I heart indie rock in a big way, so when I was contacted by Ms. Led's PR and asked to review their album, you can bet I jumped on the opportunity faster than lesbians at a KY Jelly wrestling match. A few weeks later, and the CD is STILL on repeat in my car stereo. Yeah, they're good and they're gay.

Let me give you a little background on the band. Ms. Led is a Seattle-based Quintet of three girls and a dude who have just released their third album titled, "Shake Yourself Awake." Ms. Led's first two albums quickly sold out of their first pressings. All the while, the band has maintained their DIY ethic and built a dedicated following. Often referred to as a "must-see live show," Ms. Led have become recognized not only for their political edge but also for their catchy, even danceable songs and their infectious energy and raw emotion.

The group has toured with such acts as The Gossip, 50 Foot Wave, The Avengers, The Thermals and The Reputation and has played at such prestigious festivals as the Bumbershoot Festival, Ladyfest, and the Capitol Hill Block Party. In support of Shake Yourself Awake, Ms. Led just recently brought their high-energy live show to the masses with a national tour this summer. As I mentioned before, the band includes several openly gay

members and has played four PRIDE festivals in the US and abroad this summer alone and will take their show on the road to Stockholm, performing alongside Betty for Sweden's upcoming PRIDE celebration.

On June 12th, 2007, Ms. Led returned with their highly-anticipated new album, Shake Youself Awake. The album is a conglomerate of impassioned political messages and fiery feminism mixed together with songs of personal struggle and triumph. The album truly succeeds in conveying lyrics of activism and advocacy without sounding preachy or too cliché.



Shake Yourself Awake is singer/songwriter/guitarist Lesli Wood's most personal work, inspired by her own challenges and her battle with multiple sclerosis. The album is filled with undeniably strong songwriting that not only reflect these struggles but personify them. The tracks vary from that deliciously edgy punk rock energy to the 60's girl group stylings to a subtly sweet taste of rhythmn and blues. Wood's lyrics are at the heart of social issues, personal vulnerability, and empowerment. The songs are backed with strong, consistent lines from bassist, Matt Menovcik, guitarist Peg Wood, and drummer, Steph Hasselman that will make you want to dance, dance, dance!

The album has such an addictive personality to it that you are sure to find yourself singing at the top of your lungs and rockin' out like middle school kids at a Nirvana concert circa 1991. Needless to say, this is one band that seems to be on the paved road to success. If you, like me, appreciate good music, honest lyrics and a truly unique sound then I invite you to check out Ms. Led and Shake Yourself Awake!

Here are a few (full tracks) from their latest album:

New Agenda

Willing to Stay (Shattered)

Up to the Old Tricks - my personal favorite