Scissor Sisters' second album Ta-Dah is an easy album to like. It's filled with bright, shiny tunes, witty turns of phrase, and obvious 70's influences ranging from the Bee Gees to ELO. However, the obvious familiarity of so much of the music from first listen makes it difficult for the songs on Ta-Dah to find their own, new, cherished spot in personal musical memory.
Your Brain Will Say It's Heard Much of This Before
Whether it's the rhythmic piano chords in "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" that bring to mind the Four Season's "December, 1963," the resemblance of "She's My Man" to Elton John's "I'm Still Standing," or echoes of ELO washing over "Land of a Thousand Words," you may almost feel like you're listening to cover versions recorded with the wrong words. You'll have to learn a new set of rhymes to sing along this time. Too often here, instead of using the influences to generate something new and unique, Scissor Sisters create a musical cognitive dissonance between the past and the present.
Special Guests Enhance the Retro Feel
The first Scissor Sisters album was simply a love letter to early to mid-70's Elton John music. This time around Sir Elton is present to lend authenticity. He is credited with playing piano and co-writing the UK hit "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" and "Intermission." In another blast from the past, eccentric pop wizard Van Dyke Parks washes "Intermission" in strings. The effect is to create the perfect disc for partying like its 1975.
Top Tracks on 'Ta-Dah'
- I Don't Feel Like Dancin'
- I Can't Decide
- Land of a Thousand Words
- Kiss You Off
- Paul McCartney
Ta-Dah Is Ultimately a Bit Disappointing...But the Future Beckons
Scissor Sisters Ta-Dah is fun and quite entertaining the first time through. However, for those who fell in love with the band on their debut, self-titled, album, ultimately Ta-Dah may be a bit of a disappointment. It feels like the band are a little too busy reveling in their initial success and resting in a holding pattern. However, Scissor Sisters are one of the very best live bands in the business, and one of the most witty on the block. I expect a bright future when we get to album number 3.
