms listeners using fiddle, minor percussion, patient strums on her acoustic guitar and other Americana staples. Other songs by the band, like “The Body Electric” and “The New SF Bay Blues,” are recommended for those who like feminist twists on gendered tropes in music.
“New Amsterdam” by Y Los Dos Pistoles
A darker danceable tune by a garage pop band threesome who call Tampa Bay home. Though noisy with grit, the band still has indie rock influences. Shae Krispinksky sings and plays guitar, backed by Russ Jovin on bass, Rodney Smith on more guitar and Derek Forrester on drums. They throw a harmonica into their songs every once in a while.
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
A classic. Vocalist Hope Sandoval’s haunting lyrics are cryptic and curious yet beautiful. With tranquilizing tempos and foggy guitar trappings, this two-piece knows atmospheric.
“Eretz Zavat Chalav” by Nina Simone
Not what comes to mind when someone mentions the High Priestess of Soul (it’s not an original, after all), but this cover song’s uniqueness makes it playlist worthy. An Israeli folk track, “Eretz” exemplifies Simone’s diverse interest and taste in music. With brisk rhythms, she takes the jazz genre beyond piano, bass and drums.
“Jealousy” by Mary Jane Girls
No need to thank me. I can already see you dancing home alone in your living room with that pseudo-microphone. Everything great about ‘80s pop funk is encompassed in this one. Turn it up. There’s no sitting still.
“Am I the Only One?” by Beach Day
Straight from Hollywood (Florida, that is), Beach Day, fronted by vocalist-guitarist Kimmy Drake, generates daydreams of soaring through sand-filled paradises akin to their name. This song is more melancholy than others from the surf pop trio but still leaves you feeling hopeful through pleasant harmonies and choppy guitar.
“Nature of the Game” by Damn Broads!
Enjoy this energetic and passionate track from an all-female Connecticut hardcore-punk three-piece with a fine name. The lyrics are serious, calling out sexism in punk music, and the playing is resilient. Rhythms sway between hardcore and punk as group vocals follow along.
“Mr. Lucky” by Betty Wright
Wright comes off as a young Aretha Franklin, while organ lines and strong bass notes lead her in, but not before gunshots fired in the background do. This song is filled with captivating jazzy soul, and sass to match.
“Billie Holiday” by Warpaint
“B-I-L-L-I-E H-O-L-I-D-A-Y,” carol the four spookiest female band members on the list. Hazy weavings of their voices reign throughout this ballad. The group’s atmospherics are masterfully persistent when paired with soporific guitars and gleaming vocal melodies.
“I’m Gonna Be an Engineer” by Peggy Seeger
Long before Kimya Dawson or the Moldy Peaces became popular in folk-world circles, there was Seeger, with her engaging sound and anthem-like songwriting. Listeners follow this song’s female character, maybe it’s Seeger herself, through her dreams and journey of becoming more than “a lady.”
“Red Light Special” by TLC
Sultry and skillful is the best way to describe this understated R&B track. The lead guitar gives off a Prince vibe, and the provocative lyrics, gently crooned by all three women, are nearly impossible to ignore.
“Jolene” by Dolly Parton
I resisted just listing different renditions of this 200-word song for the mix, but I couldn’t leave it off completely. If you don’t know this country classic, filled with evocative melodies and simple lyrics, get to listenin’.
“Run” by Daughter
Elena Tonra’s moody, ambient vocals are combined with layered, easygoing guitar by Igor Haefeli. The duo makes the production of stirring atmospherics seem effortless.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
