Quality of b-sides

[Mr Richey]

Andy, I'm sorry mate, but this is bollocks. Manics have always done great b-sides and in cases such as SATT, the b-sides make up a better album than the actual album.

I refer you to this thread.

[Matt_o_Mac]

I have felt since the FD era the bsides have been poor, Lifeblood had some good highlights but those on There By The Grace of God singles really marked the end of an era ironically with Happy Ending.

These two on the recent single though are very good, a return to form.

[Dac X Lee]

Originally Posted by Matt_o_Mac

I have felt since the FD era the bsides have been poor, Lifeblood had some good highlights but those on There By The Grace of God singles really marked the end of an era ironically with Happy Ending.

These two on the recent single though are very good, a return to form.

I always thought Happy Ending and Grace of God were intentional. I remember rummors of the band splitting up back then (well, there have been many since ever and forever anyway, but... I was young and naive ) and the whole single with its b-sides made perfect sense to me. It was a good-bye release.

[nocultureicons]

There aren't many bands with bsides as good as the Manics, although they've definitely dipped in quality, SATT was the last album that had any particularly brilliant bsides I reckon.

[y2kyle16]

Originally Posted by nocultureicons

There aren't many bands with bsides as good as the Manics, although they've definitely dipped in quality, SATT was the last album that had any particularly brilliant bsides I reckon.

I disagree, The PFAYM b sides were class!

[tzb]

Many of the PFAYM b-sides were better than most tracks on the album... but they still represent a dip in quality.

[darkanddivine]

It seems natural that with so many bands dropping the concept of a single almost entirely, that the level of importance of B-Sides has dropped massively. That must relay somehow to the bands, not just the Manics; many just don't bother with them. Nice to see Futurology become at least slightly more current with a few songs trickling out before release etc etc.

[y2kyle16]

My favourite b-sides are:
Broken Up Again
Anorexic Rodin
Red Rubber
Prologue To History
Evidence Against Myself
We Were Never Told
Patrick Bateman
Comfort Comes
And
Everything Will Be

A huge contrast in quality and era's

[allisvanity]

Originally Posted by tzb

Many of the PFAYM b-sides were better than most tracks on the album... but they still represent a dip in quality.

It's true. I've had burps that are better than Hazleton Avenue and that one about his last descent (pages 1 & whaever). The B-Sides didn't have a great deal to compete with.

[andy]

Originally Posted by grimlock

Every band I've listened to have b-sides that are hit-or-miss and the Manics are no exception.

And then there is oasis who's best album IMO is the master plan bsides collection

I can't think of another band who have been as consists t as the manics with bsides, 4 albums of pure quality bsides

[Donkey]

Originally Posted by andy

I can't think of another band who have been as consists t as the manics with bsides, 4 albums of pure quality bsides

Suede

[tomd2103]

I accept that it just a matter of opinion, but I too disagree with the original post. The only real thing I think missing from their catalogue is a comprehensive B-Sides and rarities collection (Forever Delayed barely scratched the surface really) and wouldn't be the worst move after Futurology has been released and toured.

[Takk]

Originally Posted by Dac X Lee

Btw, isn't Forever Delayed a b-side itself? I know, I know, it's the name of the compilation too, of course, but just saying... Forever Delayed is a cute song too.

Technically, an a side.

SATT had some amazing bsides. I found their EMG/TIMT bsides pretty lacklustre.