Welcome, welcome.
Today's post is one of simple math. In short, I've written about Garbage a fair deal. I've also written a bit about the once-popular soundtrack to the 1996 version of Romeo + Juliet. So what we've got, then, is a look at Garage's excellent contribution to that same said album, '#1 Crush'. In fairness, after yesterday's lengthy ode to the superb Galaxy Farm, today's post will be a bit more abbreviated. But let's press on, shall we?
As I said, the soundtrack to the film, while possesing more than its share of singles, was once quite popular. Unfortunately we've obviously moved on from the murky pop culture of the 90s into a distilled mess of reality TV and even more calculated pop music. Time was, once, when you could have a hit movie with a couple of teen hearthrob actors and a contemproary soundtrack of which seemingly everyone had a copy. That time is dead now. BUT! Way back then, when Friends was in its peak popularity and 'Lovefool' by The Cardigans was all over the radio, this was still happening. And yes, while 'Lovefool' was the ubiquitous single from the soundtrack, all Swedish ear-worms and pixie-singer charm, the stealth hit from that album was the ominous and dangerous Garbage single which also made (shamefully less significant) waves on modern radio.
Titled '#1 Crush', the song is both sexy and disturbing, showing Shirley and the gang at their thumping and churning best. Starting with an almost embarrasingly sincere moan, the song is Garbage working soundly in their wheelhouse. It's all looping bass lines and a drum beat that would pass for radio-friendly disco if it weren't for the ominous music layered over it. The verses feature Manson cooing "I would die for you, I would die for you, I've been dieing just to feel you by my side" as the bass swirls in a concentric circle. Manson's moaning here is almost without care, like she's simultaneously singing with abandon and no concern for the listener. The effect is both engaging, even if a bit jarring.
This whole song is a low affair, from the intonation to the actual notes and progressions. The notes are low on the scale, the tone is dark and eerie, the subject matter is bleak and disturbing, all of it in the best possible work of this band, whose members know a thing or two about making dark, moody music. For reals, give a listen to this song on a lonely nighttime drive and you've got some fantastic mood music; listen to it on a sunny, afternoon lunch break and you'll wonder who has Manson so enraptured. It's a fantastic slice of dangerous, sexy music that thumps and slides in all the right spots, to the point you'll wonder if the band is watching you through the windows. Just don't turn around...
Today's post is one of simple math. In short, I've written about Garbage a fair deal. I've also written a bit about the once-popular soundtrack to the 1996 version of Romeo + Juliet. So what we've got, then, is a look at Garage's excellent contribution to that same said album, '#1 Crush'. In fairness, after yesterday's lengthy ode to the superb Galaxy Farm, today's post will be a bit more abbreviated. But let's press on, shall we?
