Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill

It’s hard to talk about Bikini Kill without mentioning the groundbreaking feminist movement known as riot grrrl, which the band helped create and remained associated with.

But it’s worth noting that Bikini Kill was also a full-blooded rock’n’roll band that honored the do-it-yourself ethic and kept themselves away from major labels—though they still loved established rock icons like Joan Jett, who produced “Rebel Girl” and played guitar on it.

Before it was a band, Bikini Kill was a fanzine published by charter members Kathleen Hanna and Tobi Vail; this evolved into the Riot Grrl 'zine that Hanna founded with members of Bratmobile. The 'zine and associated bands were behind a social/political subculture that enlightened the '90s underground. And as “Rebel Girl” proved, you could also dance to it.

One of the founders of the Riot Grrrl zine, Molly Neuman went onto manage the Donnas.

Don’t let the fact that this is a punk song in the warmup category fool you; there’s plenty here to keep you on your toes.

The drum part is not fancy but inventive, making fast switches between two very different patterns.

The guitar solo also has some nice variations and incorporates three-finger chords.

All four members of Bikini Kill are still playing in various indie bands. Kathleen Hanna even signed to a major with her next band Le Tigre.