Placebo - Once More With Feeling - Singles 1996 To 2004 (DVD)

...of the recent announcement that Placebo are to bring out their 6th Studio album ‘Battle For The Sun,’ which for those of you who like the band it is out 08/06/09, not that we haven’t been waiting for what seems like an age for the thing to be announced - let alone released.. Now we know that it’s headed our way I was slightly apprehensive to hear the new single which was played exclusively on Radio One on Tuesday night… When I heard it, I was a little ...
...of you who don’t know Placebo they are a band formed in the early 1990’s in London by Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdall, the boys who had been to school together in Luxemburg but had really not taken much notice of each other, apparently due to Stefan being part of the ‘sports crowd’ and Brian obviously not being such a sporty fellow, more interested in performing arts and music side of things.. The pair met again on Kensington station platform in London ... more

In light of the recent announcement that Placebo are to bring out their 6th Studio album ‘Battle For The Sun,’ which for those of you who like the band it is out 08/06/09, not that we haven’t been waiting for what seems like an age for the thing to be announced - let alone released.. Now we know that it’s headed our way I was slightly apprehensive to hear the new single which was played exclusively on Radio One on Tuesday night… When I heard it, I was a little disappointed and a friend of mine came out with a very suitable analogy for it, but I’ll let her inform you of that one when the review comes out… I will say now though if you like a repetitive song, you will love the track ‘Battle For The Sun.’

Anyway in memory of a greater time when Placebo’s music didn’t repeat the same word over and over again, when the music was controversial and just that little bit alternative to the rest of the music bunging up the charts. I decided I should write about the one album that combined their best efforts that have been released to the general public - an album that sits proudly in the CD player of my car… The DVD which I am reviewing sits happily by the side of my Xbox having been watched loads of times, and will get watched so many times more no doubt.. This eclectic mix of electro, rock, alternative music is one of the best collections of singles I own, and with the videos too it’s nice to go back through Mr. Molko’s hairstyles, and have a giggle…

Who Are Placebo?

For those of you who don’t know Placebo they are a band formed in the early 1990’s in London by Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdall, the boys who had been to school together in Luxemburg but had really not taken much notice of each other, apparently due to Stefan being part of the ‘sports crowd’ and Brian obviously not being such a sporty fellow, more interested in performing arts and music side of things.. The pair met again on Kensington station platform in London having not seen each other for a number of years. They became better friends than they ever had been at school and given both Brian and Stefan’s love of music, Brian invited Stefan to watch him play in a local bar…

By this point I should say and the rest is history but then I would be lying, after seeing Brian play, Stefan approached Brian and apparently suggested they form a band, having gained a bassist and a guitarist in each other, they now needed a drummer… not that they could happily decide on one, during his time, Brian had met Steve Hewitt, a drummer who Brian had played the occasional gig with, which unfortunately due to other band commitments, meant he was unable to join the band that would later go on to be called ‘Ashtray Heart,’ however fear not, the boys found a drummer - in the shape of Robert Schultzberg. Another former school friend of Stefan’s, with the addition of the drummer the band were set to go…

All they needed now was a name and a recording contract… They got that in the name Placebo and the first album was produced under the label ‘Caroline Records.’

A little about each band member as they arrived… Minus Steve Forrest as he has nothing to do with this compilation…

* Brian Molko - 10/12/1972...

Brian Molko, born in Brussels on the 10th of December 1972, to an American banker father, and a Scottish mother, is the lead singer, co-song writer, bi sexual and general big mouth of Placebo. As much as his talent is obvious he is also liable as he has admitted himself, the fact that his mouth gets him into trouble…
This young man (well maybe not that young anymore) attended the American International School of Luxembourg with the two other original members of the band, When he finished school he joined Goldsmiths College in London, after discovering his love for androgyny, black nail varnish and eyeliner, he came to England to study drama.. Now anyone who knows of Brian Molko knows he is a little drama queen…

* Stefan Olsdall - 31/03/1974...

Stefan Alexander Bo Olsdal, born 31st of March 1974, in Sweden. The musician and his family moved to Luxembourg, when he was young where he attended the same school as Brian and played in the orchestra there beginning his love of playing.. When he and his parents moved to London, Stefan joined the Musicians Institute.. Which later on, on a tube station in London that Brian and Stefan met, and later formed the band..
Stefan is a very softly spoken member of the band, so much so that despite his 6 foot stature he is completely overshadowed by mouthy Molko..

