Bitchin'

Donnas | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 18, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Purple Feather
• ASIN: B000TLUFMI
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,503 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Gone from the ranks of the major label (Atlantic) that signed them, the Donnas return on Bitchin' to the ranks of indie rock while still reaching ambitiously for stadium-proportion rawk. From the leather trousers and dope-smoking feather on the cover to the album-opening chowder of slow kick drum thumps and chunky feedback-glinting guitar riffs, the Donnas are after the arena-rock vibe. And this is the stuff that made arenas churn in the 1970s, retro, yes, but potent. They go for AC/DC's simple one-two rhythms, the brawny choruses that became FM radio's signature, and lyrics like this: "The first time I saw your face/I got wasted on your love." Yes, it's reductionist as indie rock goes, but Bitchin' is also exhilarating--the chant-like vocal choruses, the guitar effects, the more-cowbell enthusiasm, the hands-in-the-air pacing. The Donnas are clearly looking to keep rock & roll a collective experience, the stuff, again, that made arena crowds pump their fists through blue smoke all those years ago. --Andrew Bartlett

Product Description

BITCHIN' is the aural thunderclap that is THE DONNAS' brand new record, an unapologetically anthemic hard rock album. Their luscious locks must have been a four-way blur of headbanging fury at this recording session. Thirty shout-along, swaggering rockers were slimmed down to an album-length fourteen tunes, all written or co-written by THE DONNAS' and co-produced by Jay Ruston (The Polyphonic Spree, Meat Loaf). Standard Jewel Case.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A blast from the past September 22, 2007

By John Greco

Format:Audio CD

In my opinion, The Donnas are one of the best rock bands to emerge within the last 10 years. I've been listening to The Donnas since the late '90s and what I've liked about them most is with each album, they've consistently progressed and developed their sound. With the release of "Gold Medal," while many think it was a "sellout" album or an abandonment of their raw, punk sounding music, I felt that they finally evolved into a solid rock group. They really matured with that album and I was looking for that to carry over into "Bitchin'." This new album is really solid and Alison's guitar is heavier than ever. It melds both their sound from "Spend the Night," with '80s metal/arena rock. However, it doesn't seem like the logical progression one would expect from their last release. They really grew up on "Gold Medal." But this album seems to take a step back. It gives you the impression that when they wrote these songs they specifically set out to sound '80s, rather than just build off the sound that came naturally on "Gold Medal." That being said, it is still classic Donnas and a great listen.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Donnas ROCK! October 6, 2007

By P. J. Duncan

Format:Audio CD

This disc is non stop riff rock, classic rock/metal sound of the 70's & 80's. I was somewhat surprised by this disc and the move towards metal by the Donnas. It all works, the lyrics are delivered with attitude and perspective. The shout along choruses, driving rhythms, and infectious guitar make this disc simply addictive. Although a departure from their punk/alt sound the Donnas remain tight This talented band flat out rocks! Play It LOUD!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Donna's finally make the CD I knew they could October 4, 2007

By Bob from the Midwest

Format:Audio CD

- or you can take Rock out of the garage, but you can't the garage out of Rock.

If you are like me and have become bored with all the whining of Neo/Post-grundge bands, and want some no-frills Rock then this CD is for you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best one so far September 25, 2007

By T. Smith

Format:Audio CD

The Donnas just keep getting better and better. It's nice to have a band out there that still knows how Rock, especially with all these alternative bands out there.
Highly recommend this album for anyone that wants to Rock!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Hard to believe they're pushing 30 September 17, 2007

By F. Hartung

Format:Audio CD

I'm not gonna waste a lot of time here. Suffice it to say that after the (deservedly-) ill-fated sellout that was "Gold Medal", the Donnas have apparently come to the realization that they are not going to blow the likes of James Blunt and Hannah Montana off the charts. . .so, they've started their own label and have decided to turn up Alison's guitars and Maya's bass for a new album that I could best describe as sounding like a combination of Joan Jett (the rhythm and tempo on many of the tracks) and Girlschool (the overall spirit and "shout-along" choruses). Gets better with every listen, so if your opinion isn't immediately tainted by the inexplicably awful opening track, skip ahead and have fun guessing what old songs they stole the hooks from. A nice turn for the Donnas, even if the "leather chick" persona so strongly cultivated here is a bit self-consciously over the top.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The album title truly lives up to its name January 23, 2008

By George Dionne VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

The Good
"Bitchin'" is a slow and dark as it begins. The long instrumental makes you feel as if something great is going to happen. As the track draws to an end, the lyrics let you know for sure that something great is going to happen. I'm sure this one will be used as their entrance song. The riff-oriented song "Don't Wait Up For Me" makes it clear that the relationship is over. Pounding drums and arena-rock driven riffs dominate "What Do I Have to Do." Vocalist Brett Anderson begs and pleads with the object of her affection here. "Save Me" keeps the arena rock riffage in tow and adds a shout-along chorus.

"Like an Animal" is sure to make any man's blood boil with its hot and sexy lyrics. The Donnas prove that men aren't the only ones with naughty and carnal thoughts. Anderson declares that it's "Better Off Dancing" than spending time with a deadbeat. The chorus of "Smoke You Out" is loaded with lots of melody. "Girl Talk" shows how vindictive and vengeful young girls can be with each other, especially when rumors are spread. "Give Me What I Want" makes blackmail sound oh so good.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
Bitchin' is a little more raw sounding than previous major label efforts by The Donnas, but I think it's the indie labels that do them the most justice anyway. On their latest, The Donnas delivery plenty of arena rock anthems, memorable hooks, catchy lyrics, and powerful rock and roll energy. The album title truly lives up to its name.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars always getting knocked October 17, 2007

By Clint M. Gericke

Format:Audio CD

everytime i see a review about the Donnas, they are getting ripped for this or ripped for that. the lyrics are too juvenile, is a common one. WHO CARES! if its good its good, ac/dc didnt have the most deep lyrics in the world on Back In Black and thats still the greatest hard rock album EVER. Bitchin' is simply that, its Bitchin' catchy tunes, rockin beats, and production values that you wouldnt be expecting from a band that has almost always been indie and is now starting there own label. its a great album and the Donnas are still the most underrated band out there. and yes BRETT CAN SING! this album and the last she has started moving towards singing more and "talking" less, but the "talking" went with the original punk rock roots of the band