Continuing from the Day Thread, today still marks, in some time zones, Shirley Manson’s birthday. The iconic and fearless Scottish rock goddess, activist, and one-time T-1000 actress from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, turns 60. 

I posted about how Version 2.0 is my favorite album of all-time and I want to highlight the one of its hidden gems: the B-side, “Deadwood.” 

“Deadwood” was released, along with “Afterglow” (another great deep-cut from Garbage’s discography) with the single, “I Think I’m Paranoid” (one of the band’s best singles, in my opinion). Much like the genre-blurring masterpiece of Version 2.0 itself, “Deadwood” resists easy categorization. Elements of alt-rock, trip-hop, industrial, and pop all blend harmoniously and the band make it look effortless. The lyrics flow from dark and seductive to achingly sad, bringing a biting wit and an honest hurt from a toxic relationship.

At its centre, it’s Shirley Manson’s show and how she glides between “sardonic, scary-sexy dominatrix” type to “world-weary, heartbroken soul” is nothing short of masterful. The defiant edge gives much a deeper sadness, one that only grows more profound with each listen. It’s a song that I strongly believe not only should have been part of the album itself, but it should have been a single in its own right. 

And some of my favorite lyrics: 

Loud and clear but you still don’t get it
I call you up and then I’ll regret it
It gets me down
You want the truth but you look right through it
Deadwood but you hold on to it
It’s such a shame

Look me in the eye
I’m about to dive
Can you live your life without me?

I don’t need you anymore
I can’t use you anymore
Killing the fire and you kill my desire
I don’t need you anymore

******

Have a great day, afternoon, evening, ‘cados!