FIVE YEARS OF "SEND AWAY THE TIGERS"

[sculptureofabloke]

For me I think Send Away The Tigers was more about the timing than anything. Came along in a transitional period in my life. It'd been announced around the time of the XFM gig that work was closing down so I applie to university. Quit work early to go see em in Leeds, got a free ticket off a mate for Sheffield, did Apollo again.

2004-2007 was just weird for Manics in general, Lifeblood was a slow burner for me but it gets in me top 5 these days. I remember worrying that the Past Present And Future tour had some kinda sense of finality to it and I wondered if the solo projects meant that was it. I wasn't on here at the time, only Manics fans I knew were Nasal Scarecrow and a couple of people I doubt have ever been on here. So yeah, didn't get into any of the gossip around then, so when I saw JDB in Sheffield and he ended the set talking about a new Manics album next year that was news to me. I loved the solo albums and they got me well curious cos they were so different to Lifeblood and although James had dabbled in Manics lyrics with Ocean Spray and Firefight by then, I had no idea Nicky was even capable of writing music. Yeah yeah, I know some of you are probably thinking he isn't, but whatever. Just the thought of what could come out of sticking Lifeblood, The Great Western and I Killed The Zeitgeist into a melting pot. I went to XFM and I'm Just A Patsy and Autumnsong were fresh, I loved them at first but again I wasn't here so I didn't get chance to get bootlegs or whatever from the gig. Heard the album not long before release and bought it the day it came out on my way to Manchester to see Roger Waters.

The album... I suppose I kinda wore it out. I loved it at the time, and in all honesty I think I'd have loved just about anything they put out. I'm not into blind faith, I know what I like and what I don't like, they've just got such a great track record with me and I suppose the anticipation helped too. I rarely listen to it these days, but whenever I do go back to it it's better than I give it credit for in the periods I don't listen to it. Fucking great b-sides, mind.

[Europa Gluten Free]

I've decided it's Sean shouting "I'm just a patsy". It is, isn't it?

[AK47]

I delved into SATT recently and found great appreciation for TSGD, Rendition, YLAINE, etc. It has moments of greatness but it all felt a little desperate for acceptance after LB. It was if the Manics went through a stage of confusion and wanting some kind of recognition from critics again. I absolutely feel this is the album that completely moved them backwards musically. It ISN'T an album that reinvents the band or challenged them. JFPL did that and they loved it and then they came back with PFAYM which I am sure most fans agree was a double facepalm.

[UEF]

Originally Posted by proevpete

I've decided it's Sean shouting "I'm just a patsy". It is, isn't it?

Clip off the film innit?

[The Gutless Wonder]

This is just the type of day to have SATT pumping from your car stereo!

[Lee]

Such a summer album. :rock:

[MarilynRoxie]

Originally Posted by Pedro8

he record is a bit superficial and thus doesn't stand the test of time, so down with PFAYM as least good Manics albums, but still enjoyable at the right time.

YES.

I guess I'll do this too:

Great:
N/A

Good:
Indian Summer
The Second Great Depression
I'm Just a Patsy
Winterlovers

Okay:
Send Away the Tigers
Your Love Alone is Not Enough
Imperial Bodybags

Mildly Irritating:
Rendition
Autumnsong

Embarrassing/ annoying:
Underdogs

[VCK]

Quality album, and massively underrated.

It's strange how when it first came out people were lauding it as a real return to form, then just a few months later the same people were saying it's one of their worst. Personally I think it's better than Journal and Postcards, and the best album they've done since Everything Must Go.

I guess what I like about it is how it encompasses every sound the Manics have done, from the catchy pop rock anthems with big choruses (Your Love Alone, Autumnsong) to the aggressive punk influenced songs (Underdogs, Rendition) to the slower ballads (The Second Great Depression, I'm Just A Patsy).

The songs might not be as breathtaking as the ones on, say, The Holy Bible or Generation Terrorists, but I don't think there's one bad track on it, and it's proof that the modern incarnation of the Manics can still write a solid pop song.

[Radiomanic]

Originally Posted by AK47

I delved into SATT recently and found great appreciation for TSGD, Rendition, YLAINE, etc. It has moments of greatness but it all felt a little desperate for acceptance after LB. It was if the Manics went through a stage of confusion and wanting some kind of recognition from critics again. I absolutely feel this is the album that completely moved them backwards musically. It ISN'T an album that reinvents the band or challenged them. JFPL did that and they loved it and then they came back with PFAYM which I am sure most fans agree was a double facepalm.

Well said.

I think they just got scared after the work of art that is Lifeblood didn't do as well as they'd hoped, so they thought to save their careers they'd do a 'safe' album. Why they decided to do it again for PFAYM i'll never understand, there was no reason to whatsoever. JFPL did reasonably well and they weren't even trying to sell any records.