Review: Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters' primary concept is audaciously simple.  Exaggerating the notorious excesses of the disco era has allowed the New York-based band to become one of the most interesting and entertaining acts of the past decade.  The quintet amplifies the dance music's throbbing beats, mutates the flamboyant fashion of the '70s into even more garish styles and embraces the genre's uninhibited sexuality with outlandish élan.

The band's ingenious formula was thoroughly engaging Monday at Crossroads KC.  An audience of over 600 danced to the band's 85-minute performance.  Even people who ceased following pop culture decades ago would have recognized Scissor Sisters' influences during the outdoor concert.  Tracks including "Any Which Way You Can" and "Inevitable" aped the Bee Gees' hits from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.  "Music Is the Victim" payed homage to Queen while "Take Your Mama" sounded like vintage Elton John.  

Scissor Sisters' superb musicianship and dazzling stage show, however, make the band much more than peddlers of nostalgia.   Augmented by a keyboardist and two background vocalists, the core quintet displayed remarkable precision.  Without the aid of any props or special effects, Scissor Sisters are visually compelling.  Every song was paired with a carefully choreographed routine acted out by dynamic vocalists Jake Shears and Ana Matronic. 

The 17-song setlist included the first seven tracks from the fine new album "Magic Hour." The fresh material was no less rewarding than old favorites.  The percussion-driven "Let's Have a Kiki" offered risqué fun.  A rendition of the immaculate pop anthem "Only the Horses" soared.  The lusty ditties "Baby Come Home" and "Shady Love" also received warm receptions.  

Yet most revelers came to hear the band's startling cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb," the celebratory "Tell Your Mama" and the somewhat shopworn hit "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'."  Only during the latter song did the band seem reliant on a gimmick.  Rather than evoking the novelty act the Village People, Scissor Sisters work in the tradition of stars like Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna by fulfilling the transcendent promise of pop music.

Rye Rye: Supported by a DJ and two dancers, Rye Rye's energetic opening set was slightly disappointing.  One of the most interesting new faces in dance music, the 21-year-old protégée of M.I.A. rapped over backing tracks that contained her voice.  Even so, there was nothing uncertain about Rye Rye's charisma.  She's a riveting presence with an intriguing sound.

Scissor Sisters setlist
Any Which Way
Keep Your Shoes
Baby Come Home
The Skins
Kiss You Off
Inevitable
Take Your Mama
Year of Living Dangerously
Let's Have a Kiki
Skin This Cat
Mary
Comfortably Numb
Invisible Light
Shady Love
I Don't Feel Like Dancin'
Only the Horses
Music Is the Victim

| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star

Comments

[Bubba]

I wound up catching the SCISSOR SISTERS at Liberty Hall - early 2005 had to have been. Felt like maybe I was at a CULTURE CLUB gig. A young preppie-looking guy was actually hitting on me. Ugh! Not my thing. SCISSOR SISTER'S music was okay. The DJ did a two-hour long opening set. That was boring to have to sit through. Bubba said it.

[wadkc]

I've seen many a SS show and always a blast. I didn't go to this because I think they're better suited for an indoor venue. The Blue Note in Columbia was perfect.

Their new album "Magic Hour" is more electronic, in a bad way. Sounds like it was slapped together and not well thought out. Casio anyone?

[TC]

Great, fun show! Fourth time I've seen them and they never disappoint. I wasn't too sure about seeing them at the Crossroads. I'm not filled with rage like some folks when I think about it there, and I would've preferred an indoor venue. But there was plenty of room to dance and they seemed unfazed. It's too bad they don't get more attention in the U.S.

[onthemark]

Although this is not really my type of live music, it sounds like it was a good show. TC, can you describe their 'startling cover' of Comfortably Numb? As in was it like the album version or did they change it up?

[TC]

I'd say it was just like the album version. Maybe it's startling to those who have never heard it and come to the realization that it's a PF cover.

[Troy]

Can not believe they didn't do "Paul McCartney", that song is amazing

[Supra Shoes]

Thank you for your posting! I think your post is very helpful for me.

[onthemark]

Thanks TC!

[Steve J]

Prices where to high and it was hot, because surly they can bring in more then 600 at the Granada or Liberty Hall.