geb

great review, especially when you highlight the difference between the "angry" period of the Manics (the first 3 albums) and the "blue" period (even though know your enemy is quite rock) with "everything" acting as a turning point. well done. from best to worst, I propose a ranking of the Manics' albums: 1. the holy bible 2. generation terrorists 3. everything must go 4. journal for plague lovers 5. gold against the soul 6. know your enemy 7. this is my truth 8. lifeblood 9. send away the tigers

Damn, I found someone who thinks exactly like me! I could have written this review word for word! Great Vortex...their early albums are absolute masterpieces, the hard-seventies and flower power turn à la Blue Cheer-Jefferson Airplane also disappointed me, to the point that I don't own "Phanerotime" (serious for a psychonaut, I know...) and I have a burned copy of "Bh-Bc" (sacrilege!! I'll make it right soon, even though that one disappointed me a bit too...) on "Little Lucid Moments" there's "Year Zero," which is magnificent, I'm still with you on that. I saw them in Rome last May and they still rock...KK is a powerhouse! They’re in my top five favorite bands. Awesome.
For everyone: do you have any news about the release of "Child of the Future"? I read on their blog that the publication has been postponed, but on Fandango (an online shop site) they have it available...someone let me know, thanks!
Once again, congratulations Vortex, you're a brother even though I don't know you.

So, dear 47, I don't think you're wrong and the Manics aren't lacking. It's simply a matter of taste. Then we need to see what music you listen to and what you expected from the Manics... if you like Albini, you probably appreciate a certain type of music (I'm thinking of Shellac, his band, but also Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Melvins, Helmet, etc. – all bands that I adore) that, in terms of "feeling," is a bit distant from the emphatic and typically "British" approach of the MSP. However, I respect your opinion; I don't expect everyone to think like me (you know how boring that is!). Just allow me to contest one thing: the alleged radio-friendliness and commercialism of the album in question. If by that you mean the Manics are melodic, I agree: in fact, they have been even more pop than this. But they are not pandering, believe me... rather, I think their attitude was the reason they didn't break through in the USA. They had the potential. We could quibble for hours about the concept of radio-friendliness: even Brutal Truth could become that. It depends on systemic logics that we poor listeners do not determine! Anyway, Templare is right: you either love or hate the Manics... thanks to the web, I've discovered that I'm not the only one who loves them.

Congratulations on the review. The Manics have been (and still are) the fundamental band of my life. I need them to live. I own all their releases, including the singles, where hidden gems lie. James' voice is moving; it always sends shivers down my spine with the most accomplished melodic lines. Their political awareness moves and excites me. They are the greatest rock band ever, period. Never a banal lyric. Never a bullshit song about sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll. They've had a few missteps with some albums in the past, it's true (especially the last two), but with "journal..." they return to the glory of the sacred Bible. You can feel the inspiration, the motivation to give further meaning to Richey's politics, a guy who had nothing to envy to sacred monsters like Cobain and Curtis when it came to writing lyrics. Great Manics, I will always love you.