Collections Interview
Name: Monica Leibrant
Forum Username: Ruwenda
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Age: 25
When and how did you get into Garbage?
Garbage has been a constant part of life since I saw the Queer video on MTV at 15 years old (yes, 1995 – 96). At that age the whole “goth grunge” thing as a result of Nirvana was in effect. While all that was appealing, when Garbage came about it was like a beacon for me. Admittedly, Shirley attracted me, and the direction of the early videos attracted me, but upon deeper digging Garbage proved to be a band I could relate to and love. The lyrics made sense to me and I could apply them to my life. Future releases (V. 2.0 and BLM) would prove to be, well, flotation devices.
When did you start collecting?
I began collecting early on, perhaps in the beginning. I was blessed with a father who was hooked into computers back in the 70’s, so we had internet connection when many of us in the country didn’t. I was able to search out and understand that there was more to Garbage than the commercial album release, and the fervour began.
Do you or did you have any aims when you started out collecting?
I had no aim other than loving the band and wanting to hear the B-sides. Now that I am 25 and have a bit more income and knowledge than at 16 (you hope?), my aim is to have the entire collection, even though when I was young I preferred to buy “most for my money”. For instance I have the Australian Special single that has the 5 full tracks. These span the English 1 & 2 releases and the 3" release. As a youngin’ I decided to buy just what I could barely afford, the Australian 5 track ‘maxi’ single. Recently I acquired the 2 English Specials and 3", bit I will still keep the Australian 5-track version.
How big is your collection?
Ridiculous, but I’m sure others have it worse. My stack of cds is about a foot tall (including the normal commercial 4 albums) and I have now 3 records in possession. I can elaborate more on what I have, of course.
What is your favourite Garbage item in your collection?
This is a difficult question for me. Ok, I would say I Think I’m Paranoid 3in. I love the b-side Deadwood to the point it should have been on the commercial release. 2nd place b-side goes to Never Be Free and only because it was second in release order. Amazing track….
Items don’t matter so much, it’s the tracks.
How much do you think you have spent on your collection?
It’s something I don’t want to think about or calculate, and really, is that the point?
What’s the most you have spent on a Garbage item?
I truly can’t remember, but I would have to guess the Milk 7" hologram sleeve. So far…
What’s the most you would ever spend on a Garbage item and what is it?
Seriously, at this point, I am frustrated beyond all to get Shut Your Mouth 01. Back when it was in print I ordered it from Amazon and then was told “Oops! Don’t have it”. Since then I’ve found nothing but US$120 on Ebay for the entire three cd collection. Most I would spend to get the only officially released track I don’t have (“Sex Never Goes Out of Fashion”)? : don’t want to talk about it, because it’s enough the credit card would hold but the mind would be appalled at.
Does your Garbage collecting Obsession stretch to seeing the band live in concert?
Eg: Do you follow the band from Show to Show for a period during a tour?
Only this time. I’m seeing them Friday 9/2 at Bumbershoot, Seattle, WA, then I’m driving down to Portland, OR 9/3 to see them second row. Scared they’ll really end it after this..
Will you ever sell your Garbage collection? If you were asked this same question in 5 years time what would your answer be?
Absolutely NOT. If I found a deal somewhere and received a copy of a COPY, *maybe* I’d sell the other copy. Otherwise, no. The music means too much to me.