* Robert Schultzberg - 03/01/1975...

The first drummer of Placebo was born on the 3rd of January 1975, there is not much information floating around about Mr. Schultzberg, other than he was born in Geneva, with English and Swedish roots. Robert has gone from band to band since he left Placebo in 1996, for the moment he is playing with a band called ‘The Deep Below.’

* Steve Hewitt - 22/03/1971...

Hewitt born on the 22nd of March 1971, in Northwich in Cheshire. Brian and Steve first met, outside Burger King in London thanks to Hewitt’s then girlfriend.. Steve at the time unable to join the band had already helped them out, with a few demo tapes for the band, but due to other commitments he was unable to join the band at first - but never fear Steve is (or was) here..!

The Line-up(s)

In the 15 years the band has been together the line up has changed twice…
Firstly Robert (Drummer Number One) who it appears from interviews with Molko at the time, the pair never got on all that well, it is reported that after an argument in 1996, Stefan informed Schultzberg that he would not be joining them for the German part of the tour..
Leaving Brian and Stefan again minus an essential part of their band!!
A drummer!!

Recruited as Robert left the band a certain Steve Hewitt joined the ranks, a familiar face for some, but a face that remained for a number of years all the same. Steve joined the band back in 1996, and played, toured and wrote with the band for 11 years, until back in October 2007 - on a certain Ciao member’s birthday, Steve announced his departure from the band… The dynamic threesome went back to being a duo, again on the hunt for a drummer…
Steve gave a statement about his departure from the band, but there were no definite reasons for him leaving - however us Placebo fans, have our own ideas!!!

I cannot quite remember when a certain Mr Steve Forrest was announced as Hewitt’s successor, around January 2009, I seem to remember… A few people including myself thought it was slightly ironic that they had managed to find a new drummer named the same as their previous one - however I sure as hell will not be chanting Steve at the shows like I used too and I know someone else who won’t be either…

The line up for each album as follows - (for each song and video I will tell you what album it’s from!!)
Placebo - Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdall and Robert Schultzberg…
Without You I’m Nothing - Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdall and Steve Hewitt…
Black Market Music - Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdall and Steve Hewitt…
Sleeping With Ghosts - Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdall and Steve Hewitt…

There is one other album but that didn’t come out until after this Video and singles collection so I will spare you the details of that one - for those of you who want to know it’s called ‘Meds.’

The Songs and the Videos

From ‘Placebo’

The first album Placebo released on the 16th of July 1996, the first outbreak of their somewhat new and mixed up brand of rock, that was high criticised and yet loved at the same time. The word to describe the album and the majority of the songs is ‘Angst.’ This album is the only album that has Schultzberg as drummer.. Not only does Schultzberg drum on this album he also plays the didgeridoo, on one of the album tracks, now that is the first time I’ve heard of someone playing a didgeridoo on an alternative rock album.. This album was the album that brought them into the limelight and surprisingly got them their first top ten album, entering the UK charts at number 10, which is something that their latest albums have struggled to do - mainly because there are so many different bands and artists on the scene.

* 36 Degrees - Written by Molko, Olsdal and Schultzberg… Video directed by Chris Cunningham... Reached number 80 in the UK charts…

I won’t describe the video to you scene by scene because that would be totally pointless but I will give you an idea of what the video is like..
I don’t think the video actually had a concept to be honest, the lyrics ‘someone try to me ache’ odd enough lyric as it is, may be inspiring the whole idea of suffocating as suffocating is mentioned a lot.. Despite being called 36 degrees I somehow doubt in the middle of a manmade pond he would be that comfortable.. The whole band is featured in the video as it is a highly performance based video except for a few scenes were it is Molko in the pond, with water splashes which look highly suggestive, if you know what I mean..
The first thing I remember about the first time I saw this video was how pale Brian looked in it, to be honest I haven’t seen anyone look quite as white as that even with make up on.. The majority of the video is actually filmed underwater in a swimming pool, even though it is meant to be disguised as a lake in the middle of nowhere the inside walls of the swimming pool aren’t hidden very well..
The song itself, is very well angsty, as you might imagine, with heavy drumming from Schultzberg and some strong riffs from Molko, as a first single however it is maybe not the best track off their debut album, but it reached out to an audience and with lyrics, that apparently came from the local Chinese menu.. Instead of the numbers meaning anything significant..

