Postcards from a Young Man Manic Street Preachers (CD)
The latest album from Manic Street Preachers, Postcards from a Young Man, is quite mainstream for this veteran alternative rock band.
But the songs are as thought-provoking as ever, such as the opening single It's Not a War (It's Just the End of Love). Lead singer James Dean Bradfield proves the band has lost none of its rebellious edge after 18 years, growling the lyrics in his unique way.
He continues through the album with a mix of anger and amusement, whether singing over the heavy guitar riffs of A Billion Balconies Facing the Sun, or gentler piano chords in the mellow Golden Platitudes.
The Preachers show a defiant attitude to everything from commercialism to the worries of modern-day life. They don't even spare themselves - All We Make is Entertainment is a critical look at the band's own contribution to modern culture.
The usual drums, strings and guitar solos are here, along with a few surprises - such as using a a mandolin in I Think I Found It, and a gospel choir in The Future Has Been Here 4ever.
The Preachers pack a lot into 12 tracks. But it's really Bradfield's ability to carry a tune even while snarling that makes this album such fun to listen to.
