Fanny was the first all female rock and roll band to produce a major label LP, writing most of their songs and playing all of the instruments. Before Bangles, Runaways, Vixen, Go-Go's, and everybody else. They released five records between 1970-1974, and while those records aren't perfect, they are darn good, especially Charity Ball 1971, Fanny Hill 1972 and Mother's Pride 1973.
While never chart toppers, they had a few charting singles. The real surprise was what a great live band they were. June Millington was a hot lead guitarist, Nicki Barclay was an outstanding rock keyboard player, and June Millington (bass) and Alice de Buhr (drums) laid down a solid foundation. They could all sing. I didn't know they existed until I saw them live (twice) in Cleveland, and I was blown away. They were better live than any of their records.
Beat-Club was the premier German rock and roll TV show, and featured live music by a who's who list of artists of the day. It is a pretty good recording, and shows just how good they were live. An excellent addition to their studio records. It's out on CD or vinyl or streaming and much of it can be watched and listened to on YouTube.
How come almost no one talks about Birtha, when it comes to pioneering all-female rock bands? Two albums on ABC/Dunhill in the same period as Fanny. Sure Fanny got an album out first, but nothing they did comes close to how awesome Birtha were. They were better players and had way better songs.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, I like Fanny, but after that documentary film about them I feel like they are being way over-hyped beyond their actual worth.
No Birtha on Apple music or Qobuz, that certainly doesn't help.
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