Pansy Division's only claim to fame seems to be that they are an "all-gay rock
band" and their lyrics are explicit.
Guitarist/vocalist Jon Ginoli (who had cut two albums with the Outnumbered in
his home state of Illinois) and bassist/vocalist Chris Freeman
started the band in 1991 in San Francisco.
Their catchy punk-pop matured via
Fem In A Black Leather Jacket (Lookout, 1992),
Touch My Joe Camel (Lookout, 1993),
Bill & Ted's Homosexual Adventure (Outpunk, 1993),
and eventually debut album Undressed (Lookout, 1993)
turned out to be a collection of pure pop hooks, no matter how silly the lyrics
of Bunnies and Curvature.
Deflowered (Lookout, 1994) may be the melodic peak of the band, thanks
to the singalong Reciprocate, Groovy Underwear and
James Bondage in pure
Buzzcocks style.
On Pileup (Lookout, 1995), a collection of singles and compilation
tracks, the material that shines is mainly sarcastic cover of other musicians'
songs. Ring of Joy and Touch My Joe Camel are the standout tracks
taken from their numerous singles.
The band falls flat when they try to be too original, as on
Wish I'd Taken Pictures (Lookout, 1996).
Really Wanted You and Don't Be So Sure are the same joke repeated
over and over again.
More Lovin' From Our Oven (Lookout, 1997) is another compilation of
singles, and again the covers steal the show.
However, Manada is one of their best singles so far.
Guitarist Patrick Goodwin joined in 1997.
Absurd Pop Song Romance (Lookout, 1998), their first recording as a
quartet, has a couple of power-pop gems
(February 17, Luv Luv Luv) that show some progress.
In 1998 drummer Dustin Donaldson formed
I Am Spoonbender.
Pansy Division returned after a five-year hiatus with
Total Entertainment (Alternative Tentacles, 2003) that harks
back to their original style.
