Metal Reviews

I personally think they're a Hit. And probably the only band of their kind that I'd actively listen to. The self-titled debut, in particular, is one of my favorite rock albums of the 90's. Their next three records (Version 2.0, Beautifulgarbage and Bleed Like Me) aren't quite AS good, but still worth buying nonetheless. I especially like how, unlike a lot of other "girl-fronted" bands, their lyrics involve things other than just love and sex. They're a lot more serious and cerebral, but are still light enough to not be too depressing/melancholy (with a few exceptions). And Shirley Manson's a much better vocalist than any other mainstream female vocalist I can think of.

So what does everybody else think?

They're an easy hit for me. I've always liked Version 2.0 more than the debut, however. It's been a long time since I listened to the debut though...

I've never heard the albums they released after that...

Have you ever listened to Curve?

-Tyrion

Hit. I've always had a thing for Shirley.

Plus, my mom's cousin is Duke (the guitarist). I've met him and the band a few times.

What were they (including Shirley) actually like as people?

Shirley was very cool. My stepsister went with us (who was only 7), and after the show we were all able to meet them. While everybody else was talking with the other members, Shirley spent the entire time talking to my stepsister. Shirley was able to stay entertained the entire time with her. She didn't care what everybody else had to say, she just wanted to hear what this 7 year old thought of the show.

I just kind of said hi to the other guys. This was about 12 years ago though.

It was like a family reunion, b/c even my grandparents went. It was funny to see them jamming out with everybody else.

That's cool, Ness

Although despite that I may have to say miss. I was into them a while ago, I had Version 2.0, but then I didn't listen to it for literally years because I went off it. I just recently sold it at a bring and buy sale for 50p

Yeah... I actually just bought Version 2.0 a couple weeks ago. I had a burn from a friend in high school who really liked them. He burned me that one and the debut, but it seems I really only listen to '2.0'. I have played it every once in awhile over the past few years and like pretty much every song on it. It was on my "to buy" list forever, I think, before I finally went and picked up a copy.

-Tyrion

Man, it's been a few years since I've heard anyone bring this band up. I purchased the debut when it came out, and it's a great album (I can almost listen to it from start to finish). The lead singer looks so hot in the song "I'm only happy when it rains"

I have only heard a few of their songs, but I thought they were good. I think knew a guy who dated the lead singer, cant remember his name.

Miss, but I can at least deal with some of their stuff. Not by bag, however.

I don't know why, but Version 2.0 (which I'm actually listening to as I type this message) just doesn't turn me on as much as Garbage's self-titled debut. The songs just don't really grab me as much, and they seem to lack some of the variety the band's debut had. Plus, the album's production just doesn't sound as powerful as the self-titled album's did.

Still, Version 2.0's a good album with several classics. My two favorites being Sleeping Together and When I Grow Up.

I don't mind listening to them, dunno if that qualifies as a hit or a miss

Miss. Garbage is garbage.

Some years ago I did own their first album on a cassette. Wasn't bad at all, but I believe that i wasn't prepared for it then. I was more into heavy metal and actually wanted to hear the pounding sound of guitars instead of Shirley Manson, even though I quite enjoyed their videos.

I've recently bought the first album again, this time on CD. Well, great stuff, including Queer, I'm Only Happy... and Stupid Girl

Getting a little into Shirley's personal life, it's almost depressing that in terms of both sophistication and moral values, she's probably one of the better female pop stars.

By the way, if you guys want to see something interesting, here's Metallica performing Only Happy When It Rains about two months ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=worctaQdArE