This July marks the 30th anniversary release of the Go-Go's debut album Beauty and the Beat. The album marked the first AND only time an all female band who wrote their own songs reached #1 in the US. Although it is a great achievement for the band, it sadly demonstrates that few other female bands have had similar successes. By no means should it be suggested that the Go-Go's were a novelty. A potent sum of more than pretty parts. The pop sensibilities of songwriters Charlotte Caffey, Jane Weidlin and Kathy Valentine are the hook. Belinda Carlisle is the siren, and drummer Gina Shock is the secret assault weapon.
It's the lack of success of other band that's always bothered me. Some came before (Girl School, Runaways), many came afterward (Bangles, The Donnas) but, 30 years later, none of have beat the Beat. Why?
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