The recent reissue of the first Bikini Kill EP has got me thinking again about the band and the lasting influence of the Riot Grrrl movement. Sara Marcus' Girls to the Front: the true story of the riot grrrl revolution[2] is the perfect companion to the reissue, along with these essentials from Riot Grrrl's past and future.

The Scream[3] - Siouxsie and the Banshees: One of many figures often pointed to as an early model for Riot Grrrl, Siouxsie defied categorization. Even her cover of the Beatles' "Helter Skelter" is in a class by itself.

Blood and Guts in High School[4] - Kathy Acker: The story goes that Kathleen Hannah talked herself into an interview with Acker, who told her to start a band.

Dig Me Out[6] - Sleater Kinney: Corinne Tucker of Heavens to Betsy and Carrie Brownstein of Excuse 17 formed Sleater Kinney in 1994. The addition of drummer Janet Weiss on this 1997 album added a heaviness that made them one of the best live bands around for the rest of their career.