In an article that appeared last week, Placebo bassist Stefan Olsdal reportedly said that the band's forthcoming 'Battle for the Sun' album is Placebo's "happiest ever." But when Spinner talked to him the same day that piece ran, he clarified his statements. A happy album from Placebo? Not quite.

"Placebo doesn't really do happy songs," Olsdal tells Spinner. But he does concede that the band members are personally in better spirits than they have been for years. "I think 'happy' is confused for 'hopeful' and 'optimistic,'" he says. "This is a record made by a band who is choosing to get out of a dark hole and, basically, see the light."

Hence the title 'Battle for the Sun.' That theme runs rampant throughout the disc, not just lyrically but musically as well. Whereas Placebo's previous CD, 'Meds,' was "focused on personal pain and inner turmoil," Olsdal says the new songs are "still dealing with the more difficult sides of the human psyche and human emotions and relationships." The difference, he says, is in the attitude. "It's about trying to get out of a bad place and choosing to lead a more balanced existence that's more hopeful."

OK, so maybe it's not all roses and clovers but indeed it does sound like Placebo might have made their happiest record yet. At least, by comparison. Cheers, mates.