If you want to check out the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUOTKxk1kdM

* Teenage Angst - Written by Molko, Olsdal and Schultzberg… Video directed by Trevor Robinson… Reached number 30 in the UK charts…

Teenage Angst has some of the dodgiest fashions on to be honest, when and if you see this video remember it was 1996/97, and perhaps the fluffy red jumper and white trousers were fashionable.. Being only 6 myself at the point of release I can’t actually remember..
The director of this video actually directed the Fanta advert that had the big orange man going round slapping people, so a large latex looking red box is hardly a surprise for the band to be performing in.. The extras in the video actually represent the song quite well as they all have something different about them to be a little angry about - one girl in particular who decides to shave her head in the video, which caused enough commotion in itself, considering a razor could have been banned by the video police..
The video itself is a little boring, living life in a big red box, with a skinny man in a fluffy red jacket..
The song itself is very appropriate, for Molko and how he had been acting since school considering he went against everything his parents wanted him to do, the lyrics are somewhat reflective of a teenager not sure what they want to do, struggling against everything in the world.. I have to say the song is short but gets its point across, if you didn’t feel a little angsty when you were a teenager this will show you what you were missing..

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1WNVma1Dms

* Nancy Boy - Written by Molko, Olsdal and Schultzberg… Video directed by Howard Greenhalgh… Reached number 4 in the UK charts…

Well if you want a random video then this one is definitely for you, filmed again in a swimming pool - this time minus the water of course.. For a start the oddest thing is that you can’t actually see Steve Hewitt’s face, because at the time he was contractually a member of Breed his face had to be blurred.. Setting the tone for the video, making the blurred idea a theme, well that and slightly suggestive shots of creamy looking liquid and open mouths, but you can read into that what you like..
There are a number of odd things going on in this video from lots of legs in a wheel barrow, to a bodiless head on a table with spikes.. Molko in particular with his dodgy bob haircut and shiny metal pink lipstick, oh and plastic asses..
As I say there are some weird things going on in this video, and the video itself, for those of you who have seen Soundgardens video for ‘Black hole sun,’ the similarities are there for a reason as you might guess - yes the same director..
The song itself is almost as odd and as mixed up as the video is, the lyrics, mainly consisting of drug based ideas, and the odd sexual idea, somewhat reflective at the time I can imagine what it would have been like inside Molko’s head given he was known to dabble in the world of narcotics and pick me ups.. The song is fairly repetitive as the chorus goes, however it was one of the songs that mainly broke Placebo into the big time and therefore will be one of the songs that will be around forever, with the help of this video I am sure..

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcbYEXdVwWQ

* Bruise Pristine - Written by Molko, Olsdal and Schultzberg… Video directed by Howard Greenhalgh… Reached number 14 in the UK charts…

This video as you might guess having been directed by the same guy as before is going to be a little odd, the band enough you can imagine that it will be something different to what you usually see as a music video…
Although I can guarantee you aren’t ready to see a cow wandering around the video looking a bit perplexed, I know I wasn’t the first time I saw it, the extras too, look like they have been attacked by hoovers given all the ‘love bites’ they seem to be sporting. Along with all the smudged make-up which Molko himself actually said that the band helped to do in the commentary that goes along with the videos, now I am unsure whether he is joking or not either way the extras do look like they have been mauled about a bit.. There are bubbles in this video with the mauled extras, which according to Molko is where they keep cars before they go into showrooms..
There is a lot of nakedness and suggestive shots in this video, with milk off skin, now as Molko says he can’t begin to imagine what that is meant to mean - just proves these videos are not for the younger audience really, with a cow wandering around, a fair amount of flesh on show and just the band performing as usual, they seem to not make to many story based videos for the first album..
The songs itself has nothing to do with cows, or naked bodies being mauled by one another or even the dodgy white sunglasses they are sporting. In general this song is a little hard to grasp a meaning of to be honest the idea of bruises is portrayed well but the lyrics themselves are hard to decipher, the only thing I can think of is that it is just to do with making a choice.. Other than that I have no idea, I just appreciate the music..

