FEISTY THEMES

While each of Feisty's thirteen programmes had a wide-ranging playlist, all of them gave over the second half to a specific theme...

January 8th - Women of 70s Punk

Forget The Sex Pistols, forget The Clash, this was how Feisty liked its punk rock. Highlight track: 'Fairytale In The Supermarket' from the unsurpassed Raincoats.

February 5th - Kill Rock Stars label

Inextricably associated with the rise of Riot Grrrl, this show featured a diverse collection of bands and artists to make their home with KRS. Highlight track: 'Rebel Girl' from Bikini Kill - vying hard with Huggy Bear's 'Herjazz' as the all-time riot grrrl anthem.

March 4th - Pussy Whipped club night (guest DJs Emma and Julia)

A fab set from the women behind Leeds' dirty punk-electro-rock 'n' roll grrrl riot club night. Emma and Julia are also to be found on guitar and drums with the Holy Terror and as the movers and shakers behind host of other Manifesta loveliness

April 1st - Reggae Sisters, Ska Sisters

Picking up on some of Emma's choices from the preceding show, the often overlooked contribution of women to reggae and ska became the focus of the programme. Highlight track: 'Woman of the Ghetto' from Phyllis Dillon - roots reggae at its socially conscious best.

April 29th - CD Baby distro

Not a label, but a top website proving the means by which hundreds of independent bands are able to sell their music online and get a fair slice of proceeds. This was a chance to showcase the website - cdbaby.com - and some of the bands taking this route. Highlight track: 'Cherie' from Californian band Civet - so raw it bleeds.

May 27th - End of Pussy Whipped tribute

As it turned out, the Pussy Whipped club night was saved by a new injection of energies, but at the time the show was put together its closure had just been announced. This show brought our dance-floor faves together by way of tribute. Highlight track: 'Gigantic' featuring Kim Deal on vocal with the incomparable Pixies.

June 24th - Feisty Goes Euro

Featuring all-women bands from across the continent, this show ranged from Finland to Spain, France to Russia. Highlight track: 'This Machine Kills Fashion' from Sweden's Exit Iris.... "This machine kills all you fascists, this machine kills all your fashion shit..." - irresistable.

July 22nd - Out, Proud and Loud

In the week of local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride celebrations, this show cranked up the volume for music that was 'Out, Proud and Loud'. Highlight track: 'More Gender More of the Time' from The Quails - a rousing blast of genderqueer fabulousness.

August 19th - Feisty Goes East

A long-awaited feature bringing together a fabulous clutch of bands from Japan and China, including some real Feisty faves. Highlight track: 'Contact Tokyo' from Mikabomb - more infectious than influenza.

September 16th - Women in Metal (with Blood Sundae guest DJs)

All four members of Leeds' Blood Sundae took to the controls to bring Feisty a half hour special on women in metal. Sadly, Feisty came to an end before the band had a release of their own which could have been included, but you can now find MP3s at their site. Highly recommended.

October 14th - Pre-Punk Trailblazers

With a firm press of the rewind button, this show featured seriously feisty artists from the 20s to the 60s, taking in jazz, blues and soul along the way. Highlight tracks: 'Gimme a Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer' from Bessie Smith and 'I Ain't In The Mood ' from Helen Humes - gorgeously raw and a world away from the trite love songs women of the day were usually forced into singing.

November 11th - John Peel Tribute

The tragic death of Radio 1 DJ John Peel in late October was keenly felt by music fans everywhere. His influence on Feisty was immeasurable and, in November, the whole show was given over bands and artists that John championed, especially those that put down 'Peel Session' tracks.

December 9th - Ladyfest Dublin

Ireland's first such event brought together a vibrant mix of women-positive music, film, workshops, discussion, art and much more besides. Through its featured bands and interviews, this final show tried to do justice to an exhilarating weekend. Highlight track: 'Tu Le Sais' from French band La Fraction, who serve up dancey punk blasts at their most perfect - catch 'em live...