Mark your calendars; October 2, 2001, the release date of "beautifulgarbage".
It's been a long 3 years since their last release, so this is very much
high anticipation on my part. I was fortunate to download the pre-release
off the internet last week, but rest assured that I will buy the official
release when it's available. What I've found with "beautifulgarbage" is
to expect the unexpected! The same thing occured on 1998's "Version 2.0",
but surprises from this talented band is always encouraged in my opinion.
The most unexpected element on "beautifulgarbage" is the band's need to write
the perfect pop song! When you listen to "Can't Cry These Tears", you would
swear that you're listening to an updated cover of some early 60's song by the
Chiffons. The song is sung in a slight tongue-in-cheek manner by Scottish
singer Shirly Manson, but the band pulls it off completely. When Manson sings;
"I just don't care anymore, I've reached the end of the rope", you honestly believe
she's singing about teenage love-lorn! The same thing goes with "Cherry Lips",
only this time it sounds like Garbage is trying to compete with the Britney Spears
of the world. Manson's high pitched vocals are perfect for this synth-pop number,
but the hard playing of the other three members of Garbage gives this song plenty
of power. The addition of tuned percussion during the bridge is a very nice touch.
Die-hard Garbage fans need not worry about not hearing the traditional Garbage sound.
"Breaking Up Girl" is a smooth display of musicianship. This is one song that would
fit well on their 1996 debut. "Nobody Loves You" is a typical "dark" song that
Garbage will put out on every release. Putting aside the synthesizers on this song,
the beautiful guitar playing from Duke Erikson and Steve Marker gives the song a
lot of depth and beauty. The most powerful song on "beautifulgarbage", and probably
the most likely to be released as a single would be "Shut Your Mouth". Bringing
a nice mix of techno samples, abrupt guitars, and pounding rhythms from drummer
Butch Vig, the song sounds direct from "Version 2.0". Manson literally whispers the
words here; "...they say you're a saint, you're a whore, you're a sinner, that he had you,
made you, can't live live without you... would you confess if we ask that you mention the urge
to delare to settle down with a man of your own... you want a baby, a family, a piece of
security...". Manson raps plenty of lyrics in this tune. "Androgyny" is another great
tune on the release. Dealing with subject manner of "boys in girls room, men in the girls
room", this is the most dance oriented song on the release. The sleek production makes this
another possible single release that's radio friendly.
If I'd rank "beautifulgarbage", I'd probably say it is slighty better than "Version 2.0".
Garbage is still putting out great music. It's hard to believe that they will ever top
their debut release, but this cd is a very diverse yet solid release. I look forward to
an upcoming tour to follow!
