Yesterday was a BIG day. After seven years alt rock heroes, Garbage released their new album “Not Your Kind of People.” And let me tell you. It is AMAZING. My favorite tracks include “Automatic Systematic Habit,” “Blood for Poppies,” “Felt,” and “Battle in Me.” There are some slower, more ambient songs to balance out these rock bangers but all the songs maintain Garbage’s industrial, grungy sound.

Look what I got!!

After some wheeling and dealing on Craigslist, I was lucky enough to score tickets to see Garbage live at Webster Hall. If you’re into this band even a tiny bit, I couldn’t urge you more to check out a show. Any money is worth it to see Butch Vig go crazy on the drums. I’ve never seen anything quite like it, and I’ve been lucky enough in my day to see some of the great rock drummers of our time. The intensity with which he makes each hit is mind-blowing and while playing he seems to be aware of every part of the song. I even caught him smiling and singing along at certain points, which warmed my heart a little. I was also geeked to be in the same room as the man who gave me three of my favorite all time albums: Nevermind, 21st Century Breakdown, and of course Wasting Light.

Butch Vig

And then there was Shirley. As a front woman, she is at the top of the pack. Her voice is strong, powerful, and unique, and her presence is out of control. She takes over the room and is so super fly. She got everyone in the room whipped into such a frenzy that the floor was trembling beneath us.

Shirley and Co.

I danced my tushy off to the mix of old and new songs and based on how many sweaty people I saw leaving the show, I guess I wasn’t the only one. It was like the  fierce drums/guitar/bass/Shirley combo was grabbing me by the shoulders and shaking me around and you’d have to work pretty hard to resist it. Even with the rock edge, Garbage’s songs still have some pop heart to them that contributes to their catchiness. That was truly one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to and I’m still coming down from all this Garbage.