Tuesday, 15 April 2014

That's Entertainment : Garbage


 Every day of the week, Zach asks me 'when is it garbage bin day?'.

And I explain to him that bin day is Tuesday.

On Tuesdays, he asks me why the garbage bins are out.

And so it goes.

But I got to thinking.  Really, every day should be Garbage day.  Ah, yes…Garbage!

Garbage are one of those fantastic electro, rock pop goth bands that mean something to all microcosms of niche music fan.  I won't even begin to decipher what it symbolises, but all I will say is, since 1995 when Garbage's self-titled album was released, I have been in love with this band.  I've lived through all the jokes too - 'oh, this sounds like Garbage'…'this band is Garbage'…scoff, scoff, titter, titter.

Anyway.  Back when alternative America and Britpop was blazing away, Garbage came on out with their music not quite sounding like anyone else.  The singer was a flame-haired Scottish goddess, the guitarists some nerdy, middle aged back room production blokes and the drummer was Butch Vig - only the producer of some of the 1990's most important albums like Nirvana's Nevermind and Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream.

And Garbage appealed to the fringes.  The down-trodden, the lost, the mixed up, the confused, the ones who just liked something different.  There's razzmatazz, sex appeal and raging feminism and they appeal to the mainstream too, with their slick, grimy fuzz pop rock.  Their fan base is loyal, ardent.  But for mine, it all has to do with the music.  And the singer Shirley Manson (who I absolutely adore).  For good reason, their debut is listed in the 1001 Albums You Should Listen To Before You Die.

They can blister, they can rock.  They can break your heart, they can make you swoon.  And often, all in the one song.  

Three bits of trivia: 

* Garbage started going places when Australia's own Michael Gudinski of Mushroom Records took a leap of faith and signed them for the world (except North America).

* They performed the James Bond theme The World Is Not Enough.  

* #1 Crush off the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack was the biggest number 1 in Australia never to have a single release.

Lee and I have seen them tour each time they've come out here.  In 2002, Lee had to decide between Garbage or New Order tickets.  She chose wisely (as much as I love New Order).  At one gig, the computers cut out and so they cursed and laughed it off with the crowd asking for song suggestions.  Some fan yelled out some obscure B-side, leading to a round of chortles as Shirley Manson suggested the fan probably new the chords and lyrics better than they did.  It ended up with them doing an impromptu version of Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out Of My Head before the show continued.  

By 2005, the pressure had taken it's toll; the cracks were showing, there was resignation, tiredness and farewells.  We didn't want to believe it, but they went on 'hiatus' which is as good as saying 'busted up'.  The best of Absolute Garbage followed a year after.  And that was that.  In 2011 though, they were back and doing things on their own terms.  The concert tour was a blast and we saw them at the Metro (Soundwave sideshow), all tucked in and rocking out with the mixed age, ardent fan crowd.  Everything was back, recapturing their mojo, what we were gifted was the fun, the smiles and the music.  Dispelling notions it was a 'come back' tour, Garbage and the fans knew that they really hadn't been away because a Garbage fan lurks in the periphery anyways.  

So the music.  Well, along with a few select bands, I recommend EVERYTHING.  

For me…it's still the aural majesty of the first track off the debut album.  Supervixen is a statement of intent…and it just blows me away every single time I hear it.  Even now…I've got it spinning and I have tingles up and down my spine.

However, to be fair, I'll give you a few more to check out.  Argh!  It's like picking your favourite child…but here it goes.

And Zach…from now, EACH and EVERY day is GARBAGE day.  




















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