Xiu Xiu, Fabulous Muscles | LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶

In the 38^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2023), we highlight the song, “Fabulous Muscles” performed by Xiu Xiu. 

Be prepared to #SLAY! LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians or allies.  In this column, we provide background and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the decadent bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome while the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 38^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2023), we highlight “Fabulous Muscles” performed by Xiu Xiu. 

“Break my face in / It was the kindest touch you ever gave.” The kindest, Jamie Stewart? Really? Hmm. The brainchild behind Xiu Xiu delivers a simultaneously disturbing and marvelous song with “Fabulous Muscles”. “Fabulous Muscles” appears on the 2004 Xiu Xiu album, also titled, Fabulous Muscles.  In the first verse, Stewart continues singing, meekly, “Wrap my dreams around your thighs / And drape my hopes upon the chance to touch your arm.” Hmm, seems like this ‘relationship’ is off.  As “Fabulous Muscles” progresses, it is clear things are sus.

“Fabulous muscles / Cremate me after you cum on lips.” Say what, Jamie? Stewart (or his character) has given this man oral sex, yet, the only pleasure he gets is being burned. “Honey boy, place my ashes in a vase,” Stewart continues in the chorus, adding, “Beneath your workout bench.” Open to multiple interpretations, clearly, the man being serviced, who appears to be abusive/toxic in this relationship, is more masculine if not straight. Stewart wants his ashes to be placed beneath his workout bench, which suggests how low on the totem pole he is… The second verse sheds more light on the waning thrills, including “No romance, no sexiness” and most eyebrow-raising, “Kneeling down before the now-familiar flesh / Of your deformed penis.” Yes, we all have questions – lots of questions.  While there has been man on man play, in this case of “Fabulous Muscles”, it clearly isn’t worth dying over, whether that is literally or metaphorically.

🎙 Xiu Xiu • 💿 Fabulous Muscles • 🏷 Kill Rock Stars • 📅 2004

Xiu Xiu, Fabulous Muscles: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 38 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Kill Rock Stars; CatsWithGlasses, John Collins, TheQueerAI from Pixabay]