Alternative Rock music reviews

Maybe it's just me but I don't think Blood Sugar Sex Magik lives up to all the hype that surrounds it. That's not to say I don't thoroughly enjoy myself when I hear this, but it's just not what I was led to believe some 7 years ago (when I was beginning to form preferences). All the energy that makes a CD great is there, and there's even some to spare, the great vocals are there, amazing backing band, awe-inducing lyrics, everything is there that makes a memorable CD, well, memorable. I think my deal is just that I'm not the biggest Chili Peppers fan.

So lets just imagine that you, the potential buyer of this CD, have never heard of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. There's probably questions you're asking yourself:

Q: Is it really worth it?
A: Yes. Even for me, a person who thinks there's only a handful of good songs on this CD, I would definitely pay the money again.

Q: Is it everything people say?
A: I don't think so, but a lot of what people say has truth behind it.

I wouldn't chase anyone away from buying this CD, I do think it's an important record that ultimately changed a lot of people's outlook on music. I can't say I'm one of those people because my tastes in music are probably different from theirs, but I can admit that this is a CD that has aged as gracefully as possible. The ballads are just as powerful now as they were when this was released, and the more funky, heavy songs, retain every bit of energy as well.

My favorite songs are Breaking The Girl, Funky Munks, I Could Have Lied, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and Apache Rose Peacock. The Red Hot Chili Peppers eventually did go on to make a ton more memorable songs and CDs, but I doubt, aside from maybe Californiacation, they'll ever top this CD, and that's coming from a middle of the road fan too. So maybe that's saying something, of course, maybe not.

One of their most critically acclaimed albums, it is not difficult to see why BloodSugarSexMagik remains a classic, and pleaser to Chili Pepper fans. Expertise manifested on the guitars and drums, intensified by Anthony's vocals makes for a pleasant listening experience. Blood Sugar also show the bands willingness to be diverse. On the album starter "Power of Equality" Anthony provides a socio political message discouraging hate and bigotry, whereas songs like "Under the Bridge" (a personal anecdote of Kiedis' drug use) are more sentimental. The bands upbeat energy and variance in styles is recognized on tracks like "If You Have to Ask", "Suck My Kiss", "Mellowship Slinky in B Major", and "Give it Away" amongst others. On "If you Have to Ask" Anthony begins somewhat rapping about a wanna be gangst, and on "Suck My Kiss" hes more in your face, loud and direct. On these tracks Anthony raps, sings, and screams his lyrics displaying his versatility. The majority of the album contains an up beat, fast paced, and electrifying feel, yet standout tracks also include the slower, melodic "Breaking the Girl", "I Could Have Lied", and the all time classic hit "Under the Bridge". Overall the album has a funky, sentimental, and energetic feel all in one. Great album, and to quote Mr. Kiedis from "Under the Bridge", "I could not get enough."

I remember 1991 as a year when the compact disc began to gain serious popularity over the cassette tape as the musical medium of choice. More importantly though, 1991 laid the foundation for the next decade of what was to come musically, and was arguably one of the most important and influential years in music in the past 15 years.

Nevermind, Ten, Achtung Baby, Use Your Illusion I & II, Metalica's Black Album, BSSM...

It blows my mind to think that these albums--each monumental in their own respect and the definitive albums in the careers of their makers--were realeased in a single year, let alone in a span of two months (August and September, 1991) But this review isnt about 1991 or what Pearl Jam, Nirvana and the RHCP were doing in late August; it's about the most monstrous effort of all...an album that would transcend generations since its inception and leave a stamp on the lives of many of us now in our 20's and early 30's.

Blood Sugar Sex Magik is OUR album. You know who you are. It oozes sex and radiates with an energy that I can only describe as that. Its funk is ridiculous, and its power dictates our bodies when we listen to it...like a puppetmaster. Simply put, there's something that I can only describe as Magikal happening in this album. I can't put my finger on it, but those of you who own this album probably know what I'm getting at. It approaches the full 74 minute capacity of a CD, all along consistently maintaining its flow of energy and never once lets up.

For me, this is hands down THE definitive album of the last 15 years of my life. The other albums I've listed above are brilliant but BSSM covers more ground, is heavier, more powerful, deeper, and has more prescence. It left its mark on me long ago and continues to evolve with me. It's part of my essence.

I'd consider myself to have a diverse and extensive taste in and collection of music, and although I can't tell you exactly why, of all the music I have ever owned, this one cd has gotten the most spins and never tires on me.

