What's Playing | CSS - Donkey

by Jack Probst



Cansei de Ser Sexy is the perfect bouncy summertime fun band. While the indie world knows them better as CSS, their name translates to “I got tired of being sexy.” Well, CSS, you’re doing a horrible job at not being sexy. I don’t think you can help it. (Though I have heard you stole your name from something Beyoncé once said...) These four ladies and a dude know how to funk the world. The more I listen to Donkey, which has been a lot if you ask my co-workers, the more I think that this is a transition album for CSS. It’s either going to be a building block to something bigger, or it’ll be smooth moves from here on out. There’s one lyric from the song “Left Behind” that sets the tone for the entire record: “I want to jump up on the table and dance my ass off till I die.” Oh, CSS!

On their brand spanking new album Donkey, lead singer Lovefoxxx can be found singing on more tracks than the sort of talk/rap I’ve come accustomed to hearing. Guitars are definitely more prominent over the electronic bits. There’s nothing quite like “Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death from Above,” what I consider the summer anthem for 2006, on Donkey. Also on this record, the band has toned down a lot of the crude language that was used frequently on their first album. There’s a bit here and there that is barely noticeable, but I do kind of miss being bombarded by a constant extreme naughtiness. It feels like CSS are only being a tease and flirting with my ears. Neither of these points affects the record in a negative way; it’s still pure CSS from start to finish.

CSS are moving their music into new directions, working on showing they aren’t just a gimmicky band in dire need of attention. (Not that I’m saying they ever were). “Rat is Dead (Rage)” comes out with an unforgettably loud guitar riff, rips powerfully though the end of a hurtful relationship. “Let’s Reggae All Night” is not a reggae song at all, but is definitely about getting your funky groove on. I cannot stand reggae one bit, though if Lovefoxxx asked me to reggae with her, I would put all of that all a side for just one night. As the record drifts onward, the music chills out and shifts to the sweet disco grooves on “Move.” The lyrics on “Beautiful Song” truly are beautiful, and reminiscent of times spent “with the ones you know, with the ones you love, with the ones you trust.” Donkey has completely filled my summer with dancing, singing, and static clings.

Visit the CSS myspace page and you can take Donkey out for a spin.


Check out the new video for “Left Behind” here: