The British alternative rocker's 1994 & third --their final outing with guitarist Richey James before he disappeared-- with live versions of 'Drug Drug Druggy', 'Roses In The Hospital', 'You Love Us' and 'New Art Riot'... more » all added as bonus tracks. 17 cuts total. An Epic Records release.« less
The British alternative rocker's 1994 & third --their final outing with guitarist Richey James before he disappeared-- with live versions of 'Drug Drug Druggy', 'Roses In The Hospital', 'You Love Us' and 'New Art Riot' all added as bonus tracks. 17 cuts total. An Epic Records release.
CD Reviews
Sheer genius, my favourite CD ever
Mr. T. P. Hatfield | Manchester, England | 05/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is by far the best piece of music i have ecver listened to. from start to finish there is not a single bad track, and the lyrics are disturbing yet superb, wonderfully embedded in the nialhistic and dark musical framework of The Manic Street Preachers. For a dedicated Manics fan like myself, this is as good as it gets, with songs like Yes, She is Suffering, Archieves of Pain, Die in the Summer time and PCP which just blow you away. Over all an awe-inspiring piece of music which would take a hell of an album to even challenge it. the fact that this album was followed only 18 months later by the more comercial and mundane Everything must go is depressing, but if you want a taste of the real manics, and a brief glimpse into the brilliant mind of Ritchie Edwards buy this album."
The Holy Bible
Chris | Wales. Yes, the same place the Manics come from. | 04/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, this album is dark. Yes, in places this album is nasty. But I think that what is being said on this album needed to be said. The pratt who wrote 'Nirvana rock' misses the point completely. This album is about something. This album means something. The Manics are a very intelligent band, and I think that really shows on this album. A masterpiece? Perhaps. Essential listening? Maybe. Meaningful? Definetly. And that's not something that most other bands (including Nirvana) can claim."
STEAL THIS ALBUM
A H Wedderburn | Nowhere, USA | 06/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is undoubtedly dark and difficult, especially once you know What Happened Next (Richey Edwards, lyricist and nominal guitarist disappeared in early 1995 and has not been seen since). In fact, reading lyrics to songs like 4st 7lb about Edwards' anorexia, or hearing him spew about topics including capital punishment, prostituion, and America, then in the pre-Moore, Chomsky and Pilger times not the cliched worldview it is now, with the bile of Strummer and Rotten put together, one has to admit that this album is not even a pleasant listen. You feel intrusive hearing the last dark mutterings of a truly disturbed and depressed mind. But I have given it 5 stars. Why? because to hear this one man expose every aspect of his problematic life to the world (anorexia, masochism, the overwhelming sense of fear for the future) is to learn more about yourself. This album will make you squirm, shift uncomfortably, and yet you will emerge out the other end a better person. This is the most intense, powerful record since Joy Division's Closer, which, to be honest, it surpasses in almost every respect. Those who already own the Manic's greatest hits will notice that just one of the tracks off that are on this album (Faster). That is because this album is an ALBUM, far more than just a collection of songs. It deserves to be heard in its entirety. Buy, steal or copy this album. But make sure you own it within 24 hours."
THE BEST
A H Wedderburn | 02/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The best, darkest, and gruesome album of the nighties, no contenders, best band in the world, oh yes....."
"i know i believe in nothing but it is my nothing"
A H Wedderburn | 12/23/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The album that preceeded Richie James' dissappearance into the ether is as enigmatic as it's vanished mentor. With lyrics that are open to interperatation and individual deciphering and music that creates an unsettling and menacing tone it leaves an impression. Although it features none-to-uplifting songs such as "Die in the Summertime" there is an undertone of what could only be described as hope-for acknoweledging problems is the first step in rectifying them, isn't it?A mixture of self loathing and an arrogance derived of hating all else as well, this album is perfect for those whose idea of paradise is a locked, darkened room.Four stars; unfortunately some of the more maudlin moments cancel out the power of the melodrama."