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Bikini Kill  >>

Reject All-American  >>

With three years since their last album, Pussy Whipped, and only a few 7-inch singles in the meantime, Bikini Kill had loads of time to become a band that stands on its own merits. Reject All American, their 1996 sophomore release, reveals a refined punk band with increased clarity, verified competence, and expanded range. While the band's heart still lies in the sneering brat punk of the Sex Pistols or X-Ray Spex--heard here on thrilling two-minute slices of attitude like "Capri Pants" and "Statement of Vindication"--the band also gives a go at airy alt rock (bassist Kathi Wilcox's jangly "False Start"), classic new wave pop (the title track's Go-Go's chorus), and even drops a trumpet and xylophone into the mix. Still, it's Kathleen Hanna's words and vocals that have matured most and remain the band's primary strength. It's enough to make you proud: Just look at how our little grrrl has grown. --Roni Sarig

Pussy Whipped  >>

Though peers such as Hole's Courtney Love and Babes in Toyland's Kat Bjelland became more famous, no riot grrrl screamed with as much emotional force as Kathleen Hanna. Though it's frequently difficult to hear what she's saying, especially above the glorious din of Billy Karren's fierce guitar, Hanna declares herself a "self-fulfilling porno queen" on "Sugar," and threatens to "scratch out your eyes" with her "long red nails" in "Lil Red." The quartet's relentless hardcore is straight from the Dead Kennedys school, which means it's tough to take in large doses when you're in a reflective mood, but 1993's Pussy Whipped is one of the great punk albums of the '90s. --Steve Knopper

Singles  >>