TA-DAH (by Scissor Sisters, Pop)

Clever -- if risqué -- lyrics, unusual musical arrangements, and a delicious sense of the absurd make the Scissor Sisters' CD, TA-DAH, absolutely irresistible, danceable fun. Referencing hits of the disco era while making music that still sounds fresh and original, they blast out of the gate with "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" -- a sure-fire hit that will remind listeners of vintage Elton John even before they realize that the song was co-written by John himself. The Sisters continue on a kind of alternate-universe tour of the sound stylings of Fleetwood Mac, Abba, David Bowie, and the Bee Gees, with saucy lyrics loaded with clever innuendo and even some actual poetry.

Yes, this CD is sexy, and some of the imagery contains pretty dark stuff, but the innuendo is crafted skillfully enough to fly over the heads of those not mature enough to understand, and the writing is literate and intelligent. Performances are wonderful, with unusual instrumentation and mixes that sound fresh and clear; every track is audible and appropriately mixed. For smart teenagers with imaginative and poetic souls, the Scissor Sisters are worth putting up with some slightly inappropriate-for-family-listening content. The music has the potential to inspire creativity rather than dull the senses, and reminds us how fun making music can be.