From ‘Without You I’m Nothing’

The second album from the mixed bag of personalities that is Placebo, released 1998, reaching number 7 in the UK album charts, this time with full influence from Steve Hewitt having left Breed to devote his time solely to Placebo - something we hoped would never change, anyway.. This album holds some of the most poignant Placebo songs, one being ‘Every you and every me,’ and the David Bowie featured track ‘Without you I’m nothing.’ Both of these songs I feel have become somewhat of the trademark track for people who don’t know the band - a lot of people will recognise the song ‘Every you and every me,’ because of the film Cruel Intentions, and most people know the film, for the lesbian kiss.. So somehow most people have at least heard that song once.. ‘Pure Morning,’ in itself is the ‘cash cow’ as Molko mentioned once, and he is not so keen on playing it.. So don’t expect to see it live so much anymore!

* Pure Morning - Written by Placebo (Molko, Olsdal and Hewitt..) Video directed by Nick Gordon…
This song is apparently only a B side - but it sure has been played a lot for a B side…

This video is really not all that clever as it mainly features Brian standing on the edge of a building threatening to throw himself off a building, which some people Brian has annoyed in his time would probably like to see.. Still this video is fairly uneventful well it is until, the definitive moment when the black finger and toe nailed Molko turns in to ‘Jesus’ as Hewitt mentions in the commentary.. I wont tell you why he calls him that you will have to have a look at the link and tell me what you think..
However if you were looking for another performance based video, well you are surely disappointed this time, they finally did a video with no musical instruments in toe, and they really did a good job, of giving Molko his chance to shine as a depressed man on the top of a building wondering if he should jump off or not.. Band mates Steve and Stefan are briefly featured, getting arrested so we can’t help but wonder what on earth their characters were doing before hand, but as always the drama queen had to go one further and attempt to throw himself off the building (or is it attempt?)
The song itself apparently came apparently by accident, but the lyrics can only be described as being something that reflects maybe someone Molko knew as it seems to have slightly personal details to it, I cannot say specifically what but it gives me that feeling, and for a song that the boys have said they are bored of playing it is definitely one of the songs, that pretty much everyone has heard at one point - even my parents!!

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf7pEXevTFs

* You Don’t Care About Us - Written by Placebo… Video directed by John Hillcoat…

In one word this video is sadistic, having been drugged or something similar and are now being used for shark bait! I distinctly remember my dad having a very strong opinion on this video when he saw it, something along the lines oh is squeaky going to get eaten? As you can tell my Dad isn’t a fan! I won’t describe the video to you, but it does again involve them all getting very wet, and cold in an aquarium, in a tank full of sharks.
The concept behind the video isn’t all that special to be honest the funniest thing is watching all three boys getting slung into the water, and seeing all the fish swimming away scared, wondering what on earth has entered their territory.. I have to say out of all the videos on this DVD I do usually skip over this one unless I have the commentary on, because the funniest bit about it is the children in it and their faces when they think the sharks are going to eat them..
I guess the idea behind the song is being scared of something a trying to run away from it because the people making the situation aren’t bothered about it - it is yet another angsty moment from Molko, not that he hasn’t had enough of the angsty moment by now of course..

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heUTOB43w70

* Every You Every Me - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Matthew Amos…

This song just happens to be probably my favourite Placebo song, actually I am not going to lie it is my favourite placebo song, it just for some strange reason has everything I love about Placebo combined into one song, the fact I really like the film it featured on is also a bonus, taken from the film ‘Cruel Intentions.’ However the video for this song, well at least the video on the DVD has nothing to do with film, instead it is a performance based video. Taken from a gig that the band did at the time, it has a lot of shots of their fans in, just showing how diverse an audience this band have, from what we would probably see as well chavs to more indie looking girls, and lesbians.
The video sits mainly on a split screen which can get highly irritating as one side of the split will carry on moving and the other will stop, I can’t even begin to express how much that gives me a headache watching it..
As much as I adore this song the video is quite boring, to be honest, I think it would have been better to have put on the video that had sections of the film cut into it.. At least just to give us something a little more interesting than Molko in a dress to look at..
I can’t really explain the song in anyway other than brilliant it has a strange quality to it that makes you want to listen to it over and over again, the guitars and drums just fit so perfectly with the lyrics and Brian’s voice I find it hard to find a reason not to love this song, the lyrics are about loving someone and watching them from what I can gather, but who cares about the lyrics the song is great! I’m just kidding!

