Playlist // International Women’s Day

Film & Music, Playlists Posted on 11.03.2012 by Georgia Newman

‘This is for my girls all around the world’

*Disclaimer – When compiling this playlist I became very aware of how WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic) my music taste is so I have attempted to include some cool international women too (partly to alleviate my guilt, but mostly ‘cause they’re cool). The list is made up of songs which either deal directly with women’s issues or are just a celebration of the awesome women who made them:

1. Can’t Hold Us Down – Christina Aguilera ft. Lil Kim

It’s simple really, some guy grabs Christina Aguilera’s bum so she turns around and tells him where to stick it. Debates about the objectification of women in music videos aside, it actually makes some good points about double standards when it comes to the expression of female and male sexuality.

2. Goodbye Earl – Dixie Chicks

Cheesy Texan country music dealing with the tough stuff. This is the story of an abusive husband and a strong female friendship that brings him down. I’m still not sure how I feel about the video though…

3. Oasis – Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer is a truly brilliant human being. So brilliant in fact that when her record label wanted to cut shots of her apparently ‘fat’ stomach from her video, her fans started a website called ‘ReBellyon’ where they proudly posted photos of their own ‘fat’ bellies in protest.

This similarly controversial song tackles rape and abortion in a boldly upbeat way, and is ridiculously catchy to boot!

4. You’re Aging Well – Dar Williams

This is a pretty but defiant song about getting older and wiser, and being exactly who you want to be. Down with ageism!

5. Canção Boba – Dominique Pinto

Brazilian-born Dominique Pinto lives in France and sings in Portuguese, French and Spanish; so I’d say she was a pretty international woman. Her understated, childlike voice, as well as her lovely cello playing (which she loops live on stage), are definitely things to celebrate.

6. Lady – Regina Spektor

This one’s a double celebration! The awesome Moscow-born Regina Spektor’s homage to one of the most famous female singers of all time: Billie Holiday.