Version 2.0

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"Version 2.0" is the second studio album by American rock band Garbage. It was released on May 11, 1998 by Mushroom Records internationally, with a North American release on Almo Sounds the following day. The album was conceived as an evolution of the band's 1995 self-titled debut rather than a stylistic reinvention. Lead singer Shirley Manson wrote lyrics that were generally dark and introspective, which the band felt complemented the album's melodic and layered production. The album was a commercial succe, reaching number one in the United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand, and receiving multiple platinum certifications internationally. It sold approximately 1.7 million copies in the United States and around four million copies worldwide. Garbage supported the album with an extensive 18-month world tour and released several commercially successful singles accompanied by notable music video. "Version 2.0" was generally well received by critics and appeared on multiple year-end lists of the best albums of 1998. It received Grammy nominations in 1999 for Album of the Year and Best Rock Album. The third single, "Special", received further Grammy nominations in 2000 for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. Recording for "Version 2.0" began in March 1997 under the working title "Sad Alcoholic Clowns". Early sessions took place at a vacation property owned by label executive Jerry Moss in Friday Harbor, Washington, where the band developed initial song ideas and demo. These were later developed further at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin. The album was recorded using a 48-track digital system with 24-bit Pro Tools technology, with multiple recording stations gradually added to allow simultaneous editing and vocal tracking. Producer Butch Vig estimated that the recording process generated material equivalent to several album, with some tracks containing up to 120 layers of audio. Final mixes were transferred from digital recordings to analog tape for mixing. Some percussion was recorded in a disused candy factory in Madison, where the band and engineers used the building's acoustics to capture drum sound. Recording in the space was eventually halted after noise complaint, but some of the material recorded there was later used in "Temptation Waits", "I Think I'm Paranoid", and "Hammering in My Head". Recording was completed in December 1997 to accommodate Shirley Manson's return to Scotland for Christma, with production continuing into February 1998. The album title "Version 2.0" was chosen as a reference to the heavy use of digital technology during production, with Manson noting the frequent presence of computer-based editing in the studio environment. Musically, "Version 2.0" expanded on the style established on Garbage's debut album by incorporating influences from 1960, 1970, and 1980s popular music, as well as electronic and techno element. The album features live string, dense multi-layered production, and stylistic references to artists such as The Beach Boys and The Pretender. The band aimed to balance high-tech production techniques with more traditional rock instrumentation, while maintaining the melodic approach of their earlier work. Shirley Manson wrote all the lyrics on the album, describing them as more direct and personal than those on the band's debut. She stated that the lyrics often reflected darker emotional themes intended to contrast with the album's pop-oriented melodie. Several songs were influenced by personal experience, including "Medication", which was based on Manson's experience with the United States medical system, and "The Trick Is to Keep Breathing", which was inspired by a friend. Promotion for "Version 2.0" included an international media campaign and extensive touring. The album was released in Japan on May 4, 1998 in advance of its global release, including a limited edition featuring bonus tracks and remixe. It debuted at number four on the Japanese international album chart. The worldwide release followed on May 11, with the North American release on May 12. In the United Kingdom, it was issued on CD, vinyl, and cassette format, while in North America it was released on CD and cassette with significant initial distribution supported by Almo Sounds and Interscope Record. The "Version 2.0 World Tour" began in May 1998 with club performances in the United States and Canada, followed by festival appearances across Europe, including Pinkpop and "T in the Park". The band also performed in Japan and later returned to North America for an extensive tour. In 1999, they continued touring with European arena show, additional festival appearance, and support slots for Alanis Morissette's "Junkie Tour". The tour also included performances in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and additional North American date, concluding in November 1999. Critical reception to "Version 2.0" was generally positive. Reviewers praised its production quality, melodic songwriting, and Shirley Manson's vocal performance. Some critics highlighted its blend of electronic and rock elements as innovative and cohesive, while others noted its dense production style and pop sensibility as defining feature. A smaller number of reviews criticised aspects of Manson's vocal delivery and the album's production technique, describing them as overly stylised or emotionally limited. Retrospective assessments have often regarded "Version 2.0" as a significant release in late 1990s alternative rock, with some critics considering it among the band's strongest work. It has been cited as influential in the development of electronic-influenced rock music. The album appeared on several year-end best-of-1998 lists and placed 19th in the Pazz & Jop critics' poll. It received nominations for multiple MTV Video Music Award, with the video for "Push It" receiving eight nomination, and the video for "Special" later winning Best Special Effects at the MTV Video Music Award. Additional nominations included MTV Europe Music Awards recognition for Best Group, Best Rock Act, and Best Video. .

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