Stocking stuffers!!

It’s that time of year, people... time to figure out what the hell to buy our friends, family members, boyfriends/girlfriends or guys/girls that you "like-like". Here are some recommendations for the lady-rocker-lovers in your life:

Ronnie Spector’s Be My Baby. I read this book in one sitting. I actually own 3 copies of this book because people keep giving it to me as a present thinking I don't have it! The paperback version is updated with new material!

My Name is Love: The Darlene Love Story Again, a total must have.

When I Grow Up: a Memoir Juliana Hatfield’s book about her being totally talented and cool.

Girls to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s definitely in my Amazon Wish List.

For the girl that's not quite old enough to be a guitar shredder, but will be in a few years: Rock 'n Roll Camp for Girls: How to Start a Band, Write Songs, Record an Album, and Rock Out!

RIP ARI UP Typical Girls: The Story of the Slits

I own two copies of this Blondie book. One for reading and one to cut out all the pictures and use them for an art project that never happened!

Punk Pioneers: When Punk Was Fun Probably one of the coolest and best punk photographers of all time, Jenny Lens, released a book a few years ago of all her amazing photography.

60's/70's fans might enjoy this one.

Pamela Des Barres wrote a book about being a groupie in the 60's and 70's. I've always wanted to read this and I'm sure she has some pretty... um... "interesting" stories...

I'm open to more suggestions! Send an email to kellyfeverxo (at) gmail (dot) com if you have any recommendations!

BUY IT: Chin Chin: Sound of the Westway

I wrote about Chin Chin last year, and for months have been putting off buying Slumberland Records reissue of Chin Chin's 1985 LP Sound of the Westway for no other reason than just being plain ol' broke as a joke. I finally shelled up some clams and bought it and HOLY SHIT I'm so glad I did.

The band's sound on their full-length album is a bit different than their debut single, We Don't Wanna Be Prisoners (listen below)



This song is amazing and lively. I love their gang vocals and it kind of reminds me of a tamer Vice Squad. However, their full length album that came out one year after Prisoners is chock full of that C86 girly pop punk sound, beautiful harmonies and almost border-lining on an edgy twee feel. Every song is upbeat and fun and the great thing about buying this on vinyl, like most new vinyl releases, there's a free download card inside that comes with a bonus early demo rehearsal medley of My Boy Lollipop and Da Do Ron Ron. That recording is seriously as cute as a baby bunny's tail!!

Chin Chin toured with The Shop Assistants and also played with The Pogues, Anti-Nowhere League, TV Personalities and New Model Army. While bands like The Go-Go's and The Bangles have always received a lot of attention in America as influential female-fronted bands, Chin Chin is a band that has obviously been overlooked.

You can listen to clips of every song on the album here and that link also provides a free download of their song Dead Life. Buy the album here!