Sound Check is a monthly column providing news and reviews of queer women in music.
It’s an exciting month for music, especially for long-awaited follow-up albums. Perhaps the two biggest that gay women have been anticipating are from The Gossip and Tegan and Sara. Both acts have been working on new music since 2007, and it’s darn near toward the end of 2009 before we could hear the fruits of their labor (and lack of downtime).
While Tegan and Sara have been top secret with Sainthood, despite a few videos of live songs performed in Victoria and the release of single “Hell,” The Gossip put their album, Music for Men on Spinner.com for a live stream months in advance, and have actively performed new material on the road. And since October is ripe with “new,” this month’s Sound Check will be chock full of reviews. Onto the good (and not so good) stuff!
Releases Reviewed
The Gossip’s Music for Men is a progression on their soul-based pop rock that they really put forward on Standing in the Way of Control, which also signaled a departure from their previous work on smaller albums and a different drummer.
Now with lesbian drummer Hannah Blile as a permanent fixture in the trio, The Gossip have not only become widely known in the U.S., but international superstars. Europe fully embraced Beth Ditto and bandmates, and now Music for Men is a slickly produced response to their new lifestyle. While they deal with some of the same themes that they always have (living a less-than-privileged life on “Dimestore Diamond,” trust issues on single “Heavy Cross”), there’s a hint of a different Gossip on the new album. Perhaps they are outlining it for us themselves with lyrics like: “We can play it safe, play it cool, follow the leader or make up all the rules, whatever you want, the choice is yours so choose.”
Music for Men is a strong offering and will not disappoint Gossip fans, especially when the band brings the live show to their cities.
Another group you are most likely familiar with are bringing a little something different on their latest CD. The L Word’s infamous theme song makers, Betty might surprise you on Bright and Dark. Elements of disco and dance-pop are frequent themes on the album, from the drum machine and chant-based “Did You Tell Her?” (a true lesbian anthem), to “King Kong” featuring B-52 singer Kate Pierson, it’s the same playful Betty, but with a little more youthful accessibility that might be what they need to reach young and new listeners.
There’s also a track dedicated to Linda Blair, the star of The Exorcist. It’s creepy, funny and totally gay.
Meshell Ndegeocello‘s Oct. 6 album, Devil Halo, is a beautiful work of rhythm, blues and soul mixed with rock elements that would appeal to fans of any genre. The 41-year-old musician is not only prolific on her tenth album, but heartachingly intense. Even though the sad longing of romance outweighs the happy moments on Devil’s Halo, the album is pleasant and lush.
If you think you knew Meshell before, you have only heard one side of her. Devil’s Halo is eclectic and incredibly addictive.
Indie artist Sarah Lipstate (under the moniker Noveller) recently released her 5-song EP, Red Rainbows. Using a double neck guitar to create staticy sounds, the abstract album is instrumental and ethereal. Beware if you aren’t into songs without singing: this won’t be for you. However, if you’re into the likes of Kaki King, especially her first two albums, you’ll want to check out Noveller songs like “Brilliant Colors.”
Chicago’s The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir suffered a horrible van crash while on tour last month and the band’s lesbian guitarist Mary Ralph broke her pelvis and collar bone in the accident. Unfortunately, this means their tour is on hold and they are struggling to pay medical bills already. Help out by purchasing the group’s new album, And The Horse You Rode in On, which is so worth your $10. The first line on the album goes like this: “I hope that you catch syphilis and die alone.” How can you not appreciate a pretty guitar melody with lyrics like that?
Not all their songs are silly, though. The new wave Joy Division-esque track One Night Stand is a dark and sexy song about having no strings attached: “No expectations, no demands, just your lips and my hands.”
The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir is on Bloodshot Records, a label known for launching the career of Neko Case and signing other alternative-country rock acts like The Detroit Cobras, so check out the CD for great guitar work and harmonies from the orch-pop rock group.
Also out this month: Erin McKeown’s debut on Rightous Babe Records, Hundreds of Lions on Oct. 13. She is touring in support of the disc with Jill Sobule this fall. News and Notes
The lesbian-fronted group Shiragirl released their album Scream, Spit, Sing at the end of September. The Sounds are currently on a world tour through the end of December.
Sarah Bettens‘ Never Say Goodbye was released Sept. 24.
Out musician Tara Jane O’Neil is on tour through November and premiered the video for her single, “A Vertiginous One,” on Pitchforkmedia.com.
Songstress Rachael Cantu has released the artwork for her November album Far and Wide and is playing select east coast dates this month.
Bisexual pop star Lady Gaga may have canceled her tour dates with Kanye West, but will be going on her own tour this fall.
