I’m going to the beach — well, the beach at the river — today and don’t feel like thinking about anything.
So, guess what? LIST TIME! At least the last one went over well.
These are the songs that make me feel like a womyn. (Nope, that’s not on the list…) It’s sort of random, and I’m not quite sure how these songs connect to each other, but they definitely connect to me.
1. “Oh!” — Sleater Kinney.
The sound quality in this video is not the greatest, but I had to post it. This song’s ability to make people totally spaz out must be universal because I have a very distinct memory of doing pretty much what the ladies in this video are doing. Only we didn’t have wigs and were driving in White Lighting — the car my best friend Adriane drove through college (may it rest in peace.) Maybe “Oh!” is to cute 20-year-old what “Bohemian Rhapsody” is to Wayne and Garth.
2. “Eau de Bedroom Dancing” — Le Tigre
Yeah, I know. Le Tigre. You know what, at least Courtney Love won’t be on this list. And fuck it, I always loved this band even though it makes me a living breathing cliche. (Guess what? I also like Morrissey. And kittens.) I especially always loved this song which, I think, is about how awesome it is to have really great sex with a really great partner. It always made me wanna make out.
If this video is any indication, fans of “The L Word” share my opinion. YouTube is so random.
3. “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to take my man)” — Loretta Lynn
You know, I was really torn here. Loretta or Dolly, Loretta or Dolly. I love them both so much. And “Jolene” broke my heart before I even knew how to describe that feeling — Dolly’s voice just did something to little 6-year-old me. But in the end, I relate better to the dark haired, bumpkin who just so happens to have more “banned” songs than anyone else in country music. And uh, in case you weren’t aware, she sings a song about the Pill, called “The Pill.” “Before I’m Over You” is actually my favorite LL song, but this is a close second place and check out her dress. I want it. ANNND listen to her a response to a heckler after the song is over. (“No there ain’t one on the way.. I just gained five pounds.” Love. Her.)
4. “Independent” — Webbie
You know what guys? I fucking know this song sucks. Don’t care — I still turn it up every time it comes on the radio. At least they’re teaching kids the values of a self sustaining woman AND how to spell the word “independent.” Um, how else can I justify this? The video elects the first African American president. So, there.
5. “One Beat” — Sleater Kinney
I realize this seems like a cop-out since Sleater Kinney is already on this list. But, I really loved this album and I just remembered that. And this song has been my go-to “I’m angry” song since it came out. I think I love Sleater Kinney because they are angry in the same way I am angry, and about the same things. Thank God I got to see them play just before they broke up. It was everything I needed it to be.
Honorable Mention: “Monument” — Mirah
It would be wrong for me to forget to mention this song, which is pretty much an anthem to anyone feeling powerless. It’s simply constructed and plainspoken, yet one of the strongest, most inspirational songs I know. And as someone who makes a living trying to fix broken systems by reminding people that they have power and teaching them to use it — sometimes I need a little plain and simple inspiration.
