Blood for Poppies

Last updated

"Blood for Poppies"
BloodforPoppies.png
Single by Garbage
from the album Not Your Kind of People
ReleasedMarch 26, 2012
Recorded2010–2011
Studio Red Razor Sounds;
King Size North Studios
California, United States
Genre Alternative rock
Length3:38
Label Stunvolume
Songwriter(s) Garbage
Producer(s) Garbage
Garbage singles chronology
"Tell Me Where It Hurts"
(2007)
"Blood for Poppies"
(2012)
"Battle in Me"
(2012)
Music video
"Blood For Poppies" on YouTube

"Blood for Poppies" is the 2012 lead single from alternative rock band Garbage's fifth studio album Not Your Kind of People , [1] released to radio worldwide and as the band's Record Store Day single in the United States. [2]

Contents

Garbage picked "Blood for Poppies" as the introduction to their return to releasing music: "We wanted it to be the first single because it encapsulates so much about Garbage. It's got the fuzzy guitars, and Shirley's vocals are so great. We felt that if this was the first thing that people heard from us in seven years, then this was the perfect track. It's uneasy, like you're in a constant state of paranoia." [3]

Background

The nucleus of "Blood for Poppies" came from sessions Shirley Manson held to write her abandoned solo album project. [4] The track began as a dub-style jam. [5] The song kept being refined to its component groove and bassline as Manson refined her own vocal approach to the track. [3] It was her idea to incorporate "strobing vocals" [6] and "weird, glitchy vocal production elements" on the song. [7] Duke Erikson added clean, vibrato melodic lead guitar parts to the verses. Steve Marker wrote the "monster riff" and added it late in the song's development. [3] Synth effects were created by running keyboards through wah wahs and mixing the results with similarly recorded electric guitar parts, while the recurring distorted guitar lick was recorded through an amp mod into his laptop. [8]

Drum tracks were largely created by layering live drum takes over a drum machine; [9] "Blood for Poppies" opens with heavily distorted fill followed up with a funky drum groove, the verse then featuring open hi-hat notes leading into each backbeat. During the chorus, the pattern changes to a sixteenth-note hi-hat pattern. [10] Inspired by a suggestion by Manson, the band worked the beat of the middle eight section around a sample of the sound of a helicopter's blades. [5] Manson wanted the vocal in that section to sound like it was a garbled radio transmission, so the band treated her vocal with various plug-ins. [11] Bass guitar parts were recorded by Justin Meldal-Johnsen.

"Blood for Poppies" was one of the first songs finished during the Not Your Kind of People sessions. [12] "The song is meant to feel sort of like an abstract dream," Garbage singer Shirley Manson recalled. "The inspiration came from a story I had read in Los Angeles Times about the opium trade and also from watching the documentary Restrepo . It's not literal in any sense whatsoever but it's a song about disorientation and delusion and the human struggle to stay sane in the face of insanity." [13] Manson later explained: "Actually it's from a few stories... I use that as a backdrop for a story about maintaining sanity in an out-of-control place." [14] The band added that the song was also a metaphor for being in a band: "...feeling isolated and lonely. There's the line 'I miss my dog, I miss my freedom,' and that's [Manson's] dog she's singing about". [3]

Single release

From March 15, 2012, "Blood for Poppies" was given away free as a digital download by Garbage via their own band website. [15] In a statement issued to mark the free release, the band wrote: "We've always had the most amazingly loyal fans, and we wanted to show them just how much they mean to us by setting it free to them first". [16] "Blood for Poppies" had leaked online earlier in the week. [17]

"Blood for Poppies" was sent for "adds" at alternative radio in the United States on March 20, where it was playlisted by nine stations. [18] A week later, the song was playlisted by a further nineteen stations, including eight on the Triple-A format. [18] Four alternative stations in Canada also added the song. [18] The same day, "Blood for Poppies" was released as a downloadable single across North America, [19] and was made available as a free track to download straight-away when pre-ordering the downloadable version of Not Your Kind of People. After a week at alternative, "Blood for Poppies" debuted on the Billboard Rock Songs chart at No. 45. [20] On April 20, a limited edition 7-inch single marking Record Store Day 2012 was released to participating independent record stores. [2] The white-vinyl single press run for "Blood for Poppies" totalled 2,500 units, of which 1,900 copies were distributed throughout the United States, [2] and was backed with an exclusive Butch Vig remix of the song. [13]

