Futurology

[Kafir_Lover]

The promo video & music are stunning!..pleasantly surprised at the quality of the music as well as how well it fits with the video..

[Takk]

Originally Posted by LadyWoodbee

The demo? It's on the deluxe/limited edition/whatever version, and I also have it on Spotify, but someone in this thread told me yesterday that there are different Spotify versions in different countries, and I'm in Germany, so not sure if it's (already?) online anywhere else.

I'm not even sure how spotify knows which country you are in...I can't find it on mine.

[UEF]

Well I didn't expect a sample of Helter Skelter to turn up on Mayakovsky

[Porco]

Originally Posted by Takk

I'm not even sure how spotify knows which country you are in...I can't find it on mine.

I think they just do it via IP range. A log-in through a VPN or proxy would probably fool it I'd guess, if one could be bothered.

[AK47]

Originally Posted by The Quatercircle

Taking bets on the first poster to write a sub 4/10 review.

Odds are, pm for money down.

1/2 Dancing Kirby
11/10 Radiomaniac
4/1 EuropaGlutenfree
12/1 Ak47
100/Porco
1000/SPLAM

Those odds, for me, are way out. I love the album so no Sub nothing for me, sunshine.

[Takk]

Originally Posted by Porco

I think they just do it via IP range. A log-in through a VPN or proxy would probably fool it I'd guess, if one could be bothered.

Nah, it doesn't seem to work for me at least. You can set your country in the profile, but i'm not sure that makes any difference. I can now get RTF, which I couldn't on US spotify.

[FacelessSenseOfVoid]

Originally Posted by UEF

Well I didn't expect a sample of Helter Skelter to turn up on Mayakovsky

Definitely not a sample, it's Nicky pissing about

[LadyWoodbee]

Everything today seems strange to me. I just had my neighbour complain about the music. All of my windows are open because it's ridiculously hot here, and apparently she can hear what music I'm listening to when she's standing on her balcony, which she's trying to redecorate today. Quote: "It's not the volume that bothers me, but you've been playing the same crappy disco music [!!!] all day long, how about turning on the radio for a change?" REALLY!!! I was tempted to tell her that it's my intention to keep listening to this crappy disco album at least 10 more times before the France-Germany kick-off at 6 pm, but I'm a nice neighbour, so I'm using headphones now.

[Scarecrow]

Originally Posted by LadyWoodbee

"It's not the volume that bothers me, but you've been playing the same crappy disco music [!!!] all day long, how about turning on the radio for a change?" REALLY!!! I was tempted to tell her that it's my intention to keep listening to this crappy disco album at least 10 more times before the France-Germany kick-off

You could always play her some death metal for variety.

[LadyWoodbee]

Originally Posted by Porco

I think they just do it via IP range. A log-in through a VPN or proxy would probably fool it I'd guess, if one could be bothered.

Yes, I think that's what it is. I can't watch any British media library files because of that.

However, the album has been leaked by now, including CD2. I don't have the actual files, but if you want to listen to it, just send me a PM.

Originally Posted by NasalScarecrow

You could always play her some death metal for variety.

I'm sure she'd appreciate that, harhar! But actually I'm tempted to give her the REAL Manics disco song... *braindeadmotherf***ers*

[The Holy Bum-Bum]

Liking the album a lot, with only three minor complaints!

- The string 'stab' sound on Divine Youth seems a bad choice to me, to the point where it's distracting and pushes me out of an otherwise beautiful song.

- It needed one last 'heavy' song after The View From Stow Hill I think, to bring it full circle. As it is, the album is front-loaded with the more up-beat stuff.

- Mayakovsky is a weak closer. They probably should have swapped it with Dreaming A City (Hugheskova) to end on a real high.

Those moans aside, loving it.

[Porco]

Originally Posted by LadyWoodbee

Yes, I think that's what it is. I can't watch any British media library files because of that.

However, the album has been leaked by now, including CD2. I don't have the actual files, but if you want to listen to it, just send me a PM.

It's ok thanks, I'm waiting out of choice at this point, not necessity

[Europa Gluten Free]

Well this is my track-by-track of the album. I'd like to preface it by saying that the Manics are most definitely the critics' darlings. I don't know if the middle-aged critics see themselves or want to see themselves in the middle-aged band. The album is not particularly forward thinking or edgy or experimental. It is in fact very safe and straightforward.

Futurology
The opening track is wonderful and a highlight of the album. It's funny how the Wire penned tracks turn out to me the most simple and yet melodic. I do think it's missing the pre-chorus guitar bit from the live version but while the lyric is not particularly deep it is admirable.

Walk Me To The Bridge
Joint best song on the album both musically and lyrically. The lyric is clever in on one level being about Wire's trip across that bridge but on the other level being about Richey and the band.

Let's Go To War
Incredibly cheesy and embarrassing. The "let's go to war" chant is cringeworthy. The chorus riff is not much better. The only decent thing about it is Jimbo's bassline. One of the worst on the album. I don't get it at all.

The Next Jet To Leave Moscow
Another highlight. The song feels less pretentious and deeper and more meaningful rather being another pastiche of Bowie in Berlin. The melody and phrasing of the main chorus line is very pretty and catchy.

Europa Geht Durch Mich
The other best song on the album. All the ideas come together in this song. A truly original Manics' song rather than being a cheap Bowie knock off like some of the other tracks.

Divine Youth
Again musically it is very pretty. But what is it about really? I haven't a fucking clue. And why is it on the album? Boring.

Sex, Power, Love, and Money
Another mid-paced dad rocker. Embarrassing on every level. And they don't use the oxford comma in the title so I'm out. This is truly cringeworthy. Seriously how can the critics say this is one of their best albums?!?!

Dreaming A City (Hugheskova)
Fantastic Jimbo baseline. Nice synths too. But two instrumentals on one album? Yawn.

Black Square
Uninspiring phoned-in mid-tempo PFAYM-esque album track.

Between the Clock and the Bed
What is the point of the duet on this? The other fella just sounds like Jimbo drunk. Again its all very pretty but makes little impression. The album is struggling now and I just can't wait to get to the end.

Misguided Missile
Again a great bassline but the lyrics and the delivery of the lyrics are half-arsed. Another boring album track.

The View From Stow Hill
A more interesting track at last. The twitter and Facebook lines are a little forced but at least they are saying something. But again an album track and nothing more. What a shame.

Mayakovsky
Another instrumental?! Really?!!? Yawn yawn yawn.

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

[UEF]

Originally Posted by FacelessSenseOfVoid

Definitely not a sample, it's Nicky pissing about

Yeah you're right. Guess that was definitely one clip you wouldn't want to pay the royalties for.

[UEF]

Originally Posted by Europa Gluten Free

Futurology
The opening track is wonderful and a highlight of the album. It's funny how the Wire penned tracks turn out to me the most simple and yet melodic.

Do we have a definitive list of who wrote what?