Saturday, July 18, 2009

Tiger Trap


Back when I was fourteen/fifteen I suddenly began listening to incredible amounts of Bratmobile, Team Dresch, Huggy Bear, and of course Bikini Kill. During this time I also made horrible decisions about my hair/everything. One day, while searching for more riotgrrrl/queercore stuff, I somehow stumbled across Tiger Trap. And as much as I'd like to say that Rose Melberg's voice magically made me want to stop ruining my hair, I can't. Instead, I'm pretty sure I bought the Yo-yo-a-go-go CD for a dollar so I could make something out of the cover.

I would then re-discover Rose Melberg's voice after I had washed off all the Manic Panic out of my hair once and for all. And somehow, I felt as if she had just been waiting for me. Tiger Trap, yes, I remembered that name. And I remembered these songs, almost. Then, after listening to "My Broken Heart" and "Supercrush" and thinking they were pretty perfect, I was suddenly in love with Tiger Trap. Plus, "You're Sleeping" reminded me way too much of my life, except it was less sad/more cute. And even though I was never one of those people who wanted to move to California, apparently it was full of cuteness, so maybe I should have thought twice. Of course, I am from Chicago and there are no winters like Chicago winters. And no matter how crazy it sounds, I sort of love those winters. Plus, Tiger Trap had disbanded back in the 90s, before I'd even discovered the Spice Girls.


But why hadn't I at least decided to love them a little sooner?! I had worn the same grey dress and Doc Martens for almost two weeks, so I should've spent all that extra time listening to these songs! It was too late for all that, but it wasn't too late to fall in love with Rose Melberg. I did just that by finding out everything I could about Tiger Trap, while listening and wondering how many times I had to have my heart broken in order to somehow start a band that was as adorable and noisy as they were. Eventually, I'd also love Go Sailor and The Softies, but those are other posts.

Now, when I listen to Tiger Trap, I still love each song and sometimes sing "Prettiest Boy" when I'm cleaning my room. And I'm still wondering, where my perfect fit puzzle piece boyfriend is.

Love, María

6 comments:

  1. There is plenty of cold weather and winter-ness in California, just not where I live. But that's why California is wonderfulllll, because it has everything!

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  2. There are no Chicago winters anywhere but here. And I like them.

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  3. Well, I'm sure. But really intense winters and winter clothes DO exist in California. It's a common misconception.

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  4. Well, duh. I know they exist there. But if you're from the Midwest you're not moving there for winters. You are moving there for fun in the sun and I don't know what. So, my point was that I wasn't looking for that.

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  5. Midwest people + fun in the sun = hilarious. I think I spent a good chunk of my high school summers laughing at super-pale, Midwest tourists frying on our beaches or at outdoor restaurants.

    I am horrible.

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