BSSM barely managed to stay out of the mainstream and never got overplayed on the radio. Maybe it had soemthing to do with the other activity that year in music. Who knows. The result though is that this album has attained what I would describe as almost a cult-like following in that those of us who have owned it from the start have become part of it and simply "get it". It's a guy's album. Whether 15 and just listening to it for the first time, or 35 and had it since its release, there are a lot of guys out there with an intense passion for this album.

If you own this album and havent thought about it or listened to it recently, this is a friendly reminder to get it going again. If you don't own this album...well...that's too bad, but I guess its never too late to pick it up and experience the hype for yourself.

Cheers.

"Time and Time Again" is a really good song.

Aside from the hits on this cd, that is a really good song. It really shows off T-Bone Burnett's producing skills. He could've sung that song himself.

I'm not a fan of theirs really, but this is an enjoyable cd. I've listened to track 6 maybe 12 times in a row now. Great song.

I received this album as a gift 12 years ago, I snickered at it when I opened it. I had heard Mr. Jones so many times my first reaction was to shatter the disc. I found it surprising that after a couple of listens this album really started to resonate with me. 12 years later this remains one of my all time favorite albums. The Counting Crows albums released since this debut lack the melancholy tone that made this album stand out. I wonder if there will ever be a Counting Crows album as good as this. Deep inside of me there is a solemn hope that they will eventually try to stop writing big hit songs like Mr. Jones and will release another heartfelt album with more subdued tracks like Anna Begins and Raining in Baltimore.

Well over a decade after the Counting Crows released their debut album, I still am finding myself putting this CD in for a listen. This is my favorite CC album and I don't think they ever quite matched it (although I did love "This Desert Life" which also finds its way into my player). The best thing about CC is that no one sounds like them and they sound just as good (maybe better) live! Adam's voice utilizes every word, every note, and every intonation perfectly and it is impossible not to sing along. Most of these songs are standouts including: Round Here, Omaha, Mr. Jones, Anna Begins, Rain King, and Raining In Baltimore...and while we're at it, you can probably add Perfect Blue Buildings and Sullivan Street as solid tracks. This album has stood the test of time (compared to many bands that tried to copy (Hootie the Blowfish or Wallflowers, anyone?). Every song is like poetry and the music is a perfect compliment. A perfect mix of upbeat and slow, happy and sad, this CD should strike a chord with most listeners who appreciate good music, good lyrics, and good vocals.

"Time and Time Again" is a really good song.

Aside from the hits on this cd, that is a really good song. It really shows off T-Bone Burnett's producing skills. He could've sung that song himself.

I'm not a fan of theirs really, but this is an enjoyable cd. I've listened to track 6 maybe 12 times in a row now. Great song.

I received this album as a gift 12 years ago, I snickered at it when I opened it. I had heard Mr. Jones so many times my first reaction was to shatter the disc. I found it surprising that after a couple of listens this album really started to resonate with me. 12 years later this remains one of my all time favorite albums. The Counting Crows albums released since this debut lack the melancholy tone that made this album stand out. I wonder if there will ever be a Counting Crows album as good as this. Deep inside of me there is a solemn hope that they will eventually try to stop writing big hit songs like Mr. Jones and will release another heartfelt album with more subdued tracks like Anna Begins and Raining in Baltimore.

Well over a decade after the Counting Crows released their debut album, I still am finding myself putting this CD in for a listen. This is my favorite CC album and I don't think they ever quite matched it (although I did love "This Desert Life" which also finds its way into my player). The best thing about CC is that no one sounds like them and they sound just as good (maybe better) live! Adam's voice utilizes every word, every note, and every intonation perfectly and it is impossible not to sing along. Most of these songs are standouts including: Round Here, Omaha, Mr. Jones, Anna Begins, Rain King, and Raining In Baltimore...and while we're at it, you can probably add Perfect Blue Buildings and Sullivan Street as solid tracks. This album has stood the test of time (compared to many bands that tried to copy (Hootie the Blowfish or Wallflowers, anyone?). Every song is like poetry and the music is a perfect compliment. A perfect mix of upbeat and slow, happy and sad, this CD should strike a chord with most listeners who appreciate good music, good lyrics, and good vocals.

this album rules!! sublime rules!!! this and their self-titled albums are their best. too bad that brad died right when they were beginning to take over the world. if you don't have this you need to get this. i have the version with the two later deleted tracks ''rawhide'' and ''get out!'' and i have the version without those 2 tracks and more artwork. both versions are great. Sublime forever!!!

