Random Manics thoughts...

[Strawberry]

When I was out today, I saw a woman pushing a leopard print pram. Wow.

[Symmanine]

Don't know where else to put this... and it is very random I supppose... but it looks like danish duo Darkness Falls has been inspired by the Manics on the cover art for their new album

http://gaffa.dk/anmeldelse/92367

or maybe it's just a coincidense

[gracie]

Yeah, Builder of Routines is probably the highlight of RTF for me.

In fact, I could probably place Postcards, LB and RTF as a triple bottom. They're not strong efforts at all.

[sculptureofabloke]

Originally Posted by gracie

Yeah, Builder of Routines is probably the highlight of RTF for me.

In fact, I could probably place Postcards, LB and RTF as a triple bottom. They're not strong efforts at all.

Not so keen on Postcards, think there's a great mini-album in there but when it came out it just felt like a disappointment following Journal For Plague Lovers. I don't know what it is about Postcards, all the shouting about mass communication, the layers of strings and anthemic efforts.. yeah, they were trying to be the Everything Must Go/Send Away The Tigers Manics again and while I can kinda see why, but knowing how they're still capable of pushing their boundaries and finding new ground, I just found it a bit strange. But I do love a few tracks on there like The Future Has Been Here 4 Ever, Some Kind Of Nothingness, Golden Platitudes, Don't Be Evil.. I dunno, best word for the album I can think of is tame.

As for Lifeblood and Rewind The Film, I think they're both very bold albums for them to have done because they're so different to anything else they've done. They've always reacted against themselves and there was a time when them doing an album full of synths and another album with only one electric guitar on it would've been unthinkable, but they've done it and I'd put em both in the top half of my Manics album league table. I do wonder how the same songs in a more usual Manics style would translate.. Ah I don't know, maybe it's cos I've been obsessed over half my life but it does feel like, even when they do something so differently to what they've done before, it's still got their mark on it and it's not something I've ever really managed to put my finger on.

In some ways I think Rewind The Film is their most honest effort, or at least on a par with This Is My Truth.. Not that they've ever been massive prima donna rock stars but I think both albums humanise them even more, they're so humble, fragile, tender, introspective and reflective. Heh, in a way they're more "4 real" than Generation Terrorists. I think the song Rewind The Film conveys nostalgia so well you almost think it's yours. For all the Generation Terrorists swagger and Holy Bible anger, I think they're the albums that give you a better indication of what they're about and who they are, where they're coming from. Same with Cardiff Afterlife to an extent too. I just find it beautiful, but Manics songs aren't supposed to be beautiful, they're supposed to be abrasive, antagonistic and confrontational. A lot of people seem to have this idea that there are two Manics - with Richey and without but I think there are more.


I don't think I've listened to Manics this week, what the fuck. I did have Nicky's solo album on yesterday though.

[Dac X Lee]

Originally Posted by Strawberry

When I was out today, I saw a woman pushing a leopard print pram. Wow.

Leopard print was kind of a trend here in Korea about last autumn and winter. Seeing less "leopards" recently, but it is still pretty common.

[gracie]

I love the bassline on the Yes chorus. Also, I never realized how fucking menacing the into and bass at the start of Archives of Pain is.

[Dac X Lee]

Originally Posted by gracie

I love the bassline on the Yes chorus. Also, I never realized how fucking menacing the into and bass at the start of Archives of Pain is.

My portable speaker is not so great with bass sounds in songs, at least not when I listen to music in open air. Which is logical, since there's nothing the sound waves can bounce to, which is important for the lower sounds. However... Holy Bible is one of those albums where basses are loud enough too.

[sculptureofabloke]

Not seen Manics for three months, not gonna see em for another two. Seems like ages now.

[gracie]

If I had Nicky's legs, I'd be so happy. Forever. I'd never be sad again.

[Dac X Lee]

Originally Posted by gracie

If I had Nicky's legs, I'd be so happy. Forever. I'd never be sad again.

Oh, but doesn't he have problems with his knees?

[gracie]

Originally Posted by Dac X Lee

Oh, but doesn't he have problems with his knees?

I do too, so it wouldn't make much difference

[Dac X Lee]

Originally Posted by gracie

I do too, so it wouldn't make much difference

All fine then.

[sculptureofabloke]

Well I never... Just had Know Your Enemy on (American pressing for some reason, just grabbed one at random), been waiting for We're All Bourgeois Now and it hasn't come on. Wonder why that is.

[NasalScarecrow]

There is a free tribute act festival in Bolton in May. Look who is playing on the Sunday:

http://www.boltfest.com/artists/

[Strawberry]

Manic Street Creatures.