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Post by Jesse on Apr 12, 2013 14:29:23 GMT -5
I figured some of our favorite female artists deserve a Top 10, so here it is. Unlike some of my other top 10's, I'm excluding all non-Rock artists, which, in my case, means there will be no Country ladies on this list no matter how great I think Mary Chapin Carpenter or Kathy Mattea or the chick from Sugarland is. Looking for accomplished rockers here, I think I have a pretty good list, but I'm sure someone will one-up me!
10-Janis Joplin. I can't stand her. Never liked her voice, only marginally like her music, but, shit, she's been gone for 40 years and is still an icon. She deserves to be noted, so I'll give her a token entry at #10.
9- Grace Slick. Another icon who deserves to be on the list, if for no other reason, because she's been around so long. "Somebody To Love" is, by far, her crowning achievement, but I've yet to hear anything from her even remotely in the same stratosphere.....otherwise she'd be ranked higher.
8-Dale Krantz. When the surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd reformed in 1980, they made the bold decision to stick Krantz out front and call themselves "Rossington Collins Band" to discourage any comparisons to Ronnie Van Zant and the original Skynyrd. Krantz was awesome on the 2 RCB albums and later was about the only good thing you could say about the 2 more pop-metal oriented "Rossington Band" lps.
For the unitiated, here's one of the better moments from The Rossington Band:
7-Lita Ford. Forever known to most of the metal community as "That chick who sang with Ozzy", Lita's much more than that. Fine singer, underrated guitar player and a decent songwriter to boot.
6-Joan Jett. Lita Ford's former bandmate in the Runaway's had the better career of the 2. I personally prefer Lita's solo material, but neither get all that much airplay at my house.
5-Stevie Nicks. I was going to call this a tie with Christine McVie, but let's get real: when you think of Fleetwood Mac, you think of Nicks (and maybe guitarist Lindsay Buckingham) and not McVie. Christine wrote some good songs for Mac and probably had the better voice (certainly smoother), but c'mon. "Rhiannon", "Gold Dust Woman", "Silver Springs", "Gypsy', "Dreams", "Seven Wonders", "Storms" and "Sara" vs. what? "Over My Head" and "You Make Lovin' Fun"? Throw in Nicks' solo career and duets with Tom Petty and Don Henly and it isn't even close. Nicks is a top 5 woman in Rock. McVie maybe comes in around 20.
4-Doro Pesch. Originally fronting the band Warlock ( after numerous personel shifts, changed their name to "Doro"), Doro embodies all things Metal. Powerful voice and still at it after nearly 30 years.
Here's a sample in case you missd out:
Holy shit, what a vibratto!
3-Pat Benatar. The list of hits is endless and pound for pound Pat's powerful voice belied her small frame.
2-TIE! Ann and Nancy Wilson. Speaking of pound for pound (C'mon, I had to get a fat joke in!), no one can quite match Ann belting out "Crazy On You" or "Barracuda". Nancy gets the tie here because a skinny blonde chick strumming the living fuck out of an ovation acoustic guitar is cool as shit in my book. Nancy proved a capble singer too. Not only "These Dreams" but also on "Stranded" and "Sleep Alone". These Seattle sisters set the bar for any young girl who wanted to rock, so who the hell beats Heart?
I'll get back to you on that.
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Post by Frank on Apr 12, 2013 16:15:12 GMT -5
Never really been much of women in rock fan. Here's ones I do like: Ann & Nancy Wilson - Heart Lzzy Hale - Halestorm Pat Benetar Darby Mills - Headpins Just have never been a female rocker fan. Call me a racist, call me what you want, I just have never gotten into female rockers.  |
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Post by snakesandladders on Apr 15, 2013 12:58:10 GMT -5
Never really been much of women in rock fan. Here's ones I do like: Ann & Nancy Wilson - Heart Lzzy Hale - Halestorm Pat Benetar Darby Mills - Headpins Just have never been a female rocker fan. Call me a racist, call me what you want, I just have never gotten into female rockers. ...and to think uncle James (Brown) sang It's a man's world (but it ain't nuthin' without a woman or a girl:)   |
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Post by snakesandladders on Apr 15, 2013 12:58:57 GMT -5
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Post by spacel0rd on Apr 15, 2013 14:51:54 GMT -5
1. Pat Benatar
2. Sarah Balliet (Murder By Death)
3. Stevie Nicks
4. Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart)
5. Emily Haines (Metric)
6. Courtney Love
7. Tina Turner
8. Meg White (The White Stripes)
9. Gwen Stefani
10. Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders)
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Post by Jesse on Apr 15, 2013 15:46:54 GMT -5
At one time Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart would've been my #1. Hell, that one time might have been a few months ago! Lately, I've gotten into another band whose front woman, I think, embodies the best attributes of all the women on my list so far...and then some. Hardly #1 with a bullet these days, hell, never was. Going by popularity, this chick would never make the top ten. I've seen some youtube clips of her recently and she's kinda going through the motions anymore, but that's no different than about 90% of the 70's acts out there today, so I won't hold that against her. However, from the mid 1970's through most of the 1980's, the best kept secret in Rock'n Roll was a group called Mother's Finest fronted by my #1 woman in Rock: Joyce Kennedy! Don't believe me? See for yourself: Their one and only hit: Maybe I'm just going through a phase, but I can't get enough of this shit lately.  |
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bucky
Garage Rocker
Posts: 177
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Post by bucky on Apr 15, 2013 18:37:55 GMT -5
She does have a great voice & I'm just glad that someone else is familiar with them!
