With three years since their last album, Pussy Whipped, and only a few 7-inch singles in the meantime, Bikini Kill had loads of time to become a band that stands on its own merits. Reject All American, their 1996 sophomore... more » release, reveals a refined punk band with increased clarity, verified competence, and expanded range. While the band's heart still lies in the sneering brat punk of the Sex Pistols or X-Ray Spex--heard here on thrilling two-minute slices of attitude like "Capri Pants" and "Statement of Vindication"--the band also gives a go at airy alt rock (bassist Kathi Wilcox's jangly "False Start"), classic new wave pop (the title track's Go-Go's chorus), and even drops a trumpet and xylophone into the mix. Still, it's Kathleen Hanna's words and vocals that have matured most and remain the band's primary strength. It's enough to make you proud: Just look at how our little grrrl has grown. --Roni Sarig« less
With three years since their last album, Pussy Whipped, and only a few 7-inch singles in the meantime, Bikini Kill had loads of time to become a band that stands on its own merits. Reject All American, their 1996 sophomore release, reveals a refined punk band with increased clarity, verified competence, and expanded range. While the band's heart still lies in the sneering brat punk of the Sex Pistols or X-Ray Spex--heard here on thrilling two-minute slices of attitude like "Capri Pants" and "Statement of Vindication"--the band also gives a go at airy alt rock (bassist Kathi Wilcox's jangly "False Start"), classic new wave pop (the title track's Go-Go's chorus), and even drops a trumpet and xylophone into the mix. Still, it's Kathleen Hanna's words and vocals that have matured most and remain the band's primary strength. It's enough to make you proud: Just look at how our little grrrl has grown. --Roni Sarig
"Although a little more polished than I like my Bikini Kill, this is an excellent album and newcommers to their audio feminsim could start out here without missing a single message. It is a shame they broke up, because every one of their albums sounds different. While the polished sound will undoubtedly raise protests among some loyal fans about "selling out" I don't think any band can really survive without continously growing, learning and expanding. I had been listening to BK for a long time, and had reservations when I heard that this album was going to be poppy. My reservations ceased when I actually gave it a chance and realized just how awesome it was. BK's experimental recording blew me away Bikini Kill was one of the great grrrl bands of the 1990's and this album was only one facet in a long line of gems from the Washington state punk quartet. Unlike the Spice Girls, this group knows that girl power comes from self respect and civil rights, not breast size and belt notches."
Awesome pop-punk
jon c. sieruga | san berdoo, ca | 12/31/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A truly astonishing slice of riot grrrl rock, this ranks as one of the most dazzling records to come out of the 1990's. The music just glides on "False Start"(their best song); the rest of the time it skitters along amusingly on spirit and nerve, but is seldom tasteless, never whiny. Punk fans complained it was too slick, but it shows growth from "Pussy Whipped" and Kathleen Hanna comes off like a goddess(also check out her 'solo' CD titled JULIE RUIN). A masterstroke of musical brilliance. Were the Sex Pistols this good at their peak? Maybe, but they weren't BETTER."
A 90's punk classic!
Matthew Phillips | Knoxville, Tennessee United States | 04/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not only was Bikini Kill one of the best bands of the 1990's, but this was by far one of the best records of the 90's. It's just a pity more people more people don't know about it and them. Bikini Kill brought forth the authentic inner angst and intestinal fortitude that 99% of other present day "punk" bands try to deliver, and on "Reject All American", it comes through loud and proud. Kathleen Hanna should go down in the the rock and roll record books as a true original icon. If Iggy Pop is known to some as the godfather of punk, then Kathleen Hanna's reign as riot grrrrl queen is cemented forever. This album is strong from start to finish, and just as Black Flag's "Rise Above" is an anthem for the 80's, "Reject All American" should go down as an anthem for the 90's."
YOU ARE YOUR OWN WORST ENEMY
conney island baby | 01/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is by far Bikini Kill's poppiest album, and that doesn't mean they've become tame!
I dare not say they have "matured", because their previous statements were powerful and become more true everytime you listen to them. The roar of Pussy Whipped, the prevalescence of DIY and the screech of guitars in CD Version, the stylish Singles, are milestones in the history of punk rock.
The sound of Reject All American is different from any of BKs other work. The breathtaking surfer vibe, the catchy hooks and unfogettable lines Kathleen throws at you. Bikini Kill delivers everything from compelling and tuneful slower numbers (R.I.P, For Only, False Start, Tony Randall), to our beloved fast loud fun political little pieces (Statement of Vindication, Capri Pants, No Backrub--- BEEN PROGRAMMED TO SELF DESTRUCT, Bloody Ice Cream, Finale). There's pop songs like Jet Ski and Reject All American... this album wont' wear out!
Maybe it isn't the "girls with the bad reputation" at their rawest, but they sure as hell are gonna "make you pay" anyways. Tobi's and Kathleen's vocals are as mind blowing as ever, the songwriting is every time more brilliant! only word I can find to describe it.
If you are honestly gonna judge this according to its "poppiness", you lose. Bikini Kill win. They can't lose, they're the real princesses.
My favorite tracks are Statement of Vindication, R.I.P, Jet Ski, No Backrub, Bloody Ice Cream, Distinct Complicity, and Capri Pants"
Total attitude
Matthew B Phillips | Gallatin, Tennessee | 05/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While bands like Green Day and the Offspring try to pay homage and carry on the spirit of the original punk bands they seem to love so much, they have missed the point. With this album, Bikini Kill and Kathleen Hanna do what those bands will never be able to do and that is deliver their material with so much angst and attitude that one cannot help but take notice. This album is strong from start to finish. While the overwhelming majority of 90's "punk bands" do nothing more than play fast songs with nothing behind them, Bikini Kill, and especially on this album, delivers the goods that should make their 70's forerunners very proud indeed!"