Standing in the Way of Control

Gossip | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 24, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kill Rock Stars
• ASIN: B000CNFB22
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,476 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's flatly unfair that the Gossip aren't a massive success, a rocknroll giant slayer, especially as they unleash another 10-song, 30-minute zinger like Standing in the Way of Control. Singer Beth Ditto's boundless, whether shouting out the title song's chorus or feather-dusting the lyric on Meg White-sounding album closer, "Dark Lines." The band rocks with an unerring simplicity, a leanness that writhes. The big-beat, hop-along (and sing-along) "Listen Up," is the centerpiece here, a stripped focus on the Gossip's core conviction, that rhythm can rock like little else. The tune has Ditto holding court over a bluntly simple one-two beat, cautioning a crowd that by rights ought to be tenfold larger: "now gather round/now listen up," warning them that "some people talk way too much." As Ditto stuns, drummer Hannah Blilie's beat pounds, and Brace Paine's guitar lays down a simple law. Ignorance of that law is no excuse. --Andrew Bartlett

Product Description

The first thing that strikes you is the rhythm. The Gossip have been making punks dance since they debuted 5 years ago, long before dance punk existed. Soulful and jagged, you can hear everything from Dischord to Motown in Brace's playing. Now, with the addition of new drummer Hannah Blilie (Shoplifting, ex-Chromatics) they have a new thundering beat for the kids to dance to on the corners and in the clubs.

The next thing that smacks you is Beth's voice, all the guttural blues of the South is in that inimitable instrument. It resonates with the confidence that is in her lyrics asking people to hold on just a little bit longer, re-assuring the youth that there are others out there, and spitting in the face of all who say otherwise!

''Standing in the Way of Control'', their third album, was recorded by Guy Picciotto (Fugazi) at Seattle's Bear Creek. From heartbreakers like ''Coal to Diamonds'' to the anthemic title track, released as a single with a Le Tigre remix, the band is unafraid to put it all out there and take their audience to new places. This is the sound of a band destroying and surpassing all expectations placed on them.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beth Ditto=Punk Goddess, April 6, 2006

By 

T. Lemos (New England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Standing in the Way of Control (Audio CD)

I heard about this band in the most unlikely of ways. The NPR music guy was talking about some noteworthy young artists/bands in the Pacific Northwest, and when he played The Gossip, my ears instantly perked up. In his description of their sound, he mostly talked about Ditto's pipes, and that's the way it should be. Sure, Brace's guitar work is catchy and Hannah's drumming is adept enough--but let's face it, punk ain't the most demanding genre when it comes to instrumentation. It's all about style, verve, attitude, and Beth's got all that plus a whole lot of soul. Her Arkansas roots come out in her sexy delivery that's equal parts blues and grrl punch. I would've liked to hear a few more upbeat songs on this disc--it gets a bit slow towards the end--but Ditto knocks every other singer in this genre flat on their ass, so I'll give 'er a break if she likes to break into soulful crooning every once in a while.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The whole package, August 9, 2006

By 

P. Fellenbaum - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Standing in the Way of Control (Audio CD)

Awesome sound out of just drums and a guitar; blows White Stripes away, in my humble opinion. Vocals are full and powerful. I have to keep reminding myself the band has only 3 members (no overdubs). Look forward to hearing more of their stuff.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There Is Still Great Music Out There And Right Here, April 22, 2007

By 

IJustDiedAlive (Northern CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Standing in the Way of Control (Audio CD)

This cd by the Gossip is one of those rare ones that you let play all the way through and then start it over again. Very distinct vocals from Beth Ditto and very good music. My personal favorite tracks are the title cut and HOLY WATER.