The CD Version of the First Two Records (CD - 1992)

Bikini Kill: Tobi Vail (vocals, bass, drums); Kathleen Hanna (vocals, drums); Billy Karren (guitar); Kathi Wilcox (bass, drums).

Engineers include: Ian Mackaye, Don Zientara, Pat Maley.

Recorded in 1991 and 1992. Includes liner notes by Kathleen Hanna and Tobi Vail.

Personnel: Bill Karren (guitar); Tobi Vail (drums).

Recording information: Inner Ear (1991-1992); Sanctuary Theater, Washington DC (1991-1992); the Basement Of the Embassy (1991-1992); Yo-Yo Studios (1991-1992).

Photographer: Pat Graham.

Though they're quick to decry it in the CD liner notes, Bikini Kill found themselves manipulated into a position of being the premier "riot girl" band by a media obsessed with pigeon-holing everything. In actuality, the band comprised a number of different ethos and points of view, which at times seemed to lead to contradictory messages and gave their detractors ammunition--the band were called everything from exploitative to man-hating.

The first Bikini Kill "album" (six tracks, 16 minutes) features mid-tempo punk rock songs, including "Feels Blind," the clear blueprint for almost every Hole song (though Courtney Love is clearly more interested in commercial success), and "Thurston Hearts the Who," featuring simultaneous vocals, one skewering Sonic Youth and their "coolness," the other a sarcastic reading of a Bikini Kill review by a very confused and misinformed journalist. The second record, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, originally released as a split 12-inch with England's Huggy Bear, features even better songs (but tinnier production), especially "Don't Need You," a pissed-off, high-speed rip at people offering unbidden opinions, and the low-key "Outta Me," a brilliant break-up song. minimize