Revenge of the She-Punks: A Feminist Music History from Poly Styrene to Pussy Riot

Revenge of the She-Punks chronicles the evolution of women in punk music from the 1970s to present day. Author Vivien Goldman draws from her firsthand experience as a punk musician and journalist to document this vital musical movement. The book is structured around four themes: identity, money, love, and protest. Goldman profiles key female punk figures and bands including Poly Styrene, Debbie Harry, The Slits, and Pussy Riot, examining their music and cultural impact. Through interviews, historical research, and musical analysis, Goldman traces how women used punk to challenge social norms and express rebellion. The narrative spans multiple continents and decades while highlighting connections between different generations of female musicians. This feminist music history reveals punk as a transformative force for women's empowerment and artistic freedom. The book demonstrates how the DIY punk ethos provided tools for women to create their own cultural space and challenge the male-dominated music industry.

Readers appreciate Goldman's firsthand knowledge of the punk scene and her organization of chapters by themes (identity, money, love, protest) rather than chronology. Many note her inclusion of international artists beyond the US/UK punk scenes. Positive reviews highlight: - Personal anecdotes from Goldman's time in the industry - Coverage of lesser-known bands and movements - Focus on intersectionality and race in punk - Clear connections between different eras and movements Common criticisms: - Writing style can be scattered and hard to follow - Some sections feel rushed or superficial - Limited coverage of certain influential artists - Too much focus on Goldman's own experiences Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) One reader noted: "Goldman brings an insider's perspective but sometimes gets lost in her own memories." Another said: "The thematic approach helps connect dots across decades of feminist punk history."

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🎸 The author, Vivien Goldman, earned the nickname "The Punk Professor" due to her position teaching punk rock history at New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. 🎤 The book is organized around four themes that are crucial to women in punk: identity, money, love, and protest—rather than following a traditional chronological structure. 🔊 Goldman was not just an observer of the punk scene; she was an active participant as a musician, performing with bands like The Flying Lizards and Chantage, and working as Bob Marley's first UK publicist. ✊ The book features interviews with influential artists spanning multiple decades and continents, including Poly Styrene (X-Ray Spex), Alice Bag, and members of Pussy Riot, showcasing punk's global impact. 📝 Goldman wrote the book while recovering from cancer treatment, channeling the punk spirit of resilience and rebellion into her writing process.