Le Tigre – Le Tigre (1999)
(Lovely Logo by Sarca @ caughtmegaming)
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Songstress #3: Dusty Springfield
Songstress(es) #5: Le Tigre
[Album 425/1001]
If I’d only listened to Le Tigre’s self-titled debut once, this would have been a very different post.
It likely would have featured a Zoolander ‘Le Tigre’ pose and general indifference in terms of any specific comments.
Though I may have quoted their tune The The Empty, “I went to your concert and I didn’t feel anything,” as representative of my experience.
Which may be partly why I insist on listening to records twice (or more) as first impressions can be deceiving.
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At some point during the second through fifth listens, I changed my tune.
The at times blasé vocal delivery started to contrast nicely with the considerably more energetic accompaniment.
I started to pay much more attention to the lyrics and unlike the Le-tigre-pose-striking Derek Zoolander, these ladies have plenty to say that’s worth hearing.
Deceptacon felt like a sure-fire single, I’m surprised the lead-off track wasn’t also the album’s lead single.
Though I suppose releasing the album’s strongest song (and likely among the strongest songs from ’99), Hot Topic, wasn’t a bad choice either.
I’m always fascinated to hear about artist influences and in Hot Topic, Le Tigre name-checked dozens of influential artists.
While I was familiar with some, many others were new to me, so it was both an educational & enjoyable listening and learning experience.
The album worked really well as a running soundtrack; while one could say it started stronger than it finished, the same could easily be said for most of my races!
And even if there was some front-loading, to borrow a line from Hot Topic, “don’t give a damn I’m listening anyway.”
I’ve never heard of these ladies!
I have…not a fan, but I like Bikini Kill.
And I have not explored bikini kill, the name is certainly intriguing!
They were new to me too! You’d probably recognize deceptacon, feels like a song that’s been used in soundtracks/commercials at some point
I think they’re a brilliant band, it’s all great!
and they’re 1 for 1 so far for me!
I hadn’t heard of them either. I listened to Bikini Kill online and found a documentary about Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer. Controversy even in the context of punk rock.
Thanks for the introduction, Geoff!
I find this is the type of ‘punk’ I like – simple, quick song structures with lyrics worth hearing!
This is a band I always meant to check out at some point but never got around to. Maybe soon.
Worth a listen – I wouldn’t say drop everything and listen now, but I wouldn’t put it off too long either!
I’ve never heard this one! I have a different Le Tigre album, This Island. I have yet to hear it too!
Apparently I need to get onto this band. Thanks for the reminder (and the heads-up)!
This Island is also a great LP.
It’s been sitting here for ages. Guess I’d better get on that, then!