Customer Reviews

Feminist Sweepstakes

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Melding grrrl/queer/theory with other progressive politics, this album convey's Le Tigre's mission with awesome clarity.

This mission is to survey/comment on the status of late 20th century politics impact on historically marginalized groups and advocate for an alternate reality where discrimination does not exist, and is replaced by a world where awesome culture and politics exist beside one another.

The empowering lyrics and pop-rock beats provide an interesting change from my usual audio regimine of rock-punk tunes. This is the "dance grooves" albun for grrrls who have little in common with tradditional titles in the aforementioned genere. I'm not usually one for dance/techno music myself, but I will make a very big exception for this album.

Although the album has been faulted for being too political and ailenating--even compared to their earlier releases, these criticisms overlook that the indepdendent non-major label status of Le Tigre means they do not have to provide what may be considered "safe". This frees the band to address what they and fans know cannot be adequately covered or even covered on traditional cds.

This freedom is a blessing for long-time fans such as myself because Feminist Sweepstakes is their most pointed effort yet. The twelve tunes are a terrific sountrack to revolution for existing fans, or a great introductory set for people who would be fans if they only had to listen to one album produced by the trio.

As evidenced by the top form throughout the albums, political is what/who Le Tigre really is. Kathleen Hanna, former front singer for Bikini Kill, continues to belt out what can best be considered women's studies texts formulated into musical CD's.

My particular faviortes are "LT Tour Theme", "FYR" and "Keep on Livin" , but encourage everybody to try every track and see which personally sticks with them.

I have been a huge Kathleen fan since Bikini Kill. Julie Ruin was a great side project and then came Le Tigre, one of the best bands in my collection. I have purchased all of the Le Tigre albums and this one is by far the BEST yet! These 3 women take on political issues that are important to me and are usually overlooked. It isn't just girl power or riot grrrl anymore. This album covers homosesexual rights, gender differences, socioeconomic back grounds and how the poor get skrewed and the rich dont care! O.K. I may sound bitter, but I was so impressed by this album. My favorite tracks are "FYR" which is probably the most political of all the songs they have created and "Keep on Livin'" which still brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. I saw them live on their last tour in Salt Lake City and it was INCREDIBLE! These women have energy, power, pride and creative minds that work together creating unique and beautiful expression. I love all of their albums, but Feminist is the best by far! You will not and could not regret this purchase!

I got feminist sweepstakes 3 months ago, and it is STILL in my diskman! in general i prefer more hardcore crust music like rudimentary peni, crass,and Sub-Humans, but this is one of the best CDs of ALL TIME!

If someone was to ask me who my favorite band is, it wouldn't be Le Tigre (although I am a HUGE fan and they run a close second and seeing them live really made my life). HOWEVER, if someone was to ask me what my favorite CD of all-time is I wouldn't think twice before saying Feminist Sweepstakes.

I have been in love with this CD for a good three years probably. I can't listen to it without singing along with every word.

Tracks like LT Tour Theme, Fake French, Tres Bien, and Well, Well, Well are playful and fun. Others like FYR, On Guard, My Art, and Keep On Livin' really get your blood pumping and also have such a positive message (especially Keep On Livin'...probably my favorite LT song for that reason).

The thing I can't get enough of is the powerful feminist strength behind Kathleen Hannah's voice. Her voice is the cherry on top that makes this cd not just a great listen, but it is actually empowering.

I never get tired of this CD. I can't say enough good things. Buy it.

It seems to me like LT got some flak for not being political enough on their first album, so they went into overdrive for this one. The new wave tunes are amazing, but it's too preachy. I'm down with the message, but I wouldn't be listening to it if I weren't, you know?

