Single of the week by several miles, this is the same version of the song that appears on the
LP of the same title: an upbeat, optimistic, anthemic epic of a song with crashing cymbals &
drums, cinematic strings and heartfelt & strong vocals. I think the Manics are a band you
either truly love, or you feel pretty indifferent to, but I think most people would agree this a classic single of the first order.
The b-sides of CD-1 are all great: they sound as though they come from the same sessions
as the LP. "Black Garden" is a rhythm-heavy almost bluesy number with a killer bass riff;
"Hanging On" another sing-along, huge-chorus song in a similar style to the main track;
"No-One Knows What It's Like To Be Me" the weakest, employing that cliched grunge trick of
quiet verse, loud chorus. Still better than a lot of groups a-sides, however.
The second CD features some decnt remixes of "Everything Must Go": a swirling, pulsing
and brooding reworking by The Chemical Brothers, plus two grand, string and keyboard-laden
versions by Stealth Sonic Orchestra.
Hopefully this will make the top spot - it certainly deserves to.
Rating: 10/10
The Rest
Recalling echoes of "7 Seconds" this slow piece of adult-oriented dance/soul is instantly
recognisable as Neneh Cherry. Very laid-back, mellow and cool - almost Trip Hop - and should
do well in the current post-Fugees climate. The vocals are pretty impressive here, Cherry
sounding very strong and accomplished. "Heart Throbs" on the b-side is pretty forgettable, and
the "Heavy Guitar" mix of the a-side is exactly the same as the original apart from -
wait for it - a rather distressing HM guitar solo in the middle. The main track does stand out
however.
Rating: 8/10
Lifted from the "Found Sound" LP, "Fingerbobs" is the latest offering from the experimental
dance outfit well-known for incorporating samples of things such as microwaves and toilets(!)
into their tunes. Not sure what if anything they've sampled here (milk bottles or skeletons
on a tin roof, maybe) but this track is a very beats n beeps oriented affair - not much bass.
It also sounds a little old-fashioned, reminding me a little of what bands like Fluke were
up to in the late 80s. Interesting, but not brilliant.
Rating: 7/10
New and fresh-faced singer/songwriter appears with this Waterboys-meet-Radiohead single.
Some sparkling guitar chords back the vocals, but despite a strong start the song doesn't
really get anywhere. Shows some promise however: Mundy should be one to watch.
The b-side is a competent but pretty straight cover of "Season of the Witch".
Rating: 6/10
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