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Free Kitten Biography

free-kitten
  • Formed in: New York, NY
  • Band Members: Kim Gordon
  • Years Active: 1990s-2000s
  • Genre: Rock & Alternative

Free Kitten began in 1992 in New York as a vehicle that would allow Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon and Pussy Galore's Julia Cafritz to pursue other projects away from their usual work with their respective bands. Guitarist Cafritz and bassist Gordon began playing out, offering their audiences short sets of post-punk numbers. They put out Call Now/Straight Up later that year, and proceeded on the Lollapalooza tour. Their singles include "Oh Bondage, Up Yours," which was originally done by X-Ray Spex. Yoshimi, of the Boredoms, joined the group in 1993, contributing harmonica, trumpet, and drums, as well as occasional vocals. Bass player Mark Ibold, of Pavement, came aboard the following year. Free Kitten's debut album, Nice Ass, was released in 1995 and followed by Sentimental Education in 1997, the same year that Gordon launched her own clothing line, X-Girl. The bassist would embark on a number of projects in the late '90s and into the 2000s, including a solo album, a modeling gig with Calvin Klein, and art exhibitions in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Meanwhile, Cafritz opted to take time away from music; it was rumored that she had married, started a family, and become a teacher. Nearly 11 years later, Gordon and Cafritz reunited for a new album, Inherit. ~ Linda Seida, Rovi

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