Customer Reviews

Scissor Sisters [Vinyl]

5 star:		(113)
4 star:		(42)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(34)

 

 

Although I usually like to review acts/releases that may not have received much attention, I also have to put in my 2 cents regarding the best and lesser CDs that I purchase as you guys here at Amazon.com are so helpful to me. While, Scissor Sister's self-titled debut CD has generated much buzz, this is one release that more than lives up to its buzz and should not be ignored as a novelty/fad act. This act's detractors only seem to see the group's many influences and don't see much else. While it is inarguable that Scissor Sister draw their influences from Elton John and musical genres not very popular in the US: art rock, glam rock, Seventies disco (maybe disco did have its heyday in the US), and even show tunes, those people seem to disregard not only that all groups (to greater or lesser degrees) are influenced by their predecessors, but that Scissors Sisters has managed to incorporate the above mentioned genres into something that is entirely accessible that is based singer-songwriter pop with strong lyrics, melodies, and impeccable production.

The CD opens with the muscular "Laura," which to me epitomizes what I like best about Scissor Sisters. Next comes, their huge break-out single in the U.S, "Take Your Mama," is obviously HEAVILY influenced by Elton John, it sounds like a million bucks and not like a rip-off. The third song, a cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortable Numb," was their initial calling card in the U.K., and it's irresistible as it is completely redone and sounds like the Bee Gees meets a Giorgio Moroder production. Just try to get this song out of your head. I dare you ....

Next comes the gorgeous ballad titled "Mary," which starts out slowly like an earnest Robbie Williams ballad and then evolves into an Eltonesque anthem. I love the lyrics and particularly the choruses, which sound so soothing and simple, but must have taken much work to create the easy flow that this song evokes while moving from the ethereal to the piano-kicks. The comes "Lovers in the Backseat," which starts out in a somewhat detached glam rock-like fashion, but it does land with it's chorus and the images it evokes. I am not a huge fan of glam rock, but this song takes some of its fun elements and gives it a kick.

Next comes "T*its on the Radio," which is the only female-led vocal on the release. I think that is a female. It sounds like Human League meets Electric Light Orchestra and the results are outstanding. "Filthy/Gorgeous" is a dance floor masterpiece that combines the best of the 1970's with an 80's vibe. "Music is the Victim" sounds like the best song Sir Elton John never wrote. The song is driven by muscular drums and cheeky (I hope that was the intent) electric guitar breaks. I could go on about every single song, especially the epic finale "Return to Oz," but any more descriptions may take way from the many aces that this band has up its sleeve. This is easily one of 2004's better releases and one which has barely left my CD player, and since I buy way too many CDs this should say something about how strong I feel this release is. Scissor Sister's detractors may look at my review as further proof that the group lacks originality and I am not looking to convert or change the minds of those who have taken the time to listen to this CD; however if you are on the fence feel free to give them a chance as there is likely something that you'll like.

Quietly in 2004 springs a funky and over-the-top group called the Scissor Sisters out of New York. Not intending to keep their flamboyance under wraps, these guys (actually 4 guys and a gal) have burst onto the scene with their ecletic fusion of electro-glam disco music that pays tribute to artists from the 60's to early 90's, such as the Bee Gees, David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, Elton John and more.

Their cabaret-styled music such as the Pink Floyd cover Comfortably Numbed makes lead singer a dead ringer for Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees with his excellent falsetto rendition. Elsewhere he repeats his falsetto vocals to great amusing effect (such as on Laura, Lovers In The Backseat and Music Is The Victim), as if you were right stuck in the 70's. Fret not though, for great production values add to this listening pleasures cos most songs are tinged with electronic effects. On current single, Take Your Mama Out, the group delivers new wave rock on a song about coming out to your mama in a g*y bar. There's also the irrelevant T*ts On The Radio which may spot silly lyrics but is really talking about conservatism on radio these days.
Finally, the anthemic It Can't Come So Quickly packs Nick Kershaw and Pet Shop Boys into one delicious package with a solemn and emotive delivery besides the other ballad Mary. Oh ya, catch those visually captivating videos of theirs on MTV, it'll sure make your day!


If you are looking for great music to cheer up, you'll never fail with the Scissor Sisters' self-titled debut. They are the rage in UK now, and hopefully they'll catch on in Stateside when they tour.

Ok, I've been reading the other reviews and all I have to say is get over the Comfortably Numb thing. I'm a big Pink Floyd fan, but -shock/horror- I thought this version was pretty sweet. I didn't really like it when I first heard it, but it's really grown on me.

