Better Version (Version 2.0 - Garbage)

Member Name: jennystevenson

Product:	Version 2.0 - Garbage
Date:	04/04/01 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Seamlessly blended, unique and polished.

Disadvantages: Too short, a couple of not so amazing tunes.

Do you ever hear a song that suddenly brings memories flooding back that remind you of a particular place or event? Well, this is what the whole of Version.2.0 does to me. Perhaps this makes my opinion a little on the bias side as I love it for sentimental reasons, but I'll try to justify it as well as I can.

Just to sum Garbage up, they were formed in 1994 by Butch Vig, who on his impressive CV has previously produced albums for bands such as Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Nine Inch Nails Smashing Pumpkins which is reflected in this album and its influences. In Garbage, Butch plays drums and produces the music, adding up to a sound that is polished to perfection.

Back in the summer of 1998, I was living in halls at university eagerly awaiting the second instalment from Garbage as I was a huge fan of the first album. The first thing that struck me when I first played it was the change in direction for the band. As the first album was mainly a grunge/rock album, the new style took these elements and added an electronic twist with distortions and echoes, moving in a darker direction. So, here's my take on the tracks.

Temptation Waits
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To start the album, this song is a perfect introduction. Decieving at first with a quiet drumbeat, soft vocals and keyboard, building up into an anthemic sound to grab your attention. One of the most interesting and unique songs on the album, the influences seem to be from 80's style keyboards to modern day rock.

I Think I'm Paranoid
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A song of desperation and..you guessed it, paranoia. Take a simple bassline, add a few warped drums with a hint of rock guitar and you get a full bodied song. Turn this up when you're angry and you get instant therapy to get any frustration out of your system.

When I Grow Up
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To avoid any interest going stale, this song reveals a more light hearted, refreshing and happi
er side to Garbage, proving they can write a decent pop tune as well as dark and grungy. This is certainly one to get your energy levels going.

Medication
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Here we are introduced to the sensitive side of the album with a slow melancholic ballad. The guitars are toned down, the drums at a slower pace and the vocals softer than usual. This works well for an angst song with lyrics such as "nobody gives a damn about me or anybody else" without sounding too self-pitiful.

Special
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Perhaps the most pop themed track, this is a little on the bland side but is still tolerable. There is not much originality offered by this tune, but it doesn't spoil the flow of the album. It's basically a tale of a broken heart and is easy on the ear.

Hammering in my Head
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A complete contrast to the last song, described as...schizophrenic. A bit of a rollercoater ride this, tailing off in various directions yet seamingly blended together. Frantic to begin with, it then moves to a slower pace and switches over to unhinged vocals. Probably the most original and best songs. I'd love to describe what the song is about, but I'm not too sure myself, you need to hear it and make up your own mind on this one.

Push It
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The first single release from this album is a perfect example of the new direction this album has to offer. The title of this refers to their new direction, meaning the heavier, faster drum rhythms and distorted electronic effects. Garbage have been described as an "electro-goth" group and this song proves it.

The Trick is to Keep Breathing
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Slow down, stay calm and take a deep breath. This is another ballad where you sense a lot of sadness in the vocals as if they're sung straight from the heart. A saddened voice and slow violins make up for a reflective and thoughtful song.
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Dumb
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Introduced by a faint distorted sounds catches you unaware when the drums and vocals kick in. A typically powerful rock track that is a favourite of mine due to the pure energy and life of the song.

Sleep Together
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I'd say this is an eerie sounding track that tells a tale of desperation and naivity with such lyrics as "if we sleep together, will you like me better?" It draws a line straight through calm and energetic to offer an inbetween, which surprisingly makes it one of the standout tracks.

Wicked Ways
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Alas, this song is a bit of a weak one, as it doesn't seem to have the life and soul that makes the others so good. A song about redemption, this song attempts to sound dark but disappointingly fails. Still, at least it doesn't completely spoil the album.

You Look So Fine
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The final song rounds the album up on a note with an achingly sad ballad with haunting piano and soulful vocals. There's definately a love them running through this one and as it trails off into silence, it leaves a strong mark in your memory.


So, there you go. If you're not asleep already, I'd just like to add that this album has been seamlessly put together, taking you on a rollercoater ride that catches you unaware yet leaves you wanting more. A gem of an album that no matter how many times you play it, you never get bored of it and it sounds fresh on every play.

If you're still not convinced, you can preview song clips and videos at www.garbage.com.

Best Lyric : "You come on like a drug. I just can't get enough. I'm like an addict coming at you for a little more."

Best Song : Dumb

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