Not Your Kind Of People [Deluxe] [Deluxe Edition]

It's been seven years since Garbage released their last studio album 2005's "Bleed Like Me", in that same year the band ended a world tour abruptly that saw the band cancel the end of their tour and go on an indefinite hiatus, it seemed the band had reached the end of the road as they were sick of record label interference, life on the road and sick of the sight of each other, after all this is a band that always had a fiery relationship with each other that had seen many a studio bust up. So as lead singer Shirley Manson went off to make a solo album (which has never been released) as well as star in the TV series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and drummer Butch Vig went back to producing albums it seemed unlikely Garbage would end their hiatus. Thankfully that all changed as the band regrouped and confirmed work had begun on a new album that would be released on their own STUNVOLUME label, it seemed that working without a major label suited the band and that they were all getting on and (whisper it quietly) having fun working together again. So finally we have studio album number five "Not Your Kind Of People" an album which features all the hallmarks of Garbage's signature sound of a rock/pop fusion.

The album starts off with "Automatic Systematic Habit" which is a disco filled rock song that has Manson saying she won't be anybody's "Dirty Little Secret", the song has a big pounding beat and some distorted vocals; it's a great way to kick off the album. "Big Bright World" is reminiscent of the Version 2.0 era with its slow build up before exploding into life. The first track we got to hear from the album was "Blood for Poppies" which at the time seemed a strange choice as the lead single but it's a song that will grow on the listener over time and features a trippy breakdown towards the end. One of the standout tracks is "control" with its intelligent use of a harmonica and big beats with a chopped up vocal effect and a great lyric in "It's always darkest before the dawn".

The title track "Not Your Kind of People" which is a slow paced song which has a dreamy 70's sound with a guitar at time not sounding unlike Lynard Skynards "Freebird". If there is one thing Garbage did better than anybody it is on big sounding numbers such as "Vow" from their debut album and with the song "Battle In Me" that is what Garbage do, it's a big sounding track with an aggressive vocal from Manson and a big heavy guitar/drum chorus, it's a song made for playing live. "Man On A Wire" is another stomper that's played at 100 miles per hour. Former Jane's Addiction bassist Eric Avery (who will play bass on the bands tour) plays bass on both "Battle In Me" and "Man On A Wire". "I Hate Love" is another dance rock track that's full of effects.

With the deluxe edition there is four bonus tracks "The One" Which has a big electrical beat throughout, "What Girls Are Made of", "Bright Tonight" which is a laid back number and "Show Me". All four songs are worthy additions to the album and I would recommend if you are a long time Garbage fan to buy this edition as you will want these songs.

It's good to have Garbage back with album number 5 which is a strong return for the band and shows there's still plenty of life left in them yet and it seems the time apart has revitalised them and got them on the same page musically again. There's plenty on here for long-time fans of the band and hopefully convert some new fans.

I am totally hooked on Garbage.They take years to produce these little musical gems with such a tapestry of sound. each one has been worth the wait. I do detect, however, that Shirley Manson is less prominent as the spikey up front vamp that she had been before. The whole package is a joy for the lug 'oles and is so worth the buying. I did put on a wry ,twisted face when 'Automatic systematic Habit'started as the first track. Now where did I hear that intro riff before?... Oh yeah.. on Creams 'White Room'.'Battle in me' is my favourite track and is great when blasted out.' Man on a wire' is a great thumping beaty song more fitting to the 'Bleed like me' album tracks. Some may say that this album is over produced but not me. I see it as an intricately layered piece of musical graft and craft. brilliant. There is no band like 'Garbage'.

Eamonn

I was fearing disappointment with this album as with so many "reformations" of great bands, but I needn't have worried - Manson is still in fine voice - possibly the finest female rock voice currently making records? - and the playing is as outstanding as you would expect from performers of their pedigree. And the songs? - well after the "trying too hard" poppy opening track, Automatic System Habit, the songs are really strong, both musically and lyrically, right through to the end of the extra tracks on the deluxe version which are certainly not fillers. So its very much worth buying the deluxe version.