Music for Men - The Gossip

Why do I like this album?! I shouldn't because traditionally it's really not my thing, but I do. I really do. After days of speculation the only reason I can think of is that Music for Men is funky.

It's fun! In many ways the album reminds me of listening to the Scissor Sister's first album or Mika's brilliant debut because it's peppered with references to various decades gone by. Some high points would be such lyrics as "I heard it through the bass line", a melodic line mirroring "I was made for loving you baby you were made for loving me" and the opening to the single Heavy Cross could well be taken from Edge of Seventeen!

My first thought on singer Beth Ditto was that she yells the whole time. A couple of listens later however, I'd completely changed my mind... well perhaps not changed it, but I now LIKED the voice. It's amazing! A little bit Stevie Nicks, a little bit Janis Joplin, a whole lot awesome!

My picks off the album: Love Long Distance, Heavy Cross, Pop Goes the World, Vertical Limit, For Keeps, 2012 (yes there are a few on here aren't there?!).

Fun, funky songs with a strong 80's influence that push all the right buttons and will have you bobbing your head in appreciation. I'm still no closer to nailing down the reasons why I like this album and don't like others of a similar genre, but why not give it a nudge?

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4 1/2 Stars