Babes In Toyland – Spanking Machine

Babes In Toyland – Spanking Machine

Released in 1990, Spanking Machine is the raw and confrontational debut album from Babes In Toyland, the influential Minneapolis trio fronted by vocalist and guitarist Kat Bjelland. Combining abrasive punk rock, heavy distorted guitars, noise, and a ferocious rhythm section, the album became an important release in the American alternative scene at the beginning of the 1990s.

Recorded with producer Jack Endino, known for his work with many of the emerging Seattle alternative and grunge bands, Spanking Machine captures Babes In Toyland at their most uncompromising. The band's sound is built around Bjelland's jagged guitar playing and intense vocals, Lori Barbero's pounding drums, and Michelle Leon's bass, creating a dense, aggressive sound that sits somewhere between punk, grunge, noise rock, and hardcore.

The album launches with the blistering "Swamp Pussy," followed by "He's My Thing" and the chaotic "Vomit Heart." "Never" and "Boto(w)rap" continue the record's abrasive attack, while "Dogg" demonstrates the band's ability to turn raw punk energy into something heavier and more atmospheric.

Side two opens with "Pain In My Heart" and "Lashes," before moving through "You're Right" and the driving "Dust Cake Boy." The album closes with the intense "Fork Down Throat," leaving a suitably uncompromising final impression.

Spanking Machine helped establish Babes In Toyland as one of the defining underground acts of the early-1990s alternative scene. Their fierce, guitar-heavy sound made them particularly influential within the riot grrrl and alternative rock movements, while their music retained a distinctly raw punk attitude.

A must-have for fans of Hole, L7, Mudhoney, Sonic Youth, Bikini Kill, The Distillers, and early-90s alternative rock, Spanking Machine is an essential piece of Minneapolis underground rock and a powerful debut for any grunge, punk, or alternative vinyl collection.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Swamp Pussy
2. He's My Thing
3. Vomit Heart
4. Never
5. Boto(w)rap
6. Dogg

Side B

1. Pain In My Heart
2. Lashes
3. You're Right
4. Dust Cake Boy
5. Fork Down Throat