Rock with attitude

Rock music was once all about the British Invasion, and thanks to bands like Doves and Placebo (they don’t bother with a “The”), British bands still make the list of most critics’ darlings, and bands that music lovers will covet, and turn on friends to with pride. Not your mainstream bands, both Doves and Placebo make music that come from way left field, and have music aficionados gushing.

Doves — The Best of Doves (EMI). Doves is a Manchester band that has been around for some time now, making strong anthemic rock music that has the band’s followers gushing about their live performances and how the songs have become the soundtrack to their lives. It’s this underdog persona attached to the band that has made the band’s fans such loyal “subjects.” As for the music? One would have to think of a more rock-based Coldplay, or a band that is producing rock music just left of center. Quirky at times, inescapably melodic and ambitious, the CD showcases the highs and lows of the band, with one truly fresh track, Andalucia, an immediate standout.

Placebo — Covers (EMI). Placebo is not only about the very nasal lead vocals of front-man Brian Molko... or maybe it is! Covers was originally released as a companion bonus to a previous CD, and is basically a compilation of B sides, radio sessions, and contributions by the band to soundtracks and tribute albums. It is Placebo’s signature neo-glam music at its finest, and most frustrating. There’s 20th Century Boy from Velvet Goldmine, and covers of songs by Kate Bush, the Smiths, the Pixies, Depeche Mode’s I Feel You, and most bizarrely, a rendition of Boney M’s Daddy Cool. Placebo has never been the most accessible or mainstream of rock bands, but when they hit their stride, they do make magic.