Its two years since the release of the Scissor Sister’s huge selling and
critically acclaimed debut album and such is their success it feels like they
have hardly been away. Changes are inevitable in a group that has moved from
recording most of its tracks in band member Babydaddy’s New York apartment to global stardom with
almost limitless resources at their fingertips. In this case not all the
changes have been for the better.
Tah–Dah is the follow up to the multi-million selling eponymous self-titled
‘Scissor Sisters’ EP, and is their ever difficult second album. The elements
that made the debut such a success: the eclectic influences of funk, punk, pop,
folk, disco, jazz, dance, and many others are all present yet rarely reach the
pure pop joy of earlier songs such as ‘Laura’, ‘Take Your Mama’, and Pink Floyd
cover ‘Comfortably Numb’. The theme, if not the tone, of ‘The Other Side’,
‘Land of a Thousand Words’ and opening track/first single ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancing’
does however reveal a more contemplative, downbeat side to Scissor Sisters than
we have seen before.
‘Paul McCartney’ is perhaps the highlight of the album; a the funky electro
Prince inspired track that songwriter Jake Shears claims was written following
a dream about the former Beatle. Strange then that the songs which echo the
Beatles’ sound are the least inventive and exciting songs on offer. When the
band can be as good as ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancing’ or ‘Kiss You Off’, you can’t
help feel their time is not being best spent on the slow and dull ballads.
Compared to their debut ‘Tah-Dah’ shows the band has moved on but not always
successfully. Despite its faults it is still a thoroughly enjoyable pop album
however most fans will probably have been hoping for a little more.
Label: Polydor
Words: Joe Kent and Jack Kent
