- Artists:
- Manic Street Preachers »
- Label:
- Epic Records »
Let me start by saying this; all of you who long for the days of Richey and 'You Love Us' stop reading now as there is a very strong chance you will hate what you are about to read.
The three lads from Wales have done what they have been threatening to do since 'Everything Must Go' and that is to write and perform a full, unabashed pop album. Yes, you heard me right boys and girls. This is not rock, it is arguably not indie and would fit very comfortably next to the soft nu-wave eighties pop albums that your auntie has on the shelf... and it is quite simply brilliant!
First song '1985' sets the tone perfectly for what lays ahead. To say it has slight whiffs of bands such as New Order would be an understatement but this is no clone by any means, as James Dean Bradfield has, what is possibly, one of the best male voices and ranges in the pop music world at the moment. This is the sort of song that made the music public wake up when the band returned with tracks such as 'Kevin Carter' and 'Design For Life' and it would be a great single in its own right... but then not many tracks on this album wouldn't!
New single 'The Love Of Richard Nixon', for me, expands from where Black Box Recorder almost went with 'Passionia' with their electro pop sensibilities. 'Empty Souls' has a Coldplay* or *Keane-like feel to it but performed in a better fashion with a more versatile vocalist and more passion. In retrospect I think that is what drives this album on that little more. It sounds like the passion has returned and is the band really showcasing what they have been building towards. This is not a drill, THIS is the real thing.
'Cardiff Afterlife' introduces us to the staple instrument of many a great pop song... the harmonica, while harking slightly back to past tracks such as 'Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky ' with the addition of a beautiful strings section!
Although the entire album is of such a high standard there is a real standout gem, a song that just shines like a beacon. 'Solitude Sometimes Is' is not just the song of the album, it should be song of the year if it gets released. Compared by those who have heard it already as being a rip-off of Keane, I don't think that really does it any justice or give the credit it deserves. It is beautifully fragile, lyrically touching and the tinkling of the xylophone throughout just takes this song places that have not been touched by any band in some considerable time.
To say the band have bounced back from the comparatively bad (both critically and in regard to sales) does not even begin to tell the story. This is an album that can (and I think will) transcend musical taste and age range. I can see the badly applied eyeliner of the 'beautiful ones' streaking down their pale cheeks, wishing for those bygone days. All I can say is move on and accept the boys have grown up and appreciate what they have done as this is a stand out album in its own right. 'Generation Terrorists' may well live forever in the hearts of their fans but 'Lifeblood' may well live forever as one of the best commercial albums of the bands career.
- Neptune Music Prize - Your Last Chance to Vote!
- Spotifriday - Listen to the 12 Neptune Music Prize Nominees
- DiS' alternative Music Prize: The Neptune nominees announced
- Spotify Playlist: Drownedin... 100 Songs of 2009 (So Far)
- Nicky Wire on the press, Shirley Bassey, and the future of the Manic Street Preachers: Part Three
- Nicky Wire on Richey & the Manic Street Preachers' return: Part Two
- Nicky Wire on the Manic Street Preachers' return: Part One
- In Photos: Manic Street Preachers @ The Roundhouse, London
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Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Fuckin right.
Bands have to change to progress.
Especially when they get old and fat.
Bands have to change to progress.
Especially when they get old and fat.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
can't wait for this promo to come through - heard 1985 on their website and almost melted - definitely among the best of their pre -95 stuff
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I have heard this album in full. And I like it very much.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
theyre back
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I'm stunned at all these positve messages!!
This album is cack. I'd even go as far as saying it's cacky poo pants!
I love the Manics and even defend the waaaaay below average Know Your Enemy but there's no defending this one.
To me it sounds like some tired Manics covers band that you'd see at Butlins. One man with a casio and a drum machine.
Yeah, I'm all for change and bands moving on but to totally forget and ignore your roots is unforgiveable in my book.
This album is cack. I'd even go as far as saying it's cacky poo pants!
I love the Manics and even defend the waaaaay below average Know Your Enemy but there's no defending this one.
To me it sounds like some tired Manics covers band that you'd see at Butlins. One man with a casio and a drum machine.
Yeah, I'm all for change and bands moving on but to totally forget and ignore your roots is unforgiveable in my book.
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
>Yeah, I'm all for change and bands moving on but to totally forget and ignore your roots is unforgiveable in my book.
Would you rather U2 had followed Rattle And Hum with more sanctimonious garbage, rather than Achtung Baby? Or if you don't like U2, you get my general point...
Would you rather U2 had followed Rattle And Hum with more sanctimonious garbage, rather than Achtung Baby? Or if you don't like U2, you get my general point...
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
No not at all but I'm not sure that's a very good comparison.
Rattle and Hum isn't as different to Achtung Baby as Lifeblood is to say The Holy Bible.
Maybe I'm being harsh on them, but I just don't want Manics to do throw-away pop it's just wrong.
Holy Bible is in my top ten albums ever. Manics have always had pop sensibilities but they've always had an edge of danger and have often had something dark, nasty but more importantly worthwhile to say. I just don't hear that here.
Rattle and Hum isn't as different to Achtung Baby as Lifeblood is to say The Holy Bible.
Maybe I'm being harsh on them, but I just don't want Manics to do throw-away pop it's just wrong.
Holy Bible is in my top ten albums ever. Manics have always had pop sensibilities but they've always had an edge of danger and have often had something dark, nasty but more importantly worthwhile to say. I just don't hear that here.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I've heard the album and it's a blinder, album of the year and a much needed return to form :)
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
agreed, the album is a much needed change of direction and return to form.
'glasnost' is spine-tinglingly beautiful...
'if we can still fall in love... if we can still fall in love...'
'glasnost' is spine-tinglingly beautiful...
'if we can still fall in love... if we can still fall in love...'
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
YES! it's a great record. glad to see the normal manics-related cynicism swept away. 1985, empty souls, glasnost and cardiff afterlife are my personal favourites. emily is the only dull track, and that's markedly less crap than The Holy Bible had.
they're doing what they want to do, in the tradition of their holy trinity, THB, EMG and TIMTTMY- not trying to second guess peoples taste like on KYE and GATS (sorry for the abbreviations!).
they're doing what they want to do, in the tradition of their holy trinity, THB, EMG and TIMTTMY- not trying to second guess peoples taste like on KYE and GATS (sorry for the abbreviations!).
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Except, um, The Holy Bible was TEN YEARS AGO. Ten whole years. Ago. Past. Gone. Long time. Gotcha?
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
also, digging the nude chick on the front. :)
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Mind you, it's getting a re-release in December, with rumours of a show where they will play it in full...
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I love the holy bible, and I'd never expect them to make anything as great as that, but from what I've heard this sounds great.
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
There's a difference between 'throw-away pop' and 'pop', I don't see this as being throw-away by any means and I can be one of their harshest critics...
An excellent return to form (not that they strayed *that* far off form in my opinion) and one I never doubted was coming! :)
(Also, this next comment isn't aimed at Podge, just a criticism I have in general from various places I post. Everyone who dislikes this album has pronounced the band as dead. Am I the only one who finds that egotistical on the posters' part?)
An excellent return to form (not that they strayed *that* far off form in my opinion) and one I never doubted was coming! :)
(Also, this next comment isn't aimed at Podge, just a criticism I have in general from various places I post. Everyone who dislikes this album has pronounced the band as dead. Am I the only one who finds that egotistical on the posters' part?)
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I'm really looking forward to hearing this.
Love of Richard Nixon is the best single they've released in at least 7 years. (okay so thats no great claim for it, but it is a damn good song).
Love of Richard Nixon is the best single they've released in at least 7 years. (okay so thats no great claim for it, but it is a damn good song).
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
The best thing the Manics have ever released since 'Everything Must Go' is Mogwai's remix of 'You Stole The Sun...'. Although I s'pose that's more to do with Tha 'Gwai than Manics...
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Masses Against The Classes was a top song.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
another good review from DiS. i loved Solitude Sometimes Is when i first heard it, you have to expect some conflict when you compare that to something like Archives of Pain. It's hard to believe the same band produced both songs lol. THB is my favourite album ever, as much as i agree the Manics were far, far, far more important when Richey was around, they've actually made the album they've always wanted to. I'm hoping that they will bring the tracks to life on the tour and give them an extra edge.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
ive not even heard the new album and i know this review is shit, just like that new single is shit. the holy bible remains their absolute pinnacle. best album chronicling mental illness, anyone?
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
nicky wire is the most insufferable bell-end i have ever come across. self-important talentless gimp.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
There's nothing I'd like better to get me into that Christmas cheer than hearing the Holy Bible played in full. Yo ho ho! Bring the kids!
