I wrote this review back in 2004/5 - it may have lost a touch of its potency, but wanted to air it anyway:
Thoughts on 1994. Ten years ago the world was a very different place. Girls aloud, no......Sugababes.......in fact, the Spice Girls, hadn't even (dis)graced our stereos, petrol was about half the price it was now, Manchester United were dominating the premiership, Pete Sampras was dominating Wimbledon, John Major and his Conservative government were at no 10, and the greatest lyricist and icon ever was still around.
The man I am referring to is Richard James Edwards. Ever heard of him? He was also known as Richey James, or Richey Edwards, and to the leopard skin clad fans who adored him so, just simply Richey from the Manics.
Along with three of his friends, Nick Jones (aka Nicky Wire), and James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore, he rose from the sleepy Welsh colliery town of Blackwood, to become one of the most important bands of the 1990's, and in my mind, ever.
The reissue of this landmark album is not just a reminder of how good the band were/are, it is an epitaph, a constant tattoo on the conscience that the Manic Street Preachers made music that mattered. On its first release, the Holy Bible was described by Sean as 'not the kind of album you would play at a party'. The Holy Bible was dark, deep, almost malignant evil, with lyrics of such power that they were sung through gritted angry teeth over a breathtaking rollercoaster ride of a soundtrack. It gets the respect it deserves with this edition, which is beautifully packaged and includes many new features, it's 3 discs including the much awaited US release of the album, and also some rare and exclusive DVD footage.
The album shows the Manic Street Preachers at the peak of their powers, with scratchily metallic guitars, frantic drums and random samples, a glimpse of darkness and honesty which shone like a blackened beacon amongst a world of processed pop and meaningless lyrics.
The lyrics are brutally honest, ranging from political correctness to the US gun law, to prostitution, concentration camps, the death of youth, slimming disorder and mass murder. Boy did these boys know how to party. The problem is that these issues are hammered home in such a manner that it is as hard to resist now as it was back then - they knew what they were saying, and they were so right.
The US mix of the album is incredible, with much enhanced versions of some songs for the much more Rock FM yankee market. However, some songs from the album sparkle in this arena, some prefer to stay in the shadows, an effect which somehow harnesses their power all the more.
The DVD disc is a welcome, and extremely well produced addition, with footage of live performances from the album, plus several new films.
At a time when the Manic Street Preachers are being unfairly hammered for daring to make another album and having the cheek to grow older (and maybe wiser), this is a reminder of how important they were - and still are.
Track Listings Disc: 1 1. Yes 2. Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart 3. Of Walking Abortion 4. She Is Suffering 5. Archives Of Pain 6. Revol 7. 4st 7lb 8. Mausoleum 9. Faster 10. This Is Yesterday 11. Die In The Summertime 12. The Intense Humming Of Evil 13. P.C.P. 14. The Intense Humming Of Evil - Live 15. 4st 7lb - Live 16. Yes - Live 17. Of Walking Abortion - Live
Disc: 2 1. Yes 2. Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart 3. Of Walking Abortion 4. She Is Suffering 5. Archives Of Pain 6. Revol 7. 4st 7lb 8. Mausoleum 9. Faster 10. This Is Yesterday 11. Die In The Summertime 12. The Intense Humming Of Evil 13. P.C.P. 14. Die In The Summertime - Demo 15. Mausoleum - Demo 16. Of Walking Abortion - Radio 1 Evening Session 17. She Is Suffering - Radio 1 Evening Session 18. Yes - Radio 1 Evening Session
Disc: 3 1. Faster - Top Of The Pops 2. Faster - Butt Naked 3. P.C.P. - Butt Naked 4. She Is Suffering - Butt Naked 5. 4st 7lb - Mtv Most Wanted 6. She Is Suffering - Mtv Most Wanted 7. Faster - Glastonbury '94 8. P.C.P. - Glastonbury '94 9. Yes - Glastonbury '94 10. Revol - Reading '94 11. Faster - Us Video 12. Judge Yr'self - Video 13. Yes - New Film 14. Band Interview (30 Mins) 15. Faster (Hidden Video Extra) 16. Revol (Hidden Video Extra) 17. She Is Suffering (Hidden Video Extra)
Available for between £9.99 and £14.99 at all good records shops. Cheaper if you shop online.
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