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PLACEBO Sleeping With Ghosts (2003 UK 12-track CD album including the singles The Bitter End Special Needs and English Summer Rain picture sleeve booklet CDFLOOR17)
.co.uk
The basic tenets of the rock & roll manifesto--sex and drugs, dangerously excessive lashings of both--have always figured prominently in Placebo's glitterered-up, androgynous rock oeuvre. Sleeping with Ghosts is a little more coy (but just as sordid), dealing more with the torturous psychoanalysis of love and longstanding relationships than with the instantly-gratifying exchange of bodily fluids. Not that there isn't any room for fetishism and coital undernourishment. "This Picture", for example, apparently dwells on the doomy side of sado-masochism and comes over as just the sort of trash-glam pop stomp Suede once excelled at--that is until Brett Anderson knocked the funny stuff on the head and started gazing at rainbows. If press reports are to be believed these days--and the jury's out--Placebo are just as likely to turn their noses up at plates of narcotics as to plunge their nostrils in with glee. Not that they've cheered up. "The Bitter End" ("since we're feeling so anaesthetised") is one big bruising rock-out waving the flag of philosophical fatalism; rather like men rushing head-long into a brick wall at high speed, Placebo can't wait to get to their final date with destiny quick enough. At times it's hard to tell whether Brian Molko is repulsed or perversely gratified by his chosen subject matter, although he's definitely bored with the weather (the cheerless "English Summer Rain" is a subdued, sighing pop tune, driven by rhythmic jolts of electronica) and the waltztime, Doors-influenced "Protect Me from What I Want" finds him praying to be delivered from his own personal temptations (or demons). Sleeping with Ghosts, however, is every bit as much an album for slam-dancing nights out at Goth-favouring haunts as it is for the psychiatrists' couch. --Kevin Maidment
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Review
Sleeping with Ghosts is Placebo's fourth album. If their previous album, 2000s Black Market Music, was disappointing, then this album must be described as pitiful.Admittedly, "The Bitter End", the recent single, is a good pop tune. It has just the right amount of dark, gothic atmosphere to please their fans and enough radio friendly guitars to please the new generation of indie kids.But, their continuing attempts to be glamorous and 'different' just don't cut it in 2003, especially considering they're seven years into their career. At least the Manic Street Preachers have realised this; "We don't feel the need to dress up like tarts anymore" they wisely noted recently.However, an album should ultimately be judged on the sum of its parts. And in this case the 12 songs here don't amount to a hill of beans.The tunes wander aimlessly and the album fails to get out of first gear. Gone is the passion and excitement that was so evident in past singles such as "Nancy Boy" and "Pure Morning". Track 2, "English Summer Rain", deals with Molko's fascination in our, err, varied climate. The song is about as exciting as a grey, rainy day in Slough.More dour songs follow with "Protect Me From What I Want" and "Centrefolds". Here Molko's lyrics discuss subjects such as death and broken relationships. They provide enough material to fill at least one psychiatrist's notebook. The lyrics vary from the bizarre to the meaningless; Molko deals with serious issues, but doesn't provide any insight or answers.Just because Placebo wrote a couple of good tunes a few years ago doesn't mean that this album is any more worthy of recognition than the equally poor records hundreds of unsigned bands churn out every week. There is plenty of good music out there far more worthy of your time and money. See the links below for just a few options. --Dan Tallis Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off in a new window
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Reviews
4.8
All from verified purchases
M**R
Placebo - Sleeping with Ghosts
After three years, London-based rock trio Placebo has finally arrived with long-awaited fourth album, Sleeping with Ghosts. With their previous three records all hitting top 10 in the UK, the expectations for the new album are, to say the least, elevated. Then it is with no small amount of pleasure that many fans, after having heard the new tracks, pronounced Sleeping with Ghosts Placebo’s best album to date. I, for one, am inclined to agree.Taking their cues from the likes of DJ Shadow this time around, Placebo cleverly sidestep the pitfalls that dance/electronica influences often represent, and manage to fuse these influences effortlessly with their unique style. The arrangement chosen to showcase the music has a lot to do with this – in general, odd-numbered tracks on the album lean toward their old, guitar-driven approach with trademark ‘insect buzz’ distortion and simple punky rhythms; whereas even-numbered tracks showcase their new direction, with a couple of quiet, piano-led tracks to close off.The album opens with a sinister, frenzied instrumental reminiscent of the hidden track 'Evil Dildo' from second album Without You I’m Nothing, but as the record wears on, this quickly proves itself to be a red herring as to an indication of where the album is heading. Track 2, 'English Summer Rain', features vocalist Brian Molko on drums, providing a bouncy vibe and melodies you can’t help but sing along to. 'Special Needs' is another highlight in a similar style, with lines like ‘remember me / when every nose starts to bleed’ exemplifying Placebo’s usual lyrical perversity. How *very* Brian Molko.'The Bitter End', the first single off the album, is typical Placebo, perhaps with a little more melody than previous material. This newfound love of tunes features throughout the record, with is all the better for it. Placebo’s old, arse-on-fire running-with-guitars style sits heavily on tracks such as 'Plasticine' and 'Second Sight', and 'This Picture' comes across like a close relative of 1998’s 'You Don’t Care About Us'.The title track is more than a highlight. Upon the first few listens it is already elevated to a status equal to despondent Placebo classics such as 'Without You I’m Nothing' and 'My Sweet Prince'. Stealing a couple of lines from Les Misérables, this a heartbroken anthem backed by sparse electronica and a gorgeous tune. ‘Soulmates never die’, laments Molko in his remarkable helium-laced voice, bringing to the fore blatant emotional intensity and fierce love.Musically, Sleeping with Ghosts is marvellous. The band has struck gold with the heady mix of electronica, their signature trashy lite-punk and Molko’s constantly above-par vocal performance. Though the words are competent enough, it doesn’t ever get back to the lyrical genius exemplified in early Placebo. But overall, that’s a small price to pay. This is a dazzling album, a must-have for every Placebo fan and many more people besides.