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
The Manic Street Preachers are one of the most insufferably cack bands to come out of this country in recent decades. I would be very interested if anyone could give me a convincing argument to the contrary. They have never had anything interesting to offer in terms of musicianship, they don't seem to be able to fit lyrics to a melody properly, and JDB comes across as being more horribly sanctimonious than any preacher I've ever seen. The new single is truly awful. If that is the comeback single, I cannot imagine how the album could conceivably be good.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
oh get off your high horse! i'd kill to have a voice as emotive as JDB - the lryics/melody thing, that's the problem with having a lyricist that actually knows what he's talking about (on the whole) -
and one minor point, did devolution completely pass you by? Wales is it's own country now
;)
and one minor point, did devolution completely pass you by? Wales is it's own country now
;)
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Rubbish it's still part of the UK it just has it's own parliament.
But surely you don't like the new single.
And I agree that bands have to change if they are around a long time in order to remain interesting - U2 are a good example when they went Zooropa - but that has to be about change which pushes the envelope, crosses boundaries and challenges listeners perceptions like Bowie did, it's not about becoming even more bland and middle of the road than you already were.
But surely you don't like the new single.
And I agree that bands have to change if they are around a long time in order to remain interesting - U2 are a good example when they went Zooropa - but that has to be about change which pushes the envelope, crosses boundaries and challenges listeners perceptions like Bowie did, it's not about becoming even more bland and middle of the road than you already were.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
dont be afraid of pop - some bands do it well - the manics for example as they are clearly music fans whereas hideous bands like coldplay do it for a career.I can stand up and say I still like the manics and dont care what anyone says really -the less turgid rock the better!
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
the fact that keane were mentioned twice in comparison doesn't bode well, it must be said.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I like the Manics and The Holy Bible is a great album, but Everything Must Go is their best album (haven't heard the new one yet though). Don't care if it's not cool to say so, but it is!
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I was a diehard fan but the albums kept getting worse and worse. '...Nixon' contains utterly cringeworthy lyrics which bring the music down a great deal. Given the shite nature of recent albums plus the cack current single, there ain't much that makes me want to shell out the cash. They seem predictable, everyone thought they'd turn into a much softer band in the post-Richey era and they have. Photo ops with Castro and now sliding in Nixon during an American presidential campaign seems very Sixth Form 'Ooooh, I'm politically ware y'know' to me. That said, I won't say the album's shit or good until I've scrounged it from someone for a weekend.
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Zooropa isnt middle of the road, and it is the best album u2 ever made.
judging by 1985 and love of richard nixon, this isn't terribly good. but then ive never liked that kind of slick synthetic pop, and there are far better bands out there than the manics doing this stuff.
manics were best as a rock band hovering between parody and stuff so beatiful and sincere it could reduce you to tears. like gneration terrorists and the holy bible.
judging by 1985 and love of richard nixon, this isn't terribly good. but then ive never liked that kind of slick synthetic pop, and there are far better bands out there than the manics doing this stuff.
manics were best as a rock band hovering between parody and stuff so beatiful and sincere it could reduce you to tears. like gneration terrorists and the holy bible.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
i have to be honest. I detest this album and the single. i really wish they would knock it on the head or change their name. This isn't the manics, it's nicky wires ever changing influences.
The lyrics are poor, and the music so ballady its sickly.
i'm a stick in the mud i'm sure,but being likened to Keane is about right these days. Spot on.... bland
The lyrics are poor, and the music so ballady its sickly.
i'm a stick in the mud i'm sure,but being likened to Keane is about right these days. Spot on.... bland
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
for those who hate the single, and i was totally underwhelmed by it at first, it is probably the second-worst song on the album. a daft choice of lead-off single if ever there was one.
and let's face it, the manics lyrics have ALWAYS been shit. richey wrote, what, five decent ones in his entire life? but they were all utterly nihilistic and depressing, so i guess that's okay... <_<
and let's face it, the manics lyrics have ALWAYS been shit. richey wrote, what, five decent ones in his entire life? but they were all utterly nihilistic and depressing, so i guess that's okay... <_<
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
On the contrary, nihilistic and depressing isn't what I ever got from his lyrics. Much of the Holy Bible was concerned with continuing in the face of terror, pain, commercialism, political correctness, American influence take your pick. It wasn't nu-metal 'I hate my life and all that there is around me' nonsense. Nicky Wire isn't a great lyricist to me, 'Nixon' is terribly uninspired. If it does turn out to be one of the duff tracks on the album then fair enough, I'll wait for the next single and this weekend's forthcoming LP listen...
