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photo by William Anthony
The new Album - Shake Yourself Awake - onsale now
Shake Yourself Awake - Best of 2007!!!!
Voted #3 by Three Imaginary Girls readers!!!
Three Imaginary Girls readers poll
#13 in Three Imaginary Girls Staff Picks!!!
Three Imaginary Girls staff picks
#7 in Sound on the Sound Local Albums of 2007!!!
www.soundonthesound.com
ALBUM REVIEWS - "Shake Yourself Awake"
"Seattle's political pop-punks are back in fine form" - Curve Magazine
"THE BREAKTHROUGH HIT OF THE SUMMER. To call this record dynamite would be like calling the sun a spark." Paul W. Richardson, Nadamucho.com.
Read the feature here:
"Shake Yourself Awake is a telling album — the kind you could listen to at any given emotional moment and respond to. Awesome poppy-hooks and bouncy rhythms." - Three Imaginary Girls. Read the full review here:
Interview with Lesli at Afterellen.com. Read the feature here
"Smashing, as always." - Aiding & Abetting
"[Wood's] dexterity is matched only by her capacity to turn a phrase, which tend to be straightforward, politically charged... her passion is absolutely contagious... a formidable band. " - Shawn Telford, Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Read the feature story here
"Filled to the brim with energy, enthusiasm and emotion" - Bryan Ochalla, Lesbianation. Read the review and interview with Lesli here:
"The balance between powerful punchy pop, hints of punk and subtle rock guitars manage to showcase Wood's vocals and launch Ms. Led into a topnotch act" - Amy Spenser, In Utah Magazine
"Ms. Led plays the kind of rock music that punches, pops and proves that the political can get personal... Ms. Led's songs resonate with the immediacy and timelessness that all good rally cries need. " - Annie Holub, Tucson Weekly. Read feature story here:
"This Seattle four piece has grown one helluva reputation all across the U.S. for being a fantastic live show—power pop that just kicks your ass while giving you
a big ol' kiss." - What's Up! (Bellingham, WA)
"an energetic and unapologetic call to action mixed with songs of personal struggle and triumph" - San Francisco Spectrum
"Another decibel-heavy slab of the pounding, politically conscious rock..." - Seattle Sound Magazine
"Shake Yourself Awake is definitely one step up on the evolutionary music chain proving Ms. Led is all grown up and ready for the big time" - Angela Jossy, Weekly Volcano (Olympia, WA)
"Turn it up, throw it down and do your best Ally Sheedy goes berserk at the high school library impersonation, and let go of inhibition" - Innocent Words
"The album has such an addictive personality to it that you are sure to find yourself singing at the top of your lungs and rockin' out like middle school kids at a Nirvana concert circa 1991. Needless to say, this is one band that seems to be on the paved road to success" - Renee Gannon, Queer-Sighted. Read the full feature here:
Q&A with Lesli Wood at
Sound on the Sound:
"These Things We Say" - Best of 2004!!!
#59 in KEXP's Top 90.3 Albums of the Year
#8 in KEXP's Northwest Albums of the Year
Three Imaginary Girls' Northwest Albums of the Year
"Stigma" listed in Seattle Weekly's Best Northwest Singles of the Year
ALBUM REVIEWS -
"These Things We Say is an album of sharp-as-a-tack power pop that barely takes time to breathe. Clichés aside, Ms. Led plays catchy, polished music that deals with politics, feminism, the Bush-ocracy, etc. in a straightforward manner that is as urgent in its message as it is in its delivery." - Abbie Amadio, Punk Planet
"Listening to the latest release from Ms. Led gives me chills both because of what they're saying and how they sound saying it. In an era when many indie/punk bands are staunchly apolitical, Ms. Led's lyrics speak straight to our yearning activist hearts...The guitar-driven songs satisfy your need to rock without reservation..." - Kim,
Girlstown Productions
"This combo's fourth release has a message, sure, but it's also got a great beat, and you can dance to it" - The Advocate
Read a feature story in Innocent Words
"Ms. Led's These Things We Say absolutely rocks. This very tight band with the slamming bassline will make you want to shake your booty. You'll either dance, or you'll hit the streets in riot gear. Either way, you'll move your ass." - Lesbian Nation
"Ms. Led has succeeded in creating a breakthrough record... Besides describing the album as fun and encouraging, one also might classify it as punk rock, a smidge pop, a bit twangy, maybe even a little surf-inspired. No matter how it is classified, the album is definitely worth investing in." - Jacinda Howard, Western Front (Bellingham, WA)
"Seattle's Ms. Led pulls out the stops on its new, high-energy collection... The album is stocked with passionate left-wing anthems but there's plenty of contagious fun in the explosive mix of punk, pop and indie rock. The band's reputation as a hot live act comes through emphatically..." - Gene Stout, Seattle Post-Intelligence
These songs are so catchy, so fun, that it's no wonder the band - whose members take on pseudonyms like Roxy and Bootsy - has raucous live shows where the fans sing along.
