Sorry, Super Furry Animals, Lost Prophets, Stereophonics and even
The Alarm !
Next week sees the release of a new career spanning best of
"National Treasures - The Complete Singles" (Sony) which pulls
together the 38 singles the band have released since 1992.
Rarely has a group been able to maintain critical acclaim and
commercial success for such a sustained period of time and much of
this in the face of adversity. Following the well documented disappearance
of guitarist and songwriter Richey Edwards in early 1995 the band even deliberated about
disbanding.
This followed the release of one of the intense and bleakest (and most brilliant)
albums of all time "The Holy Bible"
A quick scan at the track list of the new collection reveals genuine
anthems that have become soundtracks for a generation (or even two).... Stay
Beautiful, Motorcycle Emptiness, A Design for Life, If You Tolerate This...
OK, so there may have been a slight creative dip in the early
2000´s but the album is a testament to one of rock & rolls ultimate
survivors, a true reflection of their origins, influences, progression
and ultimate determination when may of their peers had long given up.
For me, the long lasting memory of the Manics will always be their show
at London's Astoria Theatre in December 21th 1994.
After a set that
drew heavily from material from
"The Holy Bible", upon completing the last song of the evening
("You
Love Us" ) the group proceeded to thrash and destroy their instruments
with an intensity that left the entire audience with an eerie
sensation that something was amiss within the band. This would be the last
time the Manics would ever play together with
Richey Edwards.
Manic Street Preachers cover Rihannas Umbrella (audio only)
Ticket stubs from the infamous Astoria shows in December 1994
