Futurology

[UEF]

So listening to CD2. Sounds like Europa was very much a studio creation then? Shame, I was hoping for some sort of embryonic acoustic version.

A bit weird that the albums now are recorded with the expectation that the demos will be on CD2. I wonder if they put more polish on them with that in mind.

[LadyWoodbee]

So when do you think they'll start touring again?

[Scarecrow]

I'd find it hard to imagine they record demos just for the second disc, surely they'll still record them for actual demonstration purposes for the other members? Otherwise why would some demos on previous albums be as embryonic as they are?

[FacelessSenseOfVoid]

Originally Posted by NasalScarecrow

I'd find it hard to imagine they record demos just for the second disc, surely they'll still record them for actual demonstration purposes for the other members? Otherwise why would some demos on previous albums be as embryonic as they are?

Well, speaking as a musician, it's safe to say that a number of demos may be recorded along the way. With multiple demos in mind, they may combine several elements of these various demos into one "demo" for release. You can definitely hear some bits that are on the finished versions on these demos. Whether they were part of the original demo(s) is questionable.

[Scarecrow]

Sure I remember some recycled parts from Rewind the Film demos, though I haven't heard them in a while.

[UEF]

Originally Posted by LadyWoodbee

So when do you think they'll start touring again?

October/November or so for the traditional James's Flu/Christmas/THB gigs

[UEF]

Originally Posted by NasalScarecrow

I'd find it hard to imagine they record demos just for the second disc, surely they'll still record them for actual demonstration purposes for the other members? Otherwise why would some demos on previous albums be as embryonic as they are?

That's not what I'm saying. I'm still saying the demo comes first, but that they record it thinking "all our fans are going to hear this, so we'd better not do anything silly or rubbish".

Take the demos on the EMG disc with the enormous smokers cough on one of them - do you think that would happen on a modern CD2?

[Scarecrow]

Originally Posted by UEF

I'm still saying the demo comes first, but that they record it thinking "all our fans are going to hear this, so we'd better not do anything silly or rubbish".

Take the demos on the EMG disc with the enormous smokers cough on one of them - do you think that would happen on a modern CD2?

Can't say I'm too convinced, they do have a choice in handing them over to begin with. If they did think 'let's not do anything rubbish', we wouldn't have Nicky's It's Not War demo.

[sofarsideways]

Just finishing my second listen-through. Misguided Missle is currently my favourite by far, although I think I'm actively discounting the title track, WMTTB and EGDM because I'd already heard them so much. That kind of set the first listen a bit off-kilter for me, it being so frontloaded with stuff I knew. Not so much this time though.

I can't say I know what to say about the album as a whole, I'm certainly enjoying it but I reckon honed opinions are going to be awhile coming from me. And that's not a bad thing at all! I love an album that takes time and work. There's stuff here to really get your teeth into. Total opposite of the flimsy throwaway feel of PFAYM, for instance.

Folk still seem way too ready to dismiss Nicky's musical contributions. As others have said, I just don't think it's a relevant notion this side of KYE. To me he has consistently provided some of the best music on every album from SATT onwards.

In closing, SPLAM is one of the best Manics song acronyms yet.

[bigboots]

Favourites so far:

Next Jet to Leave Moscow (favourite Manics anthem since 1985)
Dreaming a City (Wonderful instrumental)
Black Square (superb, like a fine wine, a real gem)
Europa (wow, old school manics, guitar riff frenzy)
Walk me to the Bridge (A pop gem)
Futurology (What a glorious jingle)
Sex, Power, Love, Money (This one gave me a tingle)

[Dancing Kirby]

1. The Last Time I Saw Paris
2. Between the Clock and the Bed
3. Misguided Missile
4. Futurology (demo)
5. The Next Jet To Leave Moscow

Top five and a solid EP.

I might add Divine Youth to make a mini LP after I've finished listening to Roxette on Spotify to remind myself whether they were cool cool or ironic cool. One thing they were not is Simple Minds.

[Glyn]

One of the things I'm loving is that usually I'll skip the singles I've already heard on a new album but both walk me to the bridge and Europa sound even better in the context of the album. Especially Europa, I know it's the exact same song but it sounds heavier somehow on the album.
So how long till someone combines a track listing with RTF to make a double album ? Next Jet To Leave Moscow (favourite James lyrics song since firefight for me incidentally) has a continuation of Tokyo Skyline vibe to get anyone started

[UEF]

Originally Posted by NasalScarecrow

Can't say I'm too convinced, they do have a choice in handing them over to begin with. If they did think 'let's not do anything rubbish', we wouldn't have Nicky's It's Not War demo.

I think that's probably a good example of my argument! The CD2 had the "polished" demo, but the real deal was to be found on a cassette - presumably handed over under duresse!

[cameron33]

After a play or two through . . .

Futurology 8
A really decent classic Manics opener. The first time Wire has sounded respectable on the mic.

Walk me to the bridge 8
this just keeps sounding better every listen, wasn't that keen at first

Lets go to war 8.5
One of the best they've done in ages. Love the dystopian vibe and unashamedly old school Manics shout chorus.

The next jet to leave Moscow 9.5
Brilliant song, one of the very best they've done, simple but beautiful affecting melody. BRLLIANT.

Europa Geht Durch Mich 8.5
One of the best they've done in ages

Divine Youth 8
Dont know quite what to make of this yet, very pretty melody, but the instrumentation overly fussy?

SPLAM 6.5
Hmmm, kinda fun kinda random

Dreaming a city 8
Smooth

Black Square 7.5
Nice tune, perhaps nothing spectacular here but could be a grower. effective verse chorus contrast and very nice vocal delivery

Between the Clock And the Bed 8
Guys voice takes a little getting used to at first but it's another lovely tune. Extra Smooth. Love the ending.

Misguided Missile 9
Brilliant. So much going on, different textures and instrumentation. Massive chorus vaguely reminiscent of Winter Lovers, but the song is vastly superior.

The view from stow hill 7.5
Only heard demo version so hard to rate, but seemed nice

Mayakovsky 7.5
Meaty. I'd have had empty motorcade here possibly which sounds brill and would arguably have been a better closer.

Overall: 8.5

Fantastic stuff, can't ask more from a 12th album. Finally sound like a band that have settled on a sound after a decade and a half. Brilliant that they can do this after the inconsequential rock by numbers of Postcards and Tigers.

[Takk]

Originally Posted by Europa Gluten Free

As I had expected, the album is being hugely over-appreciated by the critics. I don't get it. Are they all mates with the band? Do they all drink with Jimbo in London town? Are they too afraid to say how average it is? It is just another SATT type effort - all style and little substance. Walk Me To The Bridge and EGDM are the standouts as they truly incapsulate the ideas of this project and stand up to any Manics' track, but all in all the album is an average effort. 6/10

Or maybe, you know, your opinion isn't fact?