Artist: Babes In Toyland Album: Spanking Machine

Year: 1990
Duration: 36:15

A of the Album Spanking Machine by Babes in Toyland

Babes in Toyland is an all-female punk rock band that emerged from the Minneapolis music scene in the late 1980s. The band consists of Kat Bjelland (vocals and guitar), Lori Barbero (drums), and Michelle Leon (bass). They are known for their fierce style and aggressive sound. Spanking Machine is the band's debut album, which was released in 1990. This album helped to define the Riot grrrl music genre. In this post, I will critically review this album, discussing its best songs, the most innovative parts, and my overall impression of the album.
Spanking Machine features 12 tracks that showcase the band's raw and unfiltered sound. The album opens with He's My Thing, a fast and furious song that sets the tone for what's to come. Bjelland's intense vocals and guitar riffs are supported by Barbero's powerful drumming and Leon's solid bass lines. Other standout tracks include Dust Cake Boy, Spit to See the Shine, and Handsome and Gretel. These songs are all fast-paced and aggressive, with Bjelland's vocals conveying intense emotion and anger.
One of the most innovative parts of Spanking Machine is the way the band incorporates elements of grunge into their punk rock sound. This is especially noticeable on tracks like Ripe, which features a heavy guitar riff and a slower tempo that allows Bjelland's vocals to shine. The use of distortion and feedback on the album also adds to the overall intensity of the music.
While the music on Spanking Machine is impressive, some of the lyrics can be problematic. The song Bluebell features the line I'd beat my girl to keep her alive, which is obviously problematic and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes. In addition, some of the lyrics are nonsensical and difficult to understand, which may turn off some listeners.
Overall, my impression of Spanking Machine is that it's a solid debut album that showcases the band's raw and unbridled talent. Babes in Toyland's unique sound and style helped to define the Riot grrrl genre, and this album undoubtedly influenced many other female artists who came after them. While the lyrics may not always hit the mark, the music is undeniably powerful and provocative.
In conclusion, I recommend Spanking Machine to anyone who enjoys punk rock and is interested in learning more about the Riot grrrl movement. While this album may not be for everyone, it's definitely worth a listen for those who appreciate raw and aggressive music. Babes in Toyland is a band that deserves more recognition for their contributions to the music industry. Overall, Spanking Machine is a solid debut that showcases the band's potential and sets the stage for what was to come.