GOSSIPGenre: Punk / Soul / Experimental
From: Portland, United States
Beth Ditto and GOSSIP return to the musical fray with new album 'Music For Men' released on 22 June. Although a more than decent album and one which will no doubt sell by virtue of the larger than life (seriously no pun intended) personality of singer Beth and a clutch of great tracks it's overshadowed by the band's search for a track with the all encompassing, globe striding, crossover appeal of the ubiquitous 'Standing In The Way Of Control'. This is perhaps best summed up by 'Heavy Cross' (see video below) which, whilst one of the best tracks on the album and nailed on to be a crowd favourite at the festivals, sounds like it has been recreated in a laboratory from the DNA of 'Standing In The Way Of Control'. Wouldn't it be ironic if the millstone around the neck that is 'Standing In The Way Of Control' actually stood in the way of success.
Once upon a time (when they possed a definite article) The Gossip were a glorious mix of Riot Grrrl angst, punk rock attitude, Beth's lungs and floor stomping glam disco. On 'Music For Men' much of the angst and attitude have gone missing in action leaving Beth's still incredible mama cass via Janis Joplin vocals and the foot stomping glam. Whilst this is still more than most albums have going for them it feels like GOSSIP are coasting along in their comfort zone, it's not quite GOSSIP at the top of their game.
'Standing In The Way Of Control' was a fantastic accident, a right time right place event that grabs the zeitgeist by the bollocks and elbows it's way to the top table. If GOSSIP could realise this, step out of it's comfortable embrace and re inject some of the angst and attitude of their early tracks then their next album will be so massive it'll block out the sun. As it is 'Music For Men' merely casts a large shadow.
Go Visit
GOSSIP - Myspace // Website
Go View
GOSSIP
Heavy Cross
As a reminder of what The Gossip sounded like before they dropped the definite article here are a few tracks linked from the always excellent Kill Rock Stars label.
MP3 - The Gossip - Sweet Baby
MP3 - The Gossip - Standing In The Way Of Control
MP3 - The Gossip - Ain't It The Truth
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are linked direct from the Kill Rock Stars label and are therefore already freely available so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.
1 comments:
well when you think about it, nothing about this album really is about angst. all of the songs are about love. sure there's regret in some of the songs, but overall it's an album about love. I think the songs are perfectly constructed, and empowering to the listener.
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