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Garbage Garbage Review by Gary Hill This debut from the alternative band Garbage is a very strong effort. The disc showcases solid song writing with offbeat overtones and Shirley Manson`s wonderful vocals (which are, at times, quite haunting). The arrangements on this album, although pop oriented, at times are quite off kilter, in very entertaining way. Garbage is Shirley Manson, Steve Markes, Duke Erikson, and Butch Vig. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: The Early Years Volume 4 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-The-Early-Years .

Track by Track Review

Supervixen A very unique intro starts this track with alternative rock fury punctuated by very intriguingly arranged moments of silence. The verse to the cut is in an almost grunge ballad mode, while the choruses are full of fire.

Queer A quite unusual texture dominates this fascinating cut. The song is considerably intriguing and quite catchy, even though it is sonically very odd at times.

Only Happy When It Rains A strong alternative rock/pop cut, this piece is quite effective. This energetic rocker is considerably catchy and a bit off kilter.

As Heaven is Wide A fast paced, almost discofied percussive texture starts this piece. Nine-Inch-Nailsish guitar sounds add a strong crunch to much of this potent cut. The piece has a rather unearthly texture, and is quite wonderful. Many styles seem to merge here, including Hawkwind, NIN, psychedelia and dance.

Not My Idea Hard rocking, punky alternative intro and choruses contrast well with the pretty electro-pop texture of the verses.

A Stroke of Luck A lovely, atmospheric cut, this one is quite powerfully haunting.

Vow A Smiths oriented intro leads to an energetic alternative cut with a powerful chorus that shows elements of `70`s rock. The guitar solo on this cut has a wonderful texture.

Stupid Girl Stupid Girl is a fun, danceable alterna-pop number. Much of this song uses creative arranging and Shirley Manson`s voice to achieve a mysterious texture.

Dog New Tricks Another very strong cut featuring elements reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails; this is a standout number on a very solid album. If you can picture a cleaner sounding NIN with female vocals, you are very close to the nature of this song.

My Lover`s Box This is a solid alternative rock tune with a very powerful chorus. "Send me an angel to love, I`m afraid I`ll never get to heaven". This one has some wonderful textures.

Fix Me Now Hip-hop rhythms with near spoken words begin this song. Metallic rock guitar comes in as the track changes gear a bit. The chorus is a bit reminiscent of Blondie.

Milk A pretty alternative rock ballad, the chorus to this one is very beautiful and very powerful.

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