Review of Gossip album: Music For Men

Since their last album, Standing in the Way of Control (released in 2006), Portland's Gossip have signed to a major label, that label being Music With a Twist, which is a part of the larger Sony Music Label. They've also been propelled into the spotlight, and now receive a lot of major radio airplay.



With Music For Men, they've also teamed up with big wig rock producer Rick Rubin. Having such an experienced producer on hand is evident in the album, the sound is BIG and the transition between songs is very smooth.

I've been a huge fan of this band for a few years now, and it's been really interesting to see the transition in their musical style. Their earlier works were largely bluesy punk rock, but they've transitioned into a more electro, even disco-like, act. Standing in the Way of Control acts as the perfect bridge between these two styles.



In my opinion, the album is all killer no filler. The songs make you want to get up and dance. I've got no doubt that they will do exactly that when they are played in clubs around the world.

Hannah Blilie's drumwork lays down a simplistic yet perfect base for the bass and guitar work of Brace Paine, which is what drives the direction of the songs. The cherry on the top of this musical sundae is, of course, the versatile and soaring vocal stylings of Beth Ditto. The voice that has got the whole world talking.

'Dimestore Diamond' acts as an introduction to the album, and prepares the listener for the songs to come. After that the faster tracks kick in, with first single 'Heavy Cross' coming in second. Highlights on the album for me are the fourth track, 'Love Long Distance' and eleventh track 'Four Letter Word'. They are easy to relate to, good sing-a-long and dancing tunes. To be honest, I've found myself addicted to these songs and have listened to them repeatedly since I got the album. Final track, 'Spare Me From The Mold' is also an excellent song.

Beth has received so much media attention, I'm glad to see that now her music has become successful, and that people are no longer just paying attention to her looks.



So, basically if you want to dance like it's still the '80's, get ahold of this album. It won't let you down!

Now excuse me while I go partake in some bedroom dancing...

Article written by Sally Kingsley