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"Version 2.0" is the second studio album by Garbage, released in 1998 and still unanimously recognized by fans as their best record, an opinion I agree with 100%, having in my hands a true gem from the late '90s.
Many know this band primarily for the singles from the third album "Beautifulgarbage", certainly the one that had the greatest commercial success, but even though it's a good album, it has nothing to do with the pearl that preceded it; "Version 2.0", we're talking about an album of excellent production, rich in influences and above all VARIED (as one would expect from one of the most eclectic and experimental bands of recent years), indeed it ranges from tracks like "Temptation Waits" and "Hammering In My Head" in which we find a great musical blend of various genres and influences, to the easy and "playful" pop of "When I Grow Up", moving to slowbeat masterpieces such as "The Trick Is To Keep Breathing" and "You Look So Fine" (certainly the most impactful track of this album).
In short, if you're hesitant about "categorizing at all costs", this is the band for you. It is worth briefly mentioning the formation of the band in question: Garbage is a rock/alternative music group created in 1994 by Butch Vig (producer, drummer), Steve Marker (guitarist), Duke Erikson (bassist, synth, keyboardist), and of course the charismatic Shirley Manson (singer, author, composer, guitarist, backing vocals).
Enough talk, let's get to the point and the description of the tracks on this album, which I assure you you will appreciate greatly.
It starts off light with "Temptation Waits", let's be honest, it's not among the highest points of this album, but it's still easy to appreciate; it features a catchy vocal by a Shirley who doesn't show all her vocal potential (which you will appreciate later); the backdrop consists of distortions, bells, guitars, bridges with an excellent Shirley whispering, an outro fading in tone (a particular arrangement style you will find in much of Garbage's production), the effects of this track should be noted: strange spatial effects, panning everywhere, filters, reverse, sweep, confirming a meticulously curated production of this group never banal, never predictable; the track in question was also included on the soundtrack of the famous '90s TV show "Buffy" (detractors consider Garbage a commercially driven band due to the numerous songs that ended up in adverts or TV shows, nothing could be more wrong, we are talking about a truly deserving and capable band that unfortunately has been greatly underrated (especially in Italy), just think of the quasi-flop of the last 2 records (Bleed Like Me and the compilation Absolute Garbage").
Next is "I Think I'm Paranoid", the most famous track by this group, and objectively one of the best, a track built around a multicolored vocal by the usual chameleonic Shirley moving on an ever-evolving sonic carpet, starting calm in the verses, melodic in the bridges, aggressive and agitated in the chorus, aided by the heavy use of effects by Butch and company (distortions, compressions, reverb, scratch, glitch elements, reverse, all standard for Garbage's productions). The epic closure sees an angrier Shirley than ever, accompanied by distorted guitars that accentuate the aggressive and -paranoid- moment, then pass to the last 20 seconds where everything calms down with a suddenly calmed, enveloping, and sweet Shirley. To better understand the whirlwind of moods and emotions of this track, it's highly recommended to watch the video (if you want to feast your eyes on a sexier than ever Shirley I recommend it even to those who are not fans of the band ;D).
It seems to return to the beginning of the album when the player rolls to "When I Grow Up", another carefree and sunny track easily traceable to the first track of the album, it too released as a single with a video alternating shots of Manson dancing with scenes from the movie Big Daddy "Un papà speciale" (relating to the preface, this track too was used as a soundtrack).
"When I Grow Up" comes with the "usual" brief introduction that precedes the actual track, a calm and synthesized riff accompanied by the usual strange effects our band enjoys placing in various intros, then it takes shape with the easy pop-friendly chorus accompanied by distorted guitars, unlikely panning accompaniments, extensive use of electronics, and the inevitable change of scenery, exactly the usual stylistic choices already encountered before, that is starting with a calm atmosphere, then "chaotic, bridge rising, chorus with more present voice and instruments, and calm closure again with Shirley's backgrounds following the vocals (here's another of this woman's peculiarities, nobody does backing vocals like her!).
Okay, after the "sugary" When I Grow Up, which will not be remembered as a masterpiece, we move on to a song to listen to and listen to again multiple times, I am talking about Medication, one of the most successful tracks of this band, that in my opinion, always works better on these "ballads."
A ballad, even though not 100% since we find here too the continuous transitions from calm to angry, which by now you must have understood is a trademark of the group, but also dreamy, calm, indisputably a beautiful atmosphere (some time ago when I happened to read some comments about this song online I often came across the term "reflective"; well, never was an adjective more fitting for "Medication", hear to believe: opening with piano, acoustic guitar, electronic beat, and a melancholic Shirley introducing the track which then rises to an almost anxious and liberating chorus, only to dive back into a melancholic and relaxing verse again; let's bet you won't be able to help traveling on the melodic bridge halfway through the song (2:12 to be exact); at first listen, out of place, at the second, genius, by the third you can already anticipate it!) a track to listen to and listen to again, perhaps wrapped in the darkness of your room/car.