The production on this album bothered me for the longest time but this is truly a timeless classic. I don't know how many people realize that Sublime were the real deal. Up until their self-titled album, they were always under produced and best represented live. This music has so much heart though, it is unbelievable. There are more self-proclaimed singles on this CD than there are on the bands self-titled effort. A lot of these songs never saw the "light" we call radio, but songs like 40oz. To Freedom, Smoke To Joints, We're Only Gonna Die For Our Arrogance, Don't Push, 5446, Badfish, and basically the rest of the CD, are all great tunes. Artists like Bob Marley are receiving a lot of attention lately, and it seems to be a trend. Sublime is getting a lot of attention too, and it's okay. Sublime was a band that pioneered a sound. And, during the 90s, they were an out to all the grunge that dominated the era. This is also the only album I hear so many people complaining that they have worn out. Like that's a bad thing.

5 STAR AVERAGE RATING? YOU DO THE MATH. I PLAYED THIS CD SO MANY TIMES IT WORE OUT!

Ok, I heard Flood recently(I know this has been out for like ten years now). Real cool song, but that's all. This album really sucks. It's really mellow and almost boy-bandish. The drum machine the band utilizes is laughable. This is a horrible record. Thats all

How heavy do you expect a Christian group to be? Honestly, do you people buy CDs just to trash them? If you don't like the style then don't buy the music. If you like the style but don't like the group, then say why.

I'm 23, married, and Christian, and I can't get enough of Jars of Clay (or Superchick for that matter). I'm going to sing them both at Karaoke Night next week. I hope I get pelted with tomatoes and thrown out on my arse. There's not much middle ground with Jesus. Either you try hard to make him yours or you try hard to make him go away, but there's no yawning through him.

I bought this cd not knowing that they where a christian band but I guess it shouldn't matter. I am all about the music and I love being a musician becuase it helps you apreciate music alot more with out saying oh they are jesus freaks they suck or, there name is godsmack? that is stanic! I am anti-christ and I don't like any form of christianity. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy music some one is making who thinks differently than I do. I like the acoustics in the cd and it seems very positive. It is more soft than what I usually listen to but I still enjoy it. If you like acoustics and are free minded about music then buy this album. There other albums arent bad either but remember this is a really soft band.

I was introduced to The Cure in 2004, when I heard "Pictures of You" in an HP commercial, and liked the song. If I get a Cure CD, I might get this or "Galore." I think this is their signature album!

Honestly, I'm having difficulty thinking of what to say about Disintegration. What hasn't already been said about this album? It really is one of the greatest albums of musical history, and easily the best album by The Cure. However, I will admit that I am not a Cure fan in regards to the volume of their works. The only albums I enjoy are Disintegration, Bloodflowers, and Wish, in that order, which I guess you could say are their most accessible albums. The rest of the albums are a great big meh for me, and I just don't find them interesting or very listenable. As for Disnitegration, it is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. The songs are all perfectly written and produced, with no subtle sound being out of place, and no track over-wrought with excessive production. The vocals are brilliant, the lyrics are haunting, and the music is varied and majestic. Between dark rockers like Lullaby and poppy love songs like Pictures of You, Disintegration covers the gamut of fantastic music, and no song is mediocre on this album. If you can't listen to the album from start to finish, there might be something wrong with you. If you don't own it, buy it. If you don't like it, get some taste.

From the opening notes of Plainsong to the final bits of Untitled, Disintegration grabs the listener and envelopes them in its own dark atmosphere. Everyone has heard of Pictures of You and Love Song, But the true gem is the incredible Same Deep Water as You. Each note is clear and distinct, without distraction and overlapping sounds. Every instrument is precise and vibrant. In Lullaby, Robert Smith practically exhales every word as beautiful strings play in the background. This is an album that brings the listener into its world and shares its wonderful story.

That's what I though when I first heard my friend describe this CD. Hearing what I heard on the radio by Incubus made me mad that they would even TRY to imitate Mr. Bungle. But I actually gave this CD a chance...and boy did I make the right choice. I would have never thought that Incubus - a mainstream band - could've possibly pulled off an album like this. I was, err am, shocked. They actually made a decent CD where others have failed. See Slipknot. Horrible Nu-Metal band that try to imitate the Bungle. They wear the clown suits and everything. But they failed miserably in their first album to imitate Mr. Bungle.

