The Power Of Pussy

Originally released in 1990 on Shimmy Disc, "The Power Of Pussy" was the third album for Bongwater (consisting of Ann Magnuson and Mark Kramer (founder of SD)) and in my opinion was the most cohesive album from them, although they did some amazingly fucked up covers, as evidenced on "Double Bummer "(Dazed And Chinese). After the band broke up, their titles went out of print. I know that as recently as 2004, there was a repressing, but don't know that they are still in circulation. Something in circulation is Ann Magnuson's recently released "Pretty Songs And Ugly Stories" , though, so swing by her site to check that out.

From the opening title track of "The Power Of Pussy" (with Fred Schneider on guest vocals) and throughout, while the humour tends to be tongue in cheek, the social commentary is biting and in-between is some well-crafted music. I still remember the first listen I had of this album and want to share that feeling with you. Only somewhat dated in its referents, quite timely for current life.

Below is an excerpt from Julian Cope. In his article proper, he glows about the band, particularly this album, and breaks it down track by track:

""Folk Song"An incredible finish and a very clever take on the 1960s protest song rant.The starting is hilarious too- a sample of the very beginning of 'Roundabout' by Yes, which cuts to a female 'La La La' and then goes back to 'Roundabout' played by Kramer, mimicking someone just on the verge of learning the opening refrain.The track then highlights what is probably the crowning glory of Magnuson's biting genius lyrics and delivered in a way that has to be heard to be believed.It such a tour-de-force, yet just voice, acoustic guitar, bass and minimal hum keyboards...."....whatever makes you happy....whatever gives you hope....even if it's a truly tasteless joke......"Anyone who has never heard any of Bongwater's material before and is looking for something soothing yet different and with the bonus of great and often very surreal humour, then these are the folks to visit. "

Bongwater at Discogs

Bongwater Wiki

Tracklisting:
1 The Power Of Pussy Vocals - Fred Schneider
2 Great Radio
3 What If?

4 Kisses Sweeter Than Wine Banjo - Peter Stampfel
5 Chicken Pussy

6 White Rental Car Blues

7 Nick Cave Dolls

8 Bedazzled
9 Obscene & Pornographic Art
10 Connie
11 What Kind Of Man Reads Playboy?

12 I Need A New Tape

13 Women Tied Up In Knots
14 Junior
15 Mystery Hole
16 Time Is Coming
17 Folk Song