There's nothing more inspiring than a woman picking up a guitar or stepping up to the mic and rocking an audience to its core. We've compiled a list of some of the ladies who have most inspired us to form or join bands (and a few whom we'd shamelessly love to screw thrown in for good measure).
Sarah Cracknell (St. Etienne) You haven't lived until you've experienced Cracknell live. Throughout the 1990s, she was the queen of modern disco (electronica). Gay men the world over jammed to her uplifting and charming English accent and elegant philosophical outlook.
Chrissie Hynde (the Pretenders) Hynde's voice is ballsy but beautiful. Not very many vocalists have mastered the art of street cred and commercial success simultaneously. Hynde has.
Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab) Sadier lands on the list not only because of her singing chops, but because she has one of the more instantly recognizable sounds in the world. More and more bands may move to a jazzy indie rock-oriented format, but Stereolab will never get lost in the pack, thanks to its lead singer.
Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Julie Ruin, Le Tigre) Ask any Riot Grrrl fanatic to name one person who best symbolizes the genre and you're likely to hear answers such as Allison Wolfe, Corin Tucker and Courtney Love. But for my money, it just doesn't get any better than Hanna. Her cheerleader-esque battle cries and thought-provoking lyrics have made every song she's ever recorded an instant classic.
Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth, Ciccone Youth, Free Kitten) Here's a voice like no other. Gordon holds court to this day as the soul hen in the house of cocks. She's a true New York treasure.
Lydia Lunch Riot Grrrl's Queen B(itch) set the stage for all other female indie rock acts. Her vocals, which sound so sweet, hit hard with gorgeous female aggression and spirit
Suzanna Hoffs (the Bangles) Music purists may be rolling their eyes at this entry. After all, the Bangles were often referred to as "a poor man's Go-go's." But Hoffs was pretty kick-ass due to her ability to straddle the difficult line of sex symbol and stage dominatrix. While other bands of the day sound dated, the Bangles sound current and just as good as in their '80s heyday.
Skye Edwards (Morcheeba) Once you go black, you NEVER go back. Edwards' trip-hoppy vocals defined a generation and took British music to new heights with songs like "Trigger Hippie" and "One Fine Day."
Jennifer Herrema (Royal Trux) I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine. She wanted me to recommend some bands to her. I was heavily into Royal Trux's disc, Accelerator, at the time, so I threw this band out to her as one to pick up. When she asked what the group sounded like, I spouted probably the best musical description in the history of the world: "Imagine Rowlf the Dog singing lead vocals for Black Sabbath or Steppenwolf." After she stopped laughing, she picked up Accelerator and it rocked her so hard she couldn't see straight. What's more, Herrema is now her idol in life.
Kazu Makino (Blonde Redhead) Not only is she sexy as FUCK, but Makino is truly an amazing vocalist. Her breathy moans and ethereal lilts are easily branded to the band. Not only that, but they play so nicely against the Pace brothers' immense talents.