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-fJ9ROrW08 - the one with the ‘Cruel Intentions,’ scene in..

* Without You I’m Nothing - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Russell Thomas…

This song features the lovely David Bowie, who just happened to phone Brian telling him he had written a melody for the song - could he sing it?
I’m afraid this little bit of review is going to be short because, in no way shape or form is this video anything more than a performance of the song put with the recording of the song, filmed from the sound desk, very shaky camera work and to be honest one of the most boring videos ever produced..
The song, is very reflective of a broken relationship and wanting so much to be with someone that not being with them makes you feel empty, broken and lost. This song in its lyrics reflects that, maybe about a lost love of Molko’s or just for that feeling for anyone, the guitars an drums are slow and reflect the mood of the song.. Live it’s amazing, but the video I’m afraid is just pure rubbish..

I can’t even find a video link for it!!!

From ‘Black Market Music’

The third album from this eclectic threesome released in may of 2000, the follow up of ‘Without You I’m Nothing,’ that took nine months to record, but has some of the strangest songs on it to be quite frank. There are some very heartfelt and awe-inspiring such as a track that shows appreciation for someone, who saved Brian from walking out in front of a car, which could have meant an untimely demise for Placebo but thanks to Levi Tecofski, mouthy Molko is still about.. The songs on this album none of them particularly stand out, but they are still well worth listening too, the videos themselves are actually really good, the hairstyles the concepts are a little bit odd, but you have to see them to believe it…

* Taste In Men - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Barbara Mcdonogh…

Well what can I say about the taste in men video other than phwoar.. As biased as I am quite a fan of the more anorexic Molko look.. Not so keen on the whole idea of anorexia though, but still Molko does look quite good in the video..
The idea behind this video as far as I can tell is a love triangle between Brian and the other two actors in the video, and trust me if you could hear the what is apparently said underneath the song by the characters it is not all that polite.. If you actually watch a particular scene you can lip read what the characters actually say. The video itself revolves around a lot of smashed glasses and tarot cards, it isn’t all that exciting if I’m honest, there are a few funny scenes especially when Brian wakes up at the end, in bed after being dragged into this hotel room by both of the people he is involved in the love triangle with.. Unless you actually take notice of what is going on in this video you can get a little confused.. I actually watch it and just the cut scenes between who Molko is in a room with confuse me..
The song is originally a cut of another track looped up and mixed in with a bunch of lyrics, lyrics and the song in general which works well when trying to tell a girl she needs to go for a different type of man.. Thing with this song is you get exactly what it says on the tin - change your taste in men is the main repeated lyric!

* Slave To The Wage - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Howard Greenhalgh…

Now this is a very strange video, the concept behind this video is odd, again the director from the first videos.. Known for his strange concept videos this one is no different really, beginning with an employee of the company that Molko seems to be overseeing taking air from a nozzle in the wall, nice analogy of suffocating in the current atmosphere.. This video is more appropriate now than I think it was back in 2000 when the single was released, with the current financial climate and the monotony of jobs.. Strange really how something done a few years back can be so appropriate now.
Anyway as I was about to say this video is very postproduction heavy, with the shredded toilet doors, mirrors - spot the Molko added in!! There are a few very effective scenes actually where it gives Molko the wings of an angel, which as he says himself is ‘the closest’ he will ever get to being an angel.. Which given his track record I totally agree, the great thing about this video is that it really suit’s the way a lot of the country feels about now, with the option this girl has to get in a rocket and fly away - I know I wish I could.. By the way if you hadn’t guessed this video is a story based video, about the drudgery of the 9-5!
The song, however is not all that interesting to be honest it reflects the video well in the whole idea of running away from the rubbish going on in your life - so I guess it strikes a chord with a lot of us at the moment with the way the economy is..

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9G1bodzjbs

* Special K - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Howard Greenhalgh…

Now I have to say this video is brilliant any of you familiar with cricket have a look at this video and you might recognise where it is filmed.. However it is not a video that you are likely to guess to have been filmed in the location it was.
This video has a very medical theme to it, which when you see the video, you are likely to laugh at, especially if you watch it with the commentary on I won’t ruin it for you but I can’t help but snigger every time I hear it.. This video has a mini Molko riding around in an imaginary space craft inside Steve’s body, trying to save his life - I won’t tell you much more than that but it does involve Stefan playing doctor..
It is like a virtual reality life where the boys got to play out their fantasies - well except Steve who got to lay down all day..
As you can tell this is another story video and another wacky video by Mr. Greenhalgh, who really does give his videos an edge making you talk about them when you see them, it works out as good publicity I guess..
If you hadn’t already guessed this song is about drugs, but is so catchy it is impossible not too like, the chorus is so sing along I challenge any fan not to want to sing with Brian!

