Long live the scene!

"You can ride to the top, but you can't ride on my cock." At least that's what Gabe Saporta says in one of the tracks off Cobra Starship's new album, Hot Mess. So why can't I shake the fishy feeling that this formerly unknown dance-pop band has collectively ridden somebody's cock by collaborating with Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester on their recent single? Okay, Gabe only teamed up with Meester because he was totally crushin'; I can't accuse him of ulterior motives (um, at least not as far as the band's popularity is concerned). But you can't deny she was the magical ingredient that went *SHAZAM! AIRTIME!* for this otherwise obscure crew of neon NYC rapscallions.

Potential hypocrisy aside, the new album: Is it hot, or is it just a mess? Well let me tell you, my friends, it's not just hot. And it's not your typical mess. It's a HOT MESS. It's the same old Cobra, plus a surprising jazzy undertone and the faint aroma of musical (if not actual) maturation. The same old tongue in cheek is apparent in such titles as "Living in the Sky with Diamonds." The same old we-don't-give-a-shit attitude still reigns, lyrically and even stylistically. The same old infectious beats and melodies beg that the volume knob be turned all the way clockwise. Before you can say "Move Like You Gonna Die," you'll be dancing your neon little heart out. Same old, same old - but there's nothing worn out about the new album. It's enough of the old to placate the fans and enough new to keep things interesting. I think my favorite track is "You're Not in on the Joke." Because for some reason, Gabe Saporta stuttering "tongue in cheek" is delicious.

Now if you'll pardon me, I'm having a hard time keeping my butt in the chair. If you wanna dance you know where the party's at ^_~

By the way, don't forget to vote for my video today! Thanks to my SITstas, Mr. Condescending, and everyone else for the incredible support - keep it up!

Peace, love, and Oxford commas -
Miss Rex