"Special": does it need any presentation? Every self-respecting Garbage fan can’t help but adore this track... what? you’re not a Garbage fan? Well, then it’s time to listen to this track! The melody of this piece is truly beautiful and catchy, very cheerful overall, but what immediately stands out to the listener's ears is the exquisite beauty of the backing vocals, Shirley outdoes herself, almost to reaffirm her incredible talent for these always impactful backing vocals! A track with a guaranteed repeat, released also as a single, it's accompanied by an excellent video where the 4 band members chase each other in helicopters in a sky full of obstacles and... well watch it ;).
The journey continues with "Hammering In My Head", a song that deviates a bit from the previous ones, it is not a poor track, but after the highs of the tracks that precede it, it surely takes a backseat, however, it is a very varied and well-done song in which we can find disco, rock, break, guitars, distortions, trip hop pauses, and of course lots and lots of electronics, as Garbage has accustomed us well over the years, all with Shirley's voice as a frame, now aggressive, now sweet and subtle, almost as if to underline how a single Garbage track can seem like multiple tracks by other bands combined, a sort of musical collage!
Track no.7: "Push It", another great high for the band, a piece also known to the general public for the radio success it had at the time, it was released as a single in 1998 and has one of the best videos by the band, directed by Andrea Giacobbe, a disturbing and troubled video that reflects in every way the musical traits of the following single, at times dark, gloomy, nervous: the usual Garbage spiral where the arrangement continually varies from calm points to points where the piece literally explodes in anger, aggressiveness, and obsessive riffs, - this is one of the features I prefer about the Garbage sound, and I could never get tired of these particular arrangements -, great chorus, noteworthy glitch/industrial electronic beat.
The journey proceeds with a masterpiece, "The Trick Is To Keep Breathing", high-quality trip hop. I've already written that these are the tracks I prefer by Garbage, synthesized and calm ballads ("Milk" from the first album is the progenitor of the tracks in this vein that will be present in all the band's albums). It is precisely these that I recommend listening to those who want to delve deeper into the band, or to those who haven't had the chance to listen to them yet.
Calm, "slow", ethereal, ever-present and always fitting Shirleyian backing vocals, an electronic beat barely perceptible, a trip-hop bass in the beat accompanying Manson's whispered voice, and to finish pads, strings: here is "The Trick Is To Keep Breathing"; remember "Frozen" by Madonna or "Joga" by "Bjork"? This is the style, a journey, highly recommended! 10 out of 10.
The journey of "Version 2.0" continues with "Dumb", an electro-rock track at first listen very anonymous, neither hot nor cold could be your first impression, effectively it was mine too the first time I listened to it :-) but fortunately the track wakes up at the excellent, lively, and catchy chorus, guitars, scale changes, electronics in spades are the order of the day... it's a track easily skippable, I personally don't consider it on par with the other album tracks, sufficient but could have been discarded to make way for one of the many b-sides released on singles taken from this album.
Almost to reiterate that this is an Album with a capital A, and that the 6-rated tracks will be replaced by great hits, here comes "Sleep Together", another major player of this album, never released as a single, but the flavor of a super hit you can well note from the first listen! The piece opens with the classic calm intro full of effects, then gains power with a Shirley now determined and concrete in the vocals, now calm and whispering, excellent arrangements, and especially the mastering. The piece sounds really good, although there are many parts and instruments everything is blended in the best possible way, and with these sounds, I assure you it isn't easy, I repeat in my opinion it would have been a very potential Single.
We now reach the penultimate track of Version 2.0, which is "Wicked Ways" a triplet piece that sounds very much like "Tainted Love". At times funky and vintage, at times pop/rock, at times retro, at times modern: you may like it or not, I let it flow willingly.
This album is nearing its end, and the last song is conveniently the most beautiful of the album, released as a single and accompanied by a lovely intimate and passionate video set on a distant planet, in my opinion, their best track ever.
This is another Trip Hop ballad, similar to "The Trick Is To Keep Breathing", sounds that as mentioned perfectly match the unique voice of Shirley Manson, the strings, the piano, a deliberately "dirty" beat accompany a successful sad and dark-toned vocal, Shirley is no newcomer and it shows, there is no equal to the vocal interpretation of this piece, if we then add the spectacular backing vocals on the chorus and a spatially synthetic closure, the word MASTERPIECE is quickly said, a piece that exceeds all expectations, and that makes you realize (if there was ever any need) that we are facing 4 geniuses.
