Quote:
Originally Posted by Scarecrow
Another play down. I've also played RIF and TUVL and I stand by my initial impression that they're stuck in the same 'safe' mode that produced those, perhaps even mining the same territory as PFAYM.
Once again some fleeting good ideas and some forgettable toss; a third consecutive album of their most average, bland, colourless, and sometimes embarrassing music. Like RIF, there are a few moments on the second half that I like, some of which could be improved if James sang like he cared or they got rid of the samey UVL guitar/synth sheen and played with more grit.
Back when fans and friends were jumping off after TIMTTMY and KYE and Lifeblood, I found something I loved about each of those. Even when those who stuck around were turned off by SATT and PFAYM, I still really liked some tracks. This one? It saddens me to say this but I never thought I'd feel so BORED by the Manics. I really hope that it grows on me in time, or the songs make more sense live.
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I'd agree with most of what you've said here when it comes to the regular album (and doubly so to the James sung singles and the stupid U2 bit in out of time revival) but and a big BUT the demos are for me worth the price of entry. They show that underneath the sonic clutter there are good songs beneath.
Also, I think that the demo of 'Hiding in plain sight' is as close to the "Nebraska" album idea that they harped on about years ago as they'll ever get.
I haven't heard the Piano versions yet but I'm happy to ignore the standard edition and just count the demos as the new record and be happy with that as an album.