Toronto – It’s hard for me to write a subjective review about Music For Men, the latest and greatest from dance-punk trio Gossip, as I’m quite enamored with the group – particularly lead singer Beth Ditto.
Loud, brazen and oozing with confidence, Ditto has long been a favorite of mine. It was her offstage activities – particularly, her dedication to LBGT and women-centered issues – that attracted me to her music in the first place and I have yet to be disappointed.
Music For Men is the fourth studio album from Gossip and the band’s major-label debut. Brought to fruition with the help of powerhouse producer Rick Rubin (known for his work with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash and AC/DC), Music for Men is love-centered, punky and loud. The band’s signature sound – which has steadily been evolving as disco/dance-punk with blues undertones – is close to being perfected, best evidenced through “Dimestore Diamond” and “Vertical Rhythm”.
Dance tracks like “8th Wonder”, “Heavy Cross” and “2012″ juxtapose cheerful music with despondent lyrics. Come to think of it, most of the songs on Music for Men revolve around the theme of a not-quite-functional relationship, with the exception of “Men in Love” – a catchy track that’s easily my favourite from the album.
I will stop short of saying that I love Music For Men, but I like it very, very much. Since acquiring the album two weeks ago I’ve listened to it ten times and have yet to become bored with a single track. Ditto’s powerful voice, combined with Brace Paine’s steady guitar and the drums of Hannah Blilie (you may recognize her from the portrait on the album cover), makes for a memorable album that deserves heavy rotation.
If you like Gossip, you will really like this album.
*Check out their NPR show here
