What is a "Battle for the Sun," and why would anyone imagine that it would make for a particularly great musical concept? Placebo, a UK band formed in 1994, took their name not from the placeholder that pretends to be a drug but rather from the root Latin, meaning "to please." Which should be a red flag to anyone that this band possesses very little in the way of concrete opinions. The notion behind artistry is to realize one's unique vision in a world of sameness; Placebo, unfortunately, fail to deliver.
The title track of the album betrays this lack of vision with the rather unfortunate lyric, "I have nothing left to say." To which any alert listener feels compelled to respond with, "I just wasted my money." Placebo offers no particular musical innovation; the bass and drums chug along in a military-like fashion, executing their purpose without particularly illuminating anything new or of value.
Of course, Placebo isn't trying to fool anybody. The title track is a wincingly honest study in artistic bankruptcy. With lyrics such as "I have nothing left to say," Placebo seems to be admitting that they're putting out something less than stellar, which is a shame. When the musicians find their work tedious, the audience is sure to agree.
Perhaps the final track, "In a Funk" is the most honest of the bunch. "I don't want to be alone," goes the lyric, and it seems true and almost compelling, until one realizes that instead of sparing us, Placebo has decided to wail about its boring uninsipired state in a highly produced setting.
Music doesn't have to be upbeat to be good, but it should never be boring. Placebo does not win the battle.
The title track of the album betrays this lack of vision with the rather unfortunate lyric, "I have nothing left to say." To which any alert listener feels compelled to respond with, "I just wasted my money." Placebo offers no particular musical innovation; the bass and drums chug along in a military-like fashion, executing their purpose without particularly illuminating anything new or of value.
Of course, Placebo isn't trying to fool anybody. The title track is a wincingly honest study in artistic bankruptcy. With lyrics such as "I have nothing left to say," Placebo seems to be admitting that they're putting out something less than stellar, which is a shame. When the musicians find their work tedious, the audience is sure to agree.
Perhaps the final track, "In a Funk" is the most honest of the bunch. "I don't want to be alone," goes the lyric, and it seems true and almost compelling, until one realizes that instead of sparing us, Placebo has decided to wail about its boring uninsipired state in a highly produced setting.
Music doesn't have to be upbeat to be good, but it should never be boring. Placebo does not win the battle.
About the Author:
New Placebo CD "Battle for the Sun" is, at its title promises, an abstract and somewhat mixed collection of music, sung with the disaffected nasal whine so common in so-called alternative 'indie' guitar groups that it should be referred to by number, as in, disaffected nasal whine #1.
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