Today, dear Ciao-users, I am gathering the courage to review an album I did not dare
to hear any more because I related every song, every line and every word to a
terrible relationship - but this record is simply so good that I have to recommend it!
"Meds" by Placebo - A good kind of depression ... Read review
Meds - Placebo
While Placebos previous couple of albums demonstrated a tendency to pander to a devout ... more
fanbase eager to suckle up frontman Brian Molkos shrill delivery of prurient autobiographical narrative and sexual innuendo, their fifth album, Meds, finds them read...
Meds - Placebo
While Placebos previous couple of albums demonstrated a tendency to pander to a devout ... more
fanbase eager to suckle up frontman Brian Molkos shrill delivery of prurient autobiographical narrative and sexual innuendo, their fifth album,Meds, finds them ready...
A review by morticiaaddams on Meds - Placebo May 4th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Originality
Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics
Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks
A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
unique deep lyrics, touching and provoking, Brian Molko's voice
Disadvantages:
not enough pure guitar sound; some tracks are weak; too depressing
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Today, dear Ciao-users, I am gathering the courage to review an album I did not dare to hear any more because I related every song, every line and every word to a terrible relationship - but this record is simply so good that I have to recommend it!
"Meds" by Placebo - A good kind of depression
Why did I buy it? My exboyfriend sent me one song off the album - "Pierrot the clown". Before that, I had only heard "Every you and every me", Placebo's most famous song dating back to the 90's, but that song touched me so much and I asked my friends to pass some of their music to me. I went to a record shop and bought "Meds" because I am never quite happy with downloaded or copied music. I listened to the record over and over again and just loved it for it's sounds of isolation and sadness accompanied by Brian Molko's most unsual, unique voice.
Who's Placebo? Placebo consists of three men. The frontman is singer Brian Molko, who loves to provoke and used to wear dresses on stage earlier in their career. Stefan Olsdal plays bass, guitar and keyboard and up until now, Steve Hewitt was their drummer. He is still featured on this record but has now left the band. He has been replaced Steve Forrest. Placebo had their first gig in 1995. The band became surprisingly successful although they were making music quite different from what was going on in the charts at that time. Since then, they steadilyn release outstanding albums every three to four years. Their music is quite dark but has outstanding melodies and guitar parts. Brian Molko's voice makes people listen up - I might go as far as comparing him to Marc Bolan when it comes to unsuality.
The tracks 1. "Meds" (feat. Alison Mosshart) This is the title song and the most successful single off this album. It begins with a fast acoustic guitar intro and then Brian Molko joining in, singing gravely about (drug induced) confusion. In the chorus, his voice grows louder and sounds desperate, singing "Baby, did you forget to take your meds?". The song is absolutely haunting and comes across as very strong and 'urgent'. The switches between acoustic guitar and the blasting instruments in the chorus make it exciting.
2. Infra-red This starts with a mashine-like beat, much like walking up and endless set of stairs. There is again some more blasting music in the chorus. The song seems somewhat menacing and scary.
3. Drag This song is a bit more upbeat. The song is about "dragging behind" - failing at something and bot being as good as someone else. But strangely, the singing seems to tell a different story - the lyrical I seems to take it lightly. A nice song that seems somehow ironic.
4. Space Monkey Starting with a slow beat and a srange, simmering sound welling up in the background, this song is an example of what Placebo fans love about the band and their lyrics. _We're sown together, she's born to mesmer, beside, astride her, I die inside her. It's far too sacred, Don't ever fake it, And don't, and don't, and don't let me down_. The song creates the feeling of isolation and love killed by it.
5. Follow the cops back home This is one of my favourite tracks, and I'd even say one of my favourite songs by the band altogether. The singer's voice seems almost hypnotizing but at the same time, terribly sad and depressing. Only sometimes it wells up to sorrowful sounds. The instruments all seems dimmed and far away. It sounds so mellow and hopeless, but at the same time strikingly beautiful. I will always connect it with going through the snow with a heavy heart.
6. Post blue This song again stands out by the menacing, torn sound of the instruments. The line "It's in the water baby" will stick to your mind.
7. Because I want you Brian Molko's voice is clean and unobscured in this song. The song seems to be about trouble in a relationship with the lyrical I still wanting his partner very much, not wanting to be alone. This song is nice but not outstandingly so.
8. Blind This song is very sad. The singer begs to not be left alone and be blinded by it. The person singing seems to already be alone, first singing that "we", his partner and he, broke "it" (the relationship), but in the end he admits that he alone has done it.