- Jeff Marsh, Delusions of Adequacy
"It's the grrl power you wanted Gwen Stefani to become and the rock you want Sahara Hotnights to be...not only did every song have me nodding my head infectiously to their melodious chorus' and screamin' chants, the contemptuous manner in which Roxy spits her lyrics makes it so f***in' punk rock." - Impose Magazine
"With These Things We Say, Ms. Led blatantly tell you where you can stick both your misogyny and your tired stereotypes of feminists, but they do it with a fierce indie-punk groove that kicks your ass into action and onto the dance floor. You like feminist music. You just don't know it yet. So listen up." - Rachel Devitt, Feature In Seattle Weekly
"I can easily see Ms. Led following the trail blazed by the likes of Sleater-Kinney; if this group is the new face of riot grrrl, I say more power to 'em." - Sarah Zachrich, Splendid Zine
"It’s tricky to write songs about activism without sounding clichéd or preachy, but Ms. Led succeed by paring calls to action with defiantly catchy rock riffs. From the samba beat of “And Now We Know” to the blues slide on “No. No. You’re Right” to the new wave of “Keep On The Outside,” the musicianship of These Things takes a complex and creative turn" - Anna Guliani, Venus Magazine
"Few thrills compare to witnessing a good band evolve into a great one. With These Things, Ms. Led have done just that. Live, the Seattle quartet's spirited performances and defiant ferocity have long been irrestistible..." - Kurt B. Reighley, The Stranger
Ms. Led turn out a raucous, danceable, soul-punk rock, coughing 30 minutes of catchy, rocky, danceable, empowering bliss on their latest release... What make Ms. Led so infectious is equal parts smart lyrics, attitude, and musicianship... "Small Change" is a three-minute wonder of big drums, rolling basslines and a lyrical battle-cry that may just be 2004's anthem. "Keep on the Outside" rivals the best electro-dance tune by Le Tigre. And "It Took Until April" throws those tapping toes into a tailspin; it's Ramones-ish riffs so peppy, Wood's wails so full, how can you not want to take it up a notch and actually dance to the music? " - Stella, Three Imaginary Girls
"[Ms. Led] has solidified its identity as one of the most outspoken bands in Seattle. "These Things" leads off with inciting words about feminism and doesn't back down for half an hour. Noted producer Martin Feveyear lends suitable grit to the guitars, while vocalist Leslie Wood (also known as Roxy) swings between Corin Tucker and the keynote speaker at a political rally." - Tizzy Asher, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"The opening track talks about [feminism], and we knew that there was definitely a danger to putting that track first because it's so easy for people just to think, 'Oh, you're just another feminist band, you're just girls playing guitars,'" said Wood. "It occurred to me that I didn't want to be scared of that label because it's exactly what the song is saying. There shouldn't be a stigma to the concept of equal rights for women." Whether on the road or blasting on a stereo, Ms. Led seeks to change people's minds about the f-word.
Feature in University of Washington Daily
"Ms. Led will shake you up in the morning, not just with their in-your-face punk-inspired power pop, but with their fiercely left-wing ideological content as well."
Punk International
 "The band goes for the ultra-quiet Contours breakdown but comes roaring back for one last hurrah, guitars wailing, drums falling about, and a generally good time had by all. "
pitchforkmedia.com
"Seattle band Ms. Led offers up a feminist message with a political edge."
