Customer Reviews

Standing in the Way of Control

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I've had this album in my car cd player almost everyday since I bought it. I love half of it and the other half is ok. I think the dance beats work very well, but it makes the cd a bit dated and so does the front cover. I think this would have sounded fresher if it would have been released in the spring of '05 when everyone was still freaking out over Franz Ferdinand, but this band is much more important than that.

I think Beth has the most amazing voice I've heard in years. I listen to her and think of her fitting in with the greatest singers of all time. Her voice warms up like a vintage tube amp and she has such great control over the amount of grit in her voice.

This album still has more balls than anything that's come out in a long time and the tones on the album are second to none. It makes me excited for the next one which will be amazing.

Hi Guys

I have to say i disagree with the above-mentioned reviews. I haven't felt the same way about a band since i was going through a large White Stripes phase some years ago.

This band are very similar to the Whites Stripes in that they have that stripped down, bedroom sounding production similar to Elephant. They also have the same type of bluesey guitar licks. The vocals are absolutely tremendous, bringing a soul voice to a rock band, although if she went on American Idol they would slate her.

It is of course the songs themselves that cement this record. Every song is a stone cold hit. The chorus of "coal to diamonds" has so much emotion it makes me feel nauseous.

The only downside is that the chorus of "Keeping you Alive" sounds slightly tacked on, even though it makes the main riff of that song sound cooler.

It is also worth noting that this band are hot enough to have tracks remixed by Belgian rock/dance crossover Soulwax and Le Tigre.

If these guys really float your boat it is worth checking out The Invisible Deck the Rogers Sisters.

Beth Ditto has one of the strongest voices today, very reminiscent of Janis Joplin. The album is full of suprises.

This album is the equivalent of what you'd get if you took Janis Joplin & locked her in a recording studio w/ a punk rock guitarist and a dance studio drummer. Excellent. I'll save my 5th star for now because that only goes to albums that withstand the test of time, but definitely a great effort and an enjoyable result.

I bought this album out of curiosity and it has blown my mind. "Your Mangled Heart" is one of the most incredible female rock vocal performances I have ever heard! You MUST check this out.

After seeing their videos for "standing in the way of control" and "listen up," I had to have this album. And I wasn't disappointed. Brace (guitar), Hannah (drums), and Beth's bluesy vocals make a tight trio. "Coal to diamonds" is haunting, and "holy water" even more so. Ends on a supportive note with "keeping you alive."

I bought this CD after seeing The Gossip live at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City this summer - they were the opening act for The Dresden Dolls and Cyndi Lauper. I never heard of this band prior to seeing them live and I was pleasantly surprised. This gal can belt it out with the best of them; and her energy level was amazing. Skinny chicks beware! This CD reflects a great deal of their live energy. It's raw, loud, and in your face.