The Ultra Vivid Lament (Deluxe Edition) Manic Street Preachers

• 1 Still Snowing in Sapporo 06:08
• 2 Orwellian 03:49
• 3 The Secret He Had Missed 03:39
• 4 Quest for Ancient Colour 04:08
• 5 Don't Let the Night Divide Us 03:42
• 6 Diapause 04:59
• 7 Complicated Illusions 03:23
• 8 Into the Waves of Love 03:10
• 9 Blank Diary Entry 04:38
• 10 Happy Bored Alone 03:09
• 11 Afterending 03:54
• 12 Still Snowing in Sapporo (Demo) 05:14
• 13 Orwellian (Demo) 03:49
• 14 The Secret He Had Missed (Demo) 03:39
• 15 Quest for Ancient Colour (Demo) 03:41
• 16 Don't Let the Night Divide Us (Nicky Wire Home Demo) 01:05
• 17 Don't Let the Night Divide Us (Demo) 03:39
• 18 Diapause (Demo) 05:02
• 19 Complicated Illusions (Nicky Wire Home Demo) 01:19
• 20 Complicated Illusions (Demo) 03:10
• 21 Into the Waves of Love (Demo) 03:10
• 22 Blank Diary Entry (Demo) 04:44
• 23 Happy Bored Alone (Demo) 03:17
• 24 Afterending (Demo) 04:03
• Total Runtime 01:30:31

Info for The Ultra Vivid Lament (Deluxe Edition)

Manic Street Preachers über den Song Orwellian: "Der Song handelt von dem Kampf um Bedeutung, dem Auslöschen von Kontexten innerhalb von Debatten, dem vorherrschenden Gefühl von Fraktionskonflikten, die von digitalen Plattformen angetrieben werden und zu einem immerwährenden Zustand des Kulturkriegs führen. Wie viele andere Songs auf der Platte wurde er von James Dean Bradfield am Klavier geschrieben. Musikalisch erinnert es an ABBA, die Majestät von Alan Rankines Spiel in den Associates und Talk Talk's It's My Life" mit einem Gitarrensolo von Lindsey Buckingham. Es fühlte sich wie die perfekte klangliche und lyrische Einleitung zu 'The Ultra Vivid Lament' an."

The Ultra Vivid Lament' ist sowohl Reflexion als auch Reaktion; eine Platte, die isoliert durch einen überladenen Raum blickt, der von oft schmerzhaften Erinnerungen vernebelt ist, um sich auf ein offenes Fenster zu konzentrieren, das einen schimmernden Ausblick auf Land, das in Meer und endlosen Himmel übergeht, einrahmt.

"Die Herren aus Wales zählen zu den wenigen verbliebenen 1990er-Superstars, die nicht nur noch immer voll dabei sind, sondern konstant hochwertiges Material veröffentlichen. Ihr 14. Studio-Longplayer ist dafür nur ein weiterer, beeindruckender Beweis. Wie sie es schon zuvor einige Male getan haben, starten die Manics das Werk nicht mit einem knackigen Rocker, sondern – in Form von „Still snowing in Sapporo” – mit einem eher ruhigen, nachdenklichen Breitwandstück. Was clever ist und einmal mehr hervorragend funktioniert. Denn so ist das Publikum sofort emotional involviert, während für die nachfolgenden Tracks wie die Single „Orwellian”, das kaum weniger hymnische „Diapause”, das (spät-)sommerliche „Into the waves of love” oder das glam-rockige „Happy bored alone” noch jede Menge Steigerungspotenzial in Sachen Intensität geschaffen wird. Auch höchst interessant: das fast schon als ABBA-Tribute zu verstehende „The secret he had missed” und das alternativ-folkige „Blank diary entry” mit Mark Lanegan (QOTSA, Screaming Trees) als Duett-Partner für Frontmann James Dean Bradfield." (Oliver Kube, EMP Redaktion)

Manic Street Preachers

Manic Street Preachers
Band members meet in 1986 in Balckwood, South Wales. James Dean Bradfield (vocals, guitar, piano and keyboard) starts writing lyrics – later to be replaced with Nicky Wire (bass guitar, piano, and vocals). Sean Moore (drums, percussions, trumpet and vocals) joins the band and writes the music. They start off as a punk band. But when their style starts changing in 1988, bass guitarist Miles Woodward decides to leave the band. It is also the year they release their first single “Suicide Alley”. Following this release, Richey Edwards (guitar, vocals) joins the band. After signing a contract with Damaged Goods Records in 1990, they also release their first EP called “New Art Riot”. The contract only being for one release, they later sign a contract with the indie label Heavenly Records. They consequently release the single “Motown Junk” and begin working on an album.

Their debut album “Generation Terrorists” (1993) is a great success. It will be closely followed by their second album “Gold Against the Soul” – more grunge, but also more commercial, reaching the top of the UK charts. This opus is described as more personal and less political than their previous work.

In 1994, Edward’s personal issues lead him to a mental hospital. The band keeps performing live to pay for his recovery treatments. It is also the year they release “The Holy Bible”, their third studio album. The promotion for this album is quite controversial. They often appear live dressed up as terrorists/army men. Adding to the controversy, Edwards goes missing and is presumed dead after his car is found empty three days later. For six months, the band stops all activities but eventually decide to keep working.

Their next album “Everything Must Go” (1996) includes five tracks written by Edwards – as a tribute after his passing – and is critically acclaimed. The opus wins two Brit Awards. Two years later, they release “This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours” (1998) which is an international success which get them two more Brit Awards in 1999. In 2000, their limited edition single “The Masses Against the Classes” reaches the top of the UK charts with almost no promotion.

In 2001, Manic Street Preachers make another political statement playing live in Cuba for President Fidel Castro. This trip will make a documentary film called “Louder Than War”. The next year, they release their first best-of album, “Forever Delayed” with two exclusive tracks.

Their next really successful album will be “Lifeblood” in 2004. They promote in arenas around the UK following their great popular and critical success. That year, they also release an anniversary version of their album “The Holy Bible” including rare mixes, exclusive tracks, interviews and live performances.

Their next album “God Save the Manics” is also a limited edition which they give out to fans at their shows. It will later be uploaded on their website. In 2008, they receive the God-Like Geniuses Award at the NME Awards ceremony.

In 2009, their ninth album “Journal for Plague Lovers” includes bits of lyrics from Edwards which had not been used before. The opus is released as a new kind of tribute to their late friend.

Their next album “Postcards from a Young Man” (2010) is way more pop than usual. According to the members themselves, they wanted to write hit singles for this one, and match the “mass communication” trend.

In 2012, Manic Street Preachers embark on a massive European greatest hits tour. In 2013, they continue touring in Australia and New Zealand. In September, the first single for their next album comes out, “Show Me the Wonder”. The album “Rewind the Film” is released later that month and is a great success.

This album contains no booklet.