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These words and photos were contributed by Brian Joseph Ferree. Brian began this life unplanned and illegitimate. In this tradition he celebrates life. You're no better.

Gossip @ Terminal 5 NYC
10/09/09

With their fourth album release, Music for Men, Gossip's soulful lo-fi post-punk sound squeezed itself into a tight, sparkly, sequenced unitard, donned a matching cowboy hat, and hit the dance floor.  Brace Paine's keyboard and guitars, coupled with Hannah Blilie's drums, set the stage for anti-diva front woman Beth Ditto's raw, unyielding bluesy wails to create a sound that is simple, satisfying and begs for a terpsichorean sacrifice.  No one was sure what to expect when this iconoclastic punk trio, born in the passing of the Riot Grrl scene before rising to queer dance punk demigods, signed to a major label and teamed up with industry producer Rick Rubin, but fans needn't worry.  Gossip have always been among the most genuine bands of their generation - sincerely political and true to themselves, their sound and their scene. Come hell or high-water, their adoring followers are riding this train to the last stop.

Friday's show began with "Dimestore Diamond", as Ditto coyly experimented with withholding, singing off stage as the song pressed on, giving the audience a moment to remember her booming vox.  Fiery, bright right red hair and a tight shimmering dress joined her band mates, and as they flew into "Pop Goes the World", any questions of whether they could perform live what they produced in the studio are answered.  After belting out "Don't Make Waves", "Men in Love", "Fire Sign" and "Love Long Distance", there was as much sweat on stage as in the pit.  Ditto gave all of herself to a hungry and excited crowd.  She absolutely loves to be on stage.

A fight followed "Yesterday's News", an anthem from the album Movement that balances sweet melody and a torrent of vocal emotion.  As guards descended on a few fans, Ditto interrupted and demanded security calm down so she could understand what was happening.  Moments later, after giving the mic to the offending party, allowing him a chance at redemption, she had to take the mic back and walk away.  "I love my faggots but no one calls a girl a dirty cunt, I don't care how gay you are.  And if you can't apologize, you're outta here."  With that, security grabbed him by the shoulders and threw him out.  Ditto took a quick break to remind the crowd what community means. Whether it's a show in a punk house basement or a crowd of thousands, Gossip practice what they preach.

By the encore, the gloves (and all manner of clothes) were off and a dancing, heaving crowd parted like the Red Sea for Ditto to march from the stage to the back of the house blasting their breakthrough single from the last album, "Standing In the Way of Control."  Like guitarist Paine says, they will always be a great live band.