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Can I just point out I was not saying Zooropa was middle of the road, but the opposite - I agree it is a brilliant album. I was just saying that if bands who have been around a while feel the need to change then that's the kind of change they should be going for, rather than just a continual watering down of their music.
The guitar solo on 'Nixon' makes me want to die
The guitar solo on 'Nixon' makes me want to die
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I was probablty a bit unfair on Richey. i just think he wasn't the great people made him out to be, although some of his lyrics WERE great. i think he was at his peak as a lyricist with THB, and it's a shame it had to be his last testament... it's just that his own greatness seemed reliant on his doom in a sense- he had to go to the edge to become a decent lricist, and it ended up killing him (probably!).
by contrast, I think Nicky Wire is probably just the worst lyricist of all time. I mean that. He's always been the worst thing about the manics. I'm just glad he doesn't write the music... 'cos fuck me, can JDB write a decent tune when he puts his mind to it. Lifeblood is full of them. :)
by contrast, I think Nicky Wire is probably just the worst lyricist of all time. I mean that. He's always been the worst thing about the manics. I'm just glad he doesn't write the music... 'cos fuck me, can JDB write a decent tune when he puts his mind to it. Lifeblood is full of them. :)
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Hmmm.
You know, "maturity" and "retrogression" don't go hand in hand. And neither should they. In my humble opinion, "This Is My Truth..." was an utterly gorgeous album - epic, impressionistic, toweringly melodic... a complete departure from their previous work, but so spacious, autumnal... maybe it drags a bit in places but I mean, come on, anyone who says "Generation Terrorists" doesn't do just the same is kidding themselves.
"The Holy Bible" was always my favourite Manics album. Then, some time earlier this year, after owning it for nigh on seven years, I decided it was "Everything Must Go" instead. If this isn't too dumb a thing to say, "Everything Must Go" is like rock's equivalent of "The Shawshank Redemption"; an unabashedly classicist ("cliched"?) suite that gets just about as dark as it's possible to get at times, really hits emotional rock bottom, but comes through the storm and ends with three of the most beautiful, heart-burstingly positive songs that rock has ever turned up. Where "...Bible" depresses me (despite its excellence and continuing status as one of my favourite albums ever), "Everything..." is a statement of that healing power I find music so uniquely possesses.
"Know Your Enemy", however, was rubbish.
Not heard this one yet. I hope it's good.
You know, "maturity" and "retrogression" don't go hand in hand. And neither should they. In my humble opinion, "This Is My Truth..." was an utterly gorgeous album - epic, impressionistic, toweringly melodic... a complete departure from their previous work, but so spacious, autumnal... maybe it drags a bit in places but I mean, come on, anyone who says "Generation Terrorists" doesn't do just the same is kidding themselves.
"The Holy Bible" was always my favourite Manics album. Then, some time earlier this year, after owning it for nigh on seven years, I decided it was "Everything Must Go" instead. If this isn't too dumb a thing to say, "Everything Must Go" is like rock's equivalent of "The Shawshank Redemption"; an unabashedly classicist ("cliched"?) suite that gets just about as dark as it's possible to get at times, really hits emotional rock bottom, but comes through the storm and ends with three of the most beautiful, heart-burstingly positive songs that rock has ever turned up. Where "...Bible" depresses me (despite its excellence and continuing status as one of my favourite albums ever), "Everything..." is a statement of that healing power I find music so uniquely possesses.
"Know Your Enemy", however, was rubbish.
Not heard this one yet. I hope it's good.
