GARBAGE - Brixton Academy Thursday 9th June 2005 reviewed by Cars

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This was the 5th time I'd seen Garbage & after every gig I say that was definately the best one. Tonight was nearly no exception, a couple less new tracks from the album & it would have been. But hey, they were promoting the new album so couldn't expect any different. First though the support act - JJ72. Their first album is one of my favourites of all time. It's faultless. The follow up to that I found a little disappointing but after hearing the new stuff tonight I'm really looking forward to the new one which I believe is out in August. His voice had improved considerably since I saw them live in 2001. Great band, back on track who put on a great show tonight despite a less than friendly crowd (though they warmed to them towards the end thankfully) Now, onto Garbage - wow! Shirley sounded the best I've ever heard her. Her voice was perfect, as were the band. The show started with the lights dimmed & Johnny Cash's Hurt playing. Halfway through the band came out & then a huge cheer erupted - yes Shirley was there with a very rock star pose in the middle of the stage. Fantastic! They kicked off with Queer & within the first 4 songs 3 of them were from their debut album - Not My Idea probably causing the biggest surge of the crowd. It's always a great bounce along number. I have to say that though I "moaned" they (understandably) played several tracks off the new album they all translated a lot better live than they do on the album. Sex Is Not The Enemy sounded fantastic, as did Bleed Like Me. The biggest crowd pleaser of the night was also my highlight of the show - When I Grow Up. It's such a great song & always goes down well. The setlist on the whole was pretty faultless. There were a couple of tracks I'd hoped they'd play but didn't, however they stuck to the main songs & ones you'd expect to hear which was more than fine by me. My only slight change would have been the order of the songs. Though I was thrilled they played Queer it's not the best show opener, nor was the new (& slightly forgettable) Right Between The Eyes a good choice for show closer. The actual stage show was the most eleborate I'd seen them use in the fact there were huge screens behind them flashing up "buzz" words, images, etc. A great night for a great band - Shirley is a rock Goddess & tonight I think she knew that. Good on her! SETLIST: Queer Bad Boyfriend Not My Idea Stupid Girl Sex Is Not The Enemy Why Do You Love Me Hammering In My Head Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go) When I Grow Up Vow I Think I'm Paranoid Run Baby Run Metal Heart Push It Only Happy When It Rains -------- Bleed Like Me Special Right Between The Eyes 9 out of 10

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