"I'm not sure if these are the first two records that started riot grrrl, but I do know it did have a major influence on the scene. For those who don't know, riot grrrl (also spelled as just riot grrl) is a form of hardcore punk rock music, with militant feminist lyrics. It began and then died (having gotten unwanted attention from the media) in the early '90s. The record first starts off with 'Double Dare Ya' an urge for women to take control of their equal rights, which has one of my favorite lines 'Gotta listen to what the Man says/time to make his stomach burn'. 'Liar' is a song that attacks rapists and also mocks the typical redneck macho man (eat meat/hate blacks/beat your f*cking wife/it's all the same thing). 'Carnival' is an interesting song with its skipping drumbeat, while 'Thurston Hearts The Who' has Tobi reading a negative review which puts down the band, while Kathleen mocks the reviewer. 'White Boy' is another song which deals with rape, and 'Don't Need You' is a powerful feminist anthem. The CD closes with 'Outta Me' which sounds almost like a slow and sad '60s pop song. A striking contrast compared to the other songs. Included in the CD booklet is political essay written by Kathleen. Great CD, if you feel like there is a lack of feminist perspective in music nowadays, definately pick this up."
The best punk rock album ever made
Megzi | 06/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is definitely bikini kill's best album...not only because of its powerful feminist message, but because the combination of skillfull instrumentals and kathleen's awesome lyrics and voice. my favorite songs are carnival, suck my left one, and outta me. the last track is really nice and a satisfying conclusion to one kick*** album!!"
Sharp-edged melodic DC hardcore.
Megzi | 05/15/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've had this one spinning for a few weeks now. I got hooked by the song "feels blind," which appears on a Kill Rock Stars compilation (also excellent and highly recommended). I can't give this a 10 because not every song is great, although that kind of heightens the whole experience...I feel like I'm listening to a live show. The Fugazi influence is strong, but Kathleen's voice really gives it a different (good!) flavor. Feels Blind is still my favorite, although the last track is nice, and good to end the CD with. If you're like me, you saw Bikini Kill live in '91 and were not impressed. Pay no attention to these first impressions. There's something beyond cool about this band...I won't articulate it because I imagine it's vastly different for every listener. I'm getting ready to save up and buy all the following albums..."
Revolutionized My Life
Avid Listener | 05/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased this CD in 1995 and still listen to it like it's brand new. The lyrics are encouraging and inspirational to women."
Changed my taste in music
Avid Listener | Europe | 02/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Carnival is one of my favorite Bikini Kill songs and it's simply amazing. A punk rock classic. And so is this band and The CD Version of the First Two Records. Unfortunately, very few have even heard about it nowadays and some who have don't wanna listen to bikini Kill because of all the (false) accusations the band got back in their heyday. Double Dare Ya is an anthem, lyrically and musically. Jigsaw Youth is catchy and raw. White Boy and Suck My Left One brilliant songs with a message. However, one thing on this album bugs me. It's the line in the lyrics of the otherwise great track, Liar, about eating meat. Now, I can understand vegetarians but this is way, way out of line. Still, in the bigger picture, it's a just a blunder, and hopefully not meant in all seriousness. It was after I discovered this album back as a kid and it just blew me away that my musical horizons broadened drastically (before Bikini Kill, I used to concentrate mostly on mainstream). So for me, it has a sentimental value of a sort but, really, it is a great offering from one of the bands that kept punk from dying throughout the 90s."