This week’s letter is F. F is for Femegades but also for FUCK this song has a stiff but poignant message and I absolutely love it. The track that spun me into self-reflection as a father to three daughters was “Speechless”. The recording is pure and clean though fuzzy and ripping throughout. Lyrics come harsh, brash and honest as that capital F we spoke of. The subject matter of “but not ALL men” and the likes of those that hide behind that trope loads lyrics that question the intentions and actions of said men. Lines like “that joke about her down on her knees” and “you watched while she didn’t consent”. The catchy chorus sarcastically taunts the notion that not all men are like this, at least until their daughters are of age. The bridge and breakdowns are packed with tight and pulsing drums as she brings it home repeating “eyes wide shut, not all men”. I really enjoyed the modulated chorus that rounds out the tight, simple yet brilliant original riff. Bringing the key up a notch is a novel yet satisfying way to bring a song to an end. This song will make you think about what you say and do, music should do that, especially with a message that’s unfortunately so topical in today’s world. I guess I’m here to say thank you, Femegades. Great tune.
Thursdays With J.R. – Femegades
The B-Side: Ryan Cassata w/ Hello Noon
Happy Pride Month to all who celebrate, which really should be everyone when you think about it. What kind of person wouldn’t celebrate people celebrating all the things that make them beautiful? Of course the answer is quite a few right wing politicians, who have once again mounted a hate filled push to strip some of their fellow Americans of rights, safety and dignity. So what better time than now for singer-songwriter and long time LGBTQ rights activist Ryan Cassata (with assistance from Hello Noon) to drop a modern day anthem in “Hold On, You Belong (People Like Us).” Like Baez, Seeger, Ferrick and Bragg before them; Cassata recognizes the best protest song is one with a chorus designed for an impassioned sing along, and one that acts not so much like a molotov cocktail to the powers that be (although those are always good too) as an uplifting mantra. Like “We Shall Overcome” and “Blowin In The Wind” the focus of “Hold On” is on the strength and resilience of the oppressed and the assurance that no one is alone in the fight.