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
agreed about This Is My Truth. a beautiful record, ridiculously under-rated. flawed but resonant. and a million times better than 90% of the Richey-era material. :P
i've never understood why people think it's some kind of middle-aged pompous sell-out. it's dark as fuck, very hymnal and disquieting. fans seem to attack it becaue it has- shock horror!- slow, subtle songs. even the manics seemed to disown it for a while... the result, Know Your Enemy, is proof, if it were needed, that great bands should never, ever listen to their fans!
for me, Lifeblood combines the weight of TIMT with the structure and effect of Everything Must Go. i think you might like it. ;)
i've never understood why people think it's some kind of middle-aged pompous sell-out. it's dark as fuck, very hymnal and disquieting. fans seem to attack it becaue it has- shock horror!- slow, subtle songs. even the manics seemed to disown it for a while... the result, Know Your Enemy, is proof, if it were needed, that great bands should never, ever listen to their fans!
for me, Lifeblood combines the weight of TIMT with the structure and effect of Everything Must Go. i think you might like it. ;)
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I strongly disagree about This Is My Truth. I do think it sounds middle-aged and pompous. But, above all, it just sounds boring to me. It's the most beige album I've ever heard (for some reason i've always defined manics albums by a colour coding system... the holy bible is either black or dark purple. everything must go, is the colour of it's sleeve). And I think lyrically it's the perfect example for people attacking nicky wire.
On the lyrics thing, there is a lot of cringeworthy sixth form stuff all the way through their career. And, on balance, i think richey is more guilty of that than nicky. Agreed that the best lyrics are on the holy bible though... the first two albums have some absolutely awful lines.
I think the music's always been a bit dull and predictable too.
For some reason they always managed to be more than a sum of their parts. They're an important band, not a great band. Were an important band.
On the lyrics thing, there is a lot of cringeworthy sixth form stuff all the way through their career. And, on balance, i think richey is more guilty of that than nicky. Agreed that the best lyrics are on the holy bible though... the first two albums have some absolutely awful lines.
I think the music's always been a bit dull and predictable too.
For some reason they always managed to be more than a sum of their parts. They're an important band, not a great band. Were an important band.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I must be the last one to hear the album, as i havent yet dl i have been waiting for the release next week. Ill get back to you with my opinion.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Well the Manics prove yet again, that although you love or hate them, there's a lot of opinion on them. My own opinion is that the stuck in the mud's should have moved on to be honest. moaning about how they arent as rock as they were is pointless 10 years on. i agree with Smiledeliac about everything must go. that is easily their best lp, it combines the best elements of their styles. my opinion on the current album is that in my opinion their post richey output now surpasses the richey era. generation terrorists had some amazing tracks as did gold against the soul but holy bible is the only really great lp as a whole. however i think everything must go and this is my truth are both great lps, and while know your enemy isnt the new one is.
fair enough there are gonna be people saying its not vital or not important but i personally think that is bullshit. basicly bands that are "relevant" to indie schmindie types are usually bands who havent broken through, like the manics were, bands causing a bit of a riot slightly out of sorts with the mainstream, and as soon as a whiff of success or softer sound people jump off the bandwagon and go on about how theyve sold out and arent relevant anymore. happens alot annoyingly.
onto the album anyway i think it is a return to form and for an album full of honest good melodies there isnt much purer than this this record. well done to the manics. glastnost might be pure radio2 but its still great and i agree the new single aint brill but its kinda addictive, i live to fall asleep ias also one of the best songs this year. brilliant. most bestest band ever.
fair enough there are gonna be people saying its not vital or not important but i personally think that is bullshit. basicly bands that are "relevant" to indie schmindie types are usually bands who havent broken through, like the manics were, bands causing a bit of a riot slightly out of sorts with the mainstream, and as soon as a whiff of success or softer sound people jump off the bandwagon and go on about how theyve sold out and arent relevant anymore. happens alot annoyingly.
onto the album anyway i think it is a return to form and for an album full of honest good melodies there isnt much purer than this this record. well done to the manics. glastnost might be pure radio2 but its still great and i agree the new single aint brill but its kinda addictive, i live to fall asleep ias also one of the best songs this year. brilliant. most bestest band ever.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
You can win a promo copy of the album (and read a review from an 'old' fan!!) on our site www.repeatfanzine.co.uk - but be quick, competetion closes on Monday!!
Roseyx
Roseyx
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
pop or not, its utter, UTTER GASH.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
i have always loathed the manic shit eaters. Was faintly interested in hearing this album after reading it's supposed to be so different to the usual toss.... but on second thoughts i don't think i'll bother.
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
It is interesting to hear people slagging off Nicky Wire's lyrics. Firstly the fellow who said that everything must must go is the best example to slag his lyrics off, is overlooking the fact that everything must go was cowritten with richey whose lyrics do appear on the album.
