Julie Ruin


Julie Ruin is the debut solo album by Kathleen Hanna, released on September 29, 1998, through Kill Rock Stars. She recorded the album in 1997 whilst taking a break from Bikini Kill. Hanna recalled:
She cited two albums, Girl Talk by Lesley Gore and Delete Yourself by Atari Teenage Riot, among the inspirations for hers. In addition to feminism, it touches upon crocheting, aerobics and resisting police abuse. It was mostly produced in Hanna's apartment in Olympia, Washington. She declared:
Hanna started collaborating with her friends Sadie Benning and Johanna Fateman to create a live band to perform songs from the album. This group would go on to become Le Tigre.
In December 2010, Hanna and former Bikini Kill bandmate Kathi Wilcox formed a band called the Julie Ruin.

Critical reception

The New York Times noted the "charmingly unruly jumble of sounds and influences: the cheesy tick of a drum machine up against the manic buzz of electric guitar, the frenzied spirit of punk overlapping the demure coo of 60's girl groups."

Track listing

Samples

  • "V.G.I." samples "Tired of Waiting for You" by the Kinks.
  • "I Wanna Know What Love Is" samples "The Guns of Brixton" by the Clash.
  • "Stay Monkey" samples "I'm Coolin', No Foolin'" by Lesley Gore.
  • "Breakout A-Town" samples "It's All I Can Do" by the Cars.
  • "Love Letter" samples "I'm So Bored with the USA" by the Clash.