Placebo
Meds

THE REVIEW

What to say about this album that has yet to be released (coming out on March 13), but which has already been easily available online for about three weeks? Placebo, as we know, are a certainty. They have never disappointed expectations, and even with this new work, it's a spot-on purchase.

Known for their albums being different from one another, without ever being repetitive, the trio offers with "Meds" a sound that perfectly intertwines a decidedly rock sound (the rhythmic part is very good) with their latest trend towards electronic music, strongly felt in "Sleeping With Ghosts" and also in the new tracks from "Once More With Feeling". The album can be interpreted as a true medicine, comparing the various songs to pills to be taken.

If at first listen both "Because I Want You" (first single released only for the UK) and "Song To Say Goodbye" (first single released for the rest of the world), most fans might be horrified, it must be clarified immediately that they are songs that, if listened to individually, may disappoint. To appreciate them, you need to listen to the entire album, as the whole album, if one can say, is structured in a very precise manner.

Already from the first song "Meds" (duet with VV from The Kills) you can feel that the musical style has slightly changed, introducing, not only in this song but also in many others on the CD, distorted electronic sounds that seem almost irritating and somewhat random. The first song is one of the "energetic" songs included. Immediately after "Meds", it continues with "Infra-Red" and "Drag" (deliberately ambiguous title? Who knows...) decidedly catchy songs that engage you, and, as far as I'm concerned, have caught my attention, paying a lot of attention to listening. After "Space Monkey" (one of the weirdest yet decidedly decent songs that let itself be listened to), it moves to a touching song like "Follow The Cops Back Home", which demonstrates all of Placebo’s skill and mastery in knowing how to move (as with previous songs like "Special Needs"): truly moving... but then begins "Post Blue", decidedly captivating with its beginning (it almost seems like a danceable song). And here comes "Because I Want You" and everything makes sense. And without a doubt, it manages to capture the listener's attention... indeed, it almost seems to charge you a lot (something that didn't happen to me when I first listened to it on the radio online). Very beautiful. Placebo Style (it reminds one of a "Bitter End" less aggressive but with a thread of hidden melancholy in the notes). Following "Blind" beautiful and simple (not at all melancholic), but it manages to convey a feeling of serenity (even if the song cites "Please don't drive me blind"). And then the most beautiful song (in my opinion) of the CD and of Placebo ever written: "Pierrot The Clown". Saying it touches even those with a heart of stone, bringing a tear to even those who have no eyes to cry is an understatement. The atmosphere and the sensations it manages to instill and transmit are so many that it would take so many words, and still, it wouldn’t come close to what you experience listening to it. A song to listen to with your eyes closed, almost like a prayer (okay, now I'm exaggerating...). Not a prayer, but a song that will surely become historic. Then "Broken Promise", a duet with Michael Stipe from R.E.M. Truly stunning. If "Space Monkey" has a sick sound, here are two even sicker ones: "One Of A Kind" and "In The Cold Light Of The Morning" (do not listen to this last one in the car at night: it causes drowsiness with its rhythm and Brian's voice). To close, "Song To Say Goodbye." A real cherry on the Meds cake. One of those songs that makes you say "BUT NOOOO IT'S THE LAST ONE! NOOOO IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! THE CD IS ALREADY OVER! I WANT MORE!!!" But the title says it all. A song to say "Goodbye." So cheer up.

This is Meds, the latest effort from Placebo, now I'll wait for March 13 to be able to buy the CD. Brian, Steve, and Stefan are like wine. They get better with time. Brian's voice is in perfect training, and it's clear that he is definitely in a merciful state (as he had already delighted us with "Twenty Years"), and also Steve and Stefan with drums and bass have really done an excellent job. Congratulations.

If you are lovers of Placebo (because you either love or hate Placebo, there is no middle ground: scientifically-humanly tested on the skin), you already know where to spend your money. And I didn't randomly give 5 stars. Well maybe I've exaggerated... but for me, it’s a well-deserved five.