Formed in Boston's underground scene in 1982 by Judy Grunwald, Beth Kaplan, and Susan Merriam, Salem 66 created a trailblazing blend of post-punk, psychedelic pop, and experimental rock. An unsung influence on later woman-led independent bands, they forged a distinctive sound characterized by haunting vocals, melodic basslines, complex arrangements, and intensely vulnerable lyrics. From 1983 to 1988, the band recorded and toured extensively, sharing stages with the Butthole Surfers, Mission of Burma, and Dinosaur Jr. The first reissue of Salem 66’s music, SALT collects ten songs chosen by the songwriters from their cult-classic Homestead EP, singles, and four full-lengths, accompanied by a critical essay by musician Franklin Bruno, and retrospective notes by Grunwald and Kaplan.
