Bikini Kill Reject All American

Bikini Kill’s second—and final—album remains true to their indie/punk/Riot Grrrl roots, using less than 30 minutes to express every essential thought. Being lean, mean, and melodic was always the group’s plan of attack, but Reject All American, produced by John Goodmanson, finds a way to embrace the band’s improved-by-touring chops without losing the energy that professionalism suffocates. Kathleen Hanna is too much of a loose cannon to be calmed by promises of commercial success. It would erase fun from her life—and, despite her principles that can never be compromised, Hanna always sounds like she’s having a blast. Even the ballad “False Start” rocks.