... While many people are unsure, my opinion so far is that Know Your Enemy is no immediate classic, but give it a chance, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
This is the 6th studio album released by the Welsh band, now a trio, after the departure of Richey Edwards in 1995. This is the ... Read review
So many people seemed upset when the Manic Street Preachers finally softened and went ... more
sugary and stadium-rock, you'd think it was some sort of surprise. But--ironically, for a Manics album--Know Your Enemyshould keep everyone happy. It's as big and lus...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
So many people seemed upset when the Manic Street Preachers finally softened and went ... more
sugary and stadium-rock, you'd think it was some sort of surprise. But--ironically, for a Manics album--Know Your Enemy should keep everyone happy. It's as big and lu...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Found That Soul Ocean Spray Intravenous Agnostic So Why So Sad Let Robeson Sing The Year ... more
Of Purification Wattsville Blues Miss Europa Disco Dancer Dead Martyrs His Last Painting My Guernica The Convalescent Royal Correspondent Epicentre Baby Elian Free...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: some excellent songs there Disadvantages: As with generation terrorists-a few too many fillers perhaps?
...opinion so far is that Know Your Enemy is no immediate classic, but give it a chance, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
This is the 6th studio album released by the Welsh band, now a trio, after the departure of Richey Edwards in 1995. This is the 2nd album without his imput, and it definitely surpasses the effort that was This Is My Truth.... Although at times my review my seem harsh, i am a great manics fan, and have high expectations ... ...be getting back on track, and experimenting more, which ultimately is what making music is about, so who am I to judge-decide for your self and let me know what you think.
(also, don’t miss that bonus track….a cover, but still worth a listen)
... more
I am rather skeptical to review this album, having only had an official copy for a few weeks, but have decided to give it a go. I'm not going to go into too much detail about each song for the simple reason that each person is different, and you find your own interpretations of songs, and I wouldn’t want to influence any ones opinion-you can make that up for yourself. While many people are unsure, my opinion so far is that Know Your Enemy is no immediate classic, but give it a chance, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
This is the 6th studio album released by the Welsh band, now a trio, after the departure of Richey Edwards in 1995. This is the 2nd album without his imput, and it definitely surpasses the effort that was This Is My Truth.... Although at times my review my seem harsh, i am a great manics fan, and have high expectations of them. For a band that is so important to so many people, inspiring a cult following not seen since The Smiths, this album has been long awaited.
The album opens with Found that Soul-one of the two singles that was released on the 26th February, and reached number 9 in the charts. This is one of the heavier songs on the album-much more bass than most of This Is My Truth's songs. I immediately liked this song, and much prefer it to So Why So Sad, the other single that was released on Feb 26th. I really enjoy listening to the JDB guitar towards the end of the track. Definitely a good start.
Ocean Spray-This is the first JDB lyric to make it to a Manic’s album-previous attempts not being up to scratch. This was written around the time JDB watched his mother die of cancer, and for that reason, the song obviously has a melancholy air about it. This song definitely deserves to be on the album, regardless of what people say about it. Its a much more mellow song, with a slower beat, toned down bass, and an extract played in the back ground. This song was turned down by the makers of Ocean Spray (cranberry juice), as they thought it would be too depressing for an advert, but whether the Manics would have sold the rights is another story entirely! Having seen them in the Cardiff Coal Exchange and In the Manchester Apollo, this song comes across very well live, and you can really see the feeling in James as his sings this one-he did a heart wrenching acoustic in Cardiff.
Intravenous agnostic-more upbeat again, but this one has yet to grab me.
So Why so Sad-the other single released, and reached number 8 in the charts. I did personally prefer the other single, but this one had more air play, resulting in a higher chart place. This sounds a little Beach Boys, and little 1960s stylee. Not one of my personal favourites though.
Let Robeson Sing-very mellow, but this one is definitely popular if the reactions at the concerts were anything to go by. Paul Robeson, the interest of this song was an American performer/activist who highlighted many problems in the American social system. Nicky seems to think very highly of this man, and all that he achieved.