Also in the period of dumb-down politics- michael moore for example and any cheap cracks at george w bush[for fucks sake look beyond the face] Nicky wire adds a almost intellectual voice that is quite frankly missing. Know Your Enemy in my opinion is a lyrically strong album. Nicky wires acute political observations came at a time when the world was apolitical. Wire's stance and quite accurate prediction leaves him laughing.
Im quite proud that he hasnt had a crack at george bush it would have been very easy for him to have ranted like many others have.
Unfortunately for nicky wire he doesnt have the same lyrical bravery that richey edwards had, the bravary that completely disregards any sort of musical form.
Someone suggested the manics were only nicky wires everchangin influences, but look at those influences, Robeson, Guevara, Emily pankhurst. he brings to the mainstream ideas and literature that most people who write lyrics today have never heard of, that is the sad thing. It shudnt be up to nicky wire - who is a hypocritical loudmouth [thats what makes him so entertaining!!] - to inform people of these types of icons and figures.
The new album is good, people say its apolitical but in my opinion it is stil brave to criticise a figure such a princess diana and yet wire does it on a track which is forgetful otherwise in emily.
1985 is a great track. I personally love the fact that the manics are so varied - nobody wants another holy bible
Also in the period of dumb-down politics- michael moore for example and any cheap cracks at george w bush[for fucks sake look beyond the face] Nicky wire adds a almost intellectual voice that is quite frankly missing. Know Your Enemy in my opinion is a lyrically strong album. Nicky wires acute political observations came at a time when the world was apolitical. Wire's stance and quite accurate prediction leaves him laughing.
Im quite proud that he hasnt had a crack at george bush it would have been very easy for him to have ranted like many others have.
Unfortunately for nicky wire he doesnt have the same lyrical bravery that richey edwards had, the bravary that completely disregards any sort of musical form.
Someone suggested the manics were only nicky wires everchangin influences, but look at those influences, Robeson, Guevara, Emily pankhurst. he brings to the mainstream ideas and literature that most people who write lyrics today have never heard of, that is the sad thing. It shudnt be up to nicky wire - who is a hypocritical loudmouth [thats what makes him so entertaining!!] - to inform people of these types of icons and figures.
The new album is good, people say its apolitical but in my opinion it is stil brave to criticise a figure such a princess diana and yet wire does it on a track which is forgetful otherwise in emily.
1985 is a great track. I personally love the fact that the manics are so varied - nobody wants another holy bible
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I'm selling my tickets for the NEC gig. Interpol are playing the same night in Birmingham and I couldn't miss that, especially after hearing Lifeblood and being disappointed.
Anyway, have a look if you're interested.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2281914561
Anyway, have a look if you're interested.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2281914561
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
There seems to be three views, mainly here. Firstly, that the Manics should call it a day. Secondly, that the Manics should revert back to older stuff (notably THB). Thirdly, that the Manics cannot revert to the past because they're different people than what they were then, and basically the music has had to change as they've grown because to remain in the past would leave them either very stale and/or churning out the same gimmick over and over again. I subscribe to the third school of thought. While I didn't particularly like KYE, I do like Lifeblood. The Manics cannot be what they were because they aren't the same people anymore. Would everyone really want JBD to be like a John Lydon, still acting all punk-as-fuck whilst swimming with sharks? Post-Richey, the band understandably changed. Personally, THB is my favourite Manics album. But I don't really see any point wishing for the past to come back, as I don't think the current incarnation of the Manics could write a Holy Bible part 2. As one poster here said, it was 10 years ago. things move on. They have. Simply, if you don't like it, don't listen. :)
Re: Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
Personally, I don't know what the problem is with 'Know Your Enemy'......in my opinion with 'Ocean Spray', 'Freedom of Speech...', 'Found My Soul', '...Bourgeois Now' etc, it's probably up there fighting to be the SECOND BEST Manics album ( the first being 'The Holy Bible', if you're wondering....) - and was just what was needed after the melancholy brilliance of 'This is my Truth...'. Can't say I'm surprised by the direction of 'Lifeblood' which appears to be continuing in the disappointing vein of the 2 new tracks on 'Forever Delayed'....it might be time for a dignified retirement lads
Manic Street Preachers - Lifeblood
I do miss the days of Richey Manic -he was a beautiful poet. There aren't enough bands with a similar stance to the Clash or Sex Pistols, and the world is a poorer place without them.
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