Without You I'm Nothing

Audio Mixer: Jake Davies.
Recording information: Real World Studios.
If you want an idea of where Britain's darlings Placebo are coming from, imagine Smashing Pumpkins taking on the poppier sections of the Spiritualized songbook. Even that doesn't quite capture the unique sound Placebo achieves on WITHOUT YOU I'M NOTHING, so here's another clue-the title is pretty self-explanatory. The character in these songs is pretty unimpressed with himself and his place in the world, and like Billy Corgan of the aforementioned Pumpkins, he isn't afraid to grouse about it in a high, keening tenor over aggressive guitar backing. Unlike the Pumpkins, Placebo are students of the art of pop songcraft, and many of the tunes here will stick with you even after just one listen.