MUSIC FROM SPACE: The Gossip - HEAVY CROSS

While The Gossip have yet to make much of an impact in their native US, in the UK they've gotten noticed in a big way, with lead singer Beth Ditto becoming an unlikely sex symbol. She's a big, bold, brash girl with a voice to match. Topping the scales at a mighty 200-plus pounds, she barely missed out on being crowned Sexiest Woman Of The Year at the 2007 NME Awards. (She lost to Kate Moss, and frankly I suspect a fix.)

The Gossip's sound is a mix of glam, punk, '70s soul, gospel and disco... And somehow it all actually works together, don't ask me how. Guitarist Brace Paine and drummer Kathy Mendonca make some impressive noise, with Ditto's passionate holler dolloped all over the top like hot fudge on two cool scoops of ice cream.

While this video unfortunately doesn't feature Ditto, it's certainly got plenty to keep your eyeballs busy, with a drag queen time warp that would make Tim Curry dizzy.



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