Garbage (Eastwest Release) [CD]

Their sound, in case you don't know, is quite unique and distinctive. The producers provide keyboards, samples loops and effects, in much the same way as dance records are made, but what they make is definitely a rock album. Over the top of this, come Shirley's sublime vocals, ranging from a melodic caress to (almost) vitriolic shrieks, tending more towards beautiful singing. If I had to compare them to other artists, I'd say they remind me, in parts, of Filter, VAST, Cyclefly and Guano Apes, but as none of these groups are as big as Garbage, that may not help you... (Although you may want to check them out if you like Garbage, all of them have the 'synthetic' musical sound and very good singers)

Butch's Nirvana connections meant the group had no trouble attracting interest. As soon as Shirley launched into 'Vow' (first single, included here) it was obvious that there was more to the band. A feministic assault on a former lover, it perfectly demonstrates Shirley's talents, and is one of the best tracks on the album. She switches with ease from softly sensual to menacing as she sings 'You burned me out but I'm back at your door/ Like Joan of Arc coming back for more/ I came around to tear your little world apart/ And break your soul apart'

This is followed by arguably their best (and certainly biggest) song - 'Stupid Girl'. This is really memorable, and well played on TV and radio, you will know it! In fact, I like it so much I can't believe it took me so long to get the album. It's not particularly heavy, but still is one of the rockier songs on the album. It's also one of those ones that you can't hear too much - deservedly a classic and still sounds good after 6 years. 'Can't believe you fake it' sings Shirley, well, Garbage certainly don't - they are quality, and the real thing.

Other songs seem a bit more low-key, and are generally softer. Three of my favourites are at the start; 'Supervixen', 'Queer', and 'Only Happy When It Rains'. All these songs have slightly weird lyrics - 'You're nothing special here... The queerest of the queer, strangest of the strange' and 'I'm riding high upon a deep depression/ I'm only happy when it rains/... Pour your misery down on me' for example. Shirley delivers these words with such skill and her silky, seductive tones that they seem beautiful anyway.

The final song, 'Milk' also deserves special mention. It's a sad ballad, and one of the highlights of the album (another single too). The vocals are perhaps the best on the album (and that's saying something), closing the album with the haunting 'I'm waiting, I'm waiting for you...' Perhaps I should also add that there's a very good 'wicked mix' of this (featuring Tricky) that I found on an Ibiza Chillout album; it isn't on this album, but it is perfect to relax to.

It has to be said; the remainder of the album contains little that stands out. The formula seems rather repetitive, and songs can drift into each other and then by before you notice. The only thing I don't like is the repetitive rhythm of 'Not My Idea', but even this isn't that bad. While songs don't stand out, it's generally due to consistently high quality. All the same, I feel Garbage could have done more to display some musical variety.

That said, this sameness is also (perversely) one of the album's best qualities! It means you don't have to concentrate on different songs, or be in different moods for all the styles. You can put the album on and let it drift by as one. The emotion is also much the same, but this makes it a great record to curl up to if you want to feel sorry for yourself. Kind of sad, but not maniacally suicidal, when you're in that mood, this is advised listening - it lets you be a little sad, but then get it out of your system and feel better again.