My broken spirit is frozen to the core

Let's start the weekend off with another random cover.

This time it's Placebo doing an 80s classic.

One of those songs that I inexplicably know despite never actually owning or actively listening to it myself. I guess it was the kind of pop song that was ubiquitous when I was growing up. Back in the day when songs hung around in the charts for weeks on end and radio stations played them endlessly. It is after all a pretty catchy, bouncy inoffensive pop song with pretty horrible 80s production. Or at least in was.

In this incarnation, Placebo suitably rough it up while retaining that instantly recognisable hook. Heavier than the original, it also captures an air of desperation that suggest a darker slant to the lyrics. Far more bitter. As though from a jilted lover who can't help but feel disillusioned by a turn of events. Jealous of the life their ex is moving on to have, unaware of the rut the split has left the in. Unable to clear his head of the thoughts and memories that are eating away at him. Just wishing he could make her see what's being done to him.

And while we're here, why not have a track from the new Placebo album too. I've not heard the album so I can't really tell you much about it but Placebo are one of those bands that have a special place in my record collection. I don't think they've ever released a bad album. A great debut certainly. An awesome follow up definitely. And yes a couple of average to not so good ones. But nothing truly awful. They're kind of reassuringly reliable in that way. A safe choice because you always kind of know what you're going to get. Brian's nasally whine, some dodgy rhyming dictionary couplets and some scratchy, awkward, angsty tunes. Of which this session version of the title track is a prime example.

Placebo - wouldn't it be good (Nik Kershaw cover live session version) studio version available on the single 'For What It's Worth' and original Nik Kershaw version available on 'Essential'

Placebo - battle for the sun (live session version) original version available on 'Battle For The Sun'

mp3 / placebo / placebo