While Placebo's self-titled debut contained mostly elements of '90s alternative (Smashing Pumpkins, etc.), their second album, Without You I'm Nothing, is full of '70s glam rock and punk references. Placebo's rhythm section of Stefan Olsdal (bass) and Steve Hewitt (drums) is impressively tight, but the band's star attraction is undoubtedly androgynous singer/guitarist Brian Molko. Whereas the debut was written solely by Molko, their latest is a bona fide group effort, with Molko still handling the lyric-writing. The swirling anthemic album opener, "Pure Morning," is a self-proclaimed "celebration of friendship with women," and should be a guaranteed hit single, while the racing "Brick Shithouse" merges '90s electro-ock with Sonic Youth punk guitars. "You Don't Care About Us" shows that Molko can easily re-create J Mascis' late-'80s guitar tones, and "Scared of Girls" contains gender-bending vocals from Molko and a tribal-ock accompaniment. With massive success already underway back home in England, Without You I'm Nothing deserves to break through everywhere else.
Every time someone asked me that question, my head nearly imploded. I thought it was impossible to answer. But 2 days ago it hit me. This is it. This is really it. The music couldn't be more impeccable to my ears, the lyrics couldn't be more up close and personal, the voice could not be more emotional. It's the song I'm bonded to the most.I don't know if you know which yours is. But if you do, ...
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Bumped into an old work friend today who I had not seen in about 10 years. Got me thinking about bands that used to get played on the radio that was left on when I worked on a 'helpline', and who was big around that time. But, this track, by a band who had major exposure around that time, brings me back into the now. Nice top, Brian, you been in my wardrobe?Strange infatuation seems to grace th...
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 "Without You I'm Nothing")
