RAW REVIEW: SCISSOR SISTERS - NIGHT WORK
June 18, 2010
Scissor Sisters release their third album, Night Work, on June 29. Here's a track-by-track review of the new album by the RAW DJs (Shea Van Horn and Bil Todd). We've also got a few tracks for you to preview and a couple remixes to download. Be sure to buy the album when it comes out in a couple weeks.
Night Work
Bil: The opening track is signature Scissor Sisters: rocking guitar with a disco bass line, dueling vocals and earnest lyrics. A great opening with a promise for more gyrating dance pop and alt-disco. Grade: A
Shea: Strong pop song that sets a nice tone for the new album. I like the guitar. Not the most inspired song, it sounds like it could have been on a previous album, but definitely a solid track. Grade: B
Whole New Way
Bil: Slowing down the tempo and adding a more jazz-tinted guitar element, this a positive song about fresh perspectives and a new-found sense of confidence. Uplifting without being cheesy and perfect for any social situation, whether a dance party or a bar night. Grade: B
Shea: Nope...not into this one, though I like the lyrics especially the line, "I've got your tail between my legs." The backing vocals are a nice touch, with the ooh oohs. Grade: C+
Fire With Fire
Bil: Not really feeling this one, it's actually a bit too Robbie Williams-esque for me. If I had to choose between this and the many remixes out there, I'd have to snag the remix and move this to the trash bin. Sorry, Sisters. Grade: D
Shea: I got chills when I heard this track: the uplifting lyrics, the strings, the galloping bass line. Grade: A-
Any Which Way
Bil: This one chugs it's way into a dance-floor ready song, perfect for getting RAW and gettin' nasty! A galloping bass line and erotically charged lyrics will have you in a pent-up frenzy, shaking your ass and sweating to the very last beat. Grade: A
Shea: I love this track! Definitely my favorite on the album. Jake's falsetto vocals are beautiful. I can't get enough of the galloping disco beat. The electro beeps and squeals. The bass line! And the lyrics...superb! "I want you to funk me, your battleship has sunk me!" And Ana Matronic's bit...umm..."taking my pantyhose out of their egg this evening," and "a man that smells like cocoa butter and cash!" LOVE IT. Grade: A+
Harder You Get
Bil: Reminiscent of the Skatt Bros late 70's S/M anthem, Walk The Night, this track is a brief yet necessary blend of dirty pop and cosmic disco, replete with strings and panning percussion. The harmonized chorus is a testament to the power that Jake Shears and Ana Matronic bring when pairing their lyrical wit with impeccable range. One complaint...it's only 3:06 long. Grade: B-
Shea: Yeah, this is totally influenced by Walk The Night. I love the dirty, grimy quality of this track, as well as the "doo doo doos." The harmonies are great, though the chorus sounds too much like I Like The Way You Move, by The Bodyrockers (which is a little tired at this point). It's definitely a strong addition to the album. Grade: B
Running Out
Bil: Muted guitar strums and delicious hand-claps, transposed vocals and a slight 80's New Wave tinge...what is there not to like? Lyrically it seems like an admittance to our society's obsession with anything quick and effortless, and Jake Shears is running out of patience...and letting us know, loud and clear. Grade: B+
Shea: Yes! Totally 80s. I love the lyrics. Hand claps! I just want to dance to this song! Grade: A
Something Like This
Bil: This song doesn't really reach out and grab my attention. It feels more like a filler. A few promising moments, but that's all they are...moments. I think I "want" to like it more than I actually do. Grade: D
Shea: I really like the minimal quality of this track. Also digging the filtered vocals and the vibrating and staccato production. I think this track will lead to "sexy dance time" on the dance floor. Grade: A
Skin This Cat
Bil: Some funked out bass and arpeggiated keys give this slow chugger a trippy element, almost a welcomed change from what one would come to expect from the Scissor Sisters. Almost hypnotic in its melody and repeated chorus, it's a big balloon of nitrous with speakers on the sides. Grade: A
Shea: I'd rather call this one "Skip This Track." Boring. Only saving grace is the keyboard production that comes in at the end. Not to be catty (no pun intended), but this seems like the "let's give Ana her own song" track...the one that Jake uses on tour for a costume change. Grade: F
Skin Tight
Bil: Ummm.....next. This song is like a phantom limb. can i give this an "I" for incomplete? It's how it left me felling...otherwise, I give it an F.
Shea: I like this one: romantic lyrics, bopping bass line, dreamy chorus. This sounds like it could've been a B-Side from Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual. Grade: B-
Sex and Violence
Bil: A true testament to love and it's shape-shifting ways, this was a nice turn from the disappointment that was the song before. Another dance-floor filler, I wouldn't be surprised if this was released as a single down the road. Grade: B
Shea: Bil and I are back in sync. Jake's haunting vocals and the phrasing of the verses are tremendous. Definitely a strong track. Grade: B
Nightlife
Bil: A heavy-hitting, straight forward electro-pop song, Nightlife showcases Jake Shear's range and energy, with Ana Matronic keeping up speed and providing reverb-soaked refrains all throughout. The bridge at the end is brilliant and catapults you back into an energy-fueled chorus that rounds at the song. Grade: B
Shea: Fun and fast-paced beat, the Sympathy For The Devil ooh-oohs are a nice touch. A helpful addition to the album, though I think I'd get irritated if I had to dance to this one. Grade: C+
Invisible Light
Bil: Love, Love, Love. Welcome back, Sisters. It's been a while, and you've been missed. I hope we all have our own "Invisible Light" in our lives. Grade: A+
Shea: Tremendous. Grade: A
OVERALL
Bil: B-
Shea: B
Listen to three of our favorite tracks and download a couple remixes. See you on Friday, July 2, for "RED, WHITE, & RAW" at the Green Lantern.
Nightwork
Any Which Way
Running Out
Fire With Fire (Digital Dog Club Mix) (320 kbps) | Download
Invisible Light (Siriusmo Remix) (320 kbps) | Download