In Europe, "Blood for Poppies" was released as a digital single across the continent on March 28. [21] An Australasian release followed the subsequent day. [22] In the United Kingdom, "Battle in Me" was released as the album's lead single instead, [23] however "Blood for Poppies" was A-listed by Kerrang! radio [24] and a digital single was released to some music stores on May 7. [25] The single was also released digitally in Japan as an album-cut on April 18. [26] A month later, "Blood for Poppies" debuted at No. 97 on the Japan Hot 100, [27] peaking at No. 47 in its second week. [28]

Critical reception

"Blood for Poppies" has been described by Billboard as "a mix of crunchy and funky guitars during the verse" and an "infectious, sing-along chorus"; [16] while KROQ's Nadia Noir claimed it was "a song which conjures up some of the shimmering distortion, guitar tremolo, and the sensual shoegaze" of My Bloody Valentine's "Only Shallow", "albeit with the funkier, harder edge and Manson's sultry contralto vocals that make Garbage wholly unique". [29] Rick Martin, of NME , described the song as "some righteous noise and a proper poptastic chorus to boot," and remarked; "If only all seven-year itches came with as much squalling feedback and eardrum-bursting goodness". [30]

Music video

Shirley Manson homages Un Chien Andalou in the "Blood for Poppies" music video. Garbagebloodforpoppiesvid.jpg
Shirley Manson homages Un Chien Andalou in the "Blood for Poppies" music video.

The promotional video for "Blood for Poppies" was helmed by fashion photographer Matt Irwin [31] and filmed over four days between February 23–26, 2012 in Los Angeles. [32] Irwin co-directed the clip with Aaron Brown of Focus Creeps, following a concept theme of "old surrealist films and photos". [33] Visuals created for the black and white clip were inspired by surrealist artists, film makers and photographers such as René Magritte, Maya Deren, Luis Buñuel and Francesca Woodman, [34] while certain shots referenced Le Voyage Dans La Lune and Un Chien Andalou . [35] The video incorporates noir imagery, haute couture, 1950s glamour and stop-motion astronomy shots filtered to achieve a gritty, vintage effect. [36] The retro look is the result of the video's post-production, special effects and editing; the "black and white" is sometimes grainy and burnt and the images often overlap. [36]

Employing non-linear montage sequencing, Manson is seen singing while blindfolded, playing Cat's Cradle, eating an egg, cavorting on a Malibu beach and hiding behind a tree. [37] The male band members are featured in a surrealist dream situations. [36] "We piled into a transit van with the ridiculously talented team of Matt Irwin and Aaron Brown and hopped around little pockets of Los Angeles creating a gorgeous surrealist dream. We ate ice cream sandwiches in the sunshine and laughed a lot. I didn't want the shoot to end," recalled Manson. [38]

The "Blood for Poppies" video debuted on AOL Music on April 3, following a live chat with the group on their Ustream channel. [39] The video was published through YouTube [40] and other music channels in United States on the same date, and debuted on Australian music channels on April 10. [22] In the United States, the music video for "Blood for Poppies" was made available to purchase on iTunes on April 3. [41] An edited version, with the eye-cutting scene removed, was later included as a bonus feature on the 2013 release One Mile High... Live . [42]

Track listings

  1. "Blood for Poppies" – 3:38
  1. "Blood for Poppies" – 3:38
  2. "Blood for Poppies" (Heads Down Here We Come Remix) – 4:12

Charts

Chart performance for "Blood for Poppies"
Chart (2012)Peak
position
Canada Rock ( Billboard ) [43] 45
Japan Hot 100 ( Billboard ) [28] [44] 47
US Alternative Songs ( Billboard ) [44] [45] 17
US Hot Singles Sales ( Billboard ) [46] 13
US Rock Songs ( Billboard ) [44] [47] 30
US Triple A ( Billboard ) [48] 26

Release history

Release history and formats for "Blood for Poppies"
TerritoryRelease dateRecord labelFormat
Various [15] March 15, 2012StunvolumeFree music download from Garbage.com
United StatesMarch 20, 2012 Alternative rock radio [49]
March 26, 2012 AAA [49]
Canada [50] Downloadable single
United States [19]
Australia [51] March 27, 2012
New Zealand [52]
Denmark [53] March 28, 2012
France [21]
Germany [54]
Norway [55]
Spain [56]
Japan [26] April 18, 2012
United States [2] April 21, 2012 7" vinyl (Record Store Day)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garbage (band)</span> American rock band

