Throwing Muses

Beginning in the early '80s, Throwing Muses were formed by Kristin Hersh and her half-sister Tanya Donnelly. Their debut from 1986 was filled with Hersh's strong vocals and unpredictable melodic lines. It was a mainly acoustic record, but it was angry and it was disturbing. It had traditional elements, but it was unique. It set the stage for the career they would embark on before disbanding in 1997. The group experienced a few minor college hits over the years with songs like "Dizzy" and "Counting Backwards" and became more pop-oriented in the later years, but never waned in the creativity department. Blame it on Hersh, whose talent as a lyricist and songwriter is firmly entrenched into the band's musical approach. Part therapeutic, stream-of-consciousness ramble and part pop perfection – the music of the band speaks to those looking to balance aggression and sparseness.