Quote:
Originally Posted by Marconi Delorian
I agree with a lot of what you wrote, but I must defend International Blue - it's a cut above all the others you've mentioned (liked YLA at the time but quickly tired of it, especially live. I can't stand It's Not War or Autumnsong - the latter is their nadir among close competition from that era).
It contains a dynamism lacking in many of their songs - a real drive that I can only describe as Sprinsteen-esque. James can be lazy with melodies but this is pleasing and I can't but help sing along, even when he disappears up in the chorus. It may be formulaic, but it's at the top end of the formula for me. Lyrically it's not a stand out, but again I like the lyrics and don't find them cringeworthy unlike many other of Wire's.
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Yeah I totally agree with this. I saw them play it live here in the US and it got a big reception from the crowd. And while the riff isn't technically complex, it IS very catchy. The mix isn't great - there's too much high-end, but I think it's a great song.
The Dear Stephen chorus sounds somewhat similar to The Boy From the Plantation with those chiming riffs after every line.
Having said all this, the best song JDB has written in 15 years is easily Recuerda. That song absolutely *rips* and the lyrics are great.
I will always give Manics albums way more of a chance than most bands, and I can usually get into most of their tracks. The second half of this record gets a little samey but a standout song for me is actually Being Baptised - that's a real grower.