March 25th is the release date of Placebo’s long awaited new album, Never Let Me Go. Already two songs have been released, “Beautiful James” and “Surrounded By Spies” and now a third, “Try Better Next Time.” This song has a Loud Like Love meets Sleeping With Ghosts vibe. I’d love for a move back towards the Meds era vibe but, I’m stoked either way. New Placebo is always a good thing and this song is a good one too!
Placebo- Try Better Next Time:
Surrounded By Spies:
Beautiful James:
On March 25, 2022 Placebo will release their long awaited eighth studio album, Never Let Me Go. Already two songs have been released “Beautiful James” and “Surrounded By Spies.” The album was recorded between 2019 and 2021 and it is their first album to be recorded as a duo, following the departure of drummer Steve Forrest. 13 songs are slated for the album. The new songs have a bit of a Loud Like Love feel mixed with a bit of Without You I’m Nothing and a tinge of Sleeping With Ghosts. Pre-Orders for the album are available HERE.
Beautiful James:
Surrounded By Spies:
Placebo are no strangers to the hidden track, as their first three albums each had one at their respective ends. The two on their first two records were more experimental, instrumental songs, but on Black Market Music, there is an actual song. It’s a slow burner of a song and you can sort of get a glimpse of where the band was headed with their next album on it. The song “Black Market Blood” is one of the best songs in Placebo’s catalog and the best song on this album. It’s got all the elements that make the band who they are. It sure would be great to hear them play this one live one day.
Placebo- Black Market Blood:
If there’s one band that has the title track down, it’s Placebo. Since their inception in the mid 90’s, Placebo has been one of the most consistent bands to release quality albums and songs. They are also one of my all time favorite bands and their live shows are always stellar. Throughout the years, my appreciation for Placebo has grown stronger and stronger for their willingness to evolve and stay true to themselves without compromising their artistic integrity. Take a moment and explore these gems.
Without You I’m Nothing:
Sleeping With Ghosts:
Meds:
Battle For The Sun:
B3:
Loud Like Love:
There are bands that have come out and really influenced other people and bands but, never seem to get their due. A slew of bands from Europe have left their mark on bands from the states. The only thing is, most of America didn’t embrace it or give it a chance. One such band is Placebo. Formed in 1994 in London by singer/guitarist Brian Molko and bassist Stefan Olsdal, Placebo has left their mark in the alternative rock scene for over 20 years. Brian’s unique and distinct voice along with his beyond honest lyrics, have given great inspiration to many throughout the band’s inception.
One of the great things about Placebo is that they are a band that’s never been afraid to expand upon their sound and evolve. Originally when they came out, they were received as a “glam-rock” band by critics and the press, and over the years they worked to put themselves in a position not only escape that categorization but, to be one of the best rock bands. Lyrically, Brian Molko paints vivid pictures with his words. He lets you in a little bit at a time, so you can understand where he is at in his life and what he has experienced. Hid lyrics are some of the most truthful and thought provoking of the last 20 plus years.
Since 1994, Placebo has released 7 full length albums, each of which get better and better. You might recall first hearing Placebo back in the movie Cruel Intentions, and their song “Every You and Every Me.” Their debut album (self titled), is full of angst and questions in regards to growing up. Something everyone could relate to. Without You I’m Nothing, the band’s second album, saw them grow by leaps and bound and explore a different side of themselves. This album went deeper and featured a more “mellow” sound, making Brian stand out even more. Over the course of the next couple albums Black Market Music and Sleeping With Ghosts, Placebo really began to cement their place in rock music, especially in Europe and with their influences like David Bowie and Robert Smith of The Cure.
My personal favorite album of theirs, Meds, is a great summation of everything the band is about. There is something special about this album. It’s dark and powerful yet it breathes a sense of calm and connection as the songs play through. Songs like “Meds,” Infra Red,” “Drag,” “Follow The Cops Back Home,” “Because I Want You,” “Song To Say Goodbye,” and the very amazing “Blind,” are absolutely perfect. Meds would also mark the last album drummer Steve Hewitt would play in the band. Placebo has gone on to release 2 more full lengths, Battle For The Sun and Loud Like Love, which take the band on a different approach, incorporating more electronics and synths. Both of these albums though are pretty stellar and translate to a whole other space live, especially the songs off of Loud Like Love.
Placebo is a band that deserves their due. They are one of the few bands to truly understand what it is to evolve and pursue their goals without compromising their artistic integrity. There are so many bands that owe Placebo a huge debt of gratitude, which I hope they get. They are masters at their craft and like a fine wine, only gotten better with age.
Placebo- Meds:
Placebo Live 2003:
Placebo Live 2013:
Placebo Unplugged:
audioeclectica 