Video Vixens: Great Performances

Writer Marisa Meltzer, author of the new book ‘Girl Power: The Nineties Revolution in Music‘, has curated a miniseries of contemporary women’s music for us this week. After the jump, Marisa’s second feature, favorite concert footage by female artists.

Luckily, even if you were too young, broke (or clueless) to catch a live Liz Phair in 1994 or Stevie Nicks in 1983, the Internet provides those who missed out with a great public service. Here are a few videos that I find myself watching again and again. Of course, I could include at least 75 videos here, so please weigh in with your favorites.

PJ Harvey, “Dry”
I was going to include “Ecstasy,” my favorite, favorite FAVORITE PJ Harvey song of all time, but all of the footage was kind of grainy, so instead let’s watch “Dry.” I think more girls should start using “you leave me dry” as a diss, btw. Effective and vaginal!

Dum Dum Girls, “Be My Baby”
I love a Ronettes cover, I love the sleeves on the black dress, and I love this band so much.

Liz Phair, “6’1′”
I really miss 1994.

Hole, “Violet”
The intro about how Courtney love “hexed him and now he’s losing his hair” is really special.

Stevie Nicks, “Edge of Seventeen”
Stevie is, as always, wearing the most witchy/diaphanous outfit here.

Bratmobile “Do You Really Think So”
RIP Jabberjaw, where I want to so many an all-ages shows in LA as a teen.

Marisa Meltzer is the author of ‘Girl Power: The Nineties Revolution in Music‘ and the coauthor of ‘How Sassy Changed My Life’. She lives in Brooklyn and posts nineties ephemera to her tumblr, meltzer.tumblr.com.