Sean compositions?

[raven]

It doesn't go into the specific specifics and it's from near 20 years ago but, apart from that, here's an interesting chat wi Sean about his influences/interests.....http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/seanm...rhythmmag.html

I remember an interview where when asked about Sean Richey produced a quote by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu "Those who speak do not know, and those who know do not speak”....I've always remembered that being a quiet one myself. I'd like to think that applies. However, there is another quote, possibly Mark Twain "it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to talk and remove all doubt.”.....which may be more my slogan

[Europa Gluten Free]

Originally Posted by starfucker

I love that the Manics have always had a socialist approach to royalties etc. Proper gang mentality innit. Us against the world sort of thing. I never realised how much Izzy and Slash were actually involved in the writing of GN'R songs until I read Slash's autobiography.

The Oasis analogy above - clearly Noel was clued up and knew from his experience in the industry before joining Oasis that writing / publishing was where the money is. Not to sound cynical: he's given us some of the best songs of our generation and I'm grateful for them.

But, I do wonder if the Manics model of "sharing is caring" socialist ideal has contributed in some part to their longevity and loyalty to each other. Sean and James being blood relatives maybe has something to do with this plus them all, Richey included, being close friends from a young age.

Was just interested about more detail regarding Sean's input to the whole creative process as he doesn't seem to get the recognition he deserves being the "quiet one". Fair play, his choice, I guess.

Yes, a lot of bands choose to go down this equal split route. U2 are another famous band that were advised to do it. I remember Bono commenting that it was the best decision as it gave him and Edge more freedom as it meant Larry and Adam were happy to let him and the Edge lead the direction creatively.

Another interesting set up is in Coldplay, where Chris Martin gets 40% while the other three get 20% of all publishing royalties. (Confirmed in an interview). Again gives him creative control while everyone is happy.

And yes the Oasis set-up surely lead to resentment. Happened in Take That with Gary Barlow too! Ha!

[Librarian On Fire]

I'm quite sure that Sean has been heavily involved in the music writing for all the songs. He's never been interested in the fame side or even talking about himself. For that my respect for him grows.

The band knows how he has contributed. He's too modest and humble to have his name in the credits all the time. There are still so many MSP secrets that will remain secret.

[UEF]

Originally Posted by Librarian On Fire

The band knows how he has contributed. He's too modest and humble to have his name in the credits all the time. There are still so many MSP secrets that will remain secret.

"Who sang on The Last Time I Saw Paris" and was it James's wife

[Europa Gluten Free]

The biggest secret is that James still plays bass on the rockier tracks on Manics albums. Hence why obviously great songs are not played on tour.

[River Boy]

Originally Posted by Europa Gluten Free

The biggest secret is that James still plays bass on the rockier tracks on Manics albums. Hence why obviously great songs are not played on tour.

What rockier tracks are these and why is rock harder to play the bass on than more tender songs where the bass is very clear? - like Interiors for example?

I do recall that Sean came up with the idea of Removables being unplugged because JDB couldn't figure it out - but whether that means the chord progression was his or not I don't know.

Direction and strategy, related to performance and tone especially, are at least as important as being able to come up with a riff or melody, and I suspect Sean contributes more in this way - as have certain producers no doubt, whose role can be pretty underrated. Both Nicky and Sean had to hold James back on EMG, for example, from incorporating guitar solos, which his instincts have always favored.

[Routine Builder]

Originally Posted by Europa Gluten Free

The biggest secret is that James still plays bass on the rockier tracks on Manics albums. Hence why obviously great songs are not played on tour.

I don't believe that for a second. Nicky is at least a competent player if not enthusiastic. I've noticed issue with him playing anything live.

I generally think the reason why certain songs don't get played live is down to James's insecurity about his voice and wishing to do further damage to it. Plus most of those songs require James to balance the guitar work with the singing which obviously a lot easier to do track by track in the studio. Not a knock down to James, he's still probably still one of the best lead guitar singers out there.