Write some songs about a stripping transvestite vicar and someone called Mavis? Surely it’ll never catch on, you must be mad! Well, that’s what a quartet from Chester decided to do, unleashing their debut album into the British music scene, four years ago now. And it still seems like yesterday. ... Read review
Mansun--whose records regularly go Top 10 in the UK, whose tours sell out effortlessly, ... more
but whose lead singer most people would be hard-pressed to name--are impossible to figure out; one gets the impression they prefer things that way. In successive ph...
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Mansun--whose records regularly go Top 10 in the UK, whose tours sell out effortlessly, ... more
but whose lead singer most people would be hard-pressed to name--are impossible to figure out; one gets the impression they prefer things that way. In successive ph...
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Write some songs about a stripping transvestite vicar and someone called Mavis? Surely it’ll never catch on, you must be mad! Well, that’s what a quartet from Chester decided to do, unleashing their debut album into the British music scene, four years ago now. And it still seems like yesterday. Woo hoo Mansun, you knocked Blur off the number one spot in the album charts with this gem! And on with album...
For those who don’t know who ... ...Not strictly true, as they don’t exactly stick to the indie style and certainly don’t give a damn when it comes to competing with their peers. They just do what the hell they want to do and why not? You’ve got scruffy bearded Andy on drums, the oddly named Stove on bass, floppy haired and scary teeth Chad on guitar, piano and anything he can get his hands on. Finally, there’s Paul (drool) Draper on vocals, guitars and anything he can nick off Chad. ... more
Write some songs about a stripping transvestite vicar and someone called Mavis? Surely it’ll never catch on, you must be mad! Well, that’s what a quartet from Chester decided to do, unleashing their debut album into the British music scene, four years ago now. And it still seems like yesterday. Woo hoo Mansun, you knocked Blur off the number one spot in the album charts with this gem! And on with album...
For those who don’t know who Mansun are, they’ve been lumped in the indie category. Not strictly true, as they don’t exactly stick to the indie style and certainly don’t give a damn when it comes to competing with their peers. They just do what the hell they want to do and why not? You’ve got scruffy bearded Andy on drums, the oddly named Stove on bass, floppy haired and scary teeth Chad on guitar, piano and anything he can get his hands on. Finally, there’s Paul (drool) Draper on vocals, guitars and anything he can nick off Chad. Voila.
#My desperate icon# - The Chad Who Loved Me Eerie is one way I’d describe this, for want of a better word. First your ears are subjected to a sweet sounding string section, deliberately similar to the Bond theme ‘The Man With the Golden Gun’ (I think?). Anyway, then the rest of the music comes easing into the song, with pretty dark lyrics sung with a distorted effect. Quite a bitter sounding tune, very thoughtful and not at all indie!
#The centre of the universe is up for sale# - Mansun’s Only Love Song I’m a bit undecided on this tune, it’s pretty mellow but just doesn’t do much for me. Perhaps pleasant is an appropriate description. All the instruments seemed to have been toned down, a very soft sound with typically high whispery vocals. Then you hear a bizarre ending as this song merges into the next. I’m not entirely sure what it is, kind of sounds like a distorted cry. Who knows!
#Who’d you nick your cliche off# - Taxloss A-ha! Now the album really kicks in and speeds up the tempo a bit. Taxloss is an amazing tune. You haven’t heard it? Sham on you, it was released as a single! The offbeat rhythm and title of this song point to the Beatles in a sarcastic way. Not directly aimed at the Beatles, but the various acts over the years (Oasis anyone?) who have blatantly ripped off the fab fours music. Yikes that Paul Draper can hit some high notes, it’s frightening. Great vocals that turn to screams, top-notch harmonies and an energetic sound make up a top tune.
#I wish I could be you# - You, Who Do You Hate? Back to the bitterness, this sounds regretful and angry. A bit schizophrenic with the sound too, alternating between soft and whispery to fast and loud. Basically, the song conveys the message ‘I wish I could be you’ backed by a more basic sound than most of the album, heavily focussed on drums. Pretty emotional.