Feature in : Albuquerque Tribune
"Lesli Wood and crew generate confident, fun, femme-friendly power-pop that somehow doesn't sound like a KRS retread... prick your ears for rallying cry "Stigma" " - Seattle Weekly
"The truth of the matter is that these folks know how to play. That talent can be heard in the subtle touches which fill this album... Even more impressive is the range of styles Ms. Led incorporates into its full-throttle roar. Kinda like a northwestern version of Firewater--substituting a Kill Rock Stars ethos for the klezmer, if that makes any sense... This is another fine effort. I've now listened to this disc three times, and it keeps getting better. Truly fine." Aiding & Abetting
"Ms. Led knows a thing or two about where they came from - musically and intellectually - where they need to go, and, of course, the value of a good pop melody to back up the rebel yell. The dirty howls and stylish disillusionment really suits the band well, and the darkness that sometimes seeps through their pop overtones gives them a bit of spark and motivation - you can tell they believe in their convictions, and it's heartening." Sarah Peters, Lost At Sea
"It shouldn't be much of a surprise that November 2nd is the day that this fantastic political-edged indie rock album is to be unleashed upon the world. The Northwest and Seattle scenes won't be able to contain this dynamite quartet much longer." Smother.net
LIVE
REVIEWS
"The quartet flat-out sweats confidence, and that intangible can get its growing audience shaking without the faintest onstage suggestion. Ringleader Lesli Wood hammers out heartfelt lady-punk with the same brainy ferocity that got all the white belts turned compu-yuppies rightfully drooling over Kills Rock Stars so many years ago."
Show Preview: Seattle Weekly
"With a sound that falls somewhere in between other NW
female-fronted bands like Sleater-Kinney and Visqueen, Ms. Led are a
power-pop four-piece with a strong but not heavy-handed feminist message and
a straightforward punch. Ms. Led are an energetic, inspired act with enough
experience and stage presence to give their since songwriting a solid
backbone."
Nomination for Best Punk/Hardcore Band: Seattle
Weekly
"Kick-ass local combo fronted by the ferocious Lesli
Wood. Expect thrashing, punk influenced pop rock girded by fierce
intelligence and emotional directness."
Bumbershoot Preview: The Stranger (Seattle)
"The fiercely feminist Ms. Led kick ass ? in a
surprisingly fresh way ? and lead singer Lesli Wood is as much fun to watch
rock out as she is to hear."
Capitol Hill Block Party Preview: The Stranger
(Seattle)
"Exciting, fiery, and passionate, Ms. Led?s
proto-feminist post-punk is a shot of musical adrenaline with a
pulse-pounding groove and angry, articulately delivered lyrics."
Bumbershoot Preview: One-Reel
"If you think their recorded work is remarkable,
you?ll be enthralled by the kind of energy and pride they bring to the live
stage."
Show preview (opening for The Butchies): Tablet
Zine
"Ms. Led plays with more intensity than most so-called
'hardcore' bands, but all the while the melody rides shotgun, making even
the most up-tempo songs as easy to sway to as to thrash to. Singing with
such power that you can't understand why she doesn't have to scream,
singer/guitarist Lesli Wood proves once and for all that girls do not need
separate standards to rock to. I love her so much and I would like it if
someday she would beat me up."
Show review:
Three Imaginary
Girls
ALBUM
REVIEWS - "AFTERNOON IN CENTRAL PARK"
"...the kind of album that demands many repeated
listens. Loud guitars and intense drums combine with Ms. Wood's distinctive
vocals that recall riot grrls Alison Wolfe and Corin Tucker, and next thing
you know, you've forgotten everything you've heard on the radio in years.
Much like Bikini Kill and the Clash, liberal politics are the driving force
behind Ms. Led?s music... Lesli Wood never sacrifices melody for politics...
Her lyrics are angry, feminist, and very intelligent (not necessarily in
that order). When the album begins with the words, ?it seems unreasonable to
just get by; blame the system then don?t even try,? you remember a time when
you believed the world can be changed one kick-ass song at time. Afternoon
in Central Park is a soundtrack in search of revolution."
Chris Burlingame, ROCKRGRL
"Ms. Led plays like it has something to prove. The
songs rock with an urgency and edginess calling to mind Sleater-Kinney
jamming with Liz Phair... Ms. Led serves a well-placed slap to the face of
out-of-touch nerds who still expect women to add their image, rather than
their talent to music."
