Single Review: Jimmy Somerville – “Travesty”

You might remember me mentioning last week that former Bronski Beat vocalist Jimmy Somerville would release a new single titled ”Back To Me.” Well, he had a different song in mind for release in America. Somerville will release the original disco song “Travesty” in the US on October 28th via Membran. The track is the lead single from the forthcoming album, Homage.

Speaking about the album, Jimmy says: “I’ve finally made the disco album I always wanted to and never thought could. If I was 15 again I’d buy it, sit on my bed, slowly open the gate-fold, slide out the vinyl, place it on the turntable then jump off the bed and imagine someone just passed me a tambourine…I’d be in heaven! The horns, the strings, the bass, the guitars, the drums, the backing vocals and the melody….the escape. So open your ears embrace the groove and pay homage to an all too easily derided sound … I LOVE Disco!”

Helmed by his distinctive falsetto, “Travesty”, written by Jimmy and produced by long-time producer John Winfield, finds Somerville with one foot firmly planted in the past and one foot very lightly touching down in the present – something that’s easier said than done. It’s the kind of song that could easily fall into novelty territory, but Somerville’s natural charisma and impassioned vocal delivery lets the song shine and effortlessly soar. It just feels 100% authentic. “Travesty” is an ambitious introduction to an album that will undoubtedly reignite your passion for the glorious sound of disco.