PANSY DIVISION
Total Entertainment (Alternative Tentacles)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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I remember when Pansy Division was bad enough as musicians but clever and entertaining enough to be considered a punk band. Anybody remember the song "Bunnies?" A long time has gone by, a lot of learning has taken place, along with lineup changes here and there, and what we have now is one of the better power pop bands in the business. They've just come off a five year hiatus and they've lost nothing. If anything, they've recharged their batteries. A clever wag in their publicity department notes that this is "the first Pansy Division recording since the invention of Viagra, so wear protection and watch out!" I guess that explains how they manage to keep it up for all 15 songs. (Okay, sorry.) Yes, these are songs by gay musicians and the objects of desire in the stories are men, so if you're totally uncomfortable with that, don't buy this. Some of the songs will test even those who think they're open minded, such as "No Protection," but these are some of the best songs. The most appealing thing about the entire album, for me, is the bubblegum structures with power chords for muscle. That's almost always fun, and in the hands of pros like Pansy Division, it's nearly as good as it gets. True Queercore fans won't agree with me, but I rate this the best Pansy Division album. (For comparison, please note that I rate Phaseshifter and Show World the best Redd Kross albums. That should put this entire review in perspective.)

© 2003 - DJ Johnson