Before the Runaways, before the Go-Go’s, before the Bangles — there was Fanny, the first “all-girl” rock band to sign on with a major label and make a serious run for the riches. The California group released five albums in the 70s, worked with producers Richard Perry and Todd Rundgren, and toured regularly, opening for James Gang, Jethro Tull, Humble Pie and other perennials of the era. Fanny was not a novelty act; all the players — bassist Jean Millington, guitarist June Millington, drummer Alice de Buhr, keyboardist Nickey Barclay, guitarist Patti Quatro (a founding member of the Pleasure Seekers, another pioneering “all-girl” band) and drummer Brie Darling — were accomplished musicians and songwriters with chops to spare. Nevertheless, in a male-dominated world, they struggled for recognition, and by 1975, Fanny folded.
In the aftermath, a vast cross-section of fans emerged, including David Bowie, who suggested the time wasn’t right and the world should “Revivify” Fanny. “And I will feel my work is done,” The Thin White Duke concluded. Small, uneventful reunions with various members did take place — typically one-offs without any real serious consequences until 2016. Now, after 43 years, Fanny Walked The Earth, as they are now known, are back with a 13-song self-titled LP. There is no over-the-top hype, no beyond-belief expectations behind this record. It’s a simple statement, a bona fide token that asserts the women of Fanny, older and wiser, can write and perform music that resonates, perhaps now more than ever.
The core lineup comprises June and Jean Millington, on guitar and bass, with drummer Brie Darling — essentially the original members of the Svelts, a precursor to Fanny. All three sing and contribute to the songwriting, which goes to show that this was a real group effort. Indeed, there’s a sincere unity of enthusiasm and punch, aligned with themes of feminism, determination and love, throughout. This album doesn’t crush your soul or blow your mind; it pulls you in with a blend of infectious harmonies, sharp and catchy hooks, set on a foundation of positive vibes and sublime influence.
“Lured Away” is the salacious intro that has Darling vocalizing a saucy, raw and stream-of-consciousness confessional, caught in the crosshairs of the anxiety and anticipation of being “lured.” As we get into “When We Need Her,” a pattern of directly or indirectly addressing the recent #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, along with general women empowerment, takes shape. Framed by a strong mid-tempo and a chorus that features Darling, Jean Millington, Patti Quatro, members of the Bangles (Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, and Debbi Peterson) the Go-Go’s (former bassist Kathy Valentine), and the Runaways (singer Cherie Currie) chiming, “Callin’ on our sisters and mothers and daughters,” this is an anthem, a conscription to all women to be “the change.”
Which goes hand-in-hand with Fanny’s own experiences as an “all-girl” band working the same circuit as the “all-dude” bands of the early 70s. The album’s tribal title track and upbeat “Girls On The Road” extol the lows and highs of being Fanny. Caught up in the idea an “all-girl” band, it’s easy to overlook other things that distinguished Fanny like June Millington’s extraordinary guitar work and songwriting. Fortunately, on her own “One,” “It Happened Here” and ‘Storm-Crossed,” she’s able to harness those strengths and put them on full display, providing arguably the album’s deepest tracks. You could probably add Darling’s alluring “Love Farmers” to that list. It all seems to balance out by the funkiness of an oddity like “Not My Monkey,” which just goes to show Fanny Walked The Earth is not without a sense of humor.
Even though Darling and June Millington wrote and sang most of the songs, Jean Millington, who wrote and sang “Butter Boy,” Fanny’s one and only top 40 hit from 1974, is credited with co-writing three numbers, and taking the lead vocal on “What Are You Waiting For.” Along with the guest vocalists on “When We Need Her,” Teresa James and Wendy Hass-Mull provide the keys. Dave Darling, noted for his work with Brian Setzer and Tom Waits, produced and mixed Fanny Walked The Earth. As reunion records go, this is a potent one that goes down smoothly. There’s little pretense or over-arching ambition here, and more of a yearning to spread awareness, love and a little fun. And a small reminder of who exactly the “godmothers of chick rock” are. Fanny may indeed walk the earth, but they aren’t out to rule it. They just want to make it better for everyone, regardless of gender, race or equation.
~ Shawn Perry
