This Is Our Jam: Gossip, “Perfect World”

It’s been a little while since we last heard from Pacific Northwest punks Gossip, and “Perfect World,” the first single from the upcoming Joyful Noise, finds the trio with their slickest, most streamlined sound yet. The album is produced by the eclectic Brian Higgins (of Xenomania) who has manned the boards for everyone from The Pet Shop Boys and Saint Etienne to Kylie Minogue. With “Perfect World” the focus is on Beth Ditto: Pop Diva, as she belts over radio-ready guitars with rock star gusto. Although less overtly dance-y than songs past, “Perfect World” displays Ditto’s incomparable confidence as a frontwoman, and nicely brings Gossip back into the spotlight. Here's hoping they tour soon.