Music Review- Gossip, and my new love affair.

Beth Ditto, Brace Paine, Hannah Blilie. Hot x3.

The only introduction I could think of to this review was a terrible pun about Gossip, so I'm going to restrain myself and say it like this instead- Today I'm reviewing Gossip the band. They're pretty well known as LGBT icons, and they're music is... hmm. Let's say the genre is funkadelic old school rock with a punk edge and a dance beat. They make me want to do the twist while jumping with a smiling sneer, and I feel the need to wear bold makeup. I included them in the playlist of Riot Grrl music, but Gossip is more like a cousin of that group. Very little screaming, no man-hating lyrics, only traces of feminism to be found. Beth Ditto's voice is easy to sing along with (for me, at least), and the lyrics are easy to memorize.

I just love this band. It's a tragic and passionate love affair sure to end with Beth Ditto asking security to take out the crazy dancing girl in the front row. Just kidding. I don't have the money for concerts, or the time for stalking. But anyway, LOVE GOSSIP.

Here's why:

That's Not What I Heard, 2000. "Swing Low", "Where the Girls Are", "Heartbeats".
"Swing Low" offers a fun alternative to the gospel classic, and sets a good tone for the album, while "Where the Girls Are" and "Heartbeats" show off their infectious hooks and the very nice rhythm the band's got going. This album makes me think of classic Southern rock, but with a funky catch that I love. Makes sense- they are originally from Arkansas.

Arkansas Heat, 2001. "Ain't It The Truth".
The chorus is so catchy, and reminiscent of Aretha Franklin, but in a way Ms. Franklin would never think of. And that's a compliment to Gossip, not meant to be offensive to Aretha.

Movement, 2003. "Nite", "Don't (Make Waves)", "Fire Sign", "Lesson Learned".
What a fabulously groovable album. "Don't (Make Waves)" and "Nite" were the real standouts, but the other two were far to good to leave off.

Standing in the Way of Control, 2005. "Standing in the Way of Control", "Coal to Diamonds", "Your Mangled Heart", "Dark Lines".
Here's when they became pretty well known, and I can't help it, it's my favorite album. Yes, the title track is fantastic, but "Coal to Diamonds" has a wonderful 50's sound I adore, and it's an emotion I can empathize with, and "Dark Lines" is chill in the coffee shop way.

Music for Men, 2000. "Dimestore Diamond", "Love Long Distance", "For Keeps", "Four Letter Word".
My other favorite album! All four of the above tracks are not only worth a listen, but necessary for life. I found that I fell instantly in love with them and haven't let them go at all. "Love Long Distance" gets bonus points for an awesome video including body suits, roller skating, and balloons.

If you're in the mood for grooving music that forces you on your goddamn feet, this is your band. Beth Ditto might just be my new idol.