Le Tigre's 1999 debut album was an instant classic, an exciting forebearer for all future releases from the band. It seemed as if Kathleen Hanna could honestly do no wrong. The "From The Desk of Mr Lady EP" that was released earlier this year was somewhat of a disappointment. Though it had some truly great songs (especially the gripping "Bang Bang" and the hilarious "Gone B4 Yr Home"), a lot of it seemed like cuts that didn't make it on to the first album ... just toss-offs. I could accept this, with hopes that the next album would be a fresh, more concentrated effort from the band ... and so I looked forward to "Feminist Sweepstakes" with great anticipation. Upon listening to the album, I was met with a sense of vague disappointment. The songs aren't as distinct as the ones on the first album. "Sweepstakes" seems to sludge along maybe a bit too much, at worst being overly-didactic and monotonous. However, there are some enjoyable songs that redeem the album... "My Art", "FYR", "Much Finer", "Cry For Everything Bad That's Ever Happened" and "TGIF" being my choice favorites at this time. Though there's some fun to be had, on the whole the record seems less inspired than previous Kathleen-related recordings, and the feminist message seems to be marred the lack of any new perspective and a delivery that mostly sounds like someone's just going through the motions.(However, this could be just to emphasize the theme of despondency that seems to run through songs like the aforementioned "Much Finer" and "TGIF" ... but still no excuse for the never-ending dread that is "Dyke March 2001")And c'mon, did we really need the otherwise exhuberantly enjoyable "Tres Bien" ruined by an overly-obvious, no-fun-attemt-at-empowerment speech by Tammy Rae Carland at the end?
I hate to be so negative about a release by an artist I respect so much. I think that a few more good songs, dropping some of the weaker ones, and a different tracklisting would've made for a terrific album. Maybe the final product was inhibited by budget problems and/or time restrictions.
If you're new to the music of Kathleen Hanna, I would recommend the following records instead of "Feminist Sweepstakes":
"Pussy Whipped" and "The Singles" by Bikini Kill, Kathleen Hanna's self-titled release as Julie Ruin, and the first Le Tigre record.

This album is simply incredible. Thirteen tracks of danceable punk fury from riot grrrl goddess Kathleen Hanna and Co. It's their best, most consistent release to date--the last album to grow on me this fast was JSBX's classic, 'Orange.' This time around, the songs are mainly in the vein of "The The Empty", "What's Your Take on Cassevetes" and "Yr. Critique" with 'sexy' new dance grooves like "Fake French", "Tres Bien" and "Well Well Well". Just put on "Fake French" and try to sit still. The lyrics are equally amazing: "You know these days no one's exploited. Sorry dude can't hear ya with my head in the toilet." "Feminist Sweepstakes" is a totally catchy political/sonic assault in the company of Public Enemy's "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back". This album is like setting Barbara Kruger's artwork to music and dancing along--no one even comes close to the ingenuity of these ladies in combining pop, punk and politics in today's music scene.

Le Tigre is one of my all time favorite bands... and this CD did not disappoint me in the least. They have such an awesome sound and this cd makes me so proud to be a girl... the best songs on this cd would have to be "Well Well Well" and "Fake French". They are just so fun to listen to. Theyve got a unique sound, a little different from the other Riot Grrl Bands...

So. Buy this cd. Now.

No, it may not be as musically diverse or refined as the band's debut. But it is very fun, politically-charged, and addictive. Most of the songs roll along to a mid-tempo beat, and most of the album deals with issues that might be more close to the heart of feminists and politically active folk than the average listener. But the lyrics about apathy and discouragement within activist communities is done well, and the music is highly dancable. Kathleen Hanna also passes the mic to her bandmates more on this one. They dabble in funk, rock'n'roll and random noise montages - but it's mostly just enjoyable dance music with great lyrical themes. I know I only gave it four stars (would give it 4 and a half if possible) - it's just not peeerfect, but it is great. Not quite as pop-savvy or accessable as the first Le Tigre album, but it might just spend more time in your cd player for it's more subtle musical nature and excellent lyrics. Highly Recommended.

Le tigre is a close relative of Chicks on speed, but a little less artsy and more palatable to the average listener. long-time punker kathleen hanna brings her years of being out and politically active to this group along with the other two members (i don't know much about their histories). This band is criticized frequently for being "preachy" and "in your face" about lesbian politics, but at least half the songs on this album are just fun and have nothing to do with politics. I saw le tigre live and it rocked. just like the old days of punk. but with more bleeps. if you liked the movie "but i'm a cheerleader," then this band is for you.