CSS - Donkey
Donkey (2008, Sub Pop) CSS's second studio album. ***

Another addition in the long line of indie-electronica bands, CSS has potential, more potential, than several of their contemporaries. Lovefoxx (the alter ego the lead singer goes by) has a very sexy voice, and she flexes it from time to time. It rings well on "Reggae All Night," an unorthodox dance number as well as on "Move," which sounds like a lost 80's track in the vein of Animotion. That being said, it's clear that CSS functions best when emulating the synthesizer usage and dance tricks of the 80's. Anything else renders Lovefoxx's vocals emotionally inert. It's when CSS forces you onto the dance floor when everything moves together, and beyond that, it's a truly hit-and-miss engagement. (Reggae All Night, Move)

America, Where is Your Discretion?
I think everyone in this country is wrong about this record. The fact that CSS isn't from around here doesn't give them a free pass to fob off vapid 80's skating rink music as fine art. This is mediocre disco.

I guess it might sound a little unfair to accuse a disco record of wrongdoing for failing to be "fine art." But the Sup Pop brand, the boutique packaging, and general feeling inspired by the media that this is supposed to be special (or at least elevated above Miley Cyrus music) really promises a consumer something this isn't.

Miley Cyrus could have written these lyrics. And while that would be fine for a fifteen year old, it's a little disappointing coming from grown-ups. I'd rather hear Portuguese lyrics I can't understand than bad English rhyming gibberish.

On the upside, the record isn't a complete disaster. There is a textbook example of masterfully applied theramin on the song "Beautiful Song." And who isn't a sucker for vocoder vocals ("Move")? And the lead off track sounds enough like Elastica to arouse a general sense of well-being if you can tune out the lyrics and focus exclusively on the way it SOUNDS.

To reiterate that last point: The record isn't a complete disaster. It's just presenting itself as something it isn't. And we Americans fawn over it because it's, what? ...Cute?

A Felicidade
Evolution is what progress is all about, and CSS goes from Brazilian punk sung in sexy slang to electronic, multilayered masterpieces on their second seminal record. They may be tired of being sexy, but there's no signs of lethargy on Donkey, an album that lands Sao Paolo and SubPop on the forefront, as they should be.

Actually, there are a few reasons I'm writing this review. Yes, you should definitely buy this album now. But don't be fooled by the chatty reviewer from Conroe, Texas. First, CSS is not Metric. I love both bands but to say that CSS has "an uncanny resemblance" to Metric robs the former of its completely original style and trailblazing personality.
Additionally, I would counter that "Rat is Dead" is in no way a "misstep." In fact, it's a powerful and meaningful song, one of the many standouts on Donkey.

In keeping with the evolution of sound, CSS dropped some of its edgy thrash in favor of keyboards and stronger harmonies, and the Lovefoxxx/Adriano Cintra duo is the driving force that makes CSS critical. SubPop issued a 3-song bonus disc with two outtakes that should've been included on Donkey, mainly because they honor Cintra's low profile impact on the band's massive sound. SupPop does CSS right by including a thick CD insert full of funky art, notably the mirrored donkey head that reveals the fine facets of each CSS performer. (See the back cover.)

Party onward with the only band to ever use the word "reggae" as a verb.

Different but excellent!
LOVED this set by those zany Brazillian girls (and guy)! Very different than their first release, as the first reviewer explained better than I can, but I'm a big believer in letting artists explore different sounds with every new project (a la Beck or David Byrne). They do not disappoint. So tight, so inventive, yeah a little mainstream, but still rockin', good timin', beautiful CSS. Love 'em!

Get Rowdy!
A few years back, I'm flipping through the pages of a music magazine when I happen upon an article proclaiming a practically unknown Brazilian band named Cansei de Ser Sexy, or CSS, to be the greatest thing since sliced bread (more or less). Being the blindly-led sheep that I find myself to be when it comes to music, I check out their debut, self-titled album, listen to it a few times, and set it aside. I forget about it. And then, like most, I see that dang iPod Touch commercial featuring the unquestionably intoxicating "Music is My Hot, Hot Sex" and I'm hooked. But just on that one song. For as praised as CSS was, I just never gave it the chance it deserved.

For their second album, Donkey, the raucous Brazilians are back, once again trying to party their way into my heart. Though my first listen was rather un-noteworthy (I was admittedly, pretty distracted), every listen since then has been an exciting, infectious affair that I just can't get enough. The punchy drums and bouncy bass line that heralds the start of "Jager Yoga" drew me into what has quickly become my favorite song on Donkey. The mononymous Lovefoxxx shelves singing for a more energetic, in-your-face styling of vocalization - sounding something like a subdued cheerleader. Her declaration of "We didn't come into the world/ to walk around/ we came here/ to take you out," is unbelievably catchy, and listeners will undoubtedly find themselves shouting right along with her.

But for as catchy as CSS has always been, they've also spent the majority of their time straddling the line between enchantingly obnoxious and downright annoying, rarely crossing over to the dark side. On first single, "Rat is Dead (Rage)," however, Lovefoxx's vocals are highly off-putting. The first time I heard her say, "She screamed so LOUD," chills went up my spine. By the last time it comes around, I practically felt like glass shattering. Fortunately, she and the band make up for their misstep with the contagious dance epic, "Let's Reggae All Night." The production here is among the album's best, with a very cool 80s new wave-esque sample playing at the end of every bar. This one is definitely a favorite.

While the first three songs on Donkey are in no way revolutionary for CSS, fans will immediately notice a new level of polish on the album that will either be a welcomed addition or an upsetting annoyance - the disappearance of dirty, sexy, punk stylings for a more poppy, clean sound. Kiss those dirty guitars goodbye. The added polish gives the band an uncanny resemblance to Canadian pop band, Metric, a personal favorite. This new approach isn't limited to the album's first tracks, however, but spread across the entirety of Donkey. The good news is that, aside from "Rat is Dead (Rage)," this is an incredibly solid pop album, severely lacking in the dud tracks that often populate the genre.

Highlights include the thick, wet synths and sliding guitars of "Left Behind," the 80s pop stylings of "Move," and the inescapably sweet chorus of "Believe Achieve" ("I believe that love was created just for me and you. People say it's not, but I know it's true!"). But every song on this album is great in its own way, and all of them will get you moving whether you like it or not. You may not feel the need to get all sweaty and dirty, as CSS's debut undoubtedly inspired, but Donkey is far from a sophomore slump. If anything, it proves the universality of great pop music and its ability to take so many different forms, yet always inspire the same, jubilant reaction. If you feel like dancing, grinding, or just getting downright rowdy, Donkey comes highly recommended.

Key Tracks:
1. "Jager Yoga"
2. "Let's Raggae All Night"
3. "How I Became Paranoid"
4. "Move"
5. "Believe Achieve"

8 out of 10 Stars