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This is what good rock should sound like

Robin Orlowski | United States | 04/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike so many of the post early 90's rockers that have just resorted to incomprehensible lyrics and outright mayhem, this band returns moody rock to days gone by.Post-Bikini Kill, I was worried what I would listen to because it seemed like all my favorite grrrl bands were splitting or going mainstream to the point of watering down their trademark assertiveness. Then I found Slumber Party and instantly became a fan. The quartet of Detroit girls pens and writes lyrics that would make the late great Kurt Cobain immensely proud. Their self-titled debut album (a previous six inch was released through the Kill Rock Stars "Mail order Freaks" club) sent shivers up the spines of cowards everywhere as they scrambled for a way to describe this dynamic force to be reckoned with. As with every truly alternative CD, the band is uncategorizable. They are there and they are unique and that is about it. This tradition is completely consistent with independent music, and the band must be applauded for being themselves and waking up the world. Although the music is incredibly mellow, potential listeners should not buy it expecting to hear something gentle, soft and radio friendly. While there is no doubt that some forward thinking college station could play this album (hey, it practically screams brooding!) it is unlikely it will even make some of major city alternative stations (some of whom have turned into little more than a top 40 rock and roll station) that in turn cater to suburbia. As much respect as I have for the women in music who do perform such music, I think it unfairly delineates a manufactured concept of what "Male" and "Female" music is really supposed to sound like, and undoes (unintentionally of course) much of the work that pioneering acts such as Patty Smyth and the Raincoats did in the 1970's and 1980's. Slumber Party revives women's rock music into the next century and tells the remaining few nay Sayers that we are here to stay. Turn it on; crank it up, because women in rock are here to stay for good."

The Best Pop CD you'll never hear

11/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a fan of the riot grrl movement, I try to check out anything from the Kill Rock Stars label. This cd proved to be the finest surprise of the year. One listen and I was hooked. Instantly, I thought of the great Velvet Underground sound. The songs have the riot grrl lyrics coupled with terrific melodies and a memorable voice. I cannot say how surprised I was by the softness of the music. It was haunting and catchy at the same time. Again, think Velvet Underground with Nico or Mo Tucker on vocals. Take the chance on this CD, you won't be disappointed. Try something new and be as surprised as I was."

Serendipity

Paul S. Whiston | Lunacuem | 04/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found this record by chance. It was recommended me by amazon on the "bit like velvet underground" tag. That is an incredibly unfair comment because this band are completely unique. Allicia Bergs vocals are a wandering meander through the countryside in the bright sunshine. They are both aggressive and laid back at the same time. They lilt sadly, but with a sense of optimism. The sounds here are just plain gorgeous. Like a half remembered dream, youve just woke from, when the day looks hazy, but sunny outside, and you really should get up, but it feels so good just to lie there. I want to marry Allicia Berg on the strength of this record. We have blooming flowers in spring, sweet songbirds, and we have a cynical edge to it all, because they know i#the music is just a short dream too, and when the record ends you have to wake up. Stand out tracks are "Strawberry Sunday" and "Why do I care?" There is a retro kind of feel, but spliced with a newness, a freshness that invigorates as well as sedates. This is music full of sly contradictions, and very inventive. I love Slumber Party. This one is in the (my) top ten best records of all time."