Album: We Come in Pieces by Placebo (2011)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: SO Recordings
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2010s, Compilation, SO Recordings


Album: A Place for Us to Dream by Placebo (2016)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Elevator Lady Ltd
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2010s, Compilation, Elevator Lady Ltd


Album: Greatest Hits by Placebo (2009)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: SO Recordings
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2000s, Compilation, SO Recordings


Album: Once More With Feeling: Singles 1996–2004 by Placebo (2004)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Astralwerks
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2000s, Compilation, Astralwerks

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes


"Loud Like Love" envelops listeners in a rich tapestry of alternative rock and pop, characterized by its bittersweet mood. The production is polished yet retains an organic feel, blending lush synths with dynamic guitar work. Tracks like "Too Many Friends" and "A Million Little Pieces" showcase a balance of driving rhythms and introspective melodies, creating an engaging sonic landscape. The tempo varies, with anthemic choruses in songs like "Loud Like Love" contrasted by more subdued moments in "Exit Wounds." Textures are layered, with atmospheric effects enhancing emotional depth. The album's distinctive quality lies in its ability to merge energetic hooks with poignant lyrical themes, resulting in a compelling listening experience.

Album: Loud Like Love by Placebo (2013)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Elevator Lady Ltd
Format: Album

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2010s, Album, Elevator Lady Ltd

Additional Context: Based on 3 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Album: Meds by Placebo (2006)
Genre: alternative rock | Style: progressive house
Format: CD

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, progressive house, 2000s, CD


"Sleeping With Ghosts" envelops listeners in a bittersweet sonic landscape, characterized by its lush production and emotive instrumentation. The album blends alternative rock with pop sensibilities, featuring layered guitars and atmospheric synths that create a rich tapestry of sound. Tracks like "Bulletproof Cupid" and "The Bitter End" showcase driving tempos and anthemic choruses, while "English Summer Rain" and "Special Needs" introduce softer, more introspective moments. The textures range from gritty and raw to polished and ethereal, with a notable use of reverb that enhances the haunting quality of the vocals. This dynamic interplay between energy and melancholy makes the album distinctive, inviting listeners into a world of emotional complexity and sonic depth.

Album: Sleeping With Ghosts by Placebo (2003)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Elevator Lady Ltd
Format: Album

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2000s, Album, Elevator Lady Ltd

Additional Context: Sales figures: 1500000. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


"Meds" showcases Placebo's signature blend of alternative rock with a polished yet raw production style. The album features a dynamic range of tempos, oscillating between the driving energy of tracks like "Infra-Red" and the haunting introspection of "In the Cold Light of Morning." Gritty guitars and atmospheric synths create a layered sonic texture, while the rhythmic pulse of the bass and drums provides a solid foundation. The vocal delivery is emotive, often drenched in reverb, enhancing the album's darker themes. Standout tracks like "Because I Want You" and "Follow the Cops Back Home" exemplify the band's ability to balance catchy melodies with a brooding intensity, making "Meds" a distinctive entry in their discography.

Album: Meds by Placebo (2006)
Genre: alternative rock
Record Label: Elevator Music
Format: CD

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 2000s, CD, Elevator Music


"Never Let Me Go" by Placebo presents a rich tapestry of alternative rock, characterized by its atmospheric production and layered instrumentation. The album features a blend of driving rhythms and melancholic melodies, with tracks like "Forever Chemicals" and "Beautiful James" showcasing a dynamic interplay of guitars and synths. The tempo varies, oscillating between the anthemic energy of "Hugz" and the introspective pace of "Happy Birthday in the Sky." Textures range from gritty and raw to polished and expansive, creating a sense of depth throughout. The distinctive use of vocal harmonies and haunting lyrical themes adds an emotional weight, making the listening experience both immersive and reflective.

Album: Never Let Me Go by Placebo (2022)
Genre: alternative rock
Record Label: Rise Records
Format: Digital Media

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 2020s, Digital Media, Rise Records


Even as they become elder statesmen of alt-rock, there remains a youthful ebullience to Placebo’s songs. Perhaps that’s because singer and guitarist Brian Molko and bassist Stefan Olsdal make music rooted in the heady rush of the here and now, where the emotions are raw, the spirit unfiltered. That’s how it goes on this gripping eighth album, which tackles themes of climate change, mortality and technology while journeying through a broad soundscape that takes in expansive goth rock, orchestral pop and synth-tinged grooves. Their defiant anthems seem melancholic and hopeful at the same time, the sound of a band savouring life in the present.

Album: Sleeping With Ghosts by Placebo (2003)
Genre: alternative rock
Record Label: Virgin
Format: CD

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 2000s, CD, Virgin


Album: Without You I’m Nothing by Placebo (1998)
Genre: alternative pop
Record Label: Hut Recordings
Format: CD

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative pop, 1990s, CD, Hut Recordings


"Placebo" delivers a raw and gritty sound characteristic of 90s alternative rock, blending distorted guitars with dynamic bass lines and punchy drums. The production is polished yet retains an edge, allowing the emotive vocals to shine through the dense sonic layers. Tracks like "Nancy Boy" and "Teenage Angst" showcase an energetic tempo, while others like "36 Degrees" and "H K Farewell" introduce a more introspective, slower pace. The album's textures range from the anthemic and aggressive to the hauntingly atmospheric, creating a compelling contrast throughout. Distinctive in its unabashed exploration of themes like identity and desire, "Placebo" captures the spirit of its era with a unique sonic identity.

Album: Placebo by Placebo (1996)
Genre: alternative rock
Record Label: Caroline Records
Format: CD

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 1990s, CD, Caroline Records


Album: Never Let Me Go by Placebo (2022)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: So Recordings
Format: Album

Description: Even as they become elder statesmen of alt-rock, there remains a youthful ebullience to Placebo’s songs. Perhaps that’s because singer and guitarist Brian Molko and bassist Stefan Olsdal make music rooted in the heady rush of the here and now, where the emotions are raw, the spirit unfiltered. That’s how it goes on this gripping eighth album, which tackles themes of climate change, mortality and technology while journeying through a broad soundscape that takes in expansive goth rock, orchestral pop and synth-tinged grooves. Their defiant anthems seem melancholic and hopeful at the same time, the sound of a band savouring life in the present.

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Bittersweet, 2020s, Album, So Recordings


"Without You I’m Nothing" showcases a rich tapestry of alternative rock, characterized by its dynamic production and emotive soundscapes. The album features a blend of gritty guitar riffs and atmospheric synths, creating a juxtaposition of raw energy and introspective moments. Tracks like "Pure Morning" and "Every You Every Me" pulse with driving rhythms and catchy melodies, while "My Sweet Prince" offers a haunting, slower tempo that highlights the band's penchant for emotional depth. The use of layered vocals and textured instrumentation adds a lush quality, making the listening experience immersive. The production balances polished clarity with an edgy, underground feel, distinguishing the album within its era.

Album: Without You I’m Nothing by Placebo (1998)
Genre: alternative rock
Record Label: Hut Recordings
Format: CD

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 1990s, CD, Hut Recordings


Album: Meds by Placebo (2006)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Elevator Lady Ltd
Format: Album

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2000s, Album, Elevator Lady Ltd

Additional Context: Sales figures: 1100000. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Album: Black Market Music by Placebo (2000)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Elevator Lady Ltd
Format: Album

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2000s, Album, Elevator Lady Ltd

Additional Context: Sales figures: 1000000. Rating score: 8. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Album: Soulmates Never Die: Live in Paris 2003 by Placebo (2003)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: SO Recordings
Format: Live

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2000s, Live, SO Recordings


"Black Market Music" showcases a raw and edgy alternative rock sound, characterized by its dynamic production and layered instrumentation. The album features a blend of gritty guitar riffs and pulsating bass lines, creating a dense sonic texture that is both aggressive and melodic. Tracks like "Taste in Men" and "Special K" exhibit a driving tempo, infused with an energetic urgency, while "Days Before You Came" offers a more subdued, atmospheric quality. The use of electronic elements alongside traditional rock instrumentation adds depth, enhancing the emotional weight of songs like "Haemoglobin" and "Narcoleptic." Overall, the album stands out for its bold contrasts and a distinctive blend of dark themes with vibrant soundscapes.

Album: Black Market Music by Placebo (2000)
Genre: alternative rock
Format: CD

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 2000s, CD


Album: Placebo by Placebo (1996)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Elevator Lady Ltd
Format: Album

Description: “We’d grown up feeling like outsiders. We were attracting the same people.” Thirty years on, Brian Molko reflects on Placebo’s debut album.

“We were quite fearless with our image, with the cross-dressing and this exploration of androgyny,” Placebo’s Brian Molko tells Apple Music, recalling the band’s mid-’90s origins. “When we started playing concerts, we realised the people coming were the misfits, the people who didn’t fit into the rigid binary categories we had in the ’90s. We’d grown up feeling like outsiders. We were attracting the same people. In the mid-’90s, a gay person was meant to be listening to high-energy pop or whatever. And there were a lot of people from the LGBT community who didn’t feel they had a place to go because they liked guitar music.”

Released in 1996, Placebo’s self-titled debut was fast, angsty, unapologetic. “We wanted to be a punk band,” Molko says. The album was mostly recorded live, and emulated how the band performed on stage at the time. Their success took off from there, and over the years, Molko developed a “complicated” relationship with Placebo. “With the benefit of hindsight, I thought if I’d had more experience, I could’ve completed it differently, or better. But I realised this dysfunctional relationship was a creation of my own mind: I’d had a feeling once, decided it was the truth, and it haunted me for 25 years.”

Ahead of the album’s 30th anniversary, Molko went back and played it for the first time in a decade. “I realised it was well recorded,” he says. “There’s a vitality to it. The energy was really youthful and exuberant, and the songs were remarkably good for the first batch a band can come up with. It’s very true to who we were at that point—three guys between 20 and 22 years old who were just starting, who were still learning.”

Regardless of his own thoughts on the album, Molko is fully aware of how much it meant—and still means—to fans. In fact, that perspective helped mend his own relationship with it. “For a lot of people, the first album is their favourite, the classic,” he says. “You can lose sight of that if you spend too much time in your own head, which I have a tendency to do. But I got to a place where I really understand it.”

Below, Molko talks through four key tracks from Placebo.

“36 Degrees”
“It was the first demo I made, the first Placebo song I ever heard played on the radio and our first release from our first album. And the lead guitar melody really helped me understand what my style was in terms of writing guitar parts. I remember when Stefan [Olsdal, co-founder and bassist] and I were in a taxi, driving through Soho in London, and all of a sudden, ‘36 Degrees’ came on the radio. It’s an experience that only happens once to any musician, so it obviously has a very important and special place in our hearts. It was the beginning of everything.” 

“Nancy Boy”
“I didn’t really expect that it would have such an impact on so many people’s personal lives. It was only our third single. It’s a celebration of licentiousness and debauchery—about having more fun than the people who were calling me ‘nancy boy’. I wanted to reclaim the insults, to take the power away from people that were hurling homophobic abuse at myself and Stefan almost every time we went out. So I created an exaggerated version—not a fantasy, an exaggeration—of a night out that Stef and I would have in Soho in the mid-’90s. It celebrates non-heteronormative lifestyle and identity, and it’s very cheeky and extremely mischievous.”

“Bruise Pristine”
“It was our very first single. We recorded a version that came out on 7-inch, and it was so ridiculously fast that a DJ from the BBC actually played it at 33 instead of 45. We weren’t thinking about BPM, we were just trying to play as fast as we possibly could. I hear myself trying to emulate Sonic Youth, which is my favourite band ever, the greatest rock ’n’ roll band ever, and my biggest influence. If you go and listen to ‘Kool Thing’ from Goo, you’ll hear a definite connection. It’s funny, because sometimes Stefan and I would look at each other and he’d say to me, ‘I’m really surprised we haven’t been sued yet,’ because we really absorbed so much from Sonic Youth. We regurgitated it in our own way, but you can hear the connection.”

“Lady of the Flowers”
“It’s an intriguing track and one that’s become a really important song for Placebo’s fanbase. It has a standalone quality on the album in a completely different way to ‘Nancy Boy’. It’s the song that pointed most to where we were going after this recording: It’s the link between the first two albums and was the beginning of us becoming more complex songwriters.”

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 1990s, Album, Elevator Lady Ltd

Additional Context: Rating score: 10. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace

“We’d grown up feeling like outsiders. We were attracting the same people.” Thirty years on, Brian Molko reflects on Placebo’s debut album.

“We were quite fearless with our image, with the cross-dressing and this exploration of androgyny,” Placebo’s Brian Molko tells Apple Music, recalling the band’s mid-’90s origins. “When we started playing concerts, we realised the people coming were the misfits, the people who didn’t fit into the rigid binary categories we had in the ’90s. We’d grown up feeling like outsiders. We were attracting the same people. In the mid-’90s, a gay person was meant to be listening to high-energy pop or whatever. And there were a lot of people from the LGBT community who didn’t feel they had a place to go because they liked guitar music.”

Released in 1996, Placebo’s self-titled debut was fast, angsty, unapologetic. “We wanted to be a punk band,” Molko says. The album was mostly recorded live, and emulated how the band performed on stage at the time. Their success took off from there, and over the years, Molko developed a “complicated” relationship with Placebo. “With the benefit of hindsight, I thought if I’d had more experience, I could’ve completed it differently, or better. But I realised this dysfunctional relationship was a creation of my own mind: I’d had a feeling once, decided it was the truth, and it haunted me for 25 years.”

Ahead of the album’s 30th anniversary, Molko went back and played it for the first time in a decade. “I realised it was well recorded,” he says. “There’s a vitality to it. The energy was really youthful and exuberant, and the songs were remarkably good for the first batch a band can come up with. It’s very true to who we were at that point—three guys between 20 and 22 years old who were just starting, who were still learning.”

Regardless of his own thoughts on the album, Molko is fully aware of how much it meant—and still means—to fans. In fact, that perspective helped mend his own relationship with it. “For a lot of people, the first album is their favourite, the classic,” he says. “You can lose sight of that if you spend too much time in your own head, which I have a tendency to do. But I got to a place where I really understand it.”

Below, Molko talks through four key tracks from Placebo.

“36 Degrees”
“It was the first demo I made, the first Placebo song I ever heard played on the radio and our first release from our first album. And the lead guitar melody really helped me understand what my style was in terms of writing guitar parts. I remember when Stefan [Olsdal, co-founder and bassist] and I were in a taxi, driving through Soho in London, and all of a sudden, ‘36 Degrees’ came on the radio. It’s an experience that only happens once to any musician, so it obviously has a very important and special place in our hearts. It was the beginning of everything.” 

“Nancy Boy”
“I didn’t really expect that it would have such an impact on so many people’s personal lives. It was only our third single. It’s a celebration of licentiousness and debauchery—about having more fun than the people who were calling me ‘nancy boy’. I wanted to reclaim the insults, to take the power away from people that were hurling homophobic abuse at myself and Stefan almost every time we went out. So I created an exaggerated version—not a fantasy, an exaggeration—of a night out that Stef and I would have in Soho in the mid-’90s. It celebrates non-heteronormative lifestyle and identity, and it’s very cheeky and extremely mischievous.”

“Bruise Pristine”
“It was our very first single. We recorded a version that came out on 7-inch, and it was so ridiculously fast that a DJ from the BBC actually played it at 33 instead of 45. We weren’t thinking about BPM, we were just trying to play as fast as we possibly could. I hear myself trying to emulate Sonic Youth, which is my favourite band ever, the greatest rock ’n’ roll band ever, and my biggest influence. If you go and listen to ‘Kool Thing’ from Goo, you’ll hear a definite connection. It’s funny, because sometimes Stefan and I would look at each other and he’d say to me, ‘I’m really surprised we haven’t been sued yet,’ because we really absorbed so much from Sonic Youth. We regurgitated it in our own way, but you can hear the connection.”