Garbage is a Scottish–American rock band formed in 1993 in Madison, Wisconsin. The band's line-up—consisting of Scottish singer Shirley Manson (vocals) and American musicians Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig —has remained unchanged since its inception. All four members are involved in the songwriting and production process. Garbage has sold over 17 million albums worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shirley Manson</span> Scottish musician

Shirley Ann MansonFRSA is a Scottish musician and actress. She is the lead singer of the American alternative rock band Garbage, and host of The Jump with Shirley Manson (2019–2021). Manson gained media attention for her forthright style, rebellious attitude, and distinctive deep voice. For the majority of her career, Manson commuted between her home city of Edinburgh and the U.S. to record with Garbage, which originally formed in Madison, Wisconsin; she now lives and works primarily in Los Angeles, while maintaining a second home in Edinburgh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Marker</span> American musician

Steve Marker is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the co–founder and guitarist of the alternative rock band Garbage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only Happy When It Rains</span> 1995 single by Garbage

"Only Happy When It Rains" is an alternative rock song written and produced by American alternative rock band Garbage for their self-titled debut studio album (1995). It was recorded at the band's own studio, Smart Studios, in Madison, Wisconsin, and is known for its tongue-in-cheek lyrics parodying the typically angst-filled themes of mid-'90s alternative rock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Why Do You Love Me</span> 2005 single by Garbage

"Why Do You Love Me" is a song by alternative rock band Garbage, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Bleed Like Me (2005).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bleed Like Me (song)</span> 2005 single by Garbage

"Bleed Like Me" is a song by American rock band Garbage and the title-track of their fourth studio album (2005). It was released as the album's second single in North America by Geffen Records imprint Almo Sounds on May 9, 2005. It reached number 27 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Club mixes of the track sent the remix package into the top ten of the Billboard dance chart. The song received positive reviews from critics, who highlighted it as the centrepiece of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breaking Up the Girl</span> 2001 single by Garbage

"Breaking Up the Girl" is a 2001 alternative rock song written, recorded and produced by the band Garbage for their third studio album Beautiful Garbage. In North America, it was serviced to alternative radio as the second single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Because the Night</span> Song written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith

"Because the Night" is a rock song written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith that appears on the Patti Smith Group album Easter, which was released in 1978. On March 2, 1978, the song was released as a single, and was commercially successful, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and No. 5 in the United Kingdom, which helped propel Easter to mainstream success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garbage discography</span>

Garbage is an American rock band formed in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1993. The group's discography consists of seven studio albums, three compilation albums, one remix album, one extended play, 37 singles, four promotional singles, three video albums, and 38 music videos. The line-up consists of Scottish vocalist Shirley Manson and Americans Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig. They have amassed worldwide album sales of over 17 million units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shirley Manson discography</span>

This is a list of the discography of Scottish recording artist Shirley Manson, who has performed as the lead singer of American rock band Garbage since 1993. Prior to joining Garbage, she was a backing vocalist and keyboard player for Goodbye Mr Mackenzie from 1981–1992. The band had one UK Top 40 single, "The Rattler", and a string of UK Top 100 singles – "Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie", "Love Child", "Blacker Than Black" and "Now We Are Married".

<i>Not Your Kind of People</i> 2012 studio album by Garbage

Not Your Kind of People is the fifth studio album by American rock band Garbage. It was released on May 11, 2012, through the band's own record label, Stunvolume. The album marks the return of the band after a seven-year hiatus that started with previous album Bleed Like Me. Guitarist Duke Erikson said at the launch of the record that "working with Garbage again was very instinctual. Like getting on a bicycle...with three other people." The band emphasized that they did not want to reinvent themselves, but embrace their sonic identity, reflecting their classic sound whilst updating it for 2012. Although Shirley Manson's morose dispositions have a presence on the record, many of the songs share a more optimistic outlook on life, influenced by some of Manson's personal experiences during their hiatus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle in Me</span> 2012 single by Garbage

"Battle in Me" is a song from rock band Garbage's fifth studio album Not Your Kind of People. It was released as the lead single to promote the album in United Kingdom. "Battle in Me" preceded the band's underplayed headliner concert in London, and served as the band's Record Store Day 2012 release in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not Your Kind of People World Tour</span> 2012–13 concert tour by Garbage

The Not Your Kind of People Tour is the fifth world concert tour cycle by American/Scottish alternative rock group Garbage. The tour launched May 2012 in Los Angeles, United States and included headline performances and festival appearances throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The tour also routed South America and several festivals in Australia during 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Bright World</span> 2012 single by Garbage