As for the album, I thought it was brilliant. I admit I bought it for the singles, but when I listened to it, it just blew me away. Now just to get things clear: I'm 21, male, Irish and straight (I have a lovely girlfriend who likes the album too) and I have no problem admitting I like this album. Not only is it fun, but there's some really powerful stuff on there. The greatest song on it is Return to Oz. God, I just fell in love with this song. It has a real epic quality to it.

I wonder did any of the negative reviewers actually sit down and listen to the album. I'm guessing alot of them came in with pre-concieved notions (probably from hearing the singles) and knew they were going to hate it before they listened to it.

My advice? If you're not afraid to give something new a try, then get this album. It's not just for gay people and women.

Oh yeah, reviewers take note: Don't judge an album from one song or a live performance. That's just ignorant.

I find it superficial and silly the majority of the haters here are the obvious repeat posts from the "kids" review" posts, bashers of the Floyd re-make(Listened by and approved by Floyd), and gay haters. The vast majority here loves the album.In a decade where being gay is pretty much as mainstream and normal as anything else("Will & Grace," "Brokeback Mountain"), it really shouldn't matter if a band is gay or not. If you knew how many of your "str8" bands were in the closet you'd faint. Hide it, right? WRONG! The Scissor Sisters are a breath of fresh air, combining so many genres, you cannot label them. 2004 might have seen their debut album sell more in Europe, but it's 2006 now, the debut is almost gold in the U.S. and the new album in May will do very well.And, yes, Jake Spears does sound awesome live. He is adorably sexy too. Anna is amazing! The entire band is amazing in concert, creating a very rock style vibe.I'm 38, and lived through many decades of music, and I adore this band.

Ever wondered what it might sound like if the Bee Gees covered Comfortably Numb? Well, all you have to do to find out is pick up this cd. This album pulls from a wide net of influences, but to my ears definitely a lot of Elton John and George Michael, but updated for today. Its a very different cd, and not really what I was expecting... the music press have been all over these guys for a while, which is why I figured I would give this album a chance. I'm not sure its something I'm going to be listening to in a year, as there is something of, I dunno, a novelty aspect, but I don't mean that in a bad way. Sort of like Tenacious D and the Darkness, its honest nostalgia that can sound funny in its earnest lifting of earlier music, but these guys do it so well that you can't laugh off the quality of the album.

I think my favorite song is Lovers in the Backseat, followed closely by Take your Mama and Mary. I definitely like the ones that skew a little towards disco/funk, similar I guess to the two or three songs I like on every Jamiroquai cd.

I'd recommend this album just so you can experience something new, especially everyone who complains about the sameness of today's bands.

Okay, I suspect that many of the negative reviews for this FAAAAAABULOUS album were written by the humorless strain of Pink Floyd fan since they are horrified - simply horrified! - by the Scissor's cover of "Comfortably Numb." Well as a fan of Pink Floyd endowed WITH a sense of humor, I say that the "Comfortably Numb" track is the cherry on top of a well confectioned Sundae. So nyah.

They kick off with a strident track, "Laura." Don't know what the song's about, don't care, 'cause I'm too busy shaking my ass to the beat. Other standout tracks are "Take Your Mama," "Mary," and honky-tonk-meets-glam "Music is the Victim." The Sisters are my personal salvation from all those droopy-arsed, shaggy haired, "We're here to save rock and roll", refried-Richard-Hell acts like the Strokes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and all those other Gong Show rejects that plague the Siren Music Festival every summer at Coney Island. Oh yes, yes, yes, the Sisters borrow from glam rock and disco, and YES, are revivalists themselves, but they had the good taste to pick genres that are upbeat, joyous and that avoid the dreary "Please Kill Me" pose of the 70s CBGBs Lower East Side era.

And one last thing to all the Floyd fundamentalists: Roger Waters, the lyricist of "Comfortably Numb" stated in an interview on "The Wall" DVD that his one regret in composing the album did not include more humorous moments. I'd like to think that the Sister's disco rendition of the famous Floyd torchsong helps to crack a smile on Mr. Water's flinty face. And ain't it interesting that the Scissor Sisters insignia has a passing resemblance to the Hammer Soldiers banner? I think the Sisters should contact Gerald Scarfe and have him do the animation for their next video.

The Scissor Sisters are the best thing to happen to the music industry in a long time. They're unapologetic, brave and have an authenticity that most pop/rock acts severely lack. Those of us who are increasingly disgusted with the state of the music industry in America--namely the Britneys, Justins, and 8,000 other artists that have been cloned after them--may have found our saviors. The music of the Scissor Sisters is a breath of fresh air that perfectly balances taste and substance with fun and frivolity. 5 Stars!

