[T165] ‘A Song For Departure’
More a holding pattern for Lifeblood rather than a departure, ‘A Song For Departure’ is redeemed by Bradfield’s guitar work and a clever chorus arrangement.
More a holding pattern for Lifeblood rather than a departure, ‘A Song For Departure’ is redeemed by Bradfield’s guitar work and a clever chorus arrangement.
One of the most profoundly personal Manics songs released to date, ‘Ocean Spray’ was written about the passing of James Dean Bradfield’s mother.
Pop starlet Sophie Ellis-Bextor seems an unlikely collaborator on a Manics track, but in 1998 she was significantly less famous, had more indie cred, and made a fine contribution to this gem of a duet.
The story of the so-called “Silent Twins” inspired the lyrics to ‘Tsunami’, a fine and unique single that makes heavy use of electric sitar and features an excellent video by Pedro Romhanyi of ‘A Design For Life’ fame.
It is with ‘Ready For Drowning’ that the fifth Manics album begins to show its true, sophisticated strength. Even better is a wonderful version with John Cale, the link to which is included within.