Garbage: 'Not Your Kind of People'

The opening chords of the latest album from Shirley Manson and Co. — released on the band’s own label — sound like the most epic Megaman game ever to hit your Nintendo. Then after just a few seconds, the queen of rock 'n' roll sex appeal oozes her trademark sensuality and reminds us why we fell in love with Garbage in the late ’90s. The first single, “Blood for Poppies,” would fit in amongst the latest Katy Perry or Black Keys singles. The title track commands familiarity without sounding dated. The arrangements could have been an immediate follow up to 1998’s landmark Version 2.0, but just as easily stand with today’s catchiest mainstream pop. At the same time Manson boasts a sense of elitism with jabs aimed at their turncoat former record execs in lyrics such as "Don't want to be like you/ ever in our lives/ when you start talking/ there's nothing but white noise." Garbage has earned that right to exclusivity. Having pumped out single after single in the ’90s, the band seemed poised to ride that high to retirement, but the albums following their first two smashes were met with tepid responses. In their return, Manson’s inclination for melancholy still haunts every track, but a welcome dash of empowered optimism keeps the album a fresh experience.

★★★ ½ (out of 5 stars)