It’s a sign that Riot Grrrl’s musical—as opposed to just socio-political or feminist—legacy has begun to take root in the wider consciousness when icons of the movement besides Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna are being plumbed for their take on feminist punk’s sonic legacy. Here, Bratmobile vocalist, queen zinester, and punk activist Allison Wolfe charts the nine songs that have meant the most in her life, with tracks ranging from bluegrass duo Alice Dickens and Hazel Gerrard to ‘90s Seattle pioneers The Gits. It’s no surprise that ex-NME editor Laura Snapes is behind this piece: Her features work helped change the music weekly from old-boys rag to a once-more intelligent read (before its recent nosedive, that is). Divided into five-year segments, this deeply personal mix reflects key moments in Wolfe’s life, and largely reads as a beautifully pitched homage to her activist mother, a pioneering feminist Playful in places (Bow Wow Wow) and heart-wrenching in others (Dolly Parton), it’s a refreshingly candid exploration of the importance individual songs play in our musical—and socio-political—development.