J**P
Alergic to thoughts of Molko?
I always found Placebo as a good all round band in the indie/alt scene. Twisted enough to be cool with the more subversive and bizarre side, whilst remaining commercial and upbeat for the pop kids and us oldies.Seemingly this annoys the critics who do more whinining about Brians vocals than Brians vocals would ever be capable of on their own.Dispite a stack of bad reviews Placebo continue to sell and personally having found BBM an awful album for the most part, I was unsure how I was going to take to sleeping with ghosts. Placebo did not let me down at all, this album is excellent, from the guitar and drum beats of Bulletproof cupid to the more ambient English summer rain I just find sleeping with ghosts getting better and better each listen, even the slow song Special needs is grabbing my attention and unlike BBM this album has the ability of Placebo's past albums to keep me coming back for more & more continually rather than just the odd selected track.A must have album at the price it retails for here.
C**R
Another perfect album
I recommend all placebo albums to everyone, they are amazingly crafted albums with touching lyrics, brilliant music and the lead singer has a beautiful voice (a mixture of french and scottish!)In my opinion, it isn't the best Placebo album, 'Black Market Music' and 'Meds' are a little better holistically.However, 'This Picture' and 'Special Needs' are pretty brilliant songs and deserve endless praise and endless listens!
M**W
Cracker
As usual, Placebo don't let you down.
M**E
All turned up as described and on time
All turned up as described and on time
K**6
AMAZING
Love love love this album! A must have for any placebo fan. Covers album brilliant
L**N
Five Stars
Brilliant.
A**A
Five Stars
I brought this specifically for one of Placebo's cover songs. It was worth it.
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Sleeping with Ghosts is Placebo's fourth album. If their previous album, 2000s Black Market Music, was disappointing, then this album must be described as pitiful.
Admittedly, \"The Bitter End\", the recent single, is a good pop tune. It has just the right amount of dark, gothic atmosphere to please their fans and enough radio friendly guitars to please the new generation of indie kids.
But, their continuing attempts to be glamorous and 'different' just don't cut it in 2003, especially considering they're seven years into their career. At least the Manic Street Preachers have realised this; \"We don't feel the need to dress up like tarts anymore\" they wisely noted recently.
However, an album should ultimately be judged on the sum of its parts. And in this case the 12 songs here don't amount to a hill of beans.The tunes wander aimlessly and the album fails to get out of first gear. Gone is the passion and excitement that was so evident in past singles such as \"Nancy Boy\" and \"Pure Morning\". Track 2, \"English Summer Rain\", deals with Molko's fascination in our, err, varied climate. The song is about as exciting as a grey, rainy day in Slough.
More dour songs follow with \"Protect Me From What I Want\" and \"Centrefolds\". Here Molko's lyrics discuss subjects such as death and broken relationships. They provide enough material to fill at least one psychiatrist's notebook. The lyrics vary from the bizarre to the meaningless; Molko deals with serious issues, but doesn't provide any insight or answers.
