Garbage: Let All That We Imagine Be the Light
Briefly

Garbage, while not as commercially successful as the Smashing Pumpkins, made a significant impact in the 1990s with their genre-blending sound and vivid lyrics. Their 1998 album, Version 2.0, challenged contemporary releases by the Pumpkins, presenting a stronger take on electronica. In recent years, they've maintained a loyal following, evidenced by the incisive tracks on their 2021 album No Gods No Masters. As they continue to create music that resonates deeply, the question arises about the identity of their fans in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
Garbage's ability to blend genres and Manson's talent for pastiche made them a defining band of the '90s, yet they remain in the shadow of the Pumpkins.
The rise of authoritarianism has fueled Garbage's creativity, allowing them to produce incisive music that resonates with contemporary audiences despite their cult status.
Despite their second-tier status, Garbage continues to create compelling music, with 2021's No Gods No Masters showcasing their ability to evolve while maintaining their core sound.
The question of what defines a Garbage fan in 2025 speaks to the complexities of music fandom and nostalgia, especially for bands that never reached mainstream heights.
Read at Pitchfork
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