The Year Of Purification- another song that has yet to grab me. There is nothing really special here, very few lyrics with a repeated bridge/chorus.(The track i get my review title from)
Wattsville Blues- I find this one rather amusing, in a friendly sort of way-its Nicky’s first ever lead vocal, and he also takes up lead guitar, leaving James feeling rather lost in the concert! This one is quite slow, with a repetitive beat. Is not bad with Nicky on lead vocal, but James’ backing vocals do kinda highlight Nicky’s short falls as a vocalist (as compared to James, a lot of the time, he appears to be speaking rather than singing). This one is definitely more ‘interesting’ than fantastic.
Miss Europa Disco Dancer- This one caught me off balance. I had heard all the interviews with James and Nicky saying, ‘yes, there’s a little disco number in there’, but I was still speechless! The intro is 70’s/80’s cheesy disco music, and the song progresses with a duet line, then a stark James vocal line, creating a contrast. Listening to the lyrics, they start out quite positively “I’m in heaven when I see ya”, but soon decline into a more depressing downer “its agony, sheer agony, the way your life just fades away “. I think this is the only Manic’s song I’ve ever seen people actually dance to in a concert! The Nicky outro is definitely worth a listen, and its very amusing watching him try to keep a straight face during this monotone vocal.
Dead Martyrs-another filler in my opinion, but as with all the tracks I don’t really get into now, they will probably grow on me the more I listen to them. This one sees James’ voice becoming echoey and there is a bit of an electric sound in the background, which is quite bizarre.
His Last Painting-This one has a simple beat, and clearly audible lyrics (for a change), and definitely grows on you the more you listen to it.
My Guernica- Electric guitar intro, and echoey James lyrics to begin. We hear more of James’ singing ability in the bridge, and the chorus is catchy. This is one of my favourite tracks on the album, and is instantly appealing. This track definitely stands out from a lot of the others.
The Convalescent- A quicker track, with a lot of lyrics, containing a lot of name dropping-Picasso, Gabrisallasse, Brian Warner (Marilyn Manson). An quite skeptical song, with the band expressing a dislike for modern life, although as a scientist I must disagree with “D.N.A. means does not accept” !
Royal Correspondent- a slower retrospective song, but quite repetitive
Epicentre- I like this track, but am not sure why. There is a lot of variety in the sound of James’ vocals, and the lyrics would be at home on an earlier manics album.
Baby Elian- (as requested by Fidel Castro at the Cuban gig) This is a clear favourite of mine. I especially like the chorus, but just love this song already. It comes across well live, as part of James’ acoustic set. There is just something special about this one. The Cuban/American fight for elian gonzalis is obviously the trigger for this song, but its more of a hit out against America and it’s materialistic money loving culture.
Freedom of Speech Wont Feed My Children-a heavy guitar and bass hit straight into this track. An attack at the influence of childrens toys, and a dig at the Beastie Boys. This track is full of poignant lyrics, and is on a par with Baby Elian as one of my favourites on the album. An excellent finish to the album...but is it the end.....?
Having read back this opinion, im not really happy with it-im not the best at reviewing albums, and feel maybe I haven’t done the manics (my favourite band) justice with this review. I am quite taken with this album, even though there are a lot of songs with I havnt really got into yet. Although I may not be impressed with every song, the quality of them is excellent, but I personally, am inclined to compare them to the perfection that is the Holy Bible. For many people who haven’t listened to Richey-era Manics, these tracks will definitely surpass those found on This Is My Truth…, but in my opinion, most fail to reach the level of the Holy Bible. This seems quite an unreasonable thing to say, as its always hard for a band to reach a former level of work, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. They seem to be getting back on track, and experimenting more, which ultimately is what making music is about, so who am I to judge-decide for your self and let me know what you think.
(also, don’t miss that bonus track….a cover, but still worth a listen)
Advantages: Still better than the Vengaboys Disadvantages: Can't top 'The Holy Bible'.
