The story of how Garbage came to be is fascinating—it’s one of both chance and circumstance. While I won’t go into the details (you can read the story on Wikipedia, and it’s well worth your time) the bottom line is that Garbage has sold more than 17 million albums worldwide. After releasing a slew of critically acclaimed albums in the ’90s and into the ’00s the band still has a story to tell. This time though, it will be on their terms.
After a 7 year hiatus, Shirley Manson and company have returned with a stunning comeback record. Not Your Kind of People is both classic Garbage and a giant leap forward at the same time. Releasing the record on their own independent label, Stunvolume Records, one has the sense that this is what the band sounds like unfiltered—without any expectations or major label pressure.
But isn’t this how every band should blossom into their own? Not necessarily. Many bands, and I do mean many, benefit from the direction and support a major can contribute. In this case though, you have all the experience you need to forego the buy-in from label execs.
I was not really sure what to expect when heading to the see the show here in San Francisco. The opening band was called Screaming Females and sounded like Kyuss crossed with Mudhoney with a female lead singer. Not really what I had in mind to set the stage for Garbage, but I ended up buying the record as they sounded fantastic.
Garbage hit the stage and Shirley Manson walked out with a smirk on her face that was part happy to be here and part confidence that she was about to rule the stage.
The setlist was a fantastic mix of all of Garbage’s hits and cuts from the new record which fit together seamlessly. From hits like “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When it Rains,” to new songs such as “Blood for Poppies,” “Battle in Me,” and the brilliant “Control,” the band were top-notch and sounded better than ever. The energy on the stage translated immediately to the crowd. It was obvious this wasn’t a forced reunion, but instead a much needed, and a very much welcomed one.
Check out the hi res photos here. Were you at the show here in San Francisco? Have you seen the tour? Join the conversation in the comment section below.
Not Your Kind of People is available on 180 gram vinyl—and it sounds amazing.