“Lady of the Flowers”
“It’s an intriguing track and one that’s become a really important song for Placebo’s fanbase. It has a standalone quality on the album in a completely different way to ‘Nancy Boy’. It’s the song that pointed most to where we were going after this recording: It’s the link between the first two albums and was the beginning of us becoming more complex songwriters.”

Album: Sleeping With Ghosts: B-Sides by Placebo (2016)
Genre: Alternative
Record Label: Elevator Lady Ltd
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative, 2010s, Compilation, Elevator Lady Ltd


Album: B Sides 1996-2006 by Placebo (2011)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: SO Recordings
Format: Compilation

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2010s, Compilation, SO Recordings


Covers" by Placebo presents a compelling blend of alternative rock with a distinctively moody and atmospheric production style. The album features a diverse array of instrumentation, from haunting synths to driving guitars, creating rich sonic textures that enhance the emotional weight of each track. The tempos vary, with some songs maintaining a steady, pulsating rhythm while others delve into more introspective, slower grooves. The energy fluctuates throughout, balancing between anthemic choruses and subdued verses, which adds depth to the listening experience. Notably, the reinterpretations of classic tracks showcase Placebo's unique ability to infuse their signature sound into well-known songs, making this collection both familiar and refreshingly distinct.

Album: Covers by Placebo (2010)
Genre: alternative rock
Record Label: Virgin
Format: CD

Description: reissue

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 2010s, CD, Virgin


"Battle for the Sun" presents a polished blend of alternative rock and pop, characterized by its bittersweet mood and dynamic sonic textures. The production is crisp and expansive, featuring layered guitars that range from shimmering to gritty, complemented by pulsating bass lines and driving drum patterns. Tracks like "Ashtray Heart" and "Bright Lights" showcase a mix of mid-tempo anthems and introspective ballads, creating an emotional ebb and flow throughout the album. The use of atmospheric synths in songs such as "Speak in Tongues" adds depth, while the energetic choruses in tracks like "Kitty Litter" elevate the overall vitality. This album stands out for its intricate arrangements and the seamless integration of rock and pop sensibilities.

Album: Battle for the Sun by Placebo (2009)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Dreambrother Ltd
Format: Album

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2000s, Album, Dreambrother Ltd

Additional Context: Sales figures: 100000. Rating score: 7. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


"Covers" by Placebo presents a bittersweet tapestry of alternative rock, characterized by a blend of lush instrumentation and raw emotionality. The production is polished yet retains an intimate feel, allowing the haunting vocals to soar over layered guitars and atmospheric synths. Tracks like "Running Up That Hill" and "Where Is My Mind" showcase a dynamic range, oscillating between driving tempos and more reflective moments. The energy fluctuates, with anthemic choruses contrasting with subdued verses, creating a compelling push and pull. Distinctive textures emerge from the interplay of distorted guitar riffs and subtle electronic elements, while the inclusion of live recordings adds a visceral edge, enhancing the album's overall depth and resonance.

Album: Covers by Placebo (2003)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Elevator Lady Ltd
Format: Album

Related Artists: Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 2000s, Album, Elevator Lady Ltd


Album: Loud Like Love by Placebo (2013)
Genre: alternative rock
Record Label: Vertigo
Format: CD

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Steve Hewitt, Robert Schultzberg, Steve Hewitt, Steve Hewitt

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: alternative rock, 2010s, CD, Vertigo


Album: Without You I'm Nothing by Placebo (1998)
Genre: Alternative Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Bittersweet
Record Label: Virgin
Format: Album

Artist Background: Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have r... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: 30 Seconds to Mars, Garbage, Muse, Editors

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Alternative Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, Rock/Pop, Bittersweet, 1990s, Album, Virgin

Additional Context: Sales figures: 1000000. Available on Discogs marketplace


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