Zach Needles, Rockpile Magazine
1340 Mag Interview |
Tablet
Newspaper Interview
"Ms. Led could be the breakout talking point [of
Ladyfest], zipping breathlessly from no-bullshit early-years Sleater-Kinney
combat rock ("Afternoon in Central Park") to sparse torch-singer lullabies
("While in New York"), and even infusing a little righteous Ani Difranco
cadence ("Sit Still") in between." Andrew Bonazelli, (SEATTLE WEEKLY)
"Oh yeah, feminist rock is definitely in the house.
One look at the lyric sheet puts that beyond question. But this band doesn?t
shortchange the musical experience in favor of delivering discourse. Ms. Led
does a fine job of balancing out the ideas that put the punch in its message
and writing catchy rock hooks that seemingly piggyback intensity from the
words."
Shredding Paper (Issue 15, Spring 2003)
"Wood tackles subjects that in the hands of a
lesser musician would turn into tired and sentimental clich?s, but Ms. Led?s
leader is a surprising success, making Afternoon in Central Park an
addictive listen from start to finish. The aching epic ?While in New York?
is an absolute must hear, as Wood begs to very end in an increasingly
strained tone of desperation ?don?t leave me here.? A fine representation of
what spending too much time in Manhattan can do to even the most resilient
soul."
Megan Gaynes (Devil In The Woods)
"If you are as tired as me of the commercial crap
that passes as girl-rock these days, give Ms. Led a chance to provide a
needed escape with a record that fucking means something."
Punk Rock Reviews
"What if Sleater-Kinney
never held back and concentrated more on their message than the sound of
their guitars? That is what Ms. Led appears to be? If you thought that Ms.
Led was nothing more than a clever play on words, think again; this album
deals with everything from sexuality to feminism."
Venus Zine
"Thanks to its fast tempos, fiery feminist lyrics,
hooky guitar riffs, and sweet lead vocals provided by Lesli Wood,
Seattle-based Ms. Led is a welcome addition to the scene."
Girlfriends
"Just when I bemoan the sad lack of female-fronted
bands in today?s music scene, along comes a tough, hard-edged Seattle band
with an angry Lesli Wood behind the mic. With a sound like a cranked up Foo
Fighters in a progesterone fit, this Northwestern quartet had been garnering
raves for its high-energy live shows. The music transfers well from stage to
disc? For those who would like a crunchier version of The Breeders, Ms. Led
is just what you?ve been waiting for. This is ballsy rock from one of the
hardest rocking grrl bands around."
Skratch Magazine
"Bands with political messages central
to their identity oftentimes have taken flack for lacking in the sounds
department. It's just a fact as most people can't be great at everything.
Bands with a feminist message have certainly taken more than their fair
share of such criticisms, which is something that conjures up a sly smile
when female-based bands like Ms. Led come along and rock beyond the issue."
Xtian Spencer (Performer
Mag)
"Ms. Led is a band to watch closely. 10
seconds into this album and there is no question that this is the kick in
the pants current music sorely needs. This is just pure, unadulterated, rock
n’ roll. This is a must have."
Mark Fisher (1340mag.com)
"Afternoon In Central Park is the handiwork of a
Pacific Northwest indie-rock band... Its songs are driven by taut guitar
lines, rhythms that propel dancing feet and vocals that seethe with quiet
intensity one moment, then suddenly ignite into barely controlled yowling
the next."Kurt B. Reighley (Time Out New
York)
"Afternoon In Central Park is a ferocious litter of
Sleater-Kinney-style tunes that scratch, bite, and holler their way into
one?s ear without remorse. Wood has a powerful voice that captures all the
fury of Corin Tucker and presses it against softer singer/songwriter
influences."
The Stranger (Seattle, WA)
"Afternoon In Central Park" was voted one of the
top 90.3 albums of 2003 by KEXP 90.3 FM"This is grrl-rock at its best, a more-than-capable
line-up of fierce, powerful musicians who know what it means to rock, and
demonstrate it on Ms. Led's Afternoon In Central Park."
Alex Steininger (In Music We Trust)
"Formerly known as lesliwood, this Seattle band led
by singer-songwriter Lesli Wood rocks harder than ever before on this
confident set of blistering feminist punk interspersed with some quieter
indie-folk moments."
Don Yates (KEXP 90.03FM Seattle Radio)
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