My advice is to get this masterpiece album as soon as possible, if you like experimentation and the desire to explore multiple genres, this product is a must-have!
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
01 Temptation Waits (04:38)
I'll tell you something, I am a wolf but
I like to wear sheep's clothing
I am a bonfire, I am a vampire
I'm waiting for my moment
You come on like a drug, I just can't get enough
I'm like an addict coming at you for a little more
And there's so much at stake, I can't afford to waste
I never needed anybody like this before
I'll tell you something, I am a demon
Some say my biggest weakness
I have my reasons, call it my defects
Be careful what you're wishing
You come on like a drug, I just can't get enough
I'm like an addict coming at you for a little more
And there's so much at stake, I can't afford to waste
I never needed anybody like this before
You are a secret, a new possession
I like to keep you guessing
You come on like a drug, I just can't get enough
I'm like an addict coming at you for a litttle more
and there is so much at stake, I cannot afford to waste
I never needed anybody like this before
When I'm not sure what I'm living for
(When I'm not sure who I am)
When I'm not sure what I'm looking for
(When I'm not sure who I am)
When I'm not sure what I'm living for
(When I'm not sure who I am)
When I'm not sure what I'm looking for
(When I'm not sure who I am)
When I'm not sure what I'm living for
(When I'm not sure who I am)
When I'm not sure what I'm looking for
(When I'm not sure who I am)
02 I Think I'm Paranoid (03:40)
You can look but you can't touch
I don't think I like you much
Heaven knows what a girl can do
Heaven knows what you've got to prove
I think I'm paranoid and complicated
I think I'm paranoid, manipulated
Bend me break me
Anyway You need me
All I want is you
Bend me break me
Breaking down is easy
All I want is you
I fall down just to give you a thrill
Prop me up with another pill
If I should fail, if I should fold
I nailed my faith to the sticking pole
I think I'm paranoid, manipulated
I think I'm paranoid, too complicated
Bend me break me
Anyway you need me
All I want is you
Bend me break me
Breaking down is easy
All I want is you
I think I'm paranoid
I think I'm paranoid
Bend me break me
Anyway you need me
All I want is you
Bend me break me
Breaking down is easy
All I want is you
Steal me, deal me, anyway you heal me
Maim me, tame me, you can never change me
Love me, like me, come ahead and fight me
Please me, tease me, go ahead and leave me
Bend me break me
Anyway you need me
As long as I want you baby it's alright
Bend me break me
Anyway you need me
As long as I want you baby it's alright
03 When I Grow Up (03:26)
Cut my tongue out, I've been caught out
Like a giant juggernaut
Happy hours, golden showers
On a cruise to freak you out
We could fly a helicopter
Nothing left to talk about
Entertain you, celebrate you
I'll be back to frame you
When I grow up I'll be stable
When I grow up I'll turn the tables
Trying hard to fit among you
Floating out to wonderland
Unprotected, God I'm pregnant
Damn the consequences
When I grow up I'll be stable
When I grow up I'll turn the tables
Blood and blisters on my fingers
Chaos rules when we're apart
Watch my temper I go mental
I'll try to be gentle
When I grow up I'll be stable
When I grow up I'll turn the tables
When I grow up
When I grow up
When I grow up I'll turn the tables
Don't take offence
Can I make amends?
Rip it up to shreds and let it go
Don't take offence
Can I make amends?
Rip it up to shreds and let it go
Rip it up to shreds and let it go
Rip it up to shreds and let it go
Rip it up in shreds and let it go
04 Medication (04:10)
I don't need an education,
I learned all I need from you.
They've got me on some medication,
My point of balance was askew.
It keeps my temperature from rising,
My blood is pumping through my veins.
Somebody get me out of here,
I'm tearing at myself.
Nobody gives a damn about me or anybody else.
I wear myself out in the morning,
You're asleep when I get home.
Please don't call me self defending,
You know it cuts me to the bone.
And it's really not surprising,
I hold a force I can't contain.
Somebody get me out of here,
I'm tearing at myself.
Nobody gives a damn about me or anybody else.
And still you call me co-dependent,
Somehow you lay the blame on me.
And still you call me co-dependent,
Somehow you lay the blame on me.
Somebody get me out of here,
I'm tearing at myself.
I've got to make a point these days,
To extricate myself.
Somebody get me out of here,
I'm tearing at myself.
Nobody gives a damn about me or anybody else.
And still you call me co-dependent,
Somehow you lay the blame on me.
And still you call me co-dependent,
Somehow you lay the blame on me.
