Distant Colours - Page 2 - Forever Delayed

Routine Builder · #16 16-02-2018, 13:53

Was I wrong in thinking that "Preorder Cancelled" and "I don't want to be an enabler" were the b-sides for this single?

Suicide Aldi · #17 16-02-2018, 14:35

I wasnt blown away at first, but after a couole of listens its really grpwn on me.

UEF · #18 16-02-2018, 15:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by FacelessSenseOfVoid

Apparently the lyrics were written by James. Explains why they're a bit different to Wire's style and why it sounds like a TGW song. I actually prefer his lyrics. Wish he would just do another bloody solo album!

TGW-themed and Anthem For A Lost Cause-type video too.

There is a second solo album, if you link up the various James written songs (I forget exactly which ones there are) there's a story arc of sorts

Abstract Unknown Girl · #19 16-02-2018, 15:43

I prefer International Blue, but after a couple of listens, I do like it. It made sense to me to hear James say on 6 Music that he wrote the lyrics, as I thought they seemed a bit different when I watched the video this morning.

I do kind of hope there’s a bit more variety of songs on the album though, as the two we’ve heard are quite similar.

Cyle · #20 16-02-2018, 15:46

It's definitely a grower, I was really thrown by it the first time I heard it. There are a couple of pretty awkward-feeling parts in the song, the beginning is super abrupt and I genuinely thought iTunes had gone screwy and only downloaded half of the song. It could do with a bit of an intro. Then there's the short instrumental part before the final chorus that breaks the flow of the song quite a bit. A minor criticism is that some of the lyrics don't seem to fit so James has to rush through them to get them in there but that's sort of a Manics staple at this point.

But it is growing on me, I'm really liking the chorus a lot. It's a really weird choice for a single and does have a bit of a b-side vibe to it, definitely.

Mr Richey · #21 16-02-2018, 15:56

While I initially loved “International Blue” and then cooled on it a little, “Distant Colours” has done nothing for me. Maybe I’ll warm up to it?? Right now I’m in that unenviable position of hoping that what we’ve heard so far represents the weakest part of the album. Not a great place to be in when a new album is coming up.

everlasting · #22 16-02-2018, 16:00

Nice big choruses. Dull video again apart from seeing the band playing. Hope there's some more gritty stuff on the album. I reckon that'll be it now for singles, so that's the summary basically for the album, two poppy shiny tracks that are pretty decent but nothing amazing. I think IB is better than this, but then I've obviously listened to it more than this. Good stuff, though, but doubt it'll push any sales or get air play, etc

centralscrutiniser · #23 16-02-2018, 16:01

Agree with the general consensus that it’s a grower. Anyone recognise some of the places in the video? Obviously we’ve got the Nye Bevan stones near Ebbw Vale, but Aside from that didn’t really recognise anywhere. What about the narrow gauge tracks she was standing on? Brecon mountain railway? Seemed to be a slate quarry which might place it further north?

rosetree · #24 16-02-2018, 16:17

It's a lovely song. I think it has a lot of welsh sentiment about coal mining and politics. It says Aberfan on the cave quarry stone. I think its a really nice song and video. I'm looking forward to the album.

Automatik · #25 16-02-2018, 16:18

Lovely surprise but it confirms a fear that RIF might contain some very PFAYM moments.

Hopefully Distant Colours will grow on me. International Blue was better but even that sounded like a b-side.

Son of Stopped · #26 16-02-2018, 16:23

So Distant Colours clearly going to win on the RIF Survivor Thread then?
It's... OK. That's about as enthused I can get for it. Compare it to previous second singles, or second singles from other bands and we have problems. Very complacent. Circled wagons with nothing reaching out to newer or even casual fans.
The really big interesting snippets from the trailer have yet to be released.
But until then, well, "Hold On My Heart" by Genesis.

Automatik · #27 16-02-2018, 16:26

Complacent is the right word. When the majority of fans on this thread don't fall instantly in love with it it isn't a good sign.

UEF · #28 16-02-2018, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Automatik

Complacent is the right word. When the majority of fans on this thread don't fall instantly in love with it it isn't a good sign.

That's often a great sign. The best Manics songs are growers. We're not into 'grower' territory yet.

UEF · #29 16-02-2018, 16:36

The mural wall shown in the video: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...yweryn-1891109

Ready for Drowning deals with the same subject matter

There's a lot about the song and video that seems a bit 'career retrospective' or perhaps 'back to the start', not for the first time of course

Glyn · #30 16-02-2018, 17:27

The song benefits for not having the cold start in the video (and I think at least some of the Welsh is from an RS Thomas poem) but yeah it doesn't get much beyond 'alright' does it ? Got a distinct 'Anthem for a lost cause' feeling about it which I guess adds up.
*Whispers - that's 2 distinctly 'dad rock' singles in a row'*