"i can see a brave tomorrow/when i might just leave this town"June 22, 2007 Courtney Barbour(carrboro, nc) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
i went to see the reunited team dresch play this week and even after more than ten years, the songs are still relevant, blisteringly spot-on, and brought tears to my eyes. the ladies in team dresch have an amazing and unique thing going with this band and their reunion couldn't have come at a better time.
their unique voices, intricate guitar strains, and political and emotional lyrics underpin the overarching themes of self acceptance, love, queer positivity, inner strength, passionate politics, and the search for role models for gay and questioning youth.
woven together tightly and lovingly, this record is your blanket of protection; warm, comforting and assuring when you can find no other solace in this homophobic culture.
Amazing musicianshipJanuary 23, 2007 Avid Listener(Europe) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The riot grrrl/queercore movements of the 90s produced some great stuff. A whole lot more than most people think, because the prevalent opinion is that politics were always ahead of music in those movements and because of queercore/grrrl bands always being criticized roughly for any technical flaws, despite such flaws being typical for punk (even many legendary punk bands). Team Dresch proves the politics ahead of music theory to be completely wrong. Not only do the songs have plenty of hooks, passion and intelligent lyrics. They also have one thing that even a fair share of great punk/indie music in general lacks - skilled musicianship. Queercore/riot grrrl bands had a variety of different sounds so it's not really possible to make comparisons but, still, let's just say: this is the cream of the crop. The album is of course lesbian-themed but I was very much able to identify with the lyrics despite being straight. Buy this album, it won't disappoint you!
good good goodNovember 27, 2005 coyoteGRRL(ca, usa) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
i just got this cd about a week ago, and after hearing the first two tracks i was sold. i purchased the cd simply because of hearing so much about them, kaia and donna. I was very pleased to hear some great music to go along with the hype!
ClassicJanuary 8, 2002 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Both of Team Dresch's albums are amazing - this may be the most essential. Great mix of punk, rock & folk, with Kaia and Jodi lending their usually brilliant voices and lyrics to the mix. This is one of my all-time favorite records!
My Personal Best RecordJune 29, 2000 16 out of 16 found this review helpful
I bought this CD 6 years ago and it didn't get filed into my collection for about a year because it never left my CD player for more than a day or two. I've revisited "Personal Best" at least once a year since and it continues to amaze me. I believe Donna Dresch used to play bass in Dinosaur Jr. for a brief period? J Mascis should kick himself for not letting Donna rock with him on guitar. Lesbian anthems abound on this record but I never thought of it as lesbian in nature because the music cuts straight and pure and speaks to anyone with any guts. Soaring guitars, beautiful melodies, and a punch I haven't felt this strong for years! Stop reading and buy this now!
