Mason makes garbage beautiful

Beautifulgarbage is an appropriate title for Garbage's third album, because the album is just that, and it is in no way "Version 3.0.". \nVersion 2.0, the band's second album, is appropriately titled because it is similar in feel and sound to its debut album. The first two albums, in part sound and production experiments, combined pop, rock and techno. Singer Shirley Manson's potent, sinister and sullen vocals flowed smoothly over layers of textured sound. Garbage's use of production to balance elements of different genres results in an sound natural to the pop/rock ear, and at the same time, unique and interesting. \nBeautifulgarbage is as artfully produced as the band's first two albums. But it is very different from the band's previous work. Manson's vocals are brighter and lighter, and she often sings in a higher range. Overall, the album sounds more cheerful. The upbeat and poppy tracks, such as the purely fun "Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)", also contribute to the more optimistic feel. The chiming bells (also present in "Cherry Lips") and Manson's background "ahhs" of "Can't Cry These Tears Anymore" are reminiscent of 1960s girl groups. \nIt would be simplistic to say beautifulgarbage is a happy album. Version 2.0 is made up of tracks that are distinct enough while also maintaining consistency. Beautifulgarbage is much more eclectic and contains a variety of moods with sounds to fit them. Along with the upbeat, pop-based tracks, "Nobody Loves You" and "Silence is Golden" hint at Manson's more menacing vocals and the darker style of the previous albums. \nThe first words printed opposite the CD are "A special thanks" to Garbage fans everywhere, many of whom will be surprised by beautifulgarbage. Hopefully the album won't disappoint fans who might have expected "Version 3.0" and will attract new fans who will expose themselves to Garbage's other albums. Though beautifulgarbage is happier than the band's previous material, the album is well-crafted, accessible-yet-interesting and sonically diverse. \nRating:8