Manics set to release Journal For Plague Lovers
Manic Street Preachers have announced “Journal For Plague Lovers.” All 13 songs on the new record feature lyrics left to us by Richey. The brilliance and intelligence of the lyrics dictated that we had to finally use them. The use of language is stunning and topics include The Grande Odalisque by Ingres, Marlon Brando, Giant Haystacks, celebrity, consumerism and dysmorphia, all reiterating the genius and intellect of Richard James Edwards.
The record is scheduled for release on 18th May and will be available on CD, deluxe 2 CD, download and LP.
The full tracklisting is as follows:
Peeled Apples
Jackie Collins Existential Question Time
Me and Stephen Hawking
This Joke Sport Severed
Journal For Plague Lovers
She Bathed Herself In A Bath Of Bleach
Facing Page: Top Left
Marlon J.D.
Doors Closing Slowly
All Is Vanity
Pretension/Repulsion
Virginia State Epileptic Colony
William’s Last Words
Manic Street Preachers new album update
The band posted a note today about the progress of their upcoming new record.
“Hello everyone
We thought you would like to know that we have been making music. We have been in the studio with Mr Steve Albini recording live – to tape – analogue – no digital hiss – no Pro Tools – no safety nets. Quite scary, daunting but invigorating.
All the songs we are recording are lyrics left to us by Richey. Finally it feels like the right time to use them (especially after the last 18 months being so amazing with Send Away The Tigers). Musically, in many ways it feels like a follow up to the Holy Bible but there is also an acoustic side – tender, romantic, nihilism, “Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky” esque. It’s a record that celebrates the genius of his words, full of love, anger, intelligence and respect. We have to make this great. Wish us luck.
We hope to release the record next April or May. The working titles are “Journal for Plague Lovers” or “I Know I Believe In Nothing But It Is My Nothing”.
Love
Nicky, James and Sean.”
Manic Street Preachers – Autumn Song
I love this band. They always do it for me. This is a lovely song, a grand rock sound with a Brian May style guitar break and James Dean Bradfield’s emotional voice above a rousing guitar riff,more Scottish than Welsh,bringing a tear to my eye. This is taken from the Manics’ latest successful album “Send Away The Tigers.”
By Juliet Robertson
Manic Street Preachers – Empty Souls
Finally, the new MSP single has been unleashed. “Empty Souls” is a standout track from the recent Lifeblood LP. The track starts off with that hard piano intro and immediately you get drawn in. James voice has a bit of a bite and he seems to be singing with some emotion here. “Empty Souls” is a big epic tune that harkens back to their “Everything Must Go” days. It’s a great track and that was taken from a really solid album. Get out there and get a copy.
By John Siwicki