The Pussy Cat Dolls
By Sara Templeton
Some people love pets, some people love
chocolate, other people love music.
There are more pets than musicians in the
world today, but that shouldn't take anything away from the
pop music sensation that is The Pussy Cat Dolls.
The female equivalent of The Backstreet
Boys, The Pussy Cat Dolls stormed to prominence in 2003 with their hit
single Don't Cha,
which debuted in late 2005.
With an R&B back beat, rhythmic
lyrics and plenty of brass, it went to #1 on the Australia, UK and
Canadian charts and reached #2 in America, preaching values that some
may call lascivious.
One of the lines from the hugely successful
song "Don't cha wish your girlfriend was raw like me," uses
the 'cha' which isn't in the dictionary.
It also suggests that cheating on your life
partner with someone raw (which can be misinterpreted as 'homeless') is
the spice of life. Not sure I agree with that, but 5.1 million people
can't be wrong, can they?
The relentlessness of The Pussy Cat Dolls
promiscuous lyrics seemed to strike a chord with music lovers and
children the world over, and before long the acronym PCD was seen
emblazoned on kids clothes, lunch boxes, and under garments.
In 2006 toy maker Hasbro attempted to create
a range of dolls for young girls based on The Pussy Cat Dolls, but
after lobbying family groups it decided not to. The dolls were deemed
unsuitable for kids because of The Pussy Cat Dolls
sexually charged lyrics.
Nevertheless, The Pussy Cat Dolls have stuck
to their guns.
Controversial they may be, but sold out they
have not.
The Pussy Cat Dolls began life in
1995 as a burlesque (some would say risqué) dance troupe
formed by choreographer Robin Antin with friend and actress Christina
Applegate.
Initially the sassy dance group
was a family-friendly burlesque act for Las Vegas casinos
looking to cheer up despondent gamblers, performing in lingerie or
costumes from the 1950s.
One of the key moments in its break-out
success was when Playboy magazine ran The Pussy Cat Dolls pictorial in
1999, which created a lot of media interest in the group.
Carmen Electra led the burlesque dance group
for a while but dropped out citing financial issues. Electra said: "I
was part of the Dolls for over two years and did every show with
them... but financially, I couldn't become part of their new music
project... It was a sacrifice I couldn't make."
I still have no idea what that means.
But in 2003 the group's steady success
enabled them to try new approaches in the entertainment
business.
Under Antin's guidance, The Pussy Cat Dolls
(or PCD as they like to be known these days) were re-cast and several
members were booted out, making way for performers who could sing. Out
with the old and haggard members, and in with the new!
The six members of the PCD released their
first single in 2004, 'Sway', from the
Shall We Dance? soundtrack.
But it wasn't until late in 2005 when The
Pussy Cat Dolls launched their self-titled debut album, and 'Don't Cha'
raced up the global charts that the PCD were to be a house hold name.
Their first album saw seven singles,
including some memorable ditties such as Buttons, Stickwitu, and Wait a
Minute.
The Pussy Cat Dolls second album has been
produced by US-based hit machine Timbaland, and the influences of the
super-producer are evident.
Launched in September 2008, this second
album was cleverly called Doll
Domination, a play on their burlesque
heritage.
The first single 'When I Grow Up' has proved
to be a global hit, entering the top 40 charts in most countries.
It contains the lyrics: "And I
promised myself that I’d do anything. Anything at all for the
boys to notice me."
Even if that means being a nun? I'm not so
sure...
Anyways, the second album is expected to do
big things, with help from artists such as Eminem, New Kids On The
Block, Dre. Dre, Missy Elliot and of course Timbaland, who are probably
hoping to attract some of the younger audience that The Pussy
Cat Dolls appeal to.
Where to from here? Well, another several
singles from the Doll
Domination album are a given, complete with lascivious
lyrics and sloppy grammar, and perhaps the third album in 2010 if
everything goes well. Whether you love pets, or chocolate, one thing is for sure - The Pussy Cat Dolls are a money-making music machine.
Members of The Pussy Cat Dolls:
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Source: PCD
Website
Photography: Unknown
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Source: Unknown
Photography: Unknown
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Source: PCD
Website
Photography:
Unknown
(Kochie and Nat Join from Sunrise join PCD)
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Source: Unknown
Photography:
Unknown
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