That's Not What I Heard

Gossip

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 23, 2001)
• Original Release Date: November 14, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kill Rock Stars
• ASIN: B00004YWY7
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #98,901 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #42 in

  Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Riot Grrl

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Restraint and polish have their virtues, but the Gossip's first full-length preaches a powerful sermon on the value of raw, honest emotion and reckless abandon. Part of the power of their message lies in the simplicity of its delivery. Limiting themselves to vocals, guitar, and drums, with absolutely no studio wizardry, first names only in liner notes, and a total running time of less than 25 minutes, this threesome has no tolerance for non-essentials. Guitarist Nathan and drummer Kathy lay down a stripped-down retro sound somewhat reminiscent of the Flat Duo Jets and Bratmobile, providing singer Beth with a perfect pulpit from which to deliver her frank discourses on lesbian love, lust, and leverage. Highlights include opener "Swing Low," the back-to-back "Where the Girls Are" and "Bring It On," and the closer, "Hott Date." While this CD's 14 tracks aren't incredibly diverse, they do pack a wallop, and fans of no-frills garage rock and raw, lo-fi blues should definitely give it a listen. --Steve Halloran

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars That southern rock makes me wanna jump up and boogie down!, July 27, 2003

By	"ladytron1980" (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

The Gossip started a revival with this genre of music that was becoming scarce. When this album came out in the beginning of the year 2001, it is just what was needed in the world to wake everyone up. A lot of bands jumped on the bandwagon with this "new" sound. They are a three piece band consisting of merely a vocalist, guitarist and drummer. Some people say this album tends to drag in places, but I would say just the opposite. Beth Ditto has such a strong, sexy and bluesy voice, there is much to love about it. And their sound is pure garage/blues rock. The singer is openly gay, with very racy lyrics, which fit their sound perfectly. She turns what used to be just a church song, 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' into a naughty song being sung to a bad girl; 'sweet baby/momma's baby/there's only one thing that can make you my lady/swing low, down low, sweet chariot.' Phew, makes me sweat. Long live the Gossip!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars got me dancing, and I wasn't even drunk....., July 6, 2001

By	Christine Blevins (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I haven't heard the c.d....but I've heard it live...and it kicked arse. I went to the Empty Bottle here in Chicago last night to see the White Stripes, and The Gossip played right before them...and they got me off my feet, dancing, and having one hell of a good time. True I am a fan of punk music, but my friends who aren't also really like them, and had a great time. The band rocks the hell out. They're raw, they're fun, they're over the line at times. The singer, (meg?) invited girls up on stage to dance, and by the end of their set, they had about 15 girls rockin like hell-fire. I mean, it wasn't "trying to look sexy dancing", it was, "shaking your head, pouring sweat, eyes closed, whole body moving dancing". I had such a blast and loved their insane, gritty sound so much, I have to buy the album now.... I reccommend it.... especially if you're looking to let loose and dance like you don't give a damn.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beth Ditto is unstoppable., July 3, 2003

By	"frillycollarboys" (NC, USA) - See all my reviews

I'm usually a big fan of very carefully produced songs with intricate details. This is simply the opposite. It's raw, sweaty rock produced in someone's basement. Nothing is tweaked. It's just drums, a guitar and Beth Ditto's amazing voice wailing over it, pulling you under.

Before I actually heard The Gossip for the first time, I read dozens of articles about them. The critics had nothing but rave reviews. Once you hear this cd, though, none of that matters anymore. This music belongs to YOU. It pulses in you as if you were dancing with the rest of the crowd at the show, Beth's tremendous voice pulling at you. The simple, repeated verses of these songs are infectious and charming.

This is hot, lesbionic, Southern goodness. What more could you want?