"Big Bright World" is the second worldwide single released from alternative rock band Garbage's fifth studio album, Not Your Kind of People. The single was issued as a digital download in Australia and New Zealand in June 2012, and was sent to radio stations across United Kingdom and Europe the following month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Control (Garbage song)</span> 2012 single by Garbage

"Control" is the second North American and fourth overall single released from alternative rock band Garbage's fifth studio album, Not Your Kind of People, and was sent to radio stations across the United States in October 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girls Talk (Garbage song)</span> 2014 single by Garbage

"Girls Talk" is a stand-alone single released by alternative rock band Garbage for Record Store Day 2014, backed with the b-side "Time Will Destroy Everything". Both tracks would be remastered and included on Garbage's seventh studio album No Gods No Masters in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Chemicals</span> 2015 single by Garbage

"The Chemicals" is a single released by rock band Garbage for Record Store Day 2015. It features Brian Aubert on co-vocals. The song was the first track recorded by the band during sessions for their sixth album, Strange Little Birds. Drummer Butch Vig described "The Chemicals" as "a very dense Garbage track".

<i>Strange Little Birds</i> 2016 studio album by Garbage

Strange Little Birds is the sixth studio album by American rock band Garbage. It was released on June 10, 2016, through the band's own record label, Stunvolume. It is their second independent album release, and follows 2012's Not Your Kind of People. The album's press release describes Strange Little Birds as "a sweeping, cinematic record of a unified mood: darkness".

<i>No Gods No Masters</i> 2021 studio album by Garbage

No Gods No Masters is the seventh studio album by American rock band Garbage. It was released on June 11, 2021, through the band's own label Stunvolume. The album was distributed worldwide by Infectious Music and BMG and preceded by the singles "The Men Who Rule the World", "No Gods No Masters" and "Wolves".

<i>Anthology</i> (Garbage album) 2022 greatest hits album by Garbage

Anthology is a greatest hits album by American rock band Garbage, released on October 28, 2022, through Stunvolume and BMG. It is the band's third overall and second international greatest hits album. The album includes remastered versions of 35 tracks, among hit singles and fan favourites, as well as rare track "Witness to Your Love", a song recorded in 2008 for inclusion in the Give Listen Help charity compilation.