As I was scrolling through the reviews, all I seemed to find was this random Kid's Review 500 million times. I would think that Amazon might keep track of this crap. He sent in a review that said almost the exact same thing several million times which changed the ranking if the cd. The reason why I am mad is that this Cd was ranked one of the best cd's of 2004 by Blender Magazine and Rolling Stone. This group is one of the most original bands in a long time. You say that they stole songs from Pink Floyd. The reason why they put Comfortably Numb on the cd is because they were given permission to cover it. That is why it is called a cover. Yes, it may not be better than the original but that is why it's a cover again. You make an old song new by adding your own vibe to it. This cd really does deserve a 5 star rating because of it's creativness. One of the best songs on the cd is "Return To Oz" which they have said is based on a friend who died from AIDS, but also describes characters and other ideas from the movie "Return To Oz" (A movie made in the 80's, the sequal to The Wizard Of Oz), which was an interesting idea to do. It is a very emotional song and very much sounds like songs used to in the 60's and 70's, when music was good. Every song on here is different, and doesnt sound the same. I feel, that the person who was childish enough to write the same review over and over is a homophobe and is afraid to hear that a gay themed band is out there, and covering a straight band's song. Well, sorry sonny boy, this band is original and has great melodies and lyrics to go with their wonderful stage act (which can be seen on their dvd "We are the Scissor Sisters and So Are You"). So I hope you (the dumb kid who wrote all of the bad reviews)have hopefully gotten a clue that you yourself deserve a 1-star rating, not the band; and I hope that more people will listen and see that this band is a great band and really deserves our recognition for being a very outrageous and outspoken band. Because there are not that many anymore that can really be called true artists and stand out in the music business.

Standout songs on the album are : Filthy/Gorgeous, Music is the victim, Return To Oz, Can't Come Quickly Enough, and Laura.

Just when you thought the only good-time music you'd ever hear again was in Disney cartoons, and just when you were wondering if a male lead singer who wasn't named Timberlake could actually dance his butt off without lip-syncing, and just when you were thinking, "when IS someone gonna do a dance version of that old Pink Floyd classic," along came the brilliant, flamboyant, uber-entertaining Scissor Sisters!

Here in Seattle, lead singer Jake Shears' home town, we've known about the Sisters for a while, and everyone I know loves the heck outta these faboo folks. They just played a sold-out show at one of the local clubs here last week and blew the lid off the place. Simply phenomenal. If you get a chance to see these incredible individuals perform live, do NOT pass it up!

Everyone I know who hears SS is instantly hooked. What we can't figure out is what to call their music - is it pop? Is it alternative? Is it dance? Is it electronic? Is it disco? Is it retro feel-good rock from the 70's? Is it showtunes? I guess the answer is an emphatic "all of the above!"

From the blatant gay disco of "Filthy/Gorgeous" to the quirky 80's-flavored "Lovers in the Backseat" to the Elton John styled "Take Your Mama" and "Music is the Victim" to the ponderous "Can't Come Quickly Enough" to the hypnotically campy "Comfortably Numb" to the cabaret nuances of "Laura," the Sisters take you on a funky, sassy, bawdy, everyone-on-board, feel-good trip through recent musical history that'll have you dancing, blushing, laughing, grooving, and singing the irresistable hooks over and over in your head for the rest of the day.

No, seriously, it's impossible to stop singing the chorus of "Take Your Mama" once youve heard it once or twice...

Buy this darn CD now - you'll be soooooo glad you did!

The Scissor Sisters are an American band whos album has been out in Europe for more than six months and I've recently read that the album has been number one for a few weeks running now. Why was this album not released in the US until now? Good question because it is the best pop album ive heard so far this year. Maybe the suits at Universal didnt think US audiences would take kindly to a band named after a lesbian sexual position. The Scissor Sisters - Jake Shears, Babydaddy, Ana Matronic, Paddy Boom and Del Marquis - have created an almost flawless and impressivly diverse first album. The first single 'Take Your Mama' is a song about getting your Mother drunk on cheap champagne so you can come out of the closet to her, 'Mary' sounds like a song from the Elton John/Bernie Taupin collection and their cover of Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb' sounds like partying at a dirty electro-house club in the meat packing district of New York City. So many songs on this album could be hit singles that it would be hard to pick just one. Their influences range from the Bee Gees, Supertramp, Felix Da Housecat and Elton John - a dream mix. There are a few tracks that i skip over towards the end of the disc but overall this album is at the top of my list so far this year.