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THE REVIEW
"Sometimes it's faded
Disintegrated
For fear of growing old
Sometimes it's faded
Assassinated
For fear of growing old
Can't stop growing old...."
Billy Corgan believes that after three albums each band should break up and do something else. In his case after "Mellon Collie...". For Radiohead after "OK Computer". For Oasis after "Be Here Now". For Blur after "Parklife". For the Stone Roses it definitely doesn't work because they only made two. A theory that in many cases I feel like supporting.
In the case of Placebo I'm conflicted. Sure, the elegant power pop that characterizes them is a genre that in the long run may always sound the same. Let me correct myself. Let's say that originality is not its best feature.
For the trio formed in London in the mid-'90s by old friends from a boarding school in Luxembourg (!), Brian Molko (American father, Scottish mother, raised in England) and Stefan Olsdal (Swedish) with the addition of drummer Steven Hewitt (Manchester), it is their fourth release.
Listening to the tracks of the album and evaluating the music, Corgan's theory (also supported years earlier by LOR15) seems to find more and more confirmations. The cliché repeats itself with some nuances that slightly (deliberately written with 5 "e"s) stray from the sonic path repeatedly traveled back and forth. That middle ground between Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins with something dark like the Cure and the irony of PJ Harvey, the decadence of Morrissey. Let it be clear: for those who like Placebo, this album will be enjoyable.
The lyrics are less intense than in the past, although they still have that "noir" characteristic.
"Sleeping With Ghosts" is a slow and poignant ballad, perhaps the best track on the album.
"This one world vision
Turns us into compromise
What good's religion
When it's each other we despise
Damn the government
Damn the killing
Damn the lies"
And again:
"Hush
It's okay
Dry your eye
Dry your eye
Soulmate dry your eye
Dry your eye
Soulmate dry your eye
Cause soulmates never die"
Then some reference to the international situation we are living:
"Corporate America wakes
Coffee republic in case
We open the latch on the gate
Of the hole that we call our home"
("Protect Me From What I Want")
The right dose of irony that is always a pleasure to find.
I'm really undecided. Is Corgan right? Yet I like it…
I'm confused….
Destabilizing.
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Summary by Bot
The review reflects on Placebo's fourth album, Sleeping With Ghosts, acknowledging its elegant but somewhat repetitive power pop style. The author debates Billy Corgan’s theory about bands ending after three albums, finding the album both familiar and enjoyable. Lyrically, the album remains dark and ironic with standout tracks like the poignant title ballad. While originality is questioned, the emotional and ironic nuances make it worthwhile for fans.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Placebo
Placebo are a British alternative rock band formed in London in 1994. The core members are Brian Molko (vocals, guitar) and Stefan Olsdal (bass, guitar). They rose to prominence in the late 1990s with albums such as Without You I'm Nothing and are known for Molko's distinctive voice and androgynous image.32 Reviews
Other reviews
By cameli11
I have to admit it boasts quite a production and mix.
It won’t unleash any kind of energy and grit but it’s not slow or boring and can be quite appreciated.
By AR (Anonima Recensori)
Placebo are among the musicians with the most technique in the UK.
Try to replicate the intro of 'Bulletproof Cupid' and you'll realize how many syncopations there are.
By Jack Darko
"The best tracks remain the rock ones in Placebo style while the electronic ones are quite repetitive."
"Special Needs is the worst song I have ever heard. Electronics mixing with Placebo’s music is not a good match."
