"Trash" is the first single from the albumComing Up by Suede, released on 29 July 1996, on Nude Records. It is the first single on which all the songs were written without guitarist Bernard Butler, since Richard Oakes had taken his place. The single is tied with "Stay Together" as the band's highest charting at number three; however, it outsold the earlier single, thus making it their biggest-selling single. Outside the UK, the song topped the Finnish Singles Chart in late August and reached the top five in Denmark, Iceland and Sweden.
Song meaning
Various meanings have been given to the song, but the main themes seem to be about 'outsiders', being different but living well with it. In a 2013 interview, Anderson expanded this theme, saying: "It’s a song that’s kind of about being in the band and, by extension, it’s a song about the fans and the whole kind of ethos of being a Suede… person." He also described it as the soundtrack to his life, saying "It's about believing in the romance of the everyday." In an interview in late 2009, for the SkyArts' Songbook series, Anderson said about the song: "I actually wrote it about the band Suede. It's a celebration of the band, but by extension, it's a celebration of the fans as well. And it was a kind of a song written about us, as a gang, it was written about the values we stood for. And even though it sounds like a love song, it was actually about the idea of the identity of the band, and what they stood for."
Music video
The video for the title song was filmed at Elstree Studios and directed by David Mould. It features the whole band performing in a crowded, up-market bar decorated in garish primary colours among people in glamorous, high-end fashions of the day. The video also marks the first appearance of a new band member, keyboard player Neil Codling.
Reception
The song proved to be a successful comeback single for Suede, receiving praise from critics. Melody Maker had proclaimed the song "single of the week" a fortnight prior to release. Tania Branigan called it "bitterly sweet, a love song for strangers; fast, in every sense of the word." In reference to the single's B-sides, she said: "In the finest 'Drowners' tradition, the two B-sides are almost finer." Ted Kessler of NME said: "So the scaremongers were wrong. Brett Anderson is the creative force behind Suede. Here's the proof: this week sees the release of their first post-Bernard Butler single and nobody can really admit that they thought it would sound half as good as it does." Kevin Courtney of The Irish Times said it is "probably their most direct and immediate pop statement to date." Music & Media wrote: "They haven't lost their camp, dramatic touch, distorted guitars and strong melodies. Great summer record." The Telegraph called it an "instant, flawless, three-minute essence-of-pop, as irresistible as 'Satisfaction' or 'Ride a White Swan'."
Accolades
A 2014 poll by US music magazine Paste marking the 20th anniversary of Britpop listed "Trash" at number 14 in its list, "The 50 Best Britpop Songs." Michael Danaher wrote: "The song is a festering, anthemic pop gem that featuring a glorious chorus and guitar and synth-driven rhythm. A vastly underrated song this side of the Atlantic." In a public poll by NME, "Trash" was placed at no. 9 in its list "50 Greatest Britpop Songs Ever," and said: "with 'Trash', Suede made being a glam weirdo seem like the most appealing thing in the world."
Versions
A different version of the song appears on the group's 2003 compilation albumSingles, where the vocals were re-recorded along with an alternative ending. All four of the singles' B-sides were included on Suede's compilation Sci-Fi Lullabies, which was released the following year, although the version of "Europe is our Playground" was a new version and not the original B-side version found here. "Europe is Our Playground" also marks the songwriting debut of bass guitaristMat Osman. A cover of "Trash" is featured on the 2009 album Rocket Science by Norwegianelectro-rock band Apoptygma Berzerk.
Track listings
All songs by Brett Anderson and Richard Oakes except where noted. ;7" Vinyl, Cassette
