Reviewed by John Cheek

A recent copy of a mainstream, monthly music magazine was telling. Its 114 pages were almost exclusively dominated by male artists, apart from a feature on the all-girl punk act The Go-Go's, and an obituary for the gospel-influenced Betty Wright. This was Britain in 2020 and it instantly personified the arguments contained within Revenge Of The She-Punks. Vivien Goldman, like Caroline Coon, was that rare species: a female music journalist in the early '70s and one who has achieved much in her career. Aside from her excellent writing and research skills, why would Christians be interested in this feminist music history? Actually, in chronicling the fortunes of female punk acts around the globe, it not only highlights those who have rejected the stereotypes for women in popular music, it presents to us an unlikely cast of allies for those of us alienated by the sexism and misogyny of the world. Be aware that feminist language is used which some believers may find challenging. "Herstory" is used to replace "history". "Sheroes" instead of "heroes". Many of our casual assumptions in life are challenged in these pages. Yet an important truth is revealed in Revenge Of The She-Punks, namely that punk rock is often a powerful voice of protest against the materialism and lies that grip Western culture. So many She-Punks have reacted against divorce and their experience of poor-parenting with something akin to anger against betrayal - and a voluntary exploration of family values. They rail against the class-based establishment, gender-discrimination and music business power struggles. Mention is made of feminists who have doubts about abortion. Yet what about the music? Insightful coverage of Poly Styrene and Neneh Cherry is a little undermined by unsatisfactory accounts of Patti Smith and Pussy Riot - She-Punks whose Christian beliefs are little more than alluded to by Goldman, a clear weakness of the book. Elsewhere though, religious faith is generally portrayed in a positive light rather than the enemy of womankind, except where there is male-dominated religious hierarchies. One-time Greenbelt headliners Amadou and Mariam are referenced, as is Tony Orlando and "Bless You". Goldman recalls the confrontation she once had with Peter "Legalise It" Tosh, the druggy Rastafarian who insisted that men were literally superior to women. 2,000 years ago, Jesus kept company with outsiders and misfits. Most controversially, he also publicly associated with women and welcomed their support and devotion. I wonder what he learnt from them. Revenge Of The She-Punks is a critical herstory of popular music and culture, offering us a vital insight from a particular standpoint. Dare you risk taking a look?

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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