#Something quite bizarre I cannot see# - Wide Open Space Ooh! THE classic Mansun track, the most well known and deservedly so, it oozes mass appeal with its pop roots and indie rock add-ons. Originally, this song was ridiculed by the critics as a naff tune that had no place in the music scene. Yet the fans loved it and still do, often claiming it to be their favourite Mansun tune. Energetic all the way through, fantastic lyrics, unlike anything else you’ve heard. Possibly the best track on the album.
#They’ll call him plastic scouser# - Stripper Vicar Well, this does the carry on films proud in its campness and jokey style. Written about a strange fictional vicar who is a closet transvestite who strips in his spare time, the lyrics are penned in letter style, written to the strippers daughter, Mavis. As you do! Perfect timing for this one, amongst the darkness it’s a welcome piece of light-hearted fun and just makes you want to bop.
#You’re so full of venom# - Disgusting That’s enough flippancy for now, lets gets serious again and slow things down. The bitterness is back as well, you can guess from the title, written about someone who is less than a pleasant person. Reminds me of my ex, but that’s another story!
#Bring her on down from heaven# - She Makes My Nose Bleed The final release (I think) from Grey Lantern, this is rumoured to be about S and M, whether it is or not I’m not sure of. Standard indie on the music front but the lyrics are far from familiar. Lyrics such as ‘Bring her on down by the soles of her feet’ or ‘I vow to my God I’d give it all up’ are hard to imagine being sung by the likes of Travis or Coldplay. Yet again, the vocals go from low and sultry to almost screaming. Strange as it is, this is very listenable.
#Stick or twist# - Naked Twister Hmm. This seems cryptic to me, can’t quite grasp what the purpose of this song is. The music is outstanding though, the echoed guitars strengthen the song.
#See you in hell, I’ll go shopping instead# - Egg Shaped Fred Another strange character this time called Fred. My least favourite on the album, Fred seems to love his shopping and wants to get in people’s pants. Confused? I still am. Not to be taken seriously this one, for me it serves as an upbeat contrast to the previous track.
#Do not disturb me as I shine# - Dark Mavis The tune to end the album, this sweeps along in epic proportions. It’s just simply fantastic. The most memorable for its lyrics also, especially: ‘and if you should see me passing by, do not disturb me as I shine, though I am far away, this is where I’ll be.’ A perfect example of what this band is capable of. The song drifts along to a crescendo of ‘la la la’ merging into the same orchestral strings that introduce you to the album.
There is one of those hidden tracks at the end of Dark Mavis, a sweet piano accompanied melody conveying that ‘the lyrics aren’t supposed to mean that much’, showing the band in a favourable light; they never take themselves seriously, they do it for the fun of it.
All in all, a unique album that set Mansun on the musical map, grabbing the listeners attention and ultimately making them my favourite band. A little strange a times but I think this album has a wider appeal. The album forms a story of strange characters, each song seamlessly blending into the next. Yet on their own, each track stand up for themselves as decent British music.
My descriptions are a little woolly, so there’s a link to the official site below which has a huge list of audio files so you can hear for yourself!
Advantages: Some innovative stuff, some good lyrics, the singles are cool Disadvantages: Some songs get a bit mediocre, too many effects for my liking anyway
...while he's still alive
Attack Of The Grey Lantern is a pretty good album, but I get the distinct feeling that the singles outdo most of the album tracks. Sure, a lot of the album tracks are pretty good, but there's few real surprises, and I find myself wanting to flick back through the tracks and listen to 'Wide Open Space' or 'Stripper Vicar'. A couple of exceptions are present, most notably 'You, Who Do You Hate?' and the epic 'Dark Mavis'. But ... ...feel the album could have been more than it actually is. But some will love it, and indeed, some do! Not entirely my cup of tea though I'm afraid. Good stuff, but no trophy :)
Another problem Mansun have is what I call 'effects overload' - they try and squeeze in voice and instrumental effects all over the place where I would rather they had left them out - it's not always necessary. But then I've always been a traditional guitar and drums man myself, ...