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ifK2iVInRk

* Black - eyed - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Vanessa Jopp…

This is a video that except for the DVD is not that well known, created by this director as one of the songs to go with her film, featuring the cast members that are seen in the audience and within the clips of the film, that pop up every now and again..
This video is slightly performance, slightly clips of the film that the song was part of, this video however is not for the prudish as there is a penis shot here, not for too long though but it is definitely there.. The cuts in this video are so quick between the scenes of the film, and the performance is actually very flashing, so defiantly not a good video for epileptics as it could trigger a seizure, so I don’t recommend it..
The video itself is not all that interesting unless you have seen the film or want to see the film it came from, which right this second the name of has slipped my mind, when I remember I will put it in here for you to take a look at if you feel the need..
This song is about being from a divorced or broken family and it messing up your relationships and the things that you try to do and maybe be a better person.. The song is highly repetitive to be honest, as Brian screams ‘black-eyed’ at the top of his voice as he sings..

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipW0JX3qQbM

Sleeping With Ghosts

The fourth studio album released April 1st 2003, this album saw quite a dramatic change from ‘Black Market Music,’ a more grown up direction which considering they had seemingly grown up, the music had taken a more mature turn which saw the sons, become a little more alternative and less people other than the fan’s seemed to like them, which reflected in the amount of albums and singles sold. By only reaching number 11 in the album charts at best it suggests that the mainstream popularity was lowering but the fans remained loyal.. However with the added bonus disk that was a nice added extra to the album, giving this album the something extra it needed to be one of the best Placebo albums released in my opinion..

* The Bitter End - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Howard Greenhalgh…

This video is not all that clever but we see a return to the performance based videos that have been neglected a bit over the past few videos. This one however is a great one to return on, as it is one of the best placebo videos to date, however basic it is, there is an element of greatness to it..
Just by taking a look at this video you will recognise where it is filmed - but just to take the mystery away from it there is no way on earth they could have filmed the video on Jodrell bank satellite dish, but it was nicely edited in post production to make it look that way.
Although it would be quite cool to watch them try and stand up on it as the giant dish moved around - although I am guessing it doesn’t move that quickly but still it would have been funny trying to get them on there and performing, and given the weather I don’t think it would have been at all comfortable..
In this video we have the introduction of heat sensing cameras which gives the video a different edge, as you can have the characters running around, kissing and well - exploding!
This song is about the end of something, obviously, it references killing which is a bit scary but it is maybe an analogy of the death of something - the guitars especially in a repetitive chord, gets your fingers and toes tapping.. Just don’t drive and try to tap along!!

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KkarMNlTzY

* This Picture - Written by Placebo…Video directed by Howard Greenhalgh..

Again I am a big fan of this video too, as I am with every one of Howard Greenhalgh’s videos because they are very different to any video out there really, this video is no exception, if you find the idea of walking around without a face interesting this video is for you..
As Molko describes it in the commentary as a video about losing your identity through being in a destructive relationship, not only that but apparently his worst nightmare of an audience full of ex’s, when the model in the video jumps out of the posters and finds the band performing - an Brian with a handy device that reveals her identity. Somewhat of a release for the destructive relationship so you can be yourself again.
The video is quite suggestive at the beginning with bondage, and underwear shots galore - giving a hint about either Howard’s sick mind or what the band were thinking of at the time - however the song title, does work with the video. The bitter end, the end of a relationship, and the little device that gave the model her face back, in the symbolised relationship of the video..
The song as I mentioned before is about being in a destructive relationship, and noticing what is wrong and killing it off before it destroys you completely..

