gossip – music for men

The Indie-Pop band from Portland, Oregan USA has released their 4th studio album. “Music For Men” (Columbia/Sony, 2009) was co-produced by Rick Rubin, who has also produced the comebacks of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Johnny Cash as well as the Beastie Boys. Therefore success might be preprogrammed. What I reckon, the tattered music company is desperately looking for new faces and voices to get the business off the mod. Beth Ditto is one of those personalities, who may fit in that profile. Her appearance is just as massive as her voice is. You could think Gossip grew up in the middle of Europe like UK or Sweden because of the similar music style. That’s why they are more popular and successful in Europe, not in US, where the college punk is everywhere. The garage band is influenced by the post punk of the lesbian riots at the end of the 90′s. Unlikely, the 3 Americans were used to lead those riots. However, they achieved their mainstream break trough by the single “Standing In The Way Of Control“ (Kill Rock Stars, Lado 2005). Afterwards Beth Ditto used her new status to play and provoke with media. She strips on stages or is covered on magazines half naked. This extraordinary view you might get used to first due to her body index which is close to the one of Bud Spencer. If you analyse her music, though, the band is the best garage, indie-pop, post-punk band currently. “Heavy Cross” is incredible and already in my ears. A shame that the album is a bit too fancy and romantic and confirms the new status of the band, profit based pop music. Whatever, Beth Ditto works more and more on her approach to step on the Madonna level. She will do so with music like “Music For Men“.

Schdeffen’s favourite 15 records

15 – Johnny Cash – The Best of Johnny Cash

source: ssl.deutschrock.de

Release: 1988

Label: CoL (Sony Music)

The combination of the incredible voice and the gitarre is amazing. The album includes a couple of his best songs. Blues for the heart from a broken soul.

Favourite Track: Folsom Prison Blues

14 – The Prodigy – Music for the Jilted Generation

source: bp.blogspot.com

Release: 1994

Label: XL Recordings

The Prodigy was the most fucked-up, drug influenced and weirdest techno band in the 90′s. They had been the first Big Beat Bands and invented this, what is known as electro today. I like their 2nd album because the others are crap.

Favourite Track: No Good

13 – The Streets – Original Pirate Material

source: images.uulyrics.com

Release: 2002

Label: Wea Int. (Warner)

The Streets is a project of the singer and songwriter Mike Skinner. Grown up in Birmingham he developed an own view of the society and makes music from the street. Original british Hip Hop with critical notes. A must have for fans of the english way and british accent.

Favourite Track: Don’t Mug Yourself