1980s & Alt Rock

My first time hearing about Sonic Youth is from the 2007 film Juno, when Juno and the adoptive father of her child listen to old CDs. They dispute the generational influences of rock and punk bands, of which Sonic Youth and member Kim Gordon are mentioned.

However, the only song by the band that was played in the film was a very quiet, mellow tune called 'Superstar," which only featured the voice of Thurston Moore. It was originally performed by The Carpenters who were active from the late 60s to early 80s.

It wasn't until I downloaded more of their collection that I realized the talent of singer Kim Gordon. Her voice is powerful, deep and unlike anything I have heard previously. Needless to say, I was hooked.

Another band that I was introduced to through a movie, Fight Club to be exact, was The Pixies. Although their two female members were not lead vocalists and are currently no longer with the band, they have made their mark on the punk scene regardless.

Kim Deal was with the band as backup vocalist, bassist and songwriter and has seen success with The Breeders since 1990. While latecomer Kim Shattuck's role in The Pixies was much more limited, she is far more important in The Muffs, which formed in 1991. Both groups still continue to perform.

(^This should make you dance! Or maybe that's just me...)

Additionally, Hole featuring Courtney Love, formed in 1989. As Kurt Cobain's female counterpart, her voice had equal power in giving my skin goosebumps based on the raw emotion she sings with.

[UPDATE: Made on 3/18/2014 at 7:45 p.m.]