Nicky Wire’s New News Wire
added 14 July 2003 at 