January 13-19, 2005

musicpicks

Scissor Sisters

rock/pop

Who knew "Comfortably Numb" could actually sound cool outside of a planetarium laser-light show? Glam-pop outfit Scissor Sisters pull it off with tongue-in-cheek disco fabulousness.

On the rest of their fantastically out-of-left-field debut, the band (whose members go by names like Ana Matronic and Babydaddy) mix the vocals of vintage Elton John, the melodies of 1970s disco-rock and the glittery style of Ziggy Stardust for just the kick in the pants everybody was looking for. Whether it's the sneering, pleading sh-mons of "Laura" or the jangle-rock commands of "Take Your Mama" (a coming-out-to-Mom anthem: "get her jacked up on some cheap champagne" and "show her what it's all about"), the music evokes an era of excess and ecstasy that rock's been sorely missing.

And talk about a match made in heaven: John Cameron Mitchell of Hedwig and the Angry Inch fame has directed the Sisters' latest video for the delightfully dirty, sexed-up dance number "Filthy/Gorgeous." The flick features, among others, comedian Murray Hill and, get this, Charlotte Rae — yes, Mrs. G from The Facts of Life.

Last time the Sisters played Philly, they were confined to the Khyber's stage (where their management reportedly gave locals V.I.P. a hard time). Now, at the Electric Factory, they can really stretch their fishnetted legs.

Thu., Jan. 13, 8 p.m., $17.50, Electric Factory, Seventh and Willow sts., 215-336-2000.

—Lori Hill