Monday, May 14, 2007

Records I Can't Stand: 7


Manic Street Preachers Australia (Epic, 1996)

Thank goodness they're not still making records! They're not are they (just looking at that little one on the right makes me feel poorly)?

24 comments:

Rob said...

Q: Has there ever been a more rubbish band in the world than ver manics?
A: No. Not even the B-52s or REM or Radiohead or Queen.

Mel said...

It may just be a vicious rumour but I believe they have just released a new album! Yep, just checked - little jem called " Send away the Tigers"

Simon said...

With you on that one. Can't stand the Manics. Overblown, pretentious and Welsh. Wish they'd all jumped off the bridge (musically speaking, of course).

Rob said...

I have the new album on my desk. It's wretched. Didn't want to spoil Silvana's day by letting on :(

Silvana said...

Hooray! Glad you agree with me - though Robert, Radiohead weren't rubbish -this is a brilliant song.

I am sorry to be so behind the times. I had thought (hoped) they'd split up.

Anonymous said...

i hated "kevin carter" even more. there was some programme on radio 4 last week about its lyrical genius. I nearly cut my shower short in protest.

Anonymous said...

with the possible exception of Motorcycle Emptiness I have despised everything they do. Lumpen is the word that best describes them. Has there ever been a more ridiculous pop star than Nicky Wire - the 6th form politics, the stage dancing and his naff lyrics.

Rob said...

Jackie - that was David Hepworth's new show...

Stephen - I have a sneaking fondness for this, to be honest. But that's it - I promise!

Valentine Suicide said...

Full support again Silvana.

..and MG - I also used to have a soft spot for Motorcycle Emptiness. Until I realised it contained the lyrics:-

"Itemise loathing and feed yourself smiles
Organise your safe tribal war
Hurt maim kill and enslave the ghetto"

Then it occurred to me they were a comedy band...

You'll also notice they are playing to substantially 'downsized' venues this year.

Anonymous said...

o dear busted showering at mmidday then...

Anonymous said...

Can I go against the widely held opinion here? I like the Manics. I quite like the new album, I even liked their last album ('Lifeblood') which even the Manic's trusty fanbase didn't much care for! Saw them at Leeds Uni last week and they were rather fabulous. There, I feel better now it's out in the open. A weight has definitely been lifted. I can now get on with everyday life...
You've got to admit 'A Design For Life' was a good single? C'mon, you know, with the portentous, but great opening of "Libraries gave us power..."
I'll get my coat.

Heidi said...

the one on the right looks like the Serbian butch lesbian who won the Eurovision song contest!

Or maybe I should put the bottle back in the fridge and go to bed.

BLTP said...

I think if they didn't exist we'd have to invent them! saw james dean bradfield at the auto bank in chiswick the other day which answers the old question from there first album "Nat West-Barclays-Midland-Lloyds " The answer is....... Barclays.
The drummers always looked a chancer who was never at ease with the eye liner and sloganeering

Anonymous said...

Native, you are not alone. I've always loved the Manics, even when they have been rubbish. I think it's because they're as often rubbish as brilliant in my book that I love them. Then again, I grew up with them and their various periods fit with my life. And I share a birthday with James.

James Franco said...

I am with the minority on here as well I'm afraid.
I loved Generation Terrorist, but will admit that they peaked early and slid downhill from there.

Sparklemoose said...

Way to go, Native. Solidarity brother.

Yes, they are pompous arses. Yes, their music is occassionally over-produced and overblown. And, yes, they write pretty crappy lyrics.

But... JDB has an astounding voice. It lifts my heart whenever I hear it. God knows why - I can't pin it down. It's characterful, urgent and lived-in. It can shout in tune and it can carry the juggernaut of sound that the rest of the song produces.

Plus they have written some pretty good tunes. And not just on Design for Life - I actually rather liked the Great Western.

Anonymous said...

Rob, Wash your mouth out with Ecover and spring water. Why are you anti The B-52's? They've done loads of ace stuff. Their first two albums are great, and lots of later stuff is good too. Go and listen to Planet Claire, 6060-842, Party out of Bounds, Song for a Future Generation. Nero

Rob said...

I stand by every word! I have an unshakable hatred (trans: fear) of "wacky" music and the B52s just exemplify that for me. I'm sure there's much more to them than this, but I can't face the idea of hearing it :^(

Anonymous said...

I share your entirely excusable zanyphobia, so let me go on. The video was from the 80s, when Rock Lobster charted again, and a new vid was needed on the cheap, hence the Jive Bunny style. Secondly, even leaving the look on the side, the music stands up. It's bloody good new wave. David Byrne produced them too at one point. They are not student funsters. They're bored kids, self-styled 'party terrorists' who would raid other people's shindigs (see Party Out of Bounds) and not give an eff. Cindy Wilson's vocals are like blue sky and candy floss. Reconsider, please, after a listen their eponymous first album and their 2nd, Wild Planet.

Rob said...

Don't get me started on David Byrne :( x a million

Anonymous said...

I did my best. Your taste is still good, IMHO. If only you'd have a good listen to Modern Talking. They're original. At least admire the lip gloss. ? Nero

Rob said...

I'm all for lip-gloss - for sure!

Anonymous said...

http://www.coolhunting.com/images/cutcopy_ari.jpg

This is shiny stuff.

Bright Ambassador said...

Rob - did you know that James Dean Bradfield is also an unashamed Rush fan?

I'm not a huge fan of ver Manics, but that last single was rather good.

By the way, I'd gladly strangle Nicky Wire with his own feather boa.