Just because Placebo wrote a couple of good tunes a few years ago doesn't mean that this album is any more worthy of recognition than the equally poor records hundreds of unsigned bands churn out every week. There is plenty of good music out there far more worthy of your time and money. See the links below for just a few options. --Dan Tallis
","image":["https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/411VSA7ANPL.jpg","https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31PxFsrvBCL.jpg"],"offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"KWD","price":"7.53","itemCondition":"https://schema.org/NewCondition","availability":"https://schema.org/OutOfStock","shippingDetails":{"deliveryTime":{"@type":"ShippingDeliveryTime","minValue":3,"maxValue":3,"unitCode":"d"}}},"category":"pop","review":[{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***R"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 May 2003","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Placebo - Sleeping with Ghosts\n \n","reviewBody":"After three years, London-based rock trio Placebo has finally arrived with long-awaited fourth album, Sleeping with Ghosts. With their previous three records all hitting top 10 in the UK, the expectations for the new album are, to say the least, elevated. Then it is with no small amount of pleasure that many fans, after having heard the new tracks, pronounced Sleeping with Ghosts Placebo’s best album to date. I, for one, am inclined to agree.Taking their cues from the likes of DJ Shadow this time around, Placebo cleverly sidestep the pitfalls that dance/electronica influences often represent, and manage to fuse these influences effortlessly with their unique style. The arrangement chosen to showcase the music has a lot to do with this – in general, odd-numbered tracks on the album lean toward their old, guitar-driven approach with trademark ‘insect buzz’ distortion and simple punky rhythms; whereas even-numbered tracks showcase their new direction, with a couple of quiet, piano-led tracks to close off.The album opens with a sinister, frenzied instrumental reminiscent of the hidden track 'Evil Dildo' from second album Without You I’m Nothing, but as the record wears on, this quickly proves itself to be a red herring as to an indication of where the album is heading. Track 2, 'English Summer Rain', features vocalist Brian Molko on drums, providing a bouncy vibe and melodies you can’t help but sing along to. 'Special Needs' is another highlight in a similar style, with lines like ‘remember me / when every nose starts to bleed’ exemplifying Placebo’s usual lyrical perversity. How *very* Brian Molko.'The Bitter End', the first single off the album, is typical Placebo, perhaps with a little more melody than previous material. This newfound love of tunes features throughout the record, with is all the better for it. Placebo’s old, arse-on-fire running-with-guitars style sits heavily on tracks such as 'Plasticine' and 'Second Sight', and 'This Picture' comes across like a close relative of 1998’s 'You Don’t Care About Us'.The title track is more than a highlight. Upon the first few listens it is already elevated to a status equal to despondent Placebo classics such as 'Without You I’m Nothing' and 'My Sweet Prince'. Stealing a couple of lines from Les Misérables, this a heartbroken anthem backed by sparse electronica and a gorgeous tune. ‘Soulmates never die’, laments Molko in his remarkable helium-laced voice, bringing to the fore blatant emotional intensity and fierce love.Musically, Sleeping with Ghosts is marvellous. The band has struck gold with the heady mix of electronica, their signature trashy lite-punk and Molko’s constantly above-par vocal performance. Though the words are competent enough, it doesn’t ever get back to the lyrical genius exemplified in early Placebo. But overall, that’s a small price to pay. This is a dazzling album, a must-have for every Placebo fan and many more people besides."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"J***P"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2003","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Alergic to thoughts of Molko?\n \n","reviewBody":"I always found Placebo as a good all round band in the indie/alt scene. Twisted enough to be cool with the more subversive and bizarre side, whilst remaining commercial and upbeat for the pop kids and us oldies.Seemingly this annoys the critics who do more whinining about Brians vocals than Brians vocals would ever be capable of on their own.Dispite a stack of bad reviews Placebo continue to sell and personally having found BBM an awful album for the most part, I was unsure how I was going to take to sleeping with ghosts. Placebo did not let me down at all, this album is excellent, from the guitar and drum beats of Bulletproof cupid to the more ambient English summer rain I just find sleeping with ghosts getting better and better each listen, even the slow song Special needs is grabbing my attention and unlike BBM this album has the ability of Placebo's past albums to keep me coming back for more & more continually rather than just the odd selected track.A must have album at the price it retails for here."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"C***R"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2013","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Another perfect album\n \n","reviewBody":"I recommend all placebo albums to everyone, they are amazingly crafted albums with touching lyrics, brilliant music and the lead singer has a beautiful voice (a mixture of french and scottish!)In my opinion, it isn't the best Placebo album, 'Black Market Music' and 'Meds' are a little better holistically.However, 'This Picture' and 'Special Needs' are pretty brilliant songs and deserve endless praise and endless listens!"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***W"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2018","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Cracker\n \n","reviewBody":"As usual, Placebo don't let you down."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***E"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 April 2020","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n All turned up as described and on time\n \n","reviewBody":"All turned up as described and on time"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"K***6"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 August 2015","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n AMAZING\n \n","reviewBody":"Love love love this album! A must have for any placebo fan. Covers album brilliant"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"L***N"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2017","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Five Stars\n \n","reviewBody":"Brilliant."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"A***A"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 November 2015","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Five Stars\n \n","reviewBody":"I brought this specifically for one of Placebo's cover songs. It was worth it."}],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.875,"bestRating":5,"ratingCount":8}}
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