The Gossip close Music for Men with a song called "Spare Me from the Mold," but Beth Ditto, Nathan Paine, and Hannah Billie could never be accused of conforming. They were still a relatively underground group when Standing in the Way of Control's passionate mix of punk, soul, and disco became their breakthrough -- and they sounded so confident on it, it felt like the mainstream was coming to them rather than vice versa. They've got their own piece of the pop (and pop culture) mainstream now, and Music for Men feels aboveground in the best possible way. Befitting its major-label debut, this is the band's most polished music yet, a balance of Control's ferocity and the sleek remixes of the album's singles, but it's still not slick. Most of Music for Men finds the Gossip sticking to their roots and using their success to get their messages out to as many people as possible. These songs are just as empowering as their earlier work, though they're more subtly defiant. "Dimestore Diamond" opens the album with a tough-strutting anthem about a woman who's faking it till she makes it, and it's clear how much the band identifies with her, even though Ditto became an avant-garde fashion plate in the wake of Control's success. "Men in Love" sets lyrics like "we're guilty of love in the first degree" to a liberated beat and jagged guitars, and "Love and Let Love"'s chilly disco acts as armor for Ditto's heartbreak. While the Gossip still play like a band, the production often favors Ditto's voice -- not that this is a bad thing: she brings soulful fury to "8th Wonder" and much more tartness to the excellent "Love Long Distance" than a more conventional diva might (the clever chorus "I heard it through the bassline/Not much longer would you be my baby" doesn't hurt, either). However, the band still tears into "Heavy Cross" -- which sounds a lot like a slightly glossier Standing in the Way of Control track -- like the old days. This urgency drives all of these songs, whether it's the bright '80s pop of "For Keeps" or "2012"'s unlikely but captivating mix of Pat Benatar-channeling vocals and end-of-the-world drama. While it isn't quite as honed as Standing in the Way of Control, on Music for Men the Gossip sound perfectly at home in their new digs, while remaining true to their essence.
In the same vein as Cory’s “Cleaning Out the Inbox” posts, this is an attempt to cleanse myself of those dozen bits I’ve started over the course of the summer. This may get random. You’ve been warned.After dropping the gratuitous first article in their two-word name, The Gossip hath been reborn Gossip. You now will refer to them as such. Got it? Good. And despite this ridiculous name cha
More >
Two weeks ago, I wrote about the new Black Eye Peas album sounding like a 90s music compilation, more specifically the MuchMusic Dance Mix CDs. I’m having a déjà-entendu this week. When I first heard the Heavy Cross single (post here), I indeed wanted to hear the rest of the album. Honestly, [...]Related posts:The Gossip – Heavy Cross Video Okay, IThe Gossip – Standing In The Way Of Con
More >
Washington trio Gossip have come a long way since their early days. Their forthcoming album, Music For Men (out June 23rd), sees then continue their migration away from their screeching Riot Grrl origins.Uber-producer Rick Rubin is at the helm for this one. The results are slick and polished dance-infused rock. In the best instances this works very well. The opener, "Dimestore Diamond", for
More >
TRACK REVIEW: The Gossip - Heavy Cross words: Jamie Milton Bordering on 'one hit wonder' they may be (some might claim), but the Gossip are nowhere near forgotten. It seems like only a short time ago that Beth Ditto controversially appeared nude on the front of NME, shortly after 'Standing In The Way Of Control' (or at least the Soulwax remix of it) became the anthem of 2007.Anthemic seems to b...
More >
It's another crazy concert weekend coming up for me, two of my favorite acts, KYLIE and GOSSIP are coming to town! You all know how much I've been loving the new Gossip record MUSIC FOR MEN and I'm uber excited to see Beth and the gang do their thing at Terminal 5 Friday night, it promises to be one hell of a show!In preparation for the show I've been immersing myself in all things Gossip and ...
More >
When I got the chance to go and see GOSSIP at Terminal 5 I practically snatched the tickets from my boss's hand! I've been following the band since "Standing In The Way Of Control" and have heard plenty about their crazy live performances! Still I was not prepared for the madness that was Friday night's performance!After claiming our spot at the front and enjoying the openers APACHE BEAT, and ...
