Black Market Music - Placebo

Advantages: Variety in music and tracks
Disadvantages: Vocal style may be an acquired taste.

...in being a very black, dark album musically, especially lyric-wise. This is Placebo's third album again written entirely by the threesome that is Placebo: Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal and Steve Hewitt. This appears to be something of a "coming of age" album seeing them more mature and more intense than their previous albums but just as good and well-crafted as their songs always are. Very open lyrically about Molko's gay/bi-sexual lifestyle and ...
...good range. His vocals may not be to everyone's taste, verging on whining sometimes, but they sure complement the music well. This album sports the now common "Parental Advisory" sticker as they are very free with their language and lyrical content. OK, let's take a look at some of the highlights and lowlights on this album: The opening track, "Taste in Men", was a single so may be instantly recognisable although it is by no means an outstanding ... Read review

Advantages: EVERY SONG IS AMAZING
Disadvantages: Only 13 tracks WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

...on with the review. Black Market music, a good name. It sort of fits the songs on the album, and adds a certain mystique to it. When I bought this album I could not stop listening to it and subsequently spent a few days sleeping at school. I know, naughty me. Tracks: (Im not going to bother saying which ones my favourite because it will end up being the same for each track lol so bear with me. Every song on this album is good in its own way, so ...
...lol. 9/10 Track 6- Black eyed. A song aboput betrayal, a great song, lots of memories. Great to play to yourself when you have just asked a girl out and she says no then you want to convince yourself that your great with the ladies lol. Ah memories... Its not repetitive, it has a good beat, not so great in the vocals this time i dont think but its still incredible. 8/10 Track 7- Blue American. The saddest song on the album and also one of my favs ... Read review

Advantages: variety big choruses and lovely soft moments
Disadvantages: some tracks seem to be little more than filler

...that the trio possess. Black Eyed Another great track, the bouncy guitars during the verse and huge falsetto chorus belying the obviously personal lyrics. These seem to sum up Molko's disjointed look into his past. "I was never faithful, and I was never one to trust, border-lining schitzo, and guaranteed to cause a fuss, I was never loyal except to my own pleasure zone.....". Certainly there is a hint of remorse at the pain he knows he has caused. ...
...in your head for weeks. Blue American A very dark insightful track, with some clever crafting of Brians lyrics. It is very similar in style to 'The Crawl' from 'Without You....', with mournful piano interspersed with low down and dirty guitars. Brian seems to be thanking his mother for her help in showing him right from wrong, although how much of this is meant to be taken literally I'm not sure. Slave to the Wage Pure Placebo! not really any ... Read review

Advantages: All songs flow yet stand out on own
Disadvantages: Some adult subject matters

...sound and the result is Black Market Music. Right from the opening track Taste In Men, you know you're listening to something very interesting. There's so much going on in this one track - lots of background noise to listen to whilst remaining melodic and Brian’s distinguished vocals on top. Days Before You Came opens jumping head first into a lively guitar riff and at just two and a half minutes long finishes a little prematurely. But no matter ...
...hidden track which I'll call Black Market Blood. They also did a cover of Robert Palmer's Johnny & Mary as a b-side on the Taste In Men single which was the closing track on my mp3 playlist. It's an excellent upbeat cover and makes a great closing tune which I'd recommend getting hold of if you can. You can listen to this album loads - the tracks flow almost seamlessly. Rare for an album with so many songs that stand out on their own right. Playing ... Read review

Advantages: Moody, dark,
Disadvantages: A few dodgy tracks

...also a hidden track called Black Market Blood which isn�t really worth the effort, like so many of these hidden tracks, yet isn�t too appalling either. It�s very hypnotic and atmospheric, but also a bit dreary and repetitive. Summary Not a very consistent album, but some good tracks and each song meets a certain standard of songwriting, even if it�s a relatively low one. Worth at least one listen if you like the band ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent Album, a Collection of all Placebos best songs.
Disadvantages: I really can't think of any with this album.

...numerous albums these include: # Placebo (July 17, 1996) # Without You I'm Nothing (October 12, 1998) # Black Market Music (October 9, 2000) # Sleeping with Ghosts (March 24, 2003) # Meds (March 13, 2006) And Compilations #Once More with Feeling (November 30, 2004) #Covers (March 5, 2007) #Extended Play '07 (July 31, 2007) (USA only release) They have also worked with other band and singers such as Robert Smith from The Cure. And dueted with, Michael Stripe (REM) and after being invited to play at David Bowies 50th birthday party, they worked together on recording the song, 'Without You I'm Nothing'. When this album was released the band consisted of: Brian Molko - Vocals, guitar, harmonica, keyboards, saxophone Stefan Olsdal - Bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals Steve Hewitt - Drums, percussion Drummer Steve Hewitt left... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Refreshing
Disadvantages: some songs sound similar

...instrumental track) this picture sleeping with ghosts the bitter end special needs centrefolds in a very marketing sense, the album cover definitely caught my eye (i'm not a pervert). After buying, I was looking through the album inlay contents, and listening to centrefolds, brian molko definitely knows how to create a somewhat sad and eery atmosphere. Other albums by Placebo: Placebo Without You I'm Nothing Black Market Music Once More With Feeling (Singles) Placebo's music is mainly angst-filled and their style of music has now gathered a huge fanbase in europe (mainly france and germany). There are songs about drug abuse, sex, relationships, teenagers, and unhappiness in general. placebo fans will like this album, as i have done.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Placebo rock, haunting lyrics, loud guitars, reflective melodies, everything is here.
Disadvantages: none

...guitar anthems and for their beautifully crafted confused and reflective strolls through human experience. Its not as loud of confrontational as "BLACK MARKET MUSIC" neither is it as new or energetic as "PLACEBO" but it accomplishes everything is sets out to do and is a must buy for any Placebo fan. Anyone who enjoys Lowgold, Radiohead or Muse might also enjoy this album. James... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful