Manic Street Preachers – Journal For PLague Lovers

Releasedate: 15-05-2009; Label: Columbia
By: Nina Mende

‘Manic Street Preachers’ is an alternative rock band from Blackwood, Wales, formed in 1986. They are James Dean Bradfield (vocals, guitars), Nicky Wire (bass, occasional vocals) and Sean Moore (drums, backing vocals, occasional trumpet). The band were originally a quartet: lyricist and rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards mysteriously vanished on 1 February 1995. The Manics released their debut album Generation Terrorists in 1992. Their combination of androgynous glam punk imagery, outspoken invective and songs about “culture, alienation, boredom and despair” soon gained them a loyal following and cult status. The band’s later albums retained a politicized and intellectual lyrical style, while adopting a broader alternative rock sound. They have just released their ninth studio album “Journal For Plague Lovers”.

This album differs from everything else just like the band does. Energetic and easy going yet deep and very serious this album goes straight into your mind. The lyrics won’t let go of you and will definitely not be left unheard and unrealized. “Jackie Collins Existential Question Time” for example has very nagging lyrics which won’t leave your thoughts and mind untouched. The music is edgy yet easy and will never lose your attention till the last note has died away and vanished completely. The songs vary between slow, fast, single track and full blast all the time. The music takes over and leave you motionless, unable to focus on anything else while listening to this album, and also unable to press stop. “This Joke Sport Severed” contains acoustic guitar and soft lyrics, sung higher than others. The singer knows how to use his voice to match the song and lyrics. And he also knows how to transport whatever they intend to with his voice. Another acoustic song is “Facing Page: Top Left”. “Marlon JD” somehow made me think of Foo Fighters. On this album you can also find quite a lot of talking; during the first songs for example, as well as on some other songs on the middle of it and closer to the end. As the album gets closer to an end, the songs get slower and more thoughtful. The last song is a good night and good bye song. But don’t switch your stereo off after it seems done, because there is a hidden track, a very good one.

Tracklist: Peeled Apples Jackie Collins Existential Question Time Me And Stephen Hawking This Joke Sport Severed Journal For Plague Lovers She Bathed Herself In A Bath Of Bleach Facing Page: Top Left Marlon J.D. Doors Closing Slowly All Is Vanity Pretension//Repulsion Virginia State Epileptic Colony William’s Last Words

Links:
Manic Street Preachers MySpace
Manic Street Preachers Official