FRIGHTWIG: 'Wild Women Never Die' (Southern Records)

Frightwig (which is American slang for an unruly woman), were one of the first hard rocking, no bullshit-taking all-female groups.

Formed in San Francisco in 1983 they soon became an inspiration to other women interested in making rock 'n' roll their own. Women like Courtney Love: "Me, Kat and Jennifer Finch all watched Frightwig on the same night and all decided to start bands the next day. Frightwig are the true grandmothers of riot grrrl and everything. Without them there would be no Hole, no Babes In Toyland, no L7, no PJ Harvey, no riot grrrl."

Frightwig stayed together in one form or another throughout the 80's but unfortunately never broke through into commercial success and split up about 1989. This release contains their first two albums, Cat Farm Faboo and Faster, Frightwig, Kill! Kill!

There are 21 tracks on this CD and many of them are brilliant. The first two, 'Wanque Off Song' and 'My Crotch Does Not Say "Go"' are driven by a rough 'n' ready rock 'n' roll. The later song has a perfect put down: "Yes, I like men/Who turn me on and make me burn/Yes, I like men/But you make my stomach turn."

It's not all about putting wankers in their proper place, however. Songs like 'Tomorrow Never Comes' and 'I Don't Want To Be Alone' are melancholy and poignant, while 'Freedom', even if it is a bit clichéd, ends the album on a hopeful note.

Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of plodding, workwomanlike material to be had. That's a pity because at their best it's not surprising Frightwig inspired so many women to go out and go for it.

They had a punch and vitality which makes you smile, tap your feet and admire this band of women with savage wit and man-eating guitars.

• Gerry McGovern