Dance-punk trio Gossip has seen a lot of changes since its last album — after several indie releases, it’s now recording for a major label, has snagged Rick Rubin as its producer, and frontwoman Beth Ditto has become an It Girl in international fashion circles. While the band certainly doesn’t sound like it did in its early garage rock days, it’s still the same Gossip — all about swagger, driving beats and making the kids dance.
Make no mistake: Gossip is a band, but Ditto is the star of the show and Rubin puts her vocals front and centre. Ditto is no Adele — her voice gets a little abrasive after a few tracks — but what she lacks in technical perfection she makes up for in blinding ambition and showmanship. While the album’s numerous aggressive dance tracks are fun and bound to be club hits, the disc’s most shining moment is the opening track “Dimestore Diamond,” which sees the band slowing it down and laying down a heavy groove while Ditto shows her soul chops to gorgeous effect. Music for Men may showcase a slightly slicker version of Gossip, but it’s proof that the band still has that swagger, even when wearing designer clothes.
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