Babes in Toyland: Lashes

This is one of the definitive grunge goth bands. Every song of theirs I've ever heard is both absolute grunge and absolute goth at the same time. Kat Bjelland, while not one of the greatest guitarists ever, is a master of lyrics and rock 'n' roll entertainment. She's a big influence on me as a rock vocalist, band frontman, and songwriter (and I'm a man).

Spanking Machine, their first album, was released in 1990, so Babes in Toyland was part of the first wave of grunge bands originating outside of Seattle (Kat and friends are from Minneapolis--though this album was recorded in Seattle). Some say they were a big influence on their sometimes friend Courtney Love, who learned from many people and had the gumption to then go on to become much more famous (not necessarily for her musicianship).

Interestingly, Kat never mentions any goth bands as an influence. It's believable that her songs just sound spooky anyway. Sometimes downright scary. Her fashion sense was grunge goth, too. She's a true original, and she gets a big ol' Grunge Goth salute.

I see you grew into
That stiff gray suit they've sewn for you
Scrub you clean
Now you forget what you mean


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