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Post by Trexx on Apr 17, 2013 16:58:01 GMT -5
Cool stuff!
I think of Pat Benatar as the top of the heap. Crimes of Passion is beyond huge and that's just one in a long line.
Heart had early recordings that are truly an irresistable rock fest.
Nice big piles of rock by both acts.
Lita Ford is great but I only know about 3 songs...
Janis? Yes. LOVE JANIS! I am Bobby McGee mutha f'er!! ;D
I like Annie Lennox a bit and I'm also a pretty big fan of Sinead O'Conner but there's not much rock in her offerings.
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Post by snakesandladders on Apr 18, 2013 5:56:43 GMT -5
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Post by Trexx on Apr 18, 2013 14:05:48 GMT -5
Mother's Finest is perhaps one of the most underrated female-fronted rock bands ever......good to see people here who know their lady rockers Uhh... well, I know of her now. ;D Cool, Jesse. Thanks for posting. |
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Post by kim on Apr 20, 2013 9:55:37 GMT -5
I see that a few newer artists have been included to the list so I'll add to it if I may... First of all though, I must commend Jesse on the Stevie Nicks mention. Probably at the top of the list for me. Even the later stuff with Mac was good in my books. One track in particular from the "Say You Will" album, "Running Through The Garden" is in my opinion, classic Stevie Nicks...man...does she ever belt it out on this one! Fantastic! I think it's only fair to mention a couple of gals yet to be mentioned that has contributed a lot to the music scene over the years, and that would be Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt. Pure talent in both camps. I also have to mention a gal that I have always believed to be underrated, even back when she was at the top of the charts back in the 80's. That would be Katrina Leskanich of "Katrina and The Waves". Next to Stevie...she really had it going back then and proved it with each and every one of the tracks on the few albums that they released as a group. She could hit the highs and yet get down low to "blues it up" when she needed to. Rounding out my list, I'd also like to mention a Canuck flavour to the mix...(see...I spelled "flavor" with a "u"...as we were taught in school...and I hate wasting a perfectly good vowel, so most times I go with the American spelling of the term... ;D). In that regard, I'd have to mention Sass Jordan, Alannah Myles, Serena Ryder and Tegan and Sarah. Last, but not least, and regardless of her folksy style, I have to mention Joni Mitchell, who has inspired many of the great female voices of today...Kate Bush being one of them who I haven't even mentioned...Doh!  Thanks Kim |
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Post by Jesse on Apr 20, 2013 12:29:29 GMT -5
I see that a few newer artists have been included to the list so I'll add to it if I may... First of all though, I must commend Jesse on the Stevie Nicks mention. Probably at the top of the list for me. Even the later stuff with Mac was good in my books. One track in particular from the "Say You Will" album, "Running Through The Garden" is in my opinion, classic Stevie Nicks...man...does she ever belt it out on this one! Fantastic! I think it's only fair to mention a couple of gals yet to be mentioned that has contributed a lot to the music scene over the years, and that would be Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt. Pure talent in both camps. I also have to mention a gal that I have always believed to be underrated, even back when she was at the top of the charts back in the 80's. That would be Katrina Leskanich of "Katrina and The Waves". Next to Stevie...she really had it going back then and proved it with each and every one of the tracks on the few albums that they released as a group. She could hit the highs and yet get down low to "blues it up" when she needed to. Rounding out my list, I'd also like to mention a Canuck flavour to the mix...(see...I spelled "flavor" with a "u"...as we were taught in school...and I hate wasting a perfectly good vowel, so most times I go with the American spelling of the term... ;D). In that regard, I'd have to mention Sass Jordan, Alannah Myles, Serena Ryder and Tegan and Sarah. Last, but not least, and regardless of her folksy style, I have to mention Joni Mitchell, who has inspired many of the great female voices of today...Kate Bush being one of them who I haven't even mentioned...Doh! Thanks Kim Some good ones there Kim. Melissa Etheridge is a great rocker no question here. Easily #11 if I were to expand my list. Alannah Myles is another good one, though I'm no too familiar with anything other than her version of "Black Velvet", but that sure is a great version. Not sure if I told anyone here, but the drummer in my original band once filled in on drums for Katrina And The Waves back in their '80's hey day. In addition to having a fine voice and a penchant for writing catchy songs, he said she's got a great derriere too, as he got a great view from behind the drum kit every night for about a week and a half!  |
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Post by Frank on Apr 21, 2013 11:43:03 GMT -5