...in the chorus... I don't know about you but I remember when the MSP's were argumentative, beligerent young tykes. I know everone gets old, but surely rock stars can make it last longer than most. I want James Dean Bradfield to swear at me and insult my mother! It's just not happening.
7) Whatsville Blues - Starts a little differently; bit of a voice effect going on there... sounds slightly like 'Blur'. Oh but woe, another mediocre chorus! Maybe ... ...This one doesn't seem to know where it's going. Chord changes all over the place; just doesn't seem to hang right.
13) Royal Correspondent - These titles are getting ridiculous. What'll be next: 'Jaffa Cakes.' 'Size 10 Shoe.' I'm just not grabbed! The song? Moody and slow, like a dimwitted five year old. No, not for me.
14) Epicentre - Plucked guitar... drums in... keyboard... vocals. I think the Manics' fence has been built in the middle of the ...
Claw 19.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Know Your Enemy [ECD] - Manic Street Preachers
Advantages: Half of it is quite good Disadvantages: The rest is far from good and the production is awful
...bands’ will be happy to know that this is probably my final Manic Street Preachers review ever, as it is probably their last album ever. This album has met fierce criticism from just about every magazine that has reviewed it, but I have tried to view this album from my own isolated perspective. This is the perspective of a someone who has been a fan since 1996 and loves the music of the band from 1993-1996.
The title of this review isn’t ... ...at all. You may know this song by now as it was a single. It has grown on me but despite its lively sound it fails to emulate the bands earlier sound.
Ocean Spray, the first song fully written by singer James Dean Bradfield shows promise. It is a slow and tender song dedicated to his dying mother. The guitar work emphasises the beauty in this song and it may well be the finest track on the album.
Intravenous Agnostic is another rockier track but ...
kfingleton 12.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Know Your Enemy [ECD] - Manic Street Preachers
Advantages: Its the Manics Disadvantages: some poor songs
This is the sixth and most recent release from the manic street preachers. It is quite a long album with 16 tracks plus a bonus track tacked onto the end.
The track listing is as follows: -
1 Found that Soul
2 Ocean Spray
3 Intravenous Agnostic
4 So Why So Sad
5 Let Robeson Sing
6 The Year Of Purification
7 Wattsvilles Blues
8 Miss Europa Disco Dancer
9 Dead Martyrs
10 His Last Painting
11 My Guernica
12 The Convalescent
13 Royal Correspondent
... ...of Speech Wont Feed My Children
17 (Bonus Track) We Are All Bourgeois Now
This album was meant to be the effort of a band trying to get away from the more “clinical stance” when producing an album such as the last album “This Is My Truth…”
They were saying that they were basically trying to get back to the early days and showed signs of doing this last year with the no 1 hit the masses against the classes.
The lyrical ...
adsalamon 03.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Know Your Enemy [ECD] - Manic Street Preachers
Advantages: Honest songwriting, some outstanding tracks Disadvantages: Too long, a few "filler" tracks
MANIC STREET PREACHERS – KNOW YOUR ENEMY
~~ A BIT OF HISTORY ~~
The Manic Street Preachers are a band that have fascinated me since their formation in 1989. They were explosive, androgynous, disgusted, full of bile and raw talent. Inspired by The Clash and the Sex Pistols and driven by the boredom of life in Blackwood, Gwent they vowed they would make one multi-million selling album and then split up (fortunately they didn’t, although ... ...youthful ways, the launch of Know Your Enemy was fittingly unconventional: two singles ("Found That Soul" and "So Why So Sad") released on the same day, a launch gig at the Karl Marx Theatre in Havana, Cuba and a meeting with Fidel Castro!
It is difficult to express how important the Manics are to their fans - they are about more than just music, they symbolise a voice against the mediocre, tabloid culture, never subject to the marketing bullshit ...
heneghan 09.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Know Your Enemy [ECD] - Manic Street Preachers
Advantages: 'So Why So Sad' and 'Let Robeson Sing' are good Disadvantages: Very slim pickings when it comes to the rest of the album, very dodgy lyrics and sloganeering, quite artificial and studied
...your diehard Manics fans (you know the kind, they are the type of people who make a new incision for every day that Richey is missing) would typically hate. But who asked them, anyway? They would probably love the rest of this album. And good for them, if they listen to it in their bedrooms at least it keeps them off the streets.
