Do You Wanna Be A Polyester Bride?

Last night I got to check out Liz Phair at the 930 club (**quick- someone please give me a recap of Lost!!**). Stellar show and boy does she rock. She rocks hard. She commands the stage and isn't afraid to say what's on her mind - and I love that. I love that her lyrics embody so many thoughts that have run through my own head when it comes to men and relationships. "Fuck and Run", "Mesmerizing", "Flower" and "Blowjob Queen" were my standout picks from the night.

So this got me thinking about my not so secret wish to be a rock star, and how females in rock have given me much inspiration over the years. First, in the 80s it started with Jem. No not the pop-star Jem, but Jem and the Holograms. Synergy!! Glitter and Gold!! Great outfits, hot boys (Rio) and big hair. Perfect. To this day I can't remember what they did for a living, expect it was a female band that toured the world and played rocking shows. But of course I much preferred the Misfits - led by Pizzazz. These ladies were stylish and always about getting what they want. I collected all the dolls that came complete with polyester outfits and guitars. Then I wanted to be in a real band and wear funky outfits and play the keytar in Prince's New Power Generation ( Can anyone say "Get Off"??). Then came the 90s and there were so many amazing female rockers who held there own in a male dominated industry. Courtney Love, PJ Harvey, Gwen Stefani, Liz Phair, The Breeders, L7, D'Arcy from Smashing Pumpkins, Sleater Kinney, etc. etc. (not to mention the ladies of hip-hop like Mary J. Blige, Missy, Salt N' Pepa, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah). I also went through a Madonna phase where I tried to copy every look she ever had (my parents were not thrilled about this). However, I really really really wanted to be Shirley Manson. Something about her voice, her lyrics, and the way she carried herself screams B-A-D-A-S-S. I remember seeing the video for "Only Happy When It Rains" and immediately thinking: "I have got to get myself a mic, mini-shift dress, black knee high Fuck-Me-Boots, kohl eyeliner, and eye glitter. Lots of eye glitter. " (Pretty saucy for a 13 year old!)

So it was a dream come true when I got to see Garbage at the 930 club this past spring. It was ten years in the making. It's amazing how one song ("Vow") can take you back to when you were 13 and pissed off and wanting to make out with cute boys and rule the world....hmm I guess not much has changed :) Thank you Shirley, and thanks to all the women who rock.