Gossip (AKA The Gossip)

What can I say about this group other than I ♥ THEM!!!! Gossip started back in 1999 with founding members Beth Ditto (lead singer), Nathan "Brace Paine" Howdeshell (guitarist), Kathy Mendonca (former drummer), and now Hannah Billie (present drummer). They all met (with the exception of Hannah Billie) in college where they all attended Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Now they all reside in Portland, OR where they are based.


The first CD that I bought of theirs was Standing in the way of Control 





This is the song that got me hooked. If I had to describe their sound I would say a little punk with a hint of disco. I don't think there was a song on this album that I didn't like. Beth Ditto has such an awesome voice that you can feel the emotions in her singing. Some songs on the album, Fire with  Fire (love this one as well), Jealous Girl, Coal to Diamonds, but a song that I think you can really feel her emotions is "Yr Mangled Heart". My favorite line in the song goes, "I don't want the world, I only want what I deserve!". This CD is a must own (in my opinion).


I just recently bought their newest CD Music for Men and all I have to say is WOW!!! Sometimes bands have a tendency with their follow up album not doing so well, but not this one. First single I think was "Heavy Cross"





The first couple of albums/EP's were gritty and raw, but this one seems a lot more polished. Don't get me wrong I loved the raw sound and feeling that I got from listening to the others. With this album they signed with a new studio which is a part of Sony, so I feel they wanted to try and make them look/sound a little more main stream. Some other songs on the CD are Dimestore Diamond, Vertical Rhythm (great song), Love and Let Love, and Four Letter Word.


I was hoping to see them April 19th @ the Regency Ball room here in SF, but they canceled the show. 


This is a group to keep your eyes out for. I feel like they are on the verge of becoming big soon. So if you get a chance and they are in your city see them while you can in a small intimate venue. You won't regret it!!!!!