Somehow you lay the blame on me......
05 Special (03:45)
I'm living without you
I know all about you
I have run you down into the ground
Spread disease about you over town
I used to adore you
I couldn't control you
There was nothing that I wouldn't do
To keep myself around and close to you
Do you have an opinion?
A mind of your own?
I thought you were special
I thought you should know
But I've run out of patience
I couldn't care less
Do you have an opinion?
A mind of your own?
I thought you were special
I thought you should know
I used to amuse you
I knew that i'd lose you
Now you're here and begging for a chance
But there's no way in hell i'd take you back
Do you have an opinion?
A mind of your own?
I thought you were special
I thought you should know
But I've run out of patience
I've run out of comments
I'm tired of the violence
I couldn't care less.
I'm looking for a new...
I'm looking for a new...
I'm looking for a new...
I'm looking for a new...
But we were the talk of the town
We were the talk of the town
We were the talk of the town
We were the talk of the town
I thought you were special
I thought you were special
I thought you were special
I thought you were special...
06 Hammering in My Head (04:54)
I'm stressed but you're freestyle
I'm overworked but I'm undersexed
I must be made of concrete
I sign my name across your chest
Give out the same old answers
I trot them out for the relatives
Company tried and tested
I use the ones that I love the best
Like an animal you're moving over me
Like an animal you're moving over me
When did I get perverted
I can't remember your name
I'm growing introverted
You touch my hand and it's not the same
This was so unexpected
I never thought I'd get caught
Play boomerang with your demons
Shoot to kill and you'll pop them off
BANG! BANG!
Like an animal you're moving over me
Like an animal you're moving over me
You should be sleeping, my love
Tell me what you're dreaming of
You should be sleeping, my love
Tell me what you're dreaming of
You should be sleeping, my love
Tell me what you're dreaming of
You should be sleeping, my love
Tell me what you're dreaming of
I knew you were mine for the taking
I knew you were mine for the taking
I knew you were mine for the taking
When I walked in the room
I knew you were mine for the taking
I knew you were mine for the taking
Your eyes light up
When I walk in the room
A hammering in my head don't stop
From the bullet train
From Tokyo to Los Angeles
I'm leaving you behind
A flash in the pan
A storm in a teacup
A needle in a haystack
A prize for the winning
A dead for the raising
A catch for the chasing
A jewel for the choosing
A man for the making in this blistering heat
Sweat it all out
Sweat it all out
With your bedroom eyes and your baby pouts
Sweat it all out
In our electric storms and our shifting sands
Our candy jars and our sticky hands
Sweat it all out
Sweat it all out
Sweat it all out
Sweat it all out
Sweat it all out
Sweat it all out
Don't forget what I wrote you then
And don't forget what I told you then
And don't forget I that meant to win
And don't forget your ventolin
So a hammering in my head don't stop
In the bullet train from Tokyo to Los Angeles
07 Push It (04:04)
I was angry when I met you
I think I'm angry still
We can try to talk it over
If you say you'll help me out
Don't worry baby
No need to fight
Don't worry baby
We'll be all right
This is the noise that keeps me awake
My head explodes and my body aches
Push it
Make the beats go harder
Push it
Make the beats go harder
I'm sorry that I hurt you
Please don't ask me why
I want to see you happy
I want to see you shine
Don't worry baby
Don't be uptight
Don't worry baby
We'll stay up all night
This is the noise that keeps me awake
My head explodes and my body aches
Push it
Make the beats go harder
Push it
Make the beats go harder
C'mon push it, you can do it
C'mon prove it, nothing to it
C'mon use it, let's get through it
C'mon push it, you can do it
Don't worry baby
Don't be uptight
Don't worry baby
We'll stay up all night
This is the noise that keeps me awake
My head explode and my body aches
Push it
Make the beats go harder
Push it
(This is the noise that keeps me awake)
Make the beats go harder
(My head explodes and my body aches)
Push it
(This is the noise that keeps me awake)
Make the beats go harder
Push it
(This is the noise that keeps me awake)
Make the beats go harder
(My head explodes and my body aches)
Push it
Make the beats go harder
Push it
Make the beats go harder
Push it
Make the beats go harder
Push it
Make the beats go harder
Don't worry baby
We'll be alright
Don't worry baby
We'll be alright
Push it
Push it
Push it
Push it
Push it
09 Dumb (03:52)
I never claimed to be your saviour.
I said I had a dirty mouth.
Stop analysing my behaviour,
If you're too dumb to work it out.
I've got to keep myself together.
You know I hate to disappoint.
A masochistic lamb to slaughter,
Maybe you miss the point?
I'm feeling small.
