[darkanddivine]

Originally Posted by Europa Gluten Free

I totally respect Scarecrow’s view on the album.

I’m wondering if there are other stalwarts or regulars who feel the same?

I think it’s their best since Futurology (and maybe even better!)

Well I've been around the block a bit! The whole time I've been into the band the Marmite factor has been strong, regardless of what the band does. I don't mind seeing all this critique and equally the love for the record - it's all gravy. I can totally see why some folks don't dig the new version of the Manics.

Personally, I'm quietly enjoy this album right now. Sometimes you get a moment where it all hangs together beyond the scorecards and rational reviews out of 10. I'm not a mad fan of SATT, but that album was super enjoyable because the band were clearly enjoying it and there was a buzz from fans and non-fans that made it an enjoyable time to be into the band. This feels like a (arghhhh can't not do the pun!) late day peak for them, where they are having fun and people are generally enjoying it in a similar way.

Will it stack up in time? I do think it's better than their recent work; certainly TUVL, and RiF and I'd be surprised if that changed. I've also connected with it more than Rewind the Film, and possibly Futurology, though that one was "like" rather than "love" so maybe it's about even with Futurology.

There's an argument that if you combine the best songs off RiF, TUVL and CT you'd have a really good comeback record post Futurology after 10 years off or something (maybe they could have been doing that thing all the 90s bands are doing - with a comeback and new album in the arenas). But there's something endearing about the Manics approach and work ethic.