Absurd Pop Song Romance

Pansy Division

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 8, 1998)
• Original Release Date: September 8, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Lookout Records/Lumberjack
• ASIN: B000009SEU
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #209,802 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
When Pansy Division formed in 1993, they were the only game in town, if quirky, lo-fi queer punk was your bag. Band founder and songwriter Jon Ginoli had a knack for writing riffy, three-chord songs that gave clever rhyming structure to all forms of fornicatory declamation (as suggested by singles "Touch My Joe Camel" and "James Bondage"). If you were expecting more of the same, you might be unprepared for the triumphant surprise of Absurd Pop Song Romance. Many will be rushing to attribute the massive power-pop brilliance of this record to producer Steve Albini, but we shouldn't rule out the possibility that Ginoli's musical vocabulary is finally reaching articulation. He's confident enough to re-create the rock anthems his former songs only hinted at. While the basic point here is still male-male love, Ginoli has widened his focus on this disc. Songs like the Stones-y/Byrds-y "Sweet Insecurity" describe the nerve wreckage that accompanies a crush, homo or hetero. The guitar-blasting "It'll Never Be the Same" is jacked-up punk not too far-flung from Albini's own Big Black. --Lois Maffeo

New Musical Express
San Francisco's "Queercore" pioneers Pansy Division have been battling stereotypes since 1992, but this, their sixth album, finds them firmly nestled in the indie rock mainstream....

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You don't have to be gay to like this album ..., September 13, 2006

By	A. Speed (Washington, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a little late to the party as far as this CD is concerned, but ever since I bought it I haven't removed it from my CD player. This is pure power pop -punk perfection, with the heavy bass and drums and crunchy riffs you might expect from an Albini produced album, but the sharp musicianship is all Pansy Division. They get a lot of attention for their cheeky, gleefully filthy lyrics, but this recoding seems to highlight them more as musicians, with the lyrics - although still clever and occasionally risque - taking second place. And these guys can play - dear lord, they'll kick your butts. There's almost no skippable tracks on this CD - you can just let it play. Yes, lyrically it's more serious and slightly downbeat than their previous albums, but it's still fantastic stuff.


And how did "Bad Boyfriend" NOT become a crossover hit for these guys? It could get radio play now and not seem dated (true of all these songs). Lyrically sleek and smart and unbelievably catchy, this could have been a breakthrough for the guys if the record company just promoted it right. (No wonder the guys went over to Alternative Tentacles ... )

You don't have to be gay to like Pansy Division, and that's even more true with this album. An absolute must for all fans of punk-pop. Instantly in my personal top five CDs.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This fantastic gay pop trio is an even greater quartet!, September 21, 1998

By	Steven Lavigne "Internet Reviewer" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've seen Pansy Division in concert at Minneapolis' Seventh Street Entry twice, and they've long been on of my favorite bands. Their new CD, Absurd Pop Song Romance, where the trio of Chris, Jon and Luis is joined by the terrific stage presence of Patrick, helps this great band, whose fame is largely due to word of mouth publicity to grow.

Their sound has changed sharply from solid headbanger music into a softer, professional style, while maintaining their in-your-face gay sensibility. The lyrics are as clever as ever, and their title track, Absurd Pop Song Romance could put them in the mainstream if it gets enough pop radio airplay.

Chalk another one up for this gayest of gay rock bands! Absurd Pop Song Romance is their best CD yet!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars GIV'EM A CHANCE, January 5, 2000

By	JULIE BYERS & TAMMIE BYERS (MANASSAS,VIRGINIA) - See all my reviews

I FIRST SAW THEM AT A GREEN DAY CONCERT.THERE MUSIC MAKES ME SMILE.I SENT THERE TAPE TO ENGLAND A RELATIVE WANTED TO HERE THEM.SHE TOOK IT TO A GAY BAR AND THEY LOVED IT.MY FAVORITE TAPE BY THEM IS TITLED UNDRESSED.MY SISTER LIKES JAMES BONDAGE AND GROOVY UNDERWEAR.WE LISTEN TO THERE MUSIC BECAUSE ITS FUN,EVEN THOUGH WE ARE NOT GAY.SO LISTEN,LAUGH AND ENJOY.