Gossip

Music For Men (Columbia)

By Emily Becker
Published: June 30th, 2009 | 7:00am

On “Love Long Distance,” Beth Ditto proclaims she “Heard it through the bassline,” and for fans of Gossip, the news is good. Music For Men is Gossip’s fourth studio release, but it’s been three long years since Standing In the Way of Control got booties shaking on both sides of the Atlantic. Since then, the trio left Kill Rock Stars for the majors, Ditto became a UK tabloid mainstay, and the band caught the eye of iconic producer, Rick Rubin. Rubin signed on to produce Music For Men, and while big labels and famous producers can lead to overwrought records, Rubin’s involvement only brings forth qualities in Gossip’s music that were always there. While the sound is cleaner and bolder than previous releases, the band’s stripped-down brand of soulful blues punk remains.

Angular guitar and crisp high hat support “Heavy Cross,” the massive first single. “Men In Love” is a high-energy mélange of Brace Paine’s driving bass, Hannah Blilie’s assorted percussion, and Ditto’s throaty purr. It’s a tour de force that deserves to rule over dance floors everywhere. Not unlike the plus-sized clothing line Ditto plans to release at the UK’s Evans clothing store, Music For Men deploys schmaltz and sequins judiciously.

“Dimestore Diamond” is downright thrifty with its spare bass line and vocals. Making the most of its minor key, “2012” is a New Wave, post-punk nugget of sonic energy. Thanks to Ditto’s raspy vocals, “Spare Me From the Mold” comes closest to the raw, DIY sound that permeates the band’s back catalog. Trite lyrics are the only element that stops Music For Men from being an instant classic (“For Keeps,” “Vertical Rhythm”). Ultimately, Music For Men merits heavy rotation because predictable words alone are not enough to stop anybody, man or woman, from falling in love with Gossip.

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