by Vic Cardinali

So I’ve seen them in concert, their last album (“Night Work”) was probably one of my all time favorites that I still listen to when I need some motivation to do — anything — but that being said even the Scissor Sisters aren’t infallible.

What do I mean? I mean that in my eyes they’ve fallen into a trap — a trap that other artists have also fallen into: the last album we put out was so awesome and nothing will ever live up to it. They join some esteemed company with Rihanna (Loud > Talk That Talk), Beyonce (I Am Sasha Fierce > 4). I’ve given “Magic Hour” 3 good listens — that’s 3 hours — and none of them were magic. Not one.

The album is caught between the Greatest Hits of Elton John, the B-Sides of Mika, and hotel lounge music.

There are some stand out tracks: “Only The Horses” (The Calvin Harris produced power house), “Shady Love” (the rapping track that won’t let go) — and “Baby Come Home” — the dark, hard, piano driven, jog-motivator track.

The last, “Baby Come Home”, is probably one of my top 5 favorite Scissor Sisters tracks, which is why I was so thoroughly confused by the rest of the album. To start on such a grabbing, amazing track, and then quickly slide away makes the album seem disjointed and extremely after-thoughtish. I know the group felt bad for leaving their fan base hanging between albums for so long — so maybe that means this one was rushed — but if taking their time produces amazing work like “Night Work” then my advice is TAKE YOUR TIME, PLEASE!

The music video for “Baby Come Home” is amazing as well (which, in this case, doesn’t help. It just makes me more sad) — it’s a bunch of nostalgic beer labels brought to life upon the lyrics of the song. Quite a party. Enjoy it below!

by Bobby Rowe

Now that it feels like summer is here I do wonder if “I Forgive You” really would have been the better single choice, but “Dark Side” has always been one of my favorite tracks off of “Stronger.” 

Can we talk about how good a relationship looks on Kelly? She’s been working out with her new BF (Reba’s step son) and she just looks sooo pretty. I’ve always been a strong advocate of fitness for the sake of feeling healthy and strong and the energy that causes you to give off. Well our girl must feel great because she is radiant. 

And she still has the best voice in the history of singing

by Bobby Rowe

This gorgeously shot video features the best floor-scrubbing choreo since “It’s a Hard Knock Life.” (Though, sadly, no Carol Burnett cameo.)  

I know it is a totally unfair responsibility to be the first openly gay male performer in history to have a number one album but…couldn’t he have had a love interest in this video? I felt that my favorite hook of 2012 (“Forget about the sunrise, fight the sleep in your eyes, I don’t wanna miss a second with you…”) was talking about sex (the gay kind) not dancing with your friends to escape the apocalypse. I’d have settled for strong eye contact with one of the male extras. Especially if he was played by that guy from the Ghost cast.

Still, there is a lot to love about this video so I will single out the bridge, when Adam’s superhero voice turns a gas attack into rainbow colored dance fog (and turns their costumes into 80s Bowie.) So talented!

by Bobby Rowe

Dibs.

It’s not even that good. Which I noticed the third time I watched it.

by Vic Cardinali

Happy Summer!