Excelle 21.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Attack Of The Grey Lantern - Mansun
Advantages: Far more than a collection of songs, this album is a masterpiece Disadvantages: Takes a few listens to really appreciate its brilliance
...release, I got to hear Attack of the Grey Lantern quite a lot. It never really appealed to me because it was ... well ... a bit strange. Sure, I liked the singles, but I didn't really rate the other tracks. Then one day in early 1999, I had a bit of money to spare and picked up the album for about six quid. But even though it was now part of my collection I still didn't really listen to it properly, just focusing on "Wide Open Space" and "She Makes ... ...album, over and over, because at some point in the summer of 1999 I finally realised how great this album was. Take each song on its own and you've got nothing really special, but listen (and I do mean listen) to the whole thing in sequence and the experience is quite simply fantastic. The blend of strings, electric guitar, traditional and electronic percussion, strange SFX and purely extraordinary lyrics gives the album real character and a truly ...
thedarkjedi 23.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Attack Of The Grey Lantern - Mansun
...on holiday. Sorry! :)
Attack of the Grey Lantern is the first of three albums from Mansun. Consisting mainly of sweeping strings, twanging guitars, lush production and quirky lyrics it bears little resemblance to the audio terrorism that makes up the bands second album, Six and even less to the rather mediocre Little Kix. The release of Attack of the Grey Lantern unexpectedly catapulted Mansun into the limelight, knocking label mates Blur off number ... ...were all those copies of Attack of the Grey Lantern went I can only guess. OK, time to cut to the important bit. Attack of the Grey Lantern is one of the best albums I own and staked Mansun’s claim to be my favourite band until Little Kix went and spoilt it all and Mansun replaced by the newly discovered Mr. Bungle. Grey Lantern is but one of a handful of albums where I can say hand on heart, there are no bad tracks on the album. With exception ...
yhwman 24.07.2000 (05.09.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Attack Of The Grey Lantern - Mansun
Advantages: Thoroughly engaging, dramatic, and, in places, amusing Disadvantages: It's possible to tire of even a good story
...the humour and the like, Attack of the Grey Lantern is still an album full of top-notch songs. Where orchestras are used, the pieces are beautifully arranged. In fact that's probably something that can be said of all tracks - well arranged.
At the end of day, though, I love a bit of drama in my music from time to time and this is the album that delivers it. Just be careful you don't overdo it - I listened to it so much at first that I now occasionally ...
malross 15.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Attack Of The Grey Lantern - Mansun
Advantages: It's fantastic ! ; imaginative songs; amazing voice; great production. Disadvantages: Bit too much make-up ?!
OK - I'll admit I'm biased 'cos they're my favourite band, but then this album is the reason WHY they're my favourite band. I've said it before and I'll say it again: this has got got to be one of the best debut albums ever, like them or not.
Why? Just stick it on and feel those luscious strings wash over you as the first track begins. Relax as each track merges into the next seamlessly. Marvel at the tales of cross-dressing vicars ("His dress is ... ...in belfries. There's not a note out of place as Mansun take influences from Bowie through New-Romanticism to Britpop and still manage to sound like nothing you've heard before. This is the sound of a band sticking two fingers up at the doubters, inviting us into their own soundscape-world, and effortlessly outshining their peers. It sticks in my throat to say they would never be this special again. Treasure it. ...
TheBoyShaun 14.11.2000 (28.11.2000)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Attack Of The Grey Lantern - Mansun
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
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Reviews which might be of interest for "Attack Of The Grey Lantern - Mansun"
Advantages: Very inventive, intense Disadvantages: Probably an acquired taste
The album 'Six' is Mansun's second album, following on from 'Attack Of The GreyLantern,' which reached No.1. This is definitely a more experimental album, with the more esoteric elements given full freedom to wreak havoc.
Opener 'Six' sets the scene, a mammoth 8 minute-plus half-rock, half-prog onslaught, with more ideas then most artists' whole albums. The rest of the record proceeds in roughly the same manner, the ideas just keep flowing.
