why sk are so great

Photo by
eliah.

Okay, one of the mental blog entries I've had is to try and explain why sleater kinney are so great. Let me first say - I am not a music critic. I think in my head, like many lovers of music, I think o sure, I could write about music better than [insert name of actual music critic here] but in fact, my knowledge of music is not as great as i would like, nor do i have any practice at writing about music.

Nevertheless, I love sleater kinney, they are my favorite band, and I want to tell the world in my own words why they are so awesome. So here ya go-

1. They have integrity. Their first six albums were on small indy labels (Chainsaw & Killrockstars). Number seven was released by sub-pop, still a relatively cool label. I have never paid more than $15 to see a SK show (I think I've seen 6 or 7). When you can pay $35 or more to see some (crappy) big name act, I think it's awesome that SK continues to play killer shows for a price their target audience can afford.

2. Corin's voice. Okay, you either love or hate it, I suppose. You certainly can't ignore it :-) It's a big, gorgeous voice in my opinion, but often in a sort of get-under-your skin, finger nails on chalkboard kind of way. Carrie and Janet have great voices, too, but Corin's intense, vibrato-laden pipes are what makes the sound.

3. The music (duh). Probably the first time you hear SK it sounds like punk rock or grunge, or just plain rock & roll. But after the fourth or fifth listen, focus on the guitar parts. The elements are spare (just two guitars, no bass, only occasional overdubs) but the result is truly greater than the sum of the parts. I listen to their records over and over, but I never cease to be amazed at the interplay of the guitar parts, which is nothing like the cliche rhythm and lead of 99% of rock & roll. If Sleater Kinney consisted of nothing more than Carrie & Corin's guitar playing, it would still be amazing.

4. Janet f*cking Weiss - SK's drummer. Janet joined the band on the third album, Dig Me Out. The earlier drummers were good in their way, but Janet quite simply rocks. Obviously if you're going to have a power trio type sound, you need to have a great drummer. Janet is totally in the same league as Keith Moon, John Bonham and Ginger Baker. She is totally dedicated to her art. Janet's drumming is intense, but nothing is wasted, every beat is tasteful, on the money, and contributes to the song. She also sings great backup vocals, and on the new album even plays harmonica on one song. Also worthwhile is her "side project" Quasi. Check it out.

5. The music - part 2. Okay, I already mentioned the deceptively simple sounding, yet sophisticated guitar interplay above. They also write great songs. While they are capable IMHO of a fairly broad range, we love them best for the kick-ass, anthemic masterpieces like Call The Doctor, Turn It On, The End Of You, #1 Must Have, Entertain, and so on. Even though the instrumental break comes predictably after the second verse, it always reaches beyond the ordinary, the guitar parts shift rhythmically, harmonically, the intensity builds, the vocals interplay and layer, and for a moment time stops and all that exists is beauty...

Alright, there's nothing else I can say. And anyway, this post is way too long already. Check SK out and let me know what you think.