The sharp larynx of Beth Ditto helps to produce another rave/indie release of soul excavating freshness. This has helped Gossip to escort The Scissor Sisters on tour recently. The pace slows down a notch from previous floor thumping singles, as the versatile Beth throws her voice more thinly in the Radio Edit, to produce sincerity to contrast with the falseness exposed in the subject of the lyrics.
The live version sees the instrumental twang take over, forcing the vocals up a notch and shows up Gossip’s ability to change pace in a live setting. A blues/soul diva blanket is carefully thrown over the reflective, life-airing ‘Coal To Diamonds’. A different side to one of the most talked about underground bands has come proudly out of the tunnel here. Gossip’s bracing journey is gathering even more momentum.
