ANDROGYNY

Garbage

So on top of Britney Spears making a comeback (isn’t that great?) and Hey Baby reaching Number One (How? Why?), Garbage go R&B. Well, sort of. Their attempt to emulate Destiny’s Child and TLC lasts fully 35 seconds before they revert to type and the guitarists remember that they’re not just there to look good but to do the business too and in the end, really, isn’t that what Garbage are best at? Yes, it is. Well, I’m glad that’s sorted out. As Garbage songs go, this is pretty good. There’s still just the right mix between real instruments and modern day technology and Shirley Manson still has an axe to grind, but somehow it’s not as memorable in the same way that Push It or Queer was. Maybe they’re mellowing, I doubt it though so I’m still looking forward to the new album.

COME WHAT MAY

Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor

Excessively over the top doesn’t even begin to describe this uber-power ballad. You can’t blame the singers for this one, they do their best, but when you’re up against a song that almost makes My Heart Will Go On acceptable you just can’t win.