Music For Men

It seems to be two steps forward, three steps back with Portland, Oregon soul-punk pioneers the Gossip. Not musically you understand; they consistently make leaps and bounds in that area, but as a political entity. And they are one, albeit an incredibly catchy and danceable one. Even if they don't use soap boxes or slogans, by their very existence and excellence Beth Ditto, Brace Paine and Hannah Blilie are a positive force for change in a narrow-minded mainstream; a sharp slap across the face, waking the world up to questions about image, sexuality, gender and identity. There is no band as important right now.