More >
Forget making a standard video to promote your new album, Gossip have produced an infomercial to sell the virtues of Music For Men, released June 19th and preceded by the ‘Heavy Cross’ single. RelatedThe Last Splash - 5 years old
More >
"Heavy Cross" by the Gossip is iTune's free download of the week for this week only! Head to itunes to get your copy of this amazing song :]
More >
Pacific Northwest Disco-Punk trio The Gossip have let their success go to their heads; the big, bubble-like animated heads in the Roller-Disco-themed video clip for their House-y new single “Love Long Distance” that is.The stomping, retro-inspired piano-fueled “Love Long Distance” is the second single from their Rick Rubin-produced major-label debut, and fourth full-length album, ‘Music
More >
Check out the new album "Music For Men" on iTunes RIGHT NOW! www.myspace.com/gossipband One of the best rock vocalist I've ever heard. Do yourself a favor and check out the new record RIGHT NOW! Heavy CrossCheck out the video from Heavy Cross
More >
You can check out the new single "Heavy Cross" on myspace! You can download the new album "Music for Men" on 6/23 but if you're like myself and like record stores you're going to have to wait until 10/6 for the physical album. Check out this killer video too! This band's live show is like nothing I've seen before! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QFqjt3nPI4
More >
You can stream The Gossip's entire upcoming LP, *Music For Men* Here! The album does not officially drop until next week in Europe & later this year in the U.S. Be sure to check it out!The Gossip - *Music For Men* (Full stream)Pigeons and Planes
More >
The Gossip's new album "Music For Men" out right now on iTunes.
More >
Girls got soul. The Rock is simple but with her voice its is honestly incredible. They have really got something special in this album. If you havent heard it yet, I encourage you to go pic yourself up a copy. Check um out http://www.myspace.com/gossipband
More >
Beth Ditto: lead singer of The Gossip and Karl Lagerfeld bestie is coming out with a new fashion line. And not just any old line, but a plus sized clothing line. Evens, a British plus size store let Ditto inject her pop-punk aesthetic into the line, due out July 9. It’s heavy on the sequins, sparkle and 80’s feel—much like Ditto’s personal style. Evans also ships to the U.S.See more HERE
More >
If you are in the Los Angeles area and are a Gossip fan then don’t’ forget to stop by Amoeba Music today (October 27) to catch a live performance by the band.The band will perform at the record store at 6pm tonight and will hold a signing afterwards.Fans who can’t make it to the show can headover to amoeba.com where the performance will be streamed live.Gossip Details and location:Tuesday, O
More >
Sure, Queen’s Brian May says Katy Perry makes him “think of Freddie [Mercury],” but Gossip frontwoman and outspoken LGBT supporter Beth Ditto has been much more critical of Perry, especially of “I Kissed a Girl,” of late. Ditto is promoting her new...
More >
TRACK REVIEW: The Gossip - Heavy Cross words: Jamie Milton Bordering on 'one hit wonder' they may be (some might claim), but the Gossip are nowhere near forgotten. It seems like only a short time ago that Beth Ditto controversially appeared nude on the front of NME, shortly after 'Standing In The Way Of Control' (or at least the Soulwax remix of it) became the anthem of 2007.Anthemic seems to b...
More >
Photo by TmooseAs one of the year’s most anticipated new releases, Music For Men is Gossip’s first album of new material since their iconic Standing In The Way Of Control catapulted the band...**Summary** Go to website for downloads, videos & more.
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Dimestore Diamond |
|
|
| 2 Heavy Cross |
|
|
| 3 8th Wonder |
|
|
| 4 Love Long Distance |
|
|
| 5 Pop Goes the World |
|
|
| 6 Vertical Rhythm |
|
|
| 7 Men in Love |
|
|
| 8 For Keeps |
|
|
| 9 2012 |
|
|
| 10 Love and Let Love |
|
|
| 11 Four Letter Word |
|
|
| 12 Spare Me from the Mold |
|
|
| 13 The Breakdown |
|
|
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Music for Men")
