Version 2.0

by Garbage

Overview

Unveiling the new model of a machine that made its debut three years prior, alternative rock outfit Garbage polished the raw grind of their hazy first album with the sparkling digital sheen of 1998 sophomore effort Version 2.0. Emerging from the eerie trip-hop and bleak grunge of the critically acclaimed, multi-platinum Garbage, the quartet expanded their vision, going into overdrive with a futuristic sound that blended their inspirations both classic (the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and the Pretenders) and contemporary (Bjoerk, Portishead, and the Prodigy). While Garbage retained the sleaze and effortless cool of their debut -- hinted on early tracks "As Heaven Is Wide" and "A Stroke of Luck" -- they infused Version 2.0 with deeper electronic layering, improved hooks, and an intimate lyrical focus courtesy of iconic vocalist Shirley Manson, who seized her place as the face and voice of the band with authority and confidence. On the propulsive "When I Grow Up" and the bittersweet "Special," Garbage took cues from '60s girl groups with "sha-la-la"s and stacked vocal harmonies, grounding them with a delivery inspired by Chrissie Hynde. Elsewhere, the hard techno edges of Curve and Bjoerk cut through the frustrated "Dumb" and the lusty "Sleep Together," while Depeche Mode's Wild West years received tribute on the stomping "Wicked Ways." Beyond the blistering hit singles "I Think I'm Paranoid" and "Push It," Version 2.0 is also home to Garbage's most tender and heartbreaking moments, from the pensive "Medication" to the trip-hop-indebted "The Trick Is to Keep Breathing" and "You Look So Fine." Balanced and taut, Version 2.0 is a greatest-hits collection packaged as a regular album, not only a peak in Garbage's catalog, but one of the definitive releases of the late '90s. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

Product Details

Release Date:	10/20/2023
Label:	Bmg
UPC:	4050538935448
Rank:	22276

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Garbage   Primary Artist
Todd Malcolm Michiles   Guest Artist,Scratching
Shirley Manson   Vocals
Steve Marker   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Michael Masley   Cymbalom,Hammer Dulcimer
Butch Vig   Drums
Daniel Shulman   Bass
Jon J. Vriesacker   Violin
Duke Erikson   Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Acoustic)

Technical Credits

Shirley Manson   Group,Composer,Producer
Steve Marker   Group,Composer,Producer,Group Member
Billy Bush   Engineer
Chris Bell   Composer
The Crystal Method   Remix Engineer
Joe Strummer   Composer
Garbage   Artwork,Composer,Lyricist,Producer,Art Direction,Remix Engineer
Victor Calderone   Remix Engineer
Scott Hull   Engineer,Mastering
Purity   Remix Engineer
Eric Kupper   Remix Engineer
Mike Zirkel   Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Alex Chilton   Composer
Brothers in Rhythm   Remix Engineer
Brian Wilson   Composer
Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor   Composer
Sky Saxon   Composer
Boom Boom Satellites   Remix Engineer
Fun Lovin' Criminals   Remix Engineer
Howie Weinberg   Engineer,Mastering
Butch Vig   Group,Composer,Producer,Group Member
Danny Tenaglia   Remix Engineer
Bob Bortnick   A&R
Korda Marshall   A&R
Jenna Adler   Booking
Mick Jones   Composer
Steve Moir   Management
Stephane Sednaoui   Photography
Duke Erikson   Group,Composer,Producer,Group Member
Roger Christian   Composer
Ade Britteon   Design
Rickidy Raw   Remix Engineer
Paul Boswell   Booking
Gary Borman   Management
Christopher Dalston   Booking
Shirley Mason   Group Member
Douglas Elwin Erikson   Composer
Christopher Bell   Composer
Steve Vibecrusher   Composer

Editorial Reviews

On Version 2.0, Garbage expand on their self-titled debut, adding a techno edge to their platinum-selling sound. Garbage makes alternative rock, then dresses it up as pop, contrasting Shirley Manson's audacious vocals with glossy production provided by drummer and superstar producer Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins). Blending sing-song melodies, edgy guitars, and random bursts of noise, songs like "Push It," "I Think I'm Paranoid," "Temptation Waits," and "Special," are the place where alternative muddies the mainstream.

barnesandnoble.com

Neither a flat-out retread nor a full-fledged progression, Version 2.0 is almost too accurate a title for Garbage's second album. Everything that made Garbage a success is here -- Shirley Manson's seductive strength, strong pop sensibility, a production that falls halfway between alternative rock and techno -- presented in a slightly newer form. Version 2.0 may be gilded with fresh drum loops and shiny, computerized production, but it lacks the thrilling immediacy of the debut. It isn't that Garbage's sound is no longer appealing -- it's that high-tech production has a tendency to make the songs sound the same. That was a problem with the debut as well, but it's discouraging to find that those flaws are repeated, not solved. Still, when Garbage pulls it all together, the results are irresistible, and there are just enough moments on the album -- including "Special," "Push It," "Temptation Waits" and "I Think I'm Paranoid" -- to make it a successful follow-up, even if it isn't a brave step forward. -- All-Music Guide

Stephen Thomas Erlewine