Meds

Memorable TV Performances: Placebo- Blind on The Henry Rollins Show (2007)

Way back in the mid 00’s on IFC, Henry Rollins had a really great talk show. It was a really good show with interview guests as well as musical guests. The majority of the episodes are quite good and Henry always had really interesting questions for his guests. One of the best parts of the show was the musical guests. Henry had a plethora of great music guests including Slayer! There is one episode that I’ve always been fond of and that happened back in 2007 when Placebo was the musical guest for the show. During their stop on the show the band played 2 songs “Blind” from their amazing album, Meds, as well as their cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which is still the best cover of this song! I do have to emphasize that the performance of both songs are exquisite but, “Blind” takes the cake on this one. I’ve seen Placebo live a few times in my life but, I’ve never seen Brian Molko sing “Blind” quite like this. It’s otherworldly! This is genuinely one of my all time favorite TV performances ever! Enjoy!


Placebo- Blind (Live on The Henry Rollins Show- 2007):

Placebo- Running Up That Hill (Live on The Henry Rollins Show- 2007):

Title Tracks: Placebo

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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:

 

Album Rank: Placebo

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From the first time I heard the song Every You Every Me in 1997, I became a fan of Placebo. Their second album Without You I’m Nothing, would be a part of my constant playlist, especially on melancholia days. Which brings me to to today, when I woke up with the song “Meds” in my head, so naturally that got me thinking I should do an album rank of Placebo.

Black Market Music:

Placebo:


Battle For The Sun:


Loud Like Love:

Sleeping With Ghosts:

 

Without You I’m Nothing:

 

Meds:

 

 

 

Playlist 09.15.14

This weeks top 10 songs to enjoy

 

1. Abloom- After That Quiet (from Abloom Demos)

 

2. Chevelle- An Island (from La Gargola)

 

3. Failure- Daylight (from Fantastic Planet)

 

4. Mastodon- Ember City (from Once More Round The Sun)

 

5. Black Map- I’m Just The Driver (from Driver EP)

 

6. Placebo- Meds (from Meds)

 

7. Wovenwar- All Rise (from Wovenwar)

 

8. Godsmack- Something Different (from 1000 hp)

 

9. Incubus- The Warmth (from Make Yourself)

 

10. Down- Nothing In Return (from Down III: Over The Under)

 

By: Brian Lacy

 

Unsung Masterpieces: Placebo- Meds

There are bands that go through a sort of identity crisis in their careers, some use this as fuel to create something special and make what they come up with an influential and highly regarded piece of work. Placebo did that in 2006 when they released Meds. Their previous albums were great. but they started to feel very stagnant. Stepping away from their use of samplers, computers and vintage synthesizers and returning to actually playing again seemed to reinvigorate Placebo. Lyrically the balance of drug and alcohol imagery really showed part of their personal dysfunction and vulnerability. Songs like “Meds,” “Infra-Red,” and “Post Blue” showcase this pleasantly. There is also another theme that rings throughout the album, danger. “Because, I Want You” and “Blind” could be construed as love songs all the while creating a short story about drugs and love. Another stand out from the album was their cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,”  which fits perfectly in the thematic structure that MEDS is. It is also a staple at their live shows.

Placebo has never been one to shy away from what they want to create and release. Brian Molko has a voice that is very distinct and believable. This album is one of the best to be released in the last 15 years and still hold up!

 

 

By: Brian Lacy