The most remarkable achievement of 'Six' is that the album rarely congeals into a mess. With this many ideas, it's some achievement. ...
radarmaker 08.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Six - Mansun
Advantages: A couple of good songs Disadvantages: A lot of crap songs
This is the follow-up to the semi-classic 'Attack Of The GreyLantern' and the not-so-classic 'Six', a record seemed to capture all the wrost things about the 1980's. This is an ambitious affair by Mansun which, on some tracks, the quality manages to equal the ambition from which this record was spawned, while on others it goes horribly, horribly wrong.
There seems to be no trace of the old excitement which once made Mansun so fresh and original. Their irritating compulsion to make every song an epic is tiresome in the extreme and their attempts at dysfunctional, small-town social commentary, a la Space, can often fall flat and seem embarassing.
Paul Draper's vocals are strong and distinctive throughout. But the material it is put to work on lacks any kind of energy; indeed, the grey monochrome of the cover shot could just as ...
Advantages: Some good lyricism Disadvantages: Weak musically, treads old ground
No matter how hard I try, I just can't think of any bands, other than Mansun, who hail from Chester. This spoils a great idea I had for an opening paragraph, in which I using my journalistic skills (yeah, yeah I know) and not inconsiderable levels of cynicism to compare every track on 'Little Kix' to another Chester band. Pity really. The first two Mansun albums, 'Attack Of The GreyLantern' and 'Six' did everything possible to defy comparison. For 'Little Kix,' however, the lads have settled down somewhat.
But that's the problem. It's too formulaic. Recent Top 10 single 'I Can Only Disappoint U' is trad, dated, and entirely typical of the record. Mansun fans have come to expect more spectacle, more vision, and (whisper it) pomp.
It's not enough. ...
Product Information for "Attack Of The Grey Lantern - Mansun" »
Product details
Title
Attack Of The Grey Lantern
Performer
Mansun
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Brit Pop
Release Date
06/1997
Recomended Retail Price
8.99 GBP
Original Release Year
1997
Label / Distributor
Parlophone / EMI Operations/CEVA Logistics
Producer
Paul Draper
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
724385579127
Catalogue Number
CDPCS 7387
Additional notes
Album Notes
Mansun: Paul Draper (vocals, guitar, piano, synthesizer); Dominic Chad (guitar, piano, synthesizer, background vocals); Stove (bass); Andi Rathbone (drums). Engineers: Mike Hunter, Ian Caple, Ronnie Stone. The second wave of '90s Britpop starts here, typified by Mansun's thematic grandeur and glam-sized orchestral maneuvers that first-wavers like Blur and Oasis intentionally left behind. Only the melodies remain grounded in the familiar UK rock tradition. Led by singer/songwriter Paul Draper, Mansun, while grounded in the good old guitar-bass-drums aesthetic, is all about sonic excess--imagine Queen with a punky attitude. Guitars come in every imaginable form and texture, strings swirl all over, drum-machines echo live beats, synths blip with New Wave bravado, organs underpin nearly every melody. Hippo noises and church bells are simply the cherries on a multi-track production sundae that is intensely calorie-heavy. Draper, meanwhile, struts around coolly cooing lyrics about an odd assortment of characters that belong in perverse short stories.
Album Reviews
Q (1/98, p.113) - Included in Q Magazine's "50 Best Albums of 1997." Melody Maker (12/20-27/97, pp.66-67) - Ranked #12 on Melody Maker's list of 1997's "Albums Of The Year." NME (12/20-27/97, pp.78-79) - Ranked #44 in NME's 1997 Critics' Poll. Rolling Stone (8/21/97, p.112) - 3 Stars (out of 5) - "...Dynamic, with matching good hooks and looks, this Manchester-bred quartet oozes commercial appeal....11 scarily radio-friendly tracks..." Musician (8/97, p.90) - "...they're from England and play synthesizers. But the songs have structure and hooks. Prog house pop, anyone..."
Titles on disc 1
1.
Chad Who Loved Me
2.
Mansun's Only Love Song
3.
Taxloss
4.
You Who Do You Hate
5.
Wide Open Space
6.
Stripper Vicar
7.
Disgusting
8.
She Makes My Nose Bleed
9.
Naked Twister
10.
Egg Shaped Fred
11.
Dark Mavis
12.
Open Letter To The Lyrical Trainspotter
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26/06/2000
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