Send Away The Tigers 7.5/10 It sounds like it could sit well on Generation Terrorists but lacks energy in the verses, however when the chorus kicks in James' voice soars, taking the song to the whole new level. Some of the best lyrics on the album too, referring to tigers as the militant forces (may be wrong but that's what I got from the song) and a great title for the album.
Underdogs 6/10 Raw, punk and for those who haven't heard it, it's not as bad as a lot have been making out. Suprisingly it was Seans playing that let the song down for me, the snare roll building up the chorus always makes me cringe when I hear it. James voice is great again as per usual.
Your Love Alone Is Not Enough 8/10 Great choice for a single, bouncy pop/rock. I haven't decided yet whether it's pretentious for the band to pay homage to themselves in the lyrics "You stole the sun, straight from my heart". I'm guessing that this tune is about Richey in the same vain as Nobody Loved You. Only issue I have with this song is Nickys shout singing style and how much stress it sounds like he's putting his voice under singing those two line... meh good song.
Indian Summer 5/10 Seems to be the most over hyped song on the album so far, possibly because of it's simalarities to design with the bouncy 6/8 rhythm and the crunchy riffs into each line of the chorus. Great lyrics to the verses and a lovely melody throughout, but musically it felt mis-matched.
The Second Great Depression 8.5/10 This song (fantastic as it is) starts my one big problem with the album. This is the first of four consecutive songs (excluding Rendition which I've yet to hear) where the songs title is the starting lyric. It may be a bit of a petty issue but it constantly reminds me of the way old hymns would be named taking the first line as the songs title... not making much sense I know. That aside this song has one of the catchiest choruses since Australia and once again a lyrically sound song.
Autumn Song 9.5/10 Favourite song of the album. Not a lyrical piece or even musically complex, but that's what makes it great, it's so simple and involves you in it straight away. James' octave jump kicks the song off with such excitement and power that you almost forget that he's just reeled off cosmetic tips. All I can say is for those who haven't heard this autumn song, remember the best is yet to come... okay debatable but a great tune and I'm sure it'll be fantastic live.
I Am Just A Patsy 7/10 Still not taken by the lyrics and can't say I have any idea of how it relates to Lee Harvey Oswald other than the line "I'm just a patsy" however I'll put that down to James motoring off the lines at rate that would give superman a challenge to transcribe. Similar to Everything Must Go's Interiors with James' voice once again making the song, roaring out each line and rarely taking a breath.
Imperial Bodybags 8/10 Good song that felt to me like it could have sat well towards the end of the Holy Bible (3rd Manics Album). Dark lyrics mixed with James' lead echoing each line throughout the 1st and 3rd verse with James building the song with another octave jump to allow for a truely electric chorus. Sean's really on form for this song, taking on a militant style beat on the toms before crashing into his usual controlled rhythm. Even Nickys bass sounds great, simple but thudding along as always.
Winterlovers 7.5/10 The one song that I felt lived upto Nickys promise of Guns 'n Roses singing the White Album. It actually felt like quite a warm, optimistic song despite the obviously intended coldness for a song titled Winterlovers. There's also an excellent stadium rock section, where the music momentarily comes to halt with just James voice and the drums still crashing along in unison for several seconds. That said the song doesn't come across as well on the studio recording as I think it potentially could live, it's the only song on the album that I'd describe as slightly over-produced.
Working Class Hero 8.5/10 As with their previous covers like "Been A Son" and "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone" he knocks it up the octave allowing for him to really roar out the lyrics. The low production value is definately a positive with the song being effectively a live track it shows off how tightly they can play together. There's also a nice irony to them covering a Lennon song 15 years on from them laughing over his death. I'm sure they'll be very mixed views on this track but for me it's a great bonus track and a pleasure to hear them cover it.
posted by Steve @
4:45 PM
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