Tag / Butch Vig

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iTunes Top 200 Artists: #1

6 years ago, we first counted down the then Top 100 artists in my iTunes library.  Since that time, I’ve successfully managed to migrate my music collection to a new PC with the stats intact and expanded the count down to the Top 200..  It’s been 3 years, so I figured it was time to take yet another look at my Top 200 artists, based on the number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2021.

We wrap things up today with the artist I’ve listened to the most over the last 13-ish years.  So, I present to you, from Madison, Wisconsin, Steve Marker, Duke Ellington, Butch Vig, and Shirley Manson.  Collectively known as Garbage.

#1: Garbage
iTunes stats: 2073 plays
Previous ranking: #1

With 255 songs in collection, 152 of which have been listened to, from 29 different releases, Garbage has added 954 new plays over the past 4 years, increasing their total by 85%.  In addition to being my most listened to band, they are also the band I have seen in concert the most, with 8 shows at 5 venues across 2 states.

My first show was in 2002, while they were touring in support of their third studio release, Beautiful Garbage.  My most recent was in 2019, which remains my last live music show since the pandemic shut down.

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Concert Flashback: Garbage IV

12garbageWith the Cubs on the road, I was able find parking across from Wrigley Field well before the start of the show, Garbage’s first in Chicago in 7 years.  Prior to heading downtown to meet Tina for dinner prior to the show, I walked past the Metro just in time to see Shirley Manson and Butch Vig mingling with the fans, signing autographs and taking pictures.

In the less than 2 years since this show, I have lost any and all thoughts about White Mystery, the opening act.  We showed up in the middle of their performance following a delightful dinner at the Weber Grill.  Once they finished, Garbage came out and, led by Manson, put on a riveting 90 minute show that combined the bands hits from the past 17 years along with songs from their newest effort.

The night was hot, and not just because of the music or Manson.  By the end of the show, my shirt was completely soaked through.  But it was worth it.  While I missed their return performance the following spring, I’m looking forward to them coming back to Chicago once again and dragging my old self out to see them, reliving my youth for an evening.

by admin

Concert Flashback: Garbage

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In 2002, Garbage went on a headlining tour in support of their third release, Beautiful Garbage and their Chicago stop was at the Riviera, my first trip to the historic venue.  Abandoned Pools opened the show, followed by the Butch Vig-less Garbage.  The drummer had dropped off the tour after coming down with Bell’s Palsy and was replaced by Matt Chamberlain, at least according to the Interwebs.

I don’t remember much about the show itself, but it does live on as a bootleg that I have and can listen to whenever I’d like.  The 17 song set was evenly divided between the 3 albums, with 5 songs from their debut record and 6 each from the two followups.

After this show, I’ve only missed one Chicago performance by Garbage, which took place last year.  I certainly don’t plan on missing them the next time they come to town.

by jim

I’m Riding High Upon A Deep Depression

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Garbage returned to Chicago Tuesday night for the first time in nearly 7 years and put on a performance that electrified the hot crowd at Metro.  In stark contrast to the Fiona Apple show I saw last month, Shirley Manson owned both the stage and the crowd, even showing us her sentimental side, thanks to her monthly visitor.  The group sprinkled in 5 songs from their new album while still giving the crowd the hits they had come to see.

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