Reconsidering Peaches

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From the first time I saw Peaches, I reached the conclusion that shewas trading exclusively in shock value in the absence of any otherdiscernible talent, that she had nothing going for her other thansexual provocation. If she didn't exist, someone would have to inventher if only as fodder for gender studies academics.

My basis for this opinion was established by my initial exposure toher, opening for Elastica at the Park West in Chicago in 2000. But Ihave been forced recently to rethink my assessment. Peaches wasinterviewed on the January 29 episode of Sound Opinions.Jim DeRogatis starts off by calling the performance "infamous." Peachesresponds that it was her "worst show ever." DeRogatis continues byexplaining that the venue has been around since the days of Al Capone,and they still talk about it as the single worst show in its history.She recalls that it was the fourth show of her first tour ever and shewas experimenting on stage to develop her new persona.

In other words, to say that I caught her on an off night is anunderstatement. I'll have to be a little more open-minded about herwork, although I'll stick with Patti Smith for upending expectations offemale performers.