References

  1. "Garbage unveil tracklisting, first single + album artwork". Mushroom Group Promotions. Archived from the original on January 8, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Watson, Rob (March 15, 2012). "Record Store Day 2012". Garbagediscobox. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Bosso, Joe (June 4, 2012). "Interview: Garbage talk Not Your Kind Of People track-by-track; Blood for Poppies". EMusician. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  4. Martins, Chris (April 26, 2012). "The SPIN Interview: Shirley Manson". Spin . Retrieved May 16, 2013. There's a song I wrote with Grant Lee Buffalo that I'm holding on to. I gave a song to Sky Ferreira, and the nucleus of the new Garbage song "Blood for Poppies" was from those sessions, but I'd kinda moved through that. I want to be really loud now. I'm back to wanting the guitars to roar.
  5. 1 2 ""Blood for Poppies" Mini-Film". Garbage. May 17, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  6. McCaliff, Ken (March 28, 2012). "Garbage Interview Extras". EMusician. Archived from the original on September 1, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  7. Gallant, Michael (June 20, 2012). "Producer/Engineer Billy Bush on Mixing Garbage's 'Not Your Kind of People' with Universal Audio". Universal Audio. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  8. Ross, Michael (January 28, 2013). "Garbage". Guitar Player . Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  9. Pryor, Sam (July 1, 2012). "Butch Vig: Garbage Man Always Delivers (page 3)". Drum. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  10. Pryor, Sam (July 1, 2012). "Butch Vig: Garbage Man Always Delivers (page 4)". Drum. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  11. McCaliff, Ken (April 18, 2012). "Garbage; Working Collectively and Apart on Not Your Kind of People". EMusician. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  12. Gleeson, Dave. "Uncut Garbage Interview With Shirley Manson And Triple M's Dave Gleeson". Triple M . Retrieved March 20, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  13. 1 2 "GARBAGE UNVEIL "BLOOD FOR POPPIES"". BBGun Press. Retrieved March 8, 2012. Debut single from forthcoming NOT YOUR KIND OF PEOPLE available for download for free from WWW.GARBAGE.COM; "BLOOD FOR POPPIES" to be released on limitied edition, white-vinyl 7-inch for Record Store Day
  14. Locker, Melissa (June 15, 2012). "Shirley Manson on Garbage, Azealia Banks and being a CEO". IFX FIX. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  15. 1 2 "Free Download of "Blood for Poppies"". Garbage. March 16, 2012. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  16. 1 2 Blistein, John. "Garbage Gives Away New Single, 'Blood for Poppies'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved March 20, 2010.
  17. "Garbage's New Song Leaks! Hear A Snippet!". Perez Hilton. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 ""Blood For Poppies"; Station Add History". Mediabase. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2012.[ verification needed ]
  19. 1 2 "Garbage "Blood For Poppies", Downloadable Single". iTunes US Store. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  20. "Top Rock Songs Chart". Billboard.com. April 7, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
  21. 1 2 "Garbage – Blood For Poppies, Downloadable Single". iTunes France Store. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  22. 1 2 "SINGLE BIO: Garbage – Blood For Poppies [Liberator]". Mushroom Group Promotions. Archived from the original on November 30, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  23. "Garbage Announce 'Battle In Me' As May Single". This Is Fake DIY. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  24. "Radio playlists update: Garbage, Twin Atlantic and Kasabian". Music Week. April 24, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  25. "Blood for Poppies (2012)". 7digital. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  26. 1 2 "Garbage – Blood For Poppies, Downloadable Single". iTunes Japan Store. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  27. "Japan Hot 100 (Issue dated May 21, 2012)". Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  28. 1 2 "Garbage – Chart history: Japan Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  29. Noir, Nadia. "Shirley Manson On Garbage's Comeback: "Nobody's Making Music Like Us"" . Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  30. Martin, Rick (April 15, 2012). On Repeat; The Sounds Rattling Around the Skulls of the NME Staff This Week. Archived from the original on April 11, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2012.{{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  31. "Garbage reveal plans for new album, club tour". Boston Music Spotlight. Archived from the original on May 2, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  32. "Video Shoot with Matt Irwin Day 3". Garbage. February 25, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  33. "Foundation Content's In House Directing Team Focus Creeps Wins "Best Music Video" Award At UK's NME 2013 Awards In London". Shoot Publicity Wire. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  34. "Watch video for Garbage comeback track 'Blood For Poppies'". NME . April 4, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  35. Hogan, Marc (April 4, 2012). "Garbage Go Silent in Grainy 'Blood for Poppies' Video;'Not Your Kind of People' clip draws on classic surrealist films". Spin.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  36. 1 2 3 "Garbage: Blood for Poppies". Wanna Play Daily. May 3, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  37. "Garbage Premieres Fuzzy Black And White Video For "Blood For Poppies"". KROQ. April 3, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  38. "Garbage To Start US/Europe Tour – Premiere New Video". Live4Ever UK. April 2, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  39. Daw, Robbie (April 2, 2012). "Garbage's "Blood For Poppies" Video Premiere Date, Live Chat Announced". Idolator . Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  40. "Garbage's "Blood For Poppies" Music Video". YouTube .
  41. "Music Video – Blood for Poppies". iTunes United States store. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  42. "Garbage enters Summer with 'One Mile High... Live' DVD/Blu-ray". Side-Line. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  43. "Garbage". Billboard. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  44. 1 2 3 "Not Your Kind of People – Garbage : Awards (Billboard Singles)". AllMusic . Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  45. "Garbage – Chart history: Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  46. "Garbage – Chart history: Hot Singles Sales". Billboard. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  47. "Garbage – Chart history: Rock Songs". Billboard. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  48. "Garbage – Chart history: Adult Alternative". Billboard. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  49. 1 2 "Garbage; "Blood for Poppies" ; Station Add History". Mediabase . Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  50. "Garbage "Blood For Poppies", Downloadable Single". iTunes Canada Store. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  51. "Garbage – Blood For Poppies, Downloadable Single". Liberator Music. Archived from the original on May 2, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  52. "Garbage "Blood For Poppies", Downloadable Single". iTunes New Zealand Store. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  53. "Garbage – Blood For Poppies, Downloadable Single". iTunes Denmark Store. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  54. "Garbage – Blood For Poppies, Downloadable Single". iTunes Deutschland Store. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  55. "Garbage – Blood For Poppies, Downloadable Single". iTunes Norway Store. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  56. "Garbage – Blood For Poppies, Downloadable Single". iTunes Espagna Store. Retrieved March 30, 2012.