But enough about that. About the album. It is mind-blowing. It grabs you and doesn't let go. It is infectiously catchy. It is simply phenomenal. The vocals are incredible, the drumming is incredible, the guitar work is incredible. That's all I need to say about it really.

One thing still irks me though. Why did Incubus go the mainstream route? You can clearly hear in this album that they are extremely talented. They have so much potential to be one of the best modern bands, but they sacrificed good music for fame. It saddens me.

Now you're probably wondering why I gave this album only four stars. Well, it's actually 4.3 stars. I really can't give this album 5 stars as well as Mr. Bungle, because they are simply superior in every way. But I don't think any band will surpass them anyway. But this album has earned Incubus the right to hold a candle to Mr. Bungle, which in itself is a compliment.

Highlights of this album: Certain Shade of Green, Favorite Things, and Summer Romance. These are incredible. The rest are a mere fantastic. :P

by far the best incubus album..ever. i am a diehard fan i have bought every cd/ep they have released and this cd is there best..this is incubus' high peak not that they are bad now but this is definetly the best album to listen to straight through..again this is another album where it seems like it is a collection of singles. And it also makes me mad when people say they don't like incubus because they arent heavy..go to an incubus concert and wait for them to rip out classics like idiot box and certain shade of green..i wish they would play more oldies like hot dancer (which is on their first lp and their ep)..well anyway just buy the cd it wont hurt to hear a great band who is very successful.

First off, why the Bungle and Faith No More comparisons? I guess it is a little unfair to the band, but you could do a lot worse than be compared to these great bands. Yes, Brandon's voice does resemble Mike Patton, especially in this album. But I think the main point of reference is that SCIENCE is an album that takes a stab at many genres, with a rock feel to them. Much like Faith No More's King For A Day, Fool For A Life Time Album or Mr Bungle's debut.

Now, with that out of the way, lets look into what made the first Incubus album their finest hour.

The album is bass heavy. Although not so much as, say The Red Hot Chili Peppers, there is a huge bass influence in this album, which not only gives it a funk tone, but gives the CD much more depth than your typical guitar driven rock album.

In fact, the guitar in this album can be quite unorthodox at time. While the bass player is slap bassing like crazy, the guitarist takes a step back and uses spacey effects, which works really well.

Brandon's voice is very versitile, and whilst he may over do it in newer releases, this album shows us that he can do everything from jazzy music (Summer Romance), to el screamo (Nebula) to catchy pop hooks (Favourite Things, he pulls them off impressivly.

Also worth mentioning that the turntables aren't wasted. Unlike, say Deftones where the DJ is only needed in parts, the turntables and keyboards here are much like (again) Faith No More, providing a full blown instrument of their own rather than just complimenting the song. Glass is a great example of this.

Song by song breakdown:

Redefine: This is a good example of Bungle influence. The way that heavy intro immmediatly switches to a cruisy chorus with weird effects and slap bass, and then slams back into a heavy chorus. Also, it has some of the most effective scratching in a rock song.

Vitamin: A rock song with a twist. Although the chorus reeks of rock radio, the intro and verses are obscure. Cool guitar effect on the intro, catchy chorus that is well sung and great drum breakdown make this a favourite.

New Skin: Cool drums, and simular to Redefine in terms of song structure. However, this is more of a frantic song, as the verses kinda flip out and get heavy at times. Turn the song up loud, the chorus sounds great like that.

Idiot Box: Kinda chuggish heavy song, which makes a good change from the opening tracks. Possible to say that it is a little too simular in it's "soft verse, loud chorus" structure, but there is enough variation to not notice the difference too much.

Glass: This is where things get funky. The DJ takes charge and with a tinny guitar, this is a very cool cruisy song. Until the chorus that is, but the samples in this song are way cool.

Magic Medicine: Gotta love DJ interludes. If you aren't in the mood, you may hit skip when you get tired, but it works as an interesting distraction in the album.

A Certain Shade Of Green: The lead single, and probably the most straight out rock song on the album. Badass riff, but the slap bass makes this song, it's totally Flea style. The DJ takes a step back here, and loses the samples in favour of scratching.

Favourite Things: Good riff, and more great guitar effects. There's a little thrash guitar hidden somewhere, but like Glass, the highlight of this is the guitar and DJ relationship. Worth listening to just for the buildup at the end.

Summer Romance: Completely different to the rest of the album. Christmas Bells and cruisy guitar. This works as lounge music, and although Brandon's voice sounds a tad sleazy, it works very well.

