His fists fastened to his hips, daring me...

The Spinanes formed in 1991. They started as a duo, with Rebecca Gates on guitar and vocals and Scott Plouf bangin the drums. Their first album, "Manos," actually got a fair bit of attention on the college radio circuits. I remember seeing them two times, once at the YoYoAGoGo festival up in Olympia, Washington and another time opening for Luna. Rebecca is a wonderful performer, making you feel a part of her music. She's also a lot taller than you think, she cuts quite an imposing persona up there. They recorded two albums together, "Manos" and 1996's "Stand." Scott moved on around 1998, before the third album, "Arches and Aisles," was recorded, apparently going on to work with a number of different groups, including Built to Spill. This was their last full length and I know that Rebecca is now performing as a solo artist, you can find her website here.

Over the years Rebecca has worked with a lot of different people, including Elliot Smith (he's on "Strand," she joins him as well on his debut album) and John McEntire (of Tortoise fame).

You can still get their releases, I'd recommend going straight to SubPop for them.

The Spinanes - Manos REMOVED
The Spinanes - Noel, Jonah and Me (remixed by Adam Kasper) REMOVED
The Spinanes - Kid in Candy REMOVED

Rebecca's newer releases can be purchased here, at Badman Records. They've got quite a different feel to them, although it's a logical build if you follow her through the Spinanes records to today, especially considering she's working more and more with John McEntire.
Rebecca Gates - The Seldom Scene
Rebecca Gates - Lure & Cast