For me this album defines Placebo. They relish in pushing the boundaries and saying what they truly feel. It is this philosophy that has put them in their position one of the most successful alternative rock bands in British music.

This 2003 release is centred on past relationships and carrying those memories (ghosts) with you into the future. As front man Brian Molko said himself: “The album is a collection of short stories about a handful of relationships that inhabit your dreams.”  Going three times platinum in France and entering at number 11 in the UK Album Charts securely put Placebo on the map.


Each song is perfectly crafted and are examples of three guys working hard to create a sound that is unique and meaningful to them. The haunting ‘Special Needs’ is the stand out track on the album and today is still one of the favourites amongst fans. The poetic words and the whole simplicity in the sound capture the essence of a ballad. The song isn’t over complicated, making it separate from the other songs on the album.

 The upbeat ‘Second Sight’ shows the diversity of this band, to go from the slow mellow tones of ‘Sleeping With Ghosts’ and ‘I’ll Be Yours’ to this track that offers a new, less rock inspired direction.

If for some reason you have had your head stuck in a hole for the last ten years and you have never heard Placebo’s music before; then this album is not a bad place to start. It secured my passion for Placebo and made me pay attention to what they were trying to say. Each album offers something different, a story in the form of song and a chance to connect with Molko’s thoughts.

Posted In Classic Albums, Feb 12 2010. Words - Aimee