Climbing the walls.
Don't let it show.
Now that you know what you know,
I bet you wish you could let it go.
You'll never come sucking your thumb.
Better off dumb.
Maybe I could write a letter
To help me with my self-esteem.
You should get to know me better.
No one's ever what they seem.
I'm feeling small.
Climbing the walls.
Don't let it show.
Now that you know what you know,
I bet you wish you could let it go.
You'll never come sucking your thumb.
Better off dumb.
You still don't know what you think of me.
You still don't know what you need from me.
You still don't know what to think of me.
You still don't know what you think of me.
Now that you know what you know,
I bet you wish you could let it go.
You'll never come sucking your thumb.
Better off dumb.
Now that you know what you know,
You're gonna reap what you sow.
Nothing will come sucking your thumb.
Better off dumb.
You still don't know what you think of me.
You still don't know what you mean to me.
You still don't know what to think of me.
You still don't know what you think of me.
You still don't know what you think of me.
You still don't know what you think of me.
You still don't know what you think of me.
You still don't know what you think of me.
You still don't know what I think of me.
You still don't know what you think of me.
10 Sleep Together (04:05)
I got you crawling up a mountain
Hanging round my neck
I got you twisted round my finger
Crawling round my legs
The emptiness
The crazyness
Satisfy this hungriness
Darling, how would it feel?
If we sleep together
Will you like me better
If we come together
We'll go down forever
If we sleep together
Will I like you better
If we come together
Prove it now or never
Make me a pretty person
Make me, feel like I belong
Make me hard and make me happy
Make me beautiful
The emptiness, the crazyness
Satisfy this hungriness
Darling, how would it feel?
If we sleep together
Will you like me better
If we come together
We'll go down forever
If we sleep together
Will I like you better
If we come together
Prove it now or never
(If we sleep together) nothing satisfies me baby
(If we sleep together) I wear something pretty baby
(If we sleep together) Give me what I crave now baby
(If we sleep together) Save the rest for later baby
(If we sleep together) You will drive me crazy baby
(If we sleep together) Save this one for you my baby
If we sleep together, if we sleep together
11 Wicked Ways (03:45)
I tried hard to mend my wicked ways.
I acted like a lunatic for years.
Lord knows, I try to be good.
I'd keep my promises, if only I could.
You count your blessings that I can't rely on you.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
Clutch your pictures of the Pope.
Pray to God for love and hope.
Bring the Virgin home for luck.
Bolt the door, better keep it shut.
I've done things I never thought I'd do.
Sure, it helps to lose myself in you.
A little time and I'll be all right.
Come on, sugar, let's go out tonight.
Forgive your trespasses and all that we've been through.
Oh, I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
Clutch your pictures of the Pope.
Pray to God for love and hope.
Bring the Virgin home for luck.
Bolt the door, better keep it shut.
That sinking feeling
When you are leaving,
All I believe in
Walks out the door.
I tried hard to mend my wicked ways.
The damage done, there's nothing left to save.
Oh, I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
And I tried.
Clutch your pictures of the Pope. (just like I told you)
Pray to God for love and hope. (just like I warned you)
Bring the Virgin home for luck. (just like I told you)
Bolt the door, try to keep it shut. (just like I warned you)
12 You Look So Fine (05:27)
You look so fine
I want to break your heart
And give you mine
You're taking me over
It's so insane
You've got me tethered and chained
I hear your name
And I'm falling over
I'm not like all of the other girls
I can't take it like the other girls
I won't share it like the other girls
That you used to know
You look so fine
Knocked down
Cried out
Been down just to find out
I'm through
Bleeding for you
I'm open wide
I want to take you home
We'll waste some time
You're the only one for me
You look so fine
I'm like the desert tonight
Leave her behind
If you want to show me
I'm not like all the other girls
I can't take it like the other girls
I won't fake it like the other girls
That you used to know
You're taking me over
Over and over
I'm falling over
Over and over
You're taking me over
(Melt in me one more time)
Over and over
(Hide inside me tonight)
I'm falling over
(Do what you want to do)
Over and over
(Let's pretend, happy end)
You're taking me over
(Let me know let it show)
Over and over
(Ending with letting go)
I'm falling over
Ending with letting go
Ending with letting go
Ending with letting go
Let's pretend, happy end
Let's pretend, happy end
Let's pretend, happy end
Let's pretend, happy end
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Other reviews
By pluto77
The irresistible element, surely, is none other than the singer Shirley Manson, a voice as fine and delicate as it is harsh and visceral.
The psychodramas of I Think I’m Paranoid and Special, two perfect singles, could be the most representative -and the best- tracks of Garbage’s entire career.