You get the sense that the Manics really haven't got very much to complain about, so the synthetic moans on here fall ... ...band are really trying to find something to be angry about when really they lead pretty normal lives. The album screams of insincerity and seems like a vague attempt to win back ground lost on 'This Is My Truth...'. Regardless of the quality, it would have been far better had the Manics actually stuck to their guns and grew up as a band, maturing with age and becoming elder statesman figures, instead of trying to reference themselves and bringing ...
Ryan74 22.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Know Your Enemy [ECD] - Manic Street Preachers
Product Information for "Know Your Enemy [ECD] - Manic Street Preachers" »
Product details
Title
Know Your Enemy [ECD]
Performer
Manic Street Preachers
Genre
Rock & Pop
Release Date
13/12/2004
Recomended Retail Price
8.99 GBP
Original Release Year
2001
Label / Distributor
Epic / Sony Music/Arvato Services
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
5099750188026
Catalogue Number
5018802
Additional notes
Album Notes
Manic Street Preachers: Nicky Wire (vocals, acoustic guitar, bass); James Dean Bradfield (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Sean Moore (trumpet, drums, programming); Nick Naysmith (keyboards, background vocals); Jagz Kooner (programming). Producers: Dave Eringa, Greg Haver, Mike Hedges. Engineers include: Jagz Kooner, Lee Butler, Guy Massey. One of the continuing mysteries of rock & roll is how the Manic Street Preachers can continue to be hailed as demi-gods in their native UK but get relegated to permanent cult status in America. While that situation is unlikely to change, KNOW YOUR ENEMY is probably as close as the band has come to album with potential US appeal. It's not that the band's revolutionary ideology has softened, but they've varied their sonic palette a bit. The keyboards and harmonies adorning the melodic pop of "So Why So Sad" suggest that the Preachers have been listening to the Beach Boys' "Sloop John B." The aptly titled "Miss Europa Disco Dancer" could be a long-lost China Crisis, with its ironic Brit-funk feel. A mix of acoustic guitars and subtle keyboards offset the raw guitar attack on many cuts, though "My Guernica" is a bold, blazing return to form, full of charging, trashy drums and driving guitars. On "Let Robeson Sing," a heartfelt tribute to legendary American vocalist/activist Paul Robeson, singer James Dean Bradfield asks "Can anyone write a protest song" For the Manic Street Preachers, the answer is a resounding "yes."
Album Reviews
Q (4/01, pp.102-3) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...There are moments that take your breath away....when they push their boat out, it rarely sinks..." Mojo (4/01, p.98) - "...There are great songs here..." Alternative Press (7/01, p.74) - 6 out of 10 - "...Anthemic guitar rock made for football stadium sing-alongs..." CMJ (4/16/01, p.4) - "...Astoundingly good....marked by a sweeping Britpop swagger and simple, sharply crafted hooks alternating with sweeping, cathartic choruses..." NME (3/17/01, p.31) - 7 out of 10 - "...Distinctly counter-revolutionary....The severe socialistic rhetoric doesn't stop them decadently changing styles like Shirley Bassey changes costume: feathery Beach Boys shimmer; Velvet Underground black..."
Titles on disc 1
1.
Found That Soul
2.
Ocean Spray
3.
Intravenous Agnostic
4.
So Why So Sad
5.
Let Robeson Sing
6.
Year Of Purification
7.
Wattsville Blues
8.
Miss Europa Disco Dancer
9.
Dead Martyrs
10.
His Last Painting
11.
My Guernica
12.
Convalescent
13.
Royal Correspondent
14.
Epicentre
15.
Baby Elian
16.
Freedom Of Speech Won't Feed My Children
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Listed on Ciao since
20/02/2001
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