SCISSOR SISTERS: Ta-Dah

For those music fans who like their mix with a dash of rock, a pinch of pop and a sprinkle of dance, there is a new release that encompasses all of the above - and more: the new Scissor Sisters' CD TA-DAH. Of course, throwing in some glam rock influences and a bit of campy fun doesn't hurt either. Scissor Sisters' sound is reminiscent of the 1970's dance culture (the good parts) with a huge emphasis on reflecting such disco-era heroes as the Bee Gees - vocally anyway. Scissor Sisters' genre and gender bending style rings with the influence of David Bowie, Elton John, Marc Bolan and The B-52's.

The New York band has made a huge splash overseas and now it appears to be America's turn. Their latest endeavor TA-DAH has received critical acclaim and audiences are following suit. TA-DAH was produced, written and performed by the band itself: Jake Shears, Ana Matronic, Babydaddy, Del Marquis and Paddy Boom, with a guest appearance and writing credits by Sir Elton John on two tracks. The CD's first single "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" (one of the tracks co-penned by John - his piano is unmistakable) is a fun, beat driven dance tune that reminds me a bit of "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" by The Four Seasons. It's the kind of tune that even if you don't have a rhythmic bone in your body, one will mystically appear and you'll be tapping and bopping along. But make no mistake, Scissor Sisters stand alone with their imaginative riffs and lyrics. TA-DAH is sure to be embraced by not only the gay dance culture in New York (heavy supporters of the group, clubbers always seem to be ahead of everyone else when picking the next big dance act) but may also lock into the VH-1 set and Adult Contemporary market as well.

One of the highlights of the CD, the track "I Can't Decide," sports a chorus with the intriguing hook, "I can't decide/whether you should live or die/Oh, you'll probably go to heaven/Please don't hang your head and cry." I really can't quote any of the other lyrics here due to language (wink), but I'm sure you get the idea. Another standout for me is "The Other Side," a good mid-tempo song that fits in well with the other tracks and grabs your attention. A great CD all the way around, it's nice to finally have an album that you can put on at a party that won't be just background noise. My only complaint is that it's less than an hour in length. However, that could be a good thing. That will make the anticipation even greater for Scissor Sisters' next release.