Mecca Normal

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Mecca Normal is an influential two-piece indie rock band from Vancouver, Canada. Formed by Jean Smith and David Lester in 1984, Mecca Normal is considered one of the archetypal, pioneering leaders of the riot grrrl movement. Smith writes lyrics and sings in a style that is often confrontational and laced with feminist themes; Lester’s melodic yet dissonant guitar swirls and loops around her vocals. Merging the personal with the political in their songs and art-related activism, they helped define the sound and spirit of the early diy / indie rock / riot grrrl movement alongside bands such as Beat Happening and Bikini Kill. Indeed, they are perhaps the only band to have full-length releases on three of the largest indie labels of the 90s: K Records, Kill Rock Stars and Matador Records. They also had a 7” single released by Sub Pop. In the 80s they formed their own record label, Smarten Up!, which later merged with Lester’s small press publishing company Get To The Point to form Smarten Up! And Get To The Point. Both Smith and Lester have authored their own books. Smith also formed 2 Foot Flame with Peter Jefferies and Michael Morley (Dead C). The band released two LPs on Matador Records, 1995’s self-titled LP, and 1997’s Ultra Drowning.

2010: Magnet Magazine online posts a new illustration by David Lester every Saturday with a free Mecca Normal mp3. The Mecca Normal guitarist is visually documenting people, places and events in his band’s 26 year history, with text by vocalist Jean Smith.
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  • HORDEofTWO

    MECCA NORMAL Autumn TOUR 2012 Mecca Normal, the underground literary rock duo (K, Matador, Kill Rock Stars) will be playing new songs at shows on the west coast in the Autumn before heading into the studio to record with KRAMER in November. Jean Smith and David Lester will also be reading from their books and presenting "How Art & Music Can Change the World" classroom and library events. http://meccanormal.wordpress.com/

    29 Sep 2012 Reply

  • Cashmach1ne

    не очень как-то

    4 Sep 2012 Reply

  • joemcmaster

    she sings like shes got a johnthompson in her mouth

    12 Aug 2012 Reply

  • acalltothefront

    I fucking love Mecca Normal. No. Really. Fucking love Mecca Normal...

    22 Nov 2011 Reply

  • HORDEofTWO

    Mecca Normal releases two new songs in the fall of 2010 on a K Records 7" -- available now as a K Singles Zip Pak with Special Apps: Malachi -- Inspired Agitators poster by David Lester -- suitable for printing -- video: Recording at Dub Narcotic Studio with Calvin Johnson, Intro to Malachi video. http://www.krecs.com/Shop/product_info.php?products_id=4444

    31 Jul 2010 Reply

  • mrshankly_

    The lyrics to Don't Shoot are fantastic.

    26 Jun 2010 Reply

  • mortytoad

    Seen 'em live many times. Great band and great peopl

    3 Oct 2009 Reply

  • inphanta

    First heard of these through MTV's Alternative Nation Y-E-A-R-S ago and picked up a couple of their albums some time after that. Coming here has reminded me I should dig them out again at some point!

    18 Feb 2009 Reply

  • tjd9

    criminally overlooked and underrated

    25 Nov 2008 Reply

  • aia

    ^^

    2 Apr 2008 Reply

  • dandreasen

    I came to Mecca Normal by way of 2 Foot Flame. I bet that's unusual.

    28 Dec 2007 Reply

  • ickypop

    How did I ever miss this?! I've just picked up the first album and the latest album and - 20 years apart?! - they are both just so damned perfect.

    17 Aug 2007 Reply

  • The_Anti_Scene

    Mecca Normal is spectacular.

    17 Dec 2006 Reply

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