9. Pierrot the clown This is my favourite song that usually gets me to tears. I am not joking. The song alone has had me crying countless times. It starts with a slow, muted beat and the singer starts singing in a clear, sad voice. He uses Pierrot the clown as a metaphor for someone smiling although he/she is not happy at all. The song concerns itself with abusive relationships with domestic violence. The song is written from the point of view of the victim, who still loves his abusive partner and even awaits his abuse. _ "Leave me bleeding on the bed, see you right back here tomorrow, for the next round. Keep this scene inside your head, as the bruises turn to yellow, and the swelling goes down.. And if you're ever around, in the city or the suburbs, of this town, be sure to come around, I'll be wallowing in sorrow, wearing a frown, like pierrot the clown" _
10. Broken promise (feat. Michael Stipe) This song starts with a piano and Michael Stipe singing. It's mainly about dishonesty and the catching piano melodie is played over and over again. This song is nice and just blends into the album perfectly, but it is not outstanding either.
11. One of a kind I suspect that song is about a person being, society-wise, invisible - but sometimes it's not easy to see the meaning in songs as they can be like modern poetry. The song blends into the album, like No. 10, and has a nice progessive chorus, but doesn't stand out.
12. In the cold light of morning This is one of my favourites yet again. This song picks up the theme of isolation once again and does it perfectly.The singing sounds somewhat grave again, like surpressed anger and sadness. The melodie feels like the wind, and once again I see streets covered in snow inside my head. The lyrics indicate that the song is about a negative kind of confusion after taking drugs the night before.
13. Song to say goodbye Suiting the title, this is the last track. This song has a bit more chart potential, although it is very sad again. It seems to be about breaking up and, obviously, saying goodbye. The song has become famous for it's music video shown on television, where a little boy and a father are shown with switched roles - the father cries, the boy drags him behind, comforts him when he falls. The music video sounds funny when described, but will makes you sad and thoughtful.
The packaging The CD cover and it's back are mainly white. On the cover, we have a naked torso and head of a long-haired person, but the headis blurred - it seems like it is turning ti the left and the right at the same time. The chest is obscurred by a censor bar and the album's title. The back is mainly white with "PLACEBO.MEDS" written in the lower half and the songs listed in a small font within three lines. The information on publishing and producing is even smaller and can barely be read. There's a barcode next to it. The booklet is a pleasure to look at, but the lyrics and additional information are pretty much unreadbale as they are written in dark green on black background. On the first page, we see part of the lyrics of "Meds" on the right and a green-ish photgraph of a woman only wearing panties, floating in the air with her hair obscuring most of her face. The next two pages are covered by a picture of the same woman, now lying on the floor, curled up as if she is crying. On the next page you get the lyrics of the first four tracks in absolutely tiny printing, with a photographic cyclus of the woman getting up from the floor, still in strange green lighting. Upon turning the page, you will see a picture of the woman again floating in the room, but in a more upright position. On the page next to it there are the lyrics for tracks five to nine. On the last page there is a small photographs of Placebo, only taking up one third of the page, and above that you get the lyrics for songs ten, eleven and twelve. On the right page you get the lyrics to "Song to say goodbye", production credits, additional musicians and a Thank You-List by the band.
Additional information The CD is published by EMI. The band is managed by Riverman. The photography is by Nadav Kander.
Price It can be ordered via Amazon.co.uk for £4.09. There is also an imported version with two extra tracks, priced at £15.19. Pros and ConsPros
Very touching, thought provoking music
heartfelt, unique lyrics
Brian Molko's unique voice
something different from the current chartbreakers
13 songs are good value as a lot of artists tend to put much less on their CDs
most songs are outstandingly good
Cons
very depressing, sad music that will taint your mood somehow
not a typical Placebo album; some fans consider it to not be any good at all
not enough pure guitar sound
My opinion and conclusion This album is simply amazing. I have bought it almost two years ago and still listen to it now (when I dare to). If it didn't make me so sad I would put it on even more often. It is full of songs that will stick to your mind. Most are for thoughtful moments, but the theme song "Meds" can even be fun to dance to, as I noticed when I requested it in a club. This record might not be a typical Placebo album because "Meds" seems to take the happy out of the 'happysad' music Placebo made on their first record, but then again "Meds" ' sound closely relates to the album that came before ("Sleeping with Ghosts"), so it was no utter surprise. I take a star off for the three or four tracks that seem like they were made to fill the gaps between the earth-shattering tracks.
Advantages: the song - 'Because I want you'. and a collaboration with Michael Stipe (R.E.M) Disadvantages: Some really boring songs.
Meds marks the return, or the 'comeback' if you like of these grungy funky trio, otherwise known as Placebo. Fronted by Brian Molko.
This features a brand new collection of tortured tunes, doing what they do best, their first full stucio album in three years.
Although i feel their showcasing much more of a paied-down sound, the band seemed to have redirected their focus back to the raw rock of their earlier days. I especially like one of their ... ...set out to conjure.
Meds was made with French producer Dimitri Tikovoi (Trash Palace), who made the band strip back their sound, doing away with studio trickery and taking Placebo back to their early indie-rock roots.