Nebula: My personal highlight. This song in a word: crazy. Stars out innocently enough, then BANG!, screaming yelly Brandon comes out only to slow down to funky spoken word Brandon, to be replaced by harmonic Brandon. This song is all over the world, and I like it.

Deep Inside: Another cruisy song, with a guitar that boasts the funkiest guitar solo that belongs in The Sims or something. Although it hints at hard rock, generally it works well as a sing along.

Colgone: Fuzzy bass ahoy! After much disortion, we return to the songs that made up the first half of the album. Great way to finish off the album, and leads into some (often hilarious) secret tracks.


Only gripe with the album is that it draws on too much influences for it to be called "A Classic" or anything.

Get Make Yourself, if you want to hear Incubus at their creative height. Get SCIENCE if you want to hear them at their best.

A generous four stars for this good EP. Superunknown is Soundgarden's magnum opus and is perhaps the greatest album from the "post-grunge" era. Soundgarden were definitely inspired by Black Sabbath, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc. and brought the best of these influences to the core of their songs. On this EP, "Superunknown" and "Fell On Black Days" are similar to the album versions. "Jerry Garcia's Finger" is trippy enough and funny for a couple of spins. This one is worth buying for "She Likes Surprises" from the International LP version and the excellent stripped-down acoustic version of "Like Suicide". If you like Chris Cornell singing and strumming on "Like Suicide", check out his rendition of "Black Hole Sun" on Audislave's DVD "Live in Cuba".

Soundgarden's superunknown stands out as one of the best albums of the 1990s. The Superunknown single is a great companion to superunknown mainly because it contains songs that should have been contained on superunkown such as she likes suprises available on the international version of superunkown and the acoustic version of like suicide. There is also the video version of fell on black days and jerry garcia's fingers which are also good.

The Superunkown single is good ebcause is provides some rarities from soundgarden like the acoustic version of Like Suicide and She likes suprises. It's a good comapanion disk to superunknowon.

Just Awesome music !!! I have been listing to this CD Since it came out and I still have my original CD !!!

LETS GET THIS BAND TO REUNITE !!!

LATER :)

If you havn't heard this album you are really missing out. I'm not going to waste our time going through it track by track because this is simply an astounding musical milestone that all rock fans must listen to. It is one of those classic albums that comes around a couple of times a decade that posseses a mystical quality that will last forever.

As far as the grunge trio of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and Nirvana goes, Soundgarden is usually the forgotten band. When talking impact, it is obvious that Nirvana can't be rivaled, but when talking pure talent and great music, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam are on a completely different level than Nirvana. Thats not to say that Kobain and Dave Grohl weren't/aren't great musicians, but Kurt is unquestionably overrated and Grohl has only reached his potential since Kurt's death. As for Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, both are absolutely fantastic bands, but something about Soundgarden and particularly "Superunknown" transcend Pearl Jam and all other grunge music. When ranking the top rock albums of all time, "Superunknown" simply has to be top 10, but for some reason it remains for the most part unappreciated and is seldom mentioned on greatest album lists. From start to finish this album kicks you in the face, and at the same time it's beautiful sound leaves you speechless. Here's a quick breakdown of the songs:

1. Let Me Drown- Perfect song to begin the album, breaking in with a crunching classic Soundgarden riff. Cornell's lyrics are powerful as usual. 9.5/10

2. My Wave- I'll be saying this a lot, but this is another fantastic riff. The verse repeats and builds up to a fantasic chorus that breaks in out of nowhere. Perfect music to accompany the angry, stay the hell away from me lyrics. Good song to listen to when your in a bad mood. 10/10

3. Fell On Black Days- One of the most well known Soundgarden songs, and one of the few that still gets substantial airplay. A classic, unorthodox riff that repeats throughout the song. When Cornell screams "how would I know that this could be me fate", it really hits your hard. 10/10

4. Mailman- Slow, grungy, walking in the mud type guitar throughout. Absolutely love Cornells vocals here. Not one of my favorites on the album, but still a great rock song. 9/10

5. Superunknown- Faster paced song. Quick repeating riff in the verse, which breaks into a simple but fantastic chorus, one that can give you chills. Cornell demonstrates his suberb vocal range. 9.5/10

6. Head Down- My personal favorite Soundgarden riff. Perfect drum entrance. Would have been better if Cornell wrote the lyrics, but still awesome. Kind of an unrecognized riff, but then again this is an unrecognized band. 9.5/10

