Glorious Ladies of Rocktober Song #19: "Pretend We're Dead" by L7

L7 is one of the more influential all-female rock bands from the late '80s and early '90s.  Formed in LA, the band took their name from '50s slang for "square," and proceeded to make some non-square music, spanning the hard rock, grunge, punk, riot grrrl, and alternative rock genres.

In addition to forming the Rock for Choice benefit concert series to help raise money and awareness for women's health issues, the band has etched out a place for itself as, how should I put this, not giving a fuck about your rules.  They have raffled off a one-night stand with drummer Demetra Plakas, dropped trou on live British TV, and were involved in one of the most infamous and disgusting rock and roll moments ever.  During L7's performance at the 1992 Reading Festival in England, the crowd became restless after there were some technical difficulties during the band's set.  Some audience members started throwing mud at the stage.  This did not sit well with lead singer Donita Sparks, so she went perhaps a little too far by yanking the bloody, used tampon from her vagina and throwing it into the crowd.  Rock and fucking roll!

My favorite L7 song is "Pretend We're Dead," off of the band's 1992 album Bricks are Heavy.  It was their most successful song on the charts, reaching #8 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #21 on the UK charts.  It's also one of my favorite songs from the '90s.