I also have to mention a gal that I have always believed to be underrated, even back when she was at the top of the charts back in the 80's. That would be Katrina Leskanich of "Katrina and The Waves". Next to Stevie...she really had it going back then and proved it with each and every one of the tracks on the few albums that they released as a group. She could hit the highs and yet get down low to "blues it up" when she needed to. The couple times worked I have worked with a female singer in the the last few years, My favorite song to play with them was Walking On Sunshine. Fun fun song to play! I loved the bass line from that song.  |
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Post by kim on Apr 21, 2013 12:15:15 GMT -5
I see that a few newer artists have been included to the list so I'll add to it if I may... First of all though, I must commend Jesse on the Stevie Nicks mention. Probably at the top of the list for me. Even the later stuff with Mac was good in my books. One track in particular from the "Say You Will" album, "Running Through The Garden" is in my opinion, classic Stevie Nicks...man...does she ever belt it out on this one! Fantastic! I think it's only fair to mention a couple of gals yet to be mentioned that has contributed a lot to the music scene over the years, and that would be Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt. Pure talent in both camps. I also have to mention a gal that I have always believed to be underrated, even back when she was at the top of the charts back in the 80's. That would be Katrina Leskanich of "Katrina and The Waves". Next to Stevie...she really had it going back then and proved it with each and every one of the tracks on the few albums that they released as a group. She could hit the highs and yet get down low to "blues it up" when she needed to. Rounding out my list, I'd also like to mention a Canuck flavour to the mix...(see...I spelled "flavor" with a "u"...as we were taught in school...and I hate wasting a perfectly good vowel, so most times I go with the American spelling of the term... ;D). In that regard, I'd have to mention Sass Jordan, Alannah Myles, Serena Ryder and Tegan and Sarah. Last, but not least, and regardless of her folksy style, I have to mention Joni Mitchell, who has inspired many of the great female voices of today...Kate Bush being one of them who I haven't even mentioned...Doh! Thanks Kim Some good ones there Kim. Melissa Etheridge is a great rocker no question here. Easily #11 if I were to expand my list. Alannah Myles is another good one, though I'm no too familiar with anything other than her version of "Black Velvet", but that sure is a great version. Not sure if I told anyone here, but the drummer in my original band once filled in on drums for Katrina And The Waves back in their '80's hey day. In addition to having a fine voice and a penchant for writing catchy songs, he said she's got a great derriere too, as he got a great view from behind the drum kit every night for about a week and a half! Shit Jesse...I'm glad you pointed that out...hahaha... For some reason I mentioned "Alannah Myles"...I meant to make mention "Alanis Morrisette"...Total brain fart on my part as I would have to say that Morrisette had a bigger claim to fame than the former songstress with the same initials...sorry about that. You're correct though, Myles was somewhat of a "one hit wonder. Yeah, Katrina wasn't too hard to look at. For some reason, she reminds me of "Debra" off of "Dexter"  I have to say though, it's unfortunate that she will go down in music history as the "Walking On Sunshine" girl when she had so many other tracks that I found much better...in terms of vocal prowess. For what it's worth... Rock n' Roll Girl Red WIne and Whiskey Do You Want Crying Que Te Quiero The Game of Love Lovely Lindsey Money Chain Love That Boy All of these tracks put on one side of a cd in sequence would make for a great trip in any vehicle. Great beat, great vocals, great music. Thanks Kim |
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Post by kim on Apr 21, 2013 12:51:46 GMT -5
I also have to mention a gal that I have always believed to be underrated, even back when she was at the top of the charts back in the 80's. That would be Katrina Leskanich of "Katrina and The Waves". Next to Stevie...she really had it going back then and proved it with each and every one of the tracks on the few albums that they released as a group. She could hit the highs and yet get down low to "blues it up" when she needed to. The couple times worked I have worked with a female singer in the the last few years, My favorite song to play with them was Walking On Sunshine. Fun fun song to play! I loved the bass line from that song. Well Frank, thank you so much for the response and the mention of the "bass line" from Walking On Sunshine. That said, maybe you and Jesse, and anyone else that has a minute, can chime in on the topic that I'm about to go on about...and that is "bass lines". Let me state, categorically, as always...I don't know "shit from pudding" when it comes to music and I wouldn't know a "good" or even "great" bass line if it walked up to me and punched me in the face. All I know is this...certain songs really get to me, and next to the beat of a good tune, I'm wondering if the bass line may have something to do with it?...it must have right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but what I've gathered over the years listening to you guys, the "bass" is part of the so called "rhythm" section right?...keep in mind..."shit from pudding"...so go easy on me...that's why you will never see me on America Has Talent...or even "Canada's Worst Musician"... That said, maybe one of you guys can tell me why I like tracks like Golden Earrings' "Twilight Zone"...or