Tempering the Gossip's righteous fury with just enough focus, Standing in the Way of Control is a huge step forward for the band: thanks to the addition of new drummer Hannah Billie and higher-fidelity production than they've ever used before, now they're just as articulate and immediate as they are impassioned. Beth Ditto's unstoppable voice has even more room to command listeners, and throughout Standing in the Way of Control, she sounds equally convincing as an alluring, soulful diva and as a die-hard iot grrrl. Billie and guitarist Brace Paine are just as versatile, following Ditto's lead on the old-school, garagey outburst "Eyes Open" and the anguished allad "Coal to Diamonds." The band also experiments with dance beats on Standing in the Way of Control; while this could be seen as riding the very tail end of the dance-punk trend, the results aren't nearly that predictable. The Gossip's take on this sound is truly punk disco -- catchy and sexy enough for the dancefloor, but with enough fervor and raw energy for punk veterans. On "Yr Mangled Heart," Ditto's howl of "I only want what I deserve!" is backed by handclaps and a shimmying beat that only makes it more indelible. Even more impressive is "Listen Up!," a tale of jealousy, betrayal, and -- surprise, surprise -- gossip that's set, aptly enough, on the playground. Ditto plays cat-and-mouse with the person badmouthing her, circling her prey with a dizzying, cowbell-addled rhythm before going in for the kill. Fortunately, her feelings are just as intense toward her friends as her enemies, and on anthems like "Keeping You Alive" and "Fire with Fire," Ditto is a protectress and crusader. With songs that range from spiky recriminations ("Jealous Girls") to noir brooding ("Dark Lines"), Standing in the Way of Control is a lean but remarkably diverse album that shows that the Gossip have found plenty of ways to come into their own.
While the album ("Standing in the Way of Control") has been out since 2006, I've only just discovered it. And I'm happy. Singer Beth Ditto's smooth voice (though she can rock) combined with the band's awesome instrumentals (provided by drummer Hannah Billie and guitarist Bruce Paine) are a perfect mix that doesn't dare leave the listener disappointed."Click here":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th...
More >
Here Soulwax remix "Standing In The Way Of Control" by The Gossip...It's a stomping remix just goes to show Soulwax just are the shizzle...
More >
Here's a looksie back to some all-time favorite moments with the Gossip since the Portland, OR three-piece blast through our iPods with their catchy breakthrough title-track "Standing In The Way Of Control." Oh 2006, you are nothing but a memory now.Starting things off is the disco-friendly video for "Listen Up," also off the 2006 album.Then there is the naked "Kiss My Ass" Beth Ditto NME cover...
More >
Many people can testify that in June, I passed by Gossip's gig posters in London and I repeatedly mumbled "I hate The Gossip". Fast forward to a week or so ago. I'm at a film festival partay, and I hear this song blowing up the speakers in a fantastic way. I enjoy it tremendously, and next morning, I google some of the lyrics I caught. Result? The Gossip - Standing in the Way of Control. I got ...
More >
Haven’t seen "The Gossip’s":http://www.myspace.com/gossipband Beth Ditto up close and personal? (Girlfriend shakes what she's got!) Giving a glimpse of the Portland, OR-based dance band, who has reached chart-topping status in the UK but not so much in the US, will be the release of their first live CD/DVD, Gossip: Live in Liverpool on April 15th. The footage was taped from a show on July 9th,
More >
Maybe some day holidays will be given their proper name: idledays. Then we will take the time to leisurely go back to things we've only glanced over or quickly skimmed for lack of time.Re-reading a novel we will then note words which have been transparent until now. ("She was Dolores on the dotted line") Re-playing a record, we will also take in a vibration to which we've been deaf so far.This ...
More >
While the album ("Standing in the Way of Control") has been out since 2006, I've only just discovered it. And I'm happy. Singer Beth Ditto's smooth voice (though she can rock) combined with the band's awesome instrumentals (provided by drummer Hannah Billie and guitarist Bruce Paine) are a perfect mix that doesn't dare leave the listener disappointed."Click here":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th...
More >
I spent Memorial Day weekend 2005 in Boston at my friend Bad Andy's wedding. I am thrilled I was able to go, but I have to admit what compelled me make sure I was there was the fact I knew his family wouldn't be.I didn't need to worry though, as his husband's family was there and welcoming as well as tons of their friends. It was one of the few weddings I've been to where everyone seemed to g...
More >
i ran into beth ditto at the thai restaurant yesterday. i've been hearing murmurings of the gossip blowing up all over the world since i tour managed them just over a year ago and beth confirmed she has indeed been hanging out on red carpets and chilling with cyndi lauper. nothing would make me happier than beth as a full-blown celebrity mouthing off about eveything that is wrong with the world...
More >
(Photo via Girlie Action)The Gossip sold out The Troubadour in Los Angeles last night. Absolutely amazing show ... more later, but wanted to share a rough cut from the gig. The Gossip - "Yr Mangled Heart"(live at Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA - 2006 Sept 28)If you're anywhere near Pomona, CA tonight, be sure to catch them at The Glass House. Just ten bucks (but the TicketBastard criminals will a...
More >
Here Soulwax remix "Standing In The Way Of Control" by The Gossip...It's a stomping remix just goes to show Soulwax just are the shizzle...
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Fire with Fire |
|
|
| 2 Standing in the Way of Control |
|
|
| 3 Jealous Girls |
|
|
| 4 Coal to Diamonds |
|
|
| 5 Eyes Open |
|
|
| 6 Yr Mangled Heart |
|
|
| 7 Listen Up! |
|
|
| 8 Holy Water |
|
|
| 9 Keeping You Alive |
|
|
| 10 Dark Lines |
|
|
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Standing in the Way of Control")
