While many Brit bands of the ‘90s nabbed their cues from the ‘60s, Placebo flitted forward a good 20 years to worship the ever-so-mighty Pixies – fine inspiration indeed. While a certain evolution can be tracked through their four long-players thus far, Placebo’s sound hasn’t really changed that much – their outsider anthems and glimpses into the seedier side of life remaining a welcome constant, much like Soft Cell but with loads more amplification.


Brian practices for the next Birdman Rally...

Anchored by girliest-boy-in-the-school Brian Molko’s unique, nasal vocals - able to leap from a purr to a snarl in a flash - Soulmates Never Die plops us right in the midst of 18,000 passionate fans at Paris’ Bercy in 2003 for an electric performance. Part of an extensive world tour to promote their Sleeping With Ghosts album, Placebo have matured incredibly in only a few years; their live presence now almost intimidating and Brian seems to have toned down his smartarse bigmouth routine to become quite the charming host for this event. Either that or judicious editing saved the day...

Promoting the latest album usually means the majority of a set will be occupied by new songs. While this is true here, a pleasing collection of older tracks – singles and album faves – are dotted throughout, although those who came in early for their superb self-titled debut may mourn the absence of anything save for Bionic. Add to a storming set an appearance from head Pixie Frank Black himself to help out on a stonkingly good cover of his own song in the Pixies’ classic Where is My Mind? and this is one for all Nancy Boys and Ashtray Girls to treasure.

Track listing...

Bullet Proof
Allergic
Every You Every Me
Bionic
Protect Me
Plasticine
Bitter End
Soul Mates
Black Eyed
I’ll Be Yours
Special Needs
English Summer Rain
Without You I Am Nothing
This Picture
Special K
Taste in Men
Slave to the Wage
Peeping Tom
Pure Morning
Centrefolds
Where is My Mind?