1. Meds - title track, nice intro, good rhythm, astounding lyrics.
2. Infra-Red - My personal favourite track on the album. Molko sings a lot more like the typical Placebo we're probably used to. This has a great drum beat on it ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Some really addictive songs, near perfection throughout Disadvantages: Let down by one dead duck of a song
Meds is Placebo's fifth studio album, (sixth if you include their greatest hits) and I am greatly impressed, the only other album that I possess is the greatest hits and that is how I have got into listening to them but, I am told by lifelong Placebo fans that this is the best album since their breakthrough self titled album, and who am I to disagree.
Meds covers many topics ranging from drug use, alcoholism, domestic violence and sexuality, this ... ...as the others. Meds is in my opinion a top quality album and listening to it has even persuaded me to snap up tickets for their forthcoming UK tour in December when they were only on pre-sale as I am fast becoming a big fan of Placebo. I love this album and feel that the only letdown is 12.In the Cold Light of Morning, I really don't like this song and it prevents the album from being perfect, but, it is still rare to possess an album with only one ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Another magnificent effort from Placebo. Disadvantages: Some of the tracks lose the aggressiveness they had on the demos.
For the past 10 years, Placebo have been one of the main rock bands that this country have produced. Coming off the back off Britpop, their first album included a strong, exciting set of songs on sex, drugs, and, well, more sex. Throughout the years, admittedly, they have kind of stayed on the same lines.
Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. They have written some of the most memorable dark pop that this country has seen, and even had a few hits ... ...Every Me'.
But that was then, and this is now. On their 5th studio album, they've grown up a little bit, and even if there are still drug references a-plenty, they've started writing songs about (shudder) love. Opener 'Meds' is a typical Placebo effort about the medicine cupboard, which begins with an excellent acoustic guitar riff, before coming in heavier, which says 'We're back!' in one of the most exciting ways this year.
And there are many ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: lyrics Disadvantages: the dvd isn't very good
...collaborations that really do make Meds a downright essential album to get hold of. another of the albums undoughted highlights is molko's sincere,heart-breaking intense vocals along with catchy guitar riffs.
They do not compare to any artists around as they are so different from anyone else, and I love that about them. It's excellent, easy to listen to, and very versatile.
the only bad thing about this cd is the dvd included in the limited edition ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Almost everything! Disadvantages: It has to end!
...Placebo's sixth studio album was released in March of 2006, Meds, is the latest offering from the three piece London based band (who just recently became a two - piece after the sad departure of drummer Steve Hewitt.) the original line-up for this album has been the fool proof three of Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal and Steve Hewitt, together since ex drummer Robert Schultzberg left the band in 1996. After a time wondering if they would ever make it the band made it into the mainstream with 1997's Nancy boy, which led them to their popularity today?!
Meds' highest chart position in the UK, was number 7, which is brilliant for an obscure band, contending with the endless stream of R'n'B, urban and dance acts dominating our charts!
~~ Meds ~~
Featuring Alison "VV" Mosshart from the kills, it was the last single to be released from...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A few new killer anthems! Disadvantages: Some of the songs lack much needed magic!
...It's no secret that I'm a massive Placebo fan. After first hearing the striking guitar riffs and solid drum beats from 'The Bitter End' I was instantly hooked. After buying the brilliant 'Sleeping With Ghosts', I ventured onto their older records and found that, although all of them were amazing, I was the most taken with 'Without You I'm Nothing', a blend of sordid ballads and haunted memories, it was described as the 'difficult' second album by the alternative heroes.
So, when I first heard that Meds was to be released, I was intrigued to hear what the new album was to sound like. Each and every time the band release a new album, the claim that it is 'the album they have always wanted to make' and Meds was to be no exception.
In an interview with Zero magazine just as 'Meds' was due to be released, lead singer and guitarist Brian...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: A nice change to a great sounding band. Disadvantages: Will take a bit to get used to.
...productions these include;
Bill Lloyd on keyboards who has worked alongside the band on a number of the band?s albums since 1999 as a sound designer and appears with the band live and works as a technician for the band as well.
Fiona Brice on violin who also has worked along with the band on their previous album Meds as well as providing string arrangements for a number of different acts such as Westlife, Kayne West, and Simply Red. During Placebo?s current tour she also provided the violin backing to a number of the tracks which are featured on the Battle for the Sun album.
Track Listing
1. Kitty Litter
The album kicks off with a filthy and grinding sounding guitar riff with a much darker and heavier feel than I have previously heard from Placebo yet Brian Molko?s vocal appears much more...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
![Meds [Australian Import] - Placebo](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/89519791.jpg)
![Meds [CD + DVD] - Placebo](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/93737193.jpg)
![Meds [Australian Import] - Placebo](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78277493.jpg)
![River Is Wide, The [Remastered] - Forum (The)](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/251/River_Is_Wide_The_Remastered_Forum_The__6006251.jpg)
05.03.2008
15.08.2009