7. Black Hole Sun- Soundgarden's poster song, and for good reason. Can't go more than a week without hearing it on the radio, which is the way it should be. It's an instantly recognizable intro, and one of my favorites of all time. The most beautifully eerie chorus I've ever heard. This song should be on the radio for the rest of human existence. Fantastic solo, with a repeating riff in the background that comes to a perfect finish. obviously 10/10

8. Spoonman- Another classic riff. The drums work in perfect harmony with the guitar throughout. Pretty much yet another perfect song. 10/10

9. Limo Wreck- Slow song. More dark and hard hitting lyrics. One of my least favorite, but once again that doesnt mean I dont think it kicks ass. 8.5/10

10. The Day I Tried To Live- Great intro into an unforgettable song. The first verse sends chills down your spine...scary and awesome lyrics. A winding bass riff that breaks in followed by a parallel guitar riff, a type of riff that you just dont hear anymore. Fantastic force behind Cornells vocals in the chorus. 10/10

11. Kickstand- Short and to the point, fast and loud. Just a good rock song. 9/10

12. Fresh Tendrils- Another ridiculously stupendous riff. Cornells voice slices through your head. Another song that just kicks your ass start to finish. 10/10

13. 4th Of July- Slow, dark riff for an all around dark song. More extremely sinister and perilous lyrics. Also a great guitar solo. 9.5/10

14. Half- A quick song, but a perfect intro into "Like Suicide". Sounds like (Asian) Indian music. 8.5/10

15. Like Suicide- The perfect song to conclude the album. Drums break in solo, followed by the bass, and then the guitar. Slow verse which breaks down into a phenomenal chorus, which is my personal favorite. Absolutely love the drums in this song, which are not overpowering but work perfectly with the other instruments. Eventually the drums pick up and it becomes a heavy rock song. Once again loud and forceful vocals from Cornell, along with one of Thayil's best solos. Then breaks down into a slow, peaceful ending...the perfect ending to the perfect album. 10/10

Obviously I am insanely high on this album, probably way too high for some peoples liking, but I truely believe this is a top 10 rock album of all time. Although it has sold millions, this album still hasn't gained the true recognition it deserves, and I can only hope that it one day will.

This is my favorite Garbage album. I like the songs MY LOVER'S BOX, DOG'S NEW TRICKS, ONLY HAPPY WHEN IT RAINS and STUPID GIRL. This album was also released as a boxed set of 45 VINYL RECORDS, each record containing two of the songs from the album.

What a stunning debut from the band i know and love Garbage. I have to admit that my first album i purchased by garbage was version 2.0 (which i love), so after that i ran out and bought their debut and see how the band came about. 12 great tracks here, all worth a thousand and one listens to. This a very dark and angry album but in a fun and sarcastic way. Shirley Manson is a goddess of voice and words:"hey boy take a look at me, let me dirty up your mind, i'll strip away your hard veneer and see what i can find." from the song Queer. Another fabulous songs include only happy when it rains, not my idea, vow, milk, and of course their most popular song stupid girl (a timeless classic). The song A stroke of luck is so haunting and mysterious, i'm still a bit confused what this song is about but it is great:"You say that you'll be there to catch me or will you only try to trap me..." I like this album, very-understated than the rest of their albums. Nothing glossy or over-produced here, just very raw, emotionally-rattled songs that will make you think twice about ending a relationship with a strong-willed girl.

While I was waiting in limbo between Debbie Harry's last solo album and Blondie's reunion album, into the void came a band that fit my need for great music perfectly.
This eponimous debut from the alternative rock band, Garbage, is the first album in a wave of new generation female-led outfits that took Blondie's example of how to make music from the feminine viewpoint and catapulted it into the rock stratosphere. Shirley Manson's lyrics are pure "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" delight. I don't know who hurt her, but I wouldn't want to be him!
Ms. Manson doesn't shrivel up over her broken heart, but instead comes out spitting and clawing like a wild cat seeking revenge against her former captor. With songs like "Vow", "As Heaven Is Wide" and "Not My Idea", Garbage turn her anger into danceable alt. rock and give the listener the feeling that Shirley and company know how he or she feels. The hit single "Stupid Girl" (not the same as Pink's new tune) takes aim at a woman who uses her shallowness to attract men only to throw them away like old kleenex. It's "Rip Her To Shreds" for the nineties.
All the way through, this album makes vengeance something to rock out to. If you've ever been through a break-up, you'll know just what these songs mean!