Band strikes commercial
pose with album, 'Beautiful Garbage'
By Alicia Swan
Staff
Writer
Garbage breaks its four year silence with "Beautiful
Garbage," the third album in a career notorious for exploring new musical
expression.
Garbage is known largely for its first album; songs
such as "Queer," "I'm Only Happy When it Rains" and "Stupid Girl" from
their 1995 self-titled debut that received heavy national airplay.
The ditty "When I Grow Up," from their sophomore
effort, "Version 2.0," is memorable because of its appearance in the
movie "Big Daddy."
Butch Vig, the drummer and creator of the ensemble,
produced Nirvana's "Nevermind" in 1991.
Lead singer Shirley Manson possesses an unforgettably
haunting voice, one that matches her cool lyrics and seductress exterior.
"Beautiful Garbage" is another expedition into
the unknown for the experimental band. Band members toy with synthesizers
and heavy guitar riffs, much like they did on "Version 2.0."
Their first single, "Androgyny," is a folly of
computer-generated sounds and vocal layering. What the song lacks in
substance is more than made up for in techno samples that keep the song
interesting.
The mellow songs on the album were surprising highlights.
The song "Cup of Coffee" mourns a love departed as Manson croons, "It
took a cup of coffee/to learn that you don't love me."
Her sensual voice in this ballad breaks your heart
with the emotion that it conveys.
"Can't Cry These Tears" is the most riveting song
on the album. Reminiscent of Blondie's "In the Flesh," the song plays
in a '50s style while featuring a synthesizer.
Manson's voice hits notes uncharacteristic of her
normal range, making the song even more thrilling.
"Cherry Lips" is an interesting track because it
is unlike any other song the band has done. Upbeat and lighthearted,
the song is one that you would not expect the usually morbid band to
tackle.
The album continues the band's stretch into unexplored
techno beats and samples. It may also propel Garbage further toward
mainstream acceptance.
"Beautiful Garbage" feels much like Hole's "Celebrity
Skin" in the way that this album promises to take Garbage to the next
level of commercial popularity.
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