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRvRO20kvx8

* Special Needs - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Paul Gore…

So here we are back again at the swimming pool, where the band began. However thank fully this time again they are not underwater ruining their make-up or their instruments for that matter..
Though I have to say despite the fabulous lighting on this video and the colour made by the team working on the video, and if you have a look at the sleeping with ghosts album cover, you will notice that the colours are pretty much exactly the same, which is a very serene colour which given what is going on in the scenes that follow is a somewhat of a contradiction..
There are two characters in this video looking as if they are about to get changed to go swimming - but low and behold they aren’t they seem to be kissing and groping a ‘ghost’ which makes sense with the whole ‘Sleeping With Ghosts’ thing I guess.. How they made the skin prints is actually quite clever, by using compressed air they made the skin look like it was being touched, without actually being touched!
However other than that it’s not all that interesting it is a performance video with writhing bodies and a well hidden hang over!
This song is a little hard to read, but then again all Placebo songs seem to have a bit of depth too them, something that really only Molko can really relate too but this song, is slow but meaningful really but it does make me think about those that are ignored for one reason or another..

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1aNCppGV4E

* English Summer Rain - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Gregoire Pinard…

This video is very intriguing since it was actually made by a fan of the band, which makes it all that more special to the band, however it is not all that interesting video - but it is still quite good..
The band have been turned into puppets, and Molko in particular who is the centre of this video as always looks like he has woken up after a heavy night out and ends up half hanging off a sofa, that this clever fan has created, however it doesn’t really have much watching power if you have already seen it once - so I haven’t really got a lot to say about it, other than according to the band they have got the majority of the instruments right..
This song, is just to me Molko noticing it rains far too much in England and it does keep on raining - I’m sure that is not what he meant but that’s what I get from it!

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S8ZFjEOL-A

Once More With Feeling

The album this DVD derives from features two songs from the album..

* Protégé Moi - Written by Placebo… Video Directed by Russell Thomas…

This video is nothing special in the slightest if I’m honest those of you who have seen or own the live in Paris DVD will notice that this is simply taken from that and placed in here. Reason being that this song wasn’t actually released as a single in the UK as far as I’m aware, meaning that there is no real reason for an official video.. Although I will say it is nice to see Brian singing in French it sounds very sensual..
I know this song is in French but it you hadn’t already guessed this song is the French version of Protect me which is almost a song that is a cry for help from someone who is a little lost in everything that is going on in their lives..

Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1KzPejSshM

* Twenty Years - Written by Placebo… Video directed by Simon Cracknell…

This video could possibly be the most uninspiring video ever, the band do very little to really make an effort to give this video any edge over any of the competition at the time, because it is so dull.
There are dancers and magicians in the video but even their input is really quite boring, although for the first time here we did witness yet another new haircut for Mr. Molko, and that’s all that can be said exciting about it - the song didn’t do too well either. I thought they would have learnt a good video can increase sales, just look at the controversy Nancy Boy achieved.. Even Stefan and Steve look bored as they sit there playing with their hands or just looking generally bored with the whole process..
This song, despite the video being as dull as dishwater I find to be very deep and thoughtful given Brian and his ability to take a topic an go so deeply into it, it is showing how times can, change and people can change in a few years. It really leaves you thinking, providing you listen to the lyrics, instead of just listening to the song..
Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDnITiRNRks

Extras

Well we have the Care In The Community extra, which features the band and some of their extra members and producers talking about their time with the band, and some of the crazy things that have happened in the past few years, from making love to a dead seal, to having backstage passes clipped to nipples.. There are some crazy ideas floating around and some issues dealt with such as Brian’s depression leading to his inability to write.. Also think Steve Hewitt is a calm man, watch this and you might see a scarier but still quite funny side to him regarding a hotel and a nasty green fountain.. It’s good because it gives you a nice insight into the band and a little more into how their minds work bringing them together to form what was the best band in my opinion - minus Steve Hewitt I’m not so sure..!
There are a number of bonus videos, from performances from the past which if you are not a fan songs you will never have heard of, however there are a fair few things you can tell about Molko from one of these videos however I won’t ruin it for you, I have to leave a few things to the imagination..
The audio commentary over the videos is something that I can watch over and over again and still love it, the things the boys come out with the sarcastic remarks and the things they remember from the video are hilarious so if you are bored of watching just the videos try this it cannot fail to amuse..

Price and Availability

This DVD varies in price from site to site…
Play.com - £13.99
Amazon.co.uk - £13.98
HMV.Com - £16.99
CDWow.com - £15.99

A fabulous DVD for Placebo fans worldwide, with all their videos in one collection and all the little bonus bits.. 

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