Spun Like a Kite

Thinking of all the females in music who can really rock, Kat Bjelland of the 90's all-girl band Babes in Toyland would definitely be at least in my top five. Most people don’t have a clue who she is, and I do know that most people probably wouldn’t go for her music. They were categorized as a punk rock band, but that’s not what comes to my mind first. These girls (especially Kat) took it to the extreme; I know a lot would turn away and would dub it “just a bunch of noise”. However, I find the noise that the Babes produced to be just the thing I need sometimes. In my world, they would be a “heavy metal punk” band infused with the distorted melodies and vocals of grunge.

I wouldn’t go around saying that these girls were particularly good musicians in terms of skill. I heard a live album once, and I really couldn’t stand it even though I have enjoyed live songs by them in the past. But as far as song writing ability goes (let’s face it, isn’t that what really counts?), they are fantastic. This is all to say that I don’t consider them metal based on those crazy fast solos. I hear metal in it because they are loud and Kat Bjelland screams really loud and almost psychotically. Those of you who would call it a bunch of noise would also most likely think that she sounds like a screaming child. I absolutely love it. I really think that this is what Kat Bjelland is really all about.

If you’re to look her up, you will most likely see her with her signature bleached blonde locks and innocent dresses. She has very big eyes and a very big mouth, which I find is perfect because both of them open really wide when she does her screams. It’s not all in the way she does it, but it’s what she’s shouting out into that microphone. Its pure poetry conjured out of pure anger.

I really wish we could be back in the days of Babes in Toyland. Kat does have a new band called “Katastrophe Wife” and she is also working on other projects. I will definitely be looking into them. I would like to be responsible for as many Babes in Toyland fans as possible, because I think her name should always come up when thinking of girls who tear it up in the music scene.

(WARNING: LYRICS HAVE OFFENSIVE CONTENT)