RÖDA BÖNOR – Röda Bönor (MNW, 1976) / Sköna skrönor (MNW, 1978)

Founded in Lund 1973 and making their live debut in 1975, Röda Bönor soon became the premier feminist band of the 70's with a brash and disarming sense of humour. Their lyrics and musical presentation were fun in a time when humour and joy in music were rapidly falling out of fashion. (That kind of humour is something that today's feminism could do with too). They poked fun at the gender injustices, but the irony hit both ways. Still, some people thought Röda Bönor were too mean-spirited. In a fine 2016 interview by Kalle Lind for the Swedish podcast Snedtänkt, Kaya Ålander admitted that she can understand why men in particular were offended by them, and said that Röda Bönor indeed were a bit over the top from time to time, although she didn't realize it back then. (Her level of self-reflection is refreshing which is something that neo-feminism would benefit a lot from, but perhaps it takes the luxury of hindsight to have it.)

Röda Bönor (MNW, 1976)

Swedish vocals, a capella
International relevance: *

Röda Bönor's first, self-titled album includes several of their most familiar songs, such as their version of Neil Sedaka's ”Oh Carol”, ”Diskoteksjakt” and ”Det ska bli slut på rumban”. The music is mainly acoustic folk pop, not unique but effective. Even the a capella tracks work – Röda Bönor were actually pretty good singers, especially compared to several other contemporary political/topical groups at the time.

 Sköna skrönor (MNW, 1978)
Swedish vocals
International relevance: *

”Sköna skrönor” follows along the same stylistic lines, with pastiches, musical quotes and witty lyrics (”Sången om sexualmyterna” is a classic in that regard). However, the additional backing including prominent drums takes something away from the music, making it more serious sounding. The first album is a lot more unassuming, and with the success following it Röda Bönor's ambitions got higher which took some of the freshness out of the music.

A third album was projected, but halfway through the preparations for it, MNW declared they weren't interested in the band anymore. They kept playing for some time still but eventually disbanded 1982. Kaya Ålander is still an active musician, sometimes performing old Röda Bönor chestnuts with great success to a live audience. Kjerstin Norén (who left after Röda Bönor's debut album) made one solo album in 1979, ”Sånger om Anne-Marie och andra häxor”, and also appeared with Jan Hammarlund on the ”Några här, några där” album in 1981. Röda Bönor have also reunited for some one-off gigs over the years. Their two albums, particularly their first, are still the best feminist albums, much better than ”Tjejclown”, ”Sånger om kvinnor” et al.

A 1977 Tonkraft recording is featured in "Progglådan".

Röda Bönor full album playlist

Sköna skrönor full album playlist
Tonkraft 1977 full album playlist