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GAY PEOPle's ChroNICLE SEPTEMBER 11, 1998

MUSIC

Soundtrack brings repressed disco memories alive

54-Music

From the motion picture

Volumes 1 and 2

Various Artists

Reviewed by Eric J. Tuchelske

Although I was too young to get in, and never had any real desire to go to New York City, there was one place that I had longed to go the infamous Studio 54.

It was probably the place where all of America (perhaps the entire world), wanted to be. Who didn't want to hobnob with all the beautiful, trendy people? For a fleeting moment, you could be whoever you wanted to be, regardless of who you actually were. As the saying went, "If you could remember it, you weren't there."

But, alas, we couldn't go, so we retreated to our local discos. Talk about some bad copy-cat efforts, as those establishments tried to imitate the celebrated 54.

A dance floor scene from the film 54

From the opening montage of songs on Volume One, those repressed disco memories will come back to haunt you, whether you like it or not. Don't be surprised if you start shimmying and shaking to the hyp-

Pansy Division gets a head start on a new sound

Absurd Pop Song Romance Pansy Division Lookout Records

Reviewed by Harriet L. Schwartz

Before embarking on a new album, queer rockers Pansy Division went searching for a slightly new sound. They got a head start with the addition of two new members, guitarist Patrick Goodwin and drummer Luis Illades, joined band founder/guitarist/vocalist Jon Ginoli and bassist/vocalist Chris Freeman. Then, taking a bigger step toward

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change, Pansy Division recruited famed engineer Steve Albini (Page and Plant, Nirvana, PJ Harvey).

The result is Absurd Pop Song Romance, a CD that continues the musical energy and charisma that have made Pansy Division a steady indie rock force throughout the '90s.

"February 17" gets the album moving with trademark Pansy Division kick. “Luv Luv Luv" stands out as a playful jaunt that slips in substance while "You're Gonna Need Your Friends" eases toward a pending break-up with a smooth Beatles sonic sensibility.

Musically, the band continues its tradition of harking back to a range of rock influences. This time around, Pansy Division tends to develop songs more fully, which sometimes results in less edge than the band's earlier recordings. Additionally, drummer Luis overplays on occasion— crowding songs like "It'll Never Be the Same" and "Bad Boyfriend."

Lyrically, Pansy Division has backed off their in-your-face gay approach just a bit, sometimes opting for a more general lyrical voice which may leave some fans missing the likes of "Hockey Hait" and "Wish I'd Taken Pictures."

The Rolling Stone Women in Rock Collection Various Artists

Razor & Tie Entertainment

It is a musical journey that begins with Big Mama Thorton, who gave "Hound Dog" its rip roarin' soul before a dude named Elvis got his hands on it. And it is a journey that weaves through a diversity of talents and genres from rebel Janis to scene-maker Sarah McLachlan. The Rolling Stone Women in Rock Collection provides a thorough survey of women in rock and the musical genres that informed it.

KERRY HAYES

notic rhythms of days gone by.

Both volumes are designed to keep you moving with classic picks from the era, in true deejay style. Each song mixes well into the other, increasing slightly in tempo, then winds down into a slower song.

Although some titles may not be recognizable at first glance of the liner notes, once you hear them, your memory banks will easily recall them. On Volume One, you'll hear such classics as "Keep on Dancin'" (Gary's Gang); "Vertigo/Relight My Fire" (Dan Hartman); “Young Hearts Run Free" (Candi Staton); "Que Será Mi

Vida" (the Gibson Brothers) and “Knock on Wood" (Mary Griffin). The latter has been appearing on both soundtracks and compilations so frequently lately that it's getting pretty worn out.

Volume Two is a little more energetic with "Heaven Must Have Sent You" (Bonnie Pointer); "Don't Leave Me This Way" (Thelma Houston); “Loving Is Really My Game" (Brainstorm); "I Need A Man" (Grace Jones) and again, another tired oldie but goodie, Blondie's "Heart of Glass."

Although the music is a good representa tion of a more casual time, I think the soundtrack could have benefited by including works by Carol Jiani, Claudja Barry or Lime. Now, that's music.

No matter what your reason for buying this double volume set, do yourself a favor and put up the velvet rope. That way, you're guaranteed admittance.

Eric J. Tuchelske is a freelance writer living in Dearborn, Michigan.

ED ILLADES

Pansy Division, from left: Jon Ginoli, Chris Freeman, Luis Illades, and Patrick Goodwin.

A three-disk collection, Women in Rock moves chronologically, beginning with Thorton's 1953 release, moving through Patsy Cline, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Joan Baez and a host of other women who made their music between '53 and '71. The second disk covers tunes from 1972 through 1986, showing the diversity of that era with Gladys Knight and the Pips' “Midnight Train to Georgia” and on another end of the spectrum Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation."

The collection moves into the '90s with disk three, featuring pop superstars Madonna and Jewel as well as a variety of other talents like Sonic Youth and Salt-n-Pepa.

Melissa Etheridge and Janis lan provide an out lesbian presence, Etheridge with "Your Little Secret" and lan with her seminal "At Seventeen."

The collection is capped with a welldone liner note booklet. Each disc is introduced and given context by a knowledgeable writer. Though no collection of this

sort could be complete, a few notables are missing-Stevie Nicks and Courtney Love are two. Nonetheless, The Rolling Stone Women In Rock Collection packs a powerful line-up while capturing a vivid account of pop music history.

Half notes

Nettwerk Records has released Due South Volume 2, a compilation album including music by Ashley MacIsaac, Sarah McLachlan, and more.

In the proud and dancing category, Logic Records has released Logic Pride Vol. 1 with tracks by Joi Cardwell, La Bouche, Harlan and Martha Wash with RuPaul.

Soundtracks galore: Check out Somewhere in the City (Velvel) featuring John Cale, Yoko Ono, Ani Difranco, and Sandra Bernhard.

Harriet L. Schwartz is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.

The Naked Civil Servant makes his Cleveland debut at the age of ninety.

presents

cleveland public theatre

6415 Detroit Avenue

An Evening with Quentin Crisp

September 17, 18, & 19 at 8:00p.m.

$15 General Admission; $12 Seniors & Students

Limited Seating. Reservations Requested. 216.631.2727

★ ★ Last 2 Days! ★ ★ The Vagina Monologues September 11 & 12 at 8:00p.m. Written and performed by Eve Ensler

Western Peserve lysterical Society, September 18. 19. 25. & 26 at 10:00p.m.

Cleveland Public theatre