REM's "Me In Honey"? I prefer Katrina and The Waves, "Do You Want Crying" over "Walking On Sunshine any day of the week. BTO's "Hold Back The Water" blows me away and I wish the song would never end? I'll take Mellencamps "Too Much To Think About" over anything the man has put on a commercial basis any day. Favourite Queen song... "Great Kindg Rat"... Here's another one...not a huge Rush fan, although I love and respect them for the music that they have given us and congrats on the induction by the way, but the one song of theirs that I really love is "Time Stand Still"...gets me every time. Just wondering...is there a subliminal connection here with music like this that I'm not privy to because of my inability to separate the musical instruments and the individual parts that they play once interweaved?...or is it harmony based and/or melody driven?...or a combination all things Crazy question, but one that I've been wondering about for years. A friend of mine who used to play in a band was curious as to what it was about Kate Bush's "Cloudbusting" track that really turned my crank back in the day, and for the life of me, I never could give him an answer and he never figured it out on his own for me either? To this day, there are a number of tracks on many albums, past and present that strike me more so than the obvious, and pretty much eliminates those that were ever hits from the albums contained within? Could be a simple answer that is related to the "bass" that I'm not aware of and I'm wondering...is there a way that I can separate and analyze it on my own? Like I said...crazy question...but the older I get...the more I need to know before the music stops...... Thanks Kim |
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Post by kim on Apr 21, 2013 13:00:48 GMT -5
Getting back to Katrina and The Waves... I forgot to mention one thing...
Although I do like their version of "Going Down To Liverpool", I still prefer The Bangles version...much nicer.
Thanks
Kim
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Post by Frank on Apr 21, 2013 16:10:03 GMT -5
What? Lets see if I can explain this.. Um.. uh... umm. ur Lets see.. Ur um umm uh ;D  Im gonna get back to ya |
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Post by Frank on Apr 29, 2013 10:11:51 GMT -5
Well Frank, thank you so much for the response and the mention of the "bass line" from Walking On Sunshine. That said, maybe you and Jesse, and anyone else that has a minute, can chime in on the topic that I'm about to go on about...and that is "bass lines". Let me state, categorically, as always...I don't know "shit from pudding" when it comes to music and I wouldn't know a "good" or even "great" bass line if it walked up to me and punched me in the face. All I know is this...certain songs really get to me, and next to the beat of a good tune, I'm wondering if the bass line may have something to do with it?...it must have right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but what I've gathered over the years listening to you guys, the "bass" is part of the so called "rhythm" section right?...keep in mind..."shit from pudding"...so go easy on me...that's why you will never see me on America Has Talent...or even "Canada's Worst Musician"... That said, maybe one of you guys can tell me why I like tracks like Golden Earrings' "Twilight Zone"...or REM's "Me In Honey"? I prefer Katrina and The Waves, "Do You Want Crying" over "Walking On Sunshine any day of the week. BTO's "Hold Back The Water" blows me away and I wish the song would never end? I'll take Mellencamps "Too Much To Think About" over anything the man has put on a commercial basis any day. Favourite Queen song... "Great Kindg Rat"... Here's another one...not a huge Rush fan, although I love and respect them for the music that they have given us and congrats on the induction by the way, but the one song of theirs that I really love is "Time Stand Still"...gets me every time. Just wondering...is there a subliminal connection here with music like this that I'm not privy to because of my inability to separate the musical instruments and the individual parts that they play once interweaved?...or is it harmony based and/or melody driven?...or a combination all things Crazy question, but one that I've been wondering about for years. A friend of mine who used to play in a band was curious as to what it was about Kate Bush's "Cloudbusting" track that really turned my crank back in the day, and for the life of me, I never could give him an answer and he never figured it out on his own for me either? To this day, there are a number of tracks on many albums, past and present that strike me more so than the obvious, and pretty much eliminates those that were ever hits from the albums contained within? Could be a simple answer that is related to the "bass" that I'm not aware of and I'm wondering...is there a way that I can separate and analyze it on my own? Like I said...crazy question...but the older I get...the more I need to know before the music stops...... Thanks Kim I think its just human nature to gravitate towards certain songs. But I have long held a belief that for the most part were not mindless sheep that listen to what Clear Channel is telling us is cool & we should listen to it. We have our own minds to make up & we have no problem thinking for ourselves. |
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Post by snakesandladders on May 6, 2013 6:22:26 GMT -5
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