[Friday On The Turntable] Placebo - Loud Like Love: A Review

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Adam, thank you for tuning. Have a splendid weekend. - Bret

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

John, did you see the Frankenstein mug in last week's video? Both of them were a gift from my Aunt, back in 1983 - so the only place they are probably available is on ebay. My parents recently found them in a box in the garage - very happy to be reunited with these rad mugs! Glad you noticed. Thanks for watching. - Bret

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

You're correct. People fall in love with an artist, and then expect them to stay exactly the same. If they respect and admire the artist, then they'll appreciate the changes that the artist makes... it's all about growing. Thanks for watching. - Bret

[@MissMataja]

In 100% agreement with you about pricing. In the 90's when the major labels began phasing out the new releases on vinyl that were running $8-$9 lowered the price on CDs - finally! Then as vinyl reemerged - they suddenly were double the price of the CD. It's completely, as you said, punishing the music collectors for what they claim are losses from the digital age.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Thanks Dereck. No response from the label - I guess it's what I expected... but if our opinion isn't voiced, then the exploitation will continue unchallenged. Thanks for watching.

[@dereckvon]

Nice and in depth. Cool you spotted Morrissey.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

I hear you. Quality is definitely sub-standard on a lot of newer releases. I failed to mention that this particular record also had some vinyl shavings still hanging off of the edges. Not acceptable. Thanks for watching and commenting. - Bret

[@LugiazulDeRespaldo]

I've just got into Placebo by this album (introduced by the VEVO advertisement with "Too many friends" a long time ago), it took me exactly a couple times but it really grew on me and I'm liking it a lot, I might as well take your advice and continue with their second album. I don't really know why there are so many negative reviews for this LP, could it maybe be for the poor lyrics of some tracks? By the way, the electronic side of this album is just great.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Lugiazul - Canal de Respaldo- definitely pick up 'Without You I'm Nothing' or 'Black Market Music' when you come across them, both are great albums. Not sure why there are many negative reviews on this release - it's so good! :) Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. - Bret

[@LugiazulDeRespaldo]

Bret Helm's Life On This Planet Blog Haha 'kay mate and no problem, it's good to see that even a fan like you can give a partial review to a new album of his fav band. What I also found kind of odd was that, to the date, there are no reviews for this album on youtube apart from yours, it didn't get that much of attention.

[@broke.on.records]

Having Placebo in my top five bands ever, LLL is still growing on me. I do love the title track, Too Many Friends, and Bosco for sure. Just have to spend more time with it. I actually love almost every song on Battle for the Sun. I saw them once back in '07 but don't really remember it much, especially since it was before I was obsessed with them. Thankfully they're announcing a 2014 tour soon so I'll be sure to see them in Chi. Love that you're showing love for this band!

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Thanks Logan - always great to see other Placebo fans in the VC. \m/

[@dereckvon]

Bret, you are spot on regarding the industry jacking the customer. Good to hear you contacted Universal. Digging that OG Social Distortion!

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

I have a hard time believing that anyone would think that $32 is a fair price for a single LP. I hear you man, $18 should be the limit. I would've passed on this one, but I already had ordered it through my local shop, thinking it was a double LP, and I didn't want to flake on my local shop and leave them hanging on it. Thanks for watching - I appreciate your comments. - Bret

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Thanks Ron.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

James!! Always love hearing your stories. Man, that sounds like some night / morning! The labels think that if they advertise it as on 'color' vinyl, somehow that justifies doubling the price - nothing new, but still majorly upsetting... especially when it's a band for whom I buy every release. Brian had a son a few years ago, so I'd imagine he's slowed down a little bit - but man, those days must've been out of control. Thanks for sharing your story. Keep 'em coming! - Bret

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Well said, Bobby.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Thanks! It's a one-of-a-kind. I had a friend / old band member who would show up to rehearsals with custom made t-shirts... he surprised me with the Psi Com one. That 5-song Psi Com record is one of my favorite releases of all time. Thanks again James. - Bret

[@JLWing77]

Then I clearly missed the mug, because I definitely watched that video.

[@citehman]

I really love this album. Begin The End and Exit Wounds are my favorite tracks. There are 6 or 7 songs recorded live at RAK Studios on KZbin. I like those even more than the album versions. Sadly, i have never seen them live but the Live in Paris dvd is great and i have watched that many many times.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

It's in the background of my Birthday edition of Planet Rotations. :)

[@shehulk10]

I agree with you about the price and one more point I have noticed since I buy new vinyl pretty much every week is the low quality cardboard they use to make the albums today. I mean the cardboard is flimsy like a piece of paper and the artwork is already pealing off...kind of sad...

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Thanks Jon! I think you're gonna really dig this one. Keep me posted on your opinion when you've had a chance to absorb it. Cheers. - Bret

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Rob, you always have a good memory! Except for a track or two, Meds is wonderful. My favorite is 'Pierrot The Clown' - 'Drag' and 'Because I Want You' are stellar as well. Looking forward to your next production, Rob. So happy to hear that your Dad is doing okay - my best wishes to you all. - Bret

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Hey Alex. The show at The Palace in 2001, Justin from the opening band Tate came on stage and performed 'Spite & Malice' with them. I think it was the only show that happened, of course it's the same Justin who later formed She Wants Revenge. We played with them twice over the last couple of years. Placebo is always great live. Yeah, Battle For The Sun had a handful of really great songs - just a little too long. Take care man - and stay dry! :) - Bret

[@JLWing77]

No. I either missed the video or didn't notice the Frankenstein mug. Either is possible.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Hey John. I checked with a few other local shops, and they were all priced that way - so it's definitely not the shops...it's the list price set by the label/distributor. I had some other people email me that the single LP was priced more in their country than the double LP - mind boggling!

[@StaffsOwl]

Bret , the UK issue is available from Amazon as a double set for £20 inc postage. It might be the reocrd shop trying to exploit their customers rather than the label. - john

[@Paneeks1960]

2/2 You stated that the first four albums are all great. Yes I have heard the 'Bigmouth' cover version. I really dig the album 'Meds'. I love the songs 'Drag' and 'Because I Want You'. I remember you telling the story how you saw Morrissey checking out the show in California. He knows good music as well Bret. You did a fantastic job with this post. I will be posting a thank you video to say thanks to the VC and a few VC members for some VCLT. My dad is doing OK. Thanks for everything Bret~ Rob

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

I listened to Meds in the car today. Barring a few tracks - Broken Promise and one other perhaps - I think it's really excellent. As the band's progressed, the songs have gotten more concise - less lyrics even. But it works, and I think Brian Molko has a real knack for writing catchy songs. Looking forward to seeing them tour behind this one. I'm not a huge fan of a lot of their covers, but I do love 'Daddy Cool.' Gonna revisit Sleeping With Ghosts this weekend. Cheers yo. - Bret

[@crapitoutjim]

PS. Love that tee-shirt.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

LOL, that pricing makes absolutely no sense. I'm really enjoying this one a lot - would've loved to have a digital copy for my iPod - the least they could've included. The closing track is exquisite. Keep me posted when your copy arrives - want to hear your opinion on how it sounds stretched over 2 LPs. Cheers.

[@JonPickles]

Hi Bret another stellar video on such a to e, relevant subject: Placebo. I would say anyone into Bauhaus and Bowie would love Placebo. I got into them late post album 4 but can't get enough of them. Because of your recommendation I will get the dble vinyl from their web site. Thanks again for a great FOTT

[@tebanzitop]

Very good review...but you didn't mention the song "Begin Then End" witch is one of my favorites in this album. At least to me is 1 of my 3 favorites on this album. But I do think this is a better album than Battle for the sun....and I like how they kinda experimented a bit more with different sounds and it's a strong album!

[@ButteryDigs]

Exquisite. As you know i'm already a huge fan of these guys, I'm gonna take the plunge and grab this. I agree with you 100% with Meds being the start of the downfall. Loud Like Love, such a great opener. 'Love on an Atom, Love on a Star' Great line. Feeling inspired to go through their back catalogue again.. Burger Queen, classic. I prefer the Kate Bush cover to the original too. I got introduced to a lot of bands through that covers album. Sleeping with Ghosts is probably my favorite album :)

[@CarterPSN]

I love you new album, I think it's much better than Battle For The Sun. Placebo are at their best when the album is dark and I think Bosco is one of the best songs they have written, keep up the good work.

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Thanks for watching CarterPSN- totally agreed with you on being a better album than 'Battle' - and yes, 'Bosco' is a total gem. Cheers! - Bret

[@chromeeyelashes]

Great review, Bret. Have to admit, I'm one of those "Where's that Steve Hewitt mojo?" people. Battle For The Sun had great songs, but in my humble opinion the production blanded things out a bit. I like the rough edges, the noise. But I'll check it out. I've also been a fan since the second album. Saw them in Denver for the Meds tour and they were great (She Wants Revenge opened and they totally killed it too). Have a great weekend; we no longer have to "breathe underwater" up here =p Alex

[@crapitoutjim]

Hi Bret, great review for a band that I haven't really listened to in years. I do however have a story to tell. A very good friend of mine worked for their record company around the time of their 1st record, when she was based in Munich, where I was also living at the time. They played the Circus Krone, I think and she was responsible for entertaining them for the night after the gig. I went to the gig with her and then on for a night of total debauchery in the gay bars of Munich.....next

[@Campo007]

I agree with you mate about the pricing. It's a disgrace! Even down here in the 2LP is selling for $32 and the single LP is selling for $38. I can't wait to get it. I preordered the 2LP and it gets released here this week coming. From what i've heard of this record, it's got a real strong second half. The first half seems more "poppy' or "happy". I think it's gonna be a grower.

[@JLWing77]

Bret, Good video. Convinced me to check out Placebo. I agree with your rant about album prices. It's mind numbing To me how expensive they've gotten due to popularity. I don't care how much I like a band, I'm not going to overpay for poor packaging. Also, and just important, Where can I get one of those Wolfman mugs? -John

[@crapitoutjim]

....I eventually got home at 3 in the afternoon and didn't resurface for 3 days. Great night/morning though and I really enjoyed Brians company. He's a very funny, intelligent guy, also incredibly generous! Great review Bret you've peaked my interest. Totally agree with you vinyl/downloads/cd rant. We're getting fleeced once again by the record companies because of the new interest in wax. Fuckers! Cheers James

[@crapitoutjim]

..cont. The only members of the band who came with us were Brian and the guitarist who's name I forget. It got very messy. Brian was hitting on anything that moved, male and female! Lots of alchol and drugs were involved, we ended up in the infamous Pimpernel bar in the heart of Munichs gay nightlife scene at 6 in the morning!! Eventually got them back to their hotel where we were invited to breakfast. No food was eaten but plenty of beer, vodka and other substances were consumed....next

[@BretHelmsLifeOnThisPlanetBlog]

Hi Rob! The industry continues to punish those that support it - it's offensive. No reason this LP should be even $20, let alone $30+. With that said, the cover is very striking. Totally familiar with the Stipe collaboration - Broken Promise - off of Meds. To be honest, I think it's the album's weakest track - and you know me, I love Michael Stipe's voice - but I just don't think the song was that great to begin with. Besides the price, this LP is a thumbs up. Have a splendid weekend! - Bret

[@Paneeks1960]

Hi Bret, I have to agree with you. This is way too overpriced. Just another way to gorge the vinyl buying public. At least make it worth it and enclose an outstanding package with some extras. The album cover/colors is really nice. I really dig Brian Molko. He is a talented guy and has a huge fanbase .Did you ever hear the song he did with Michael Stipe? Well, you have me sold on the highs of the album. Sounds like a few of the songs are growing on you? I think I am going to buy it~ Rob/Boston

[@m_recordz]

I wonder if the band has any idea how the label is fucking over their fans and pushing fans to pirate the album. It's 2013! When will these companies learn?! Download cards are mandatory today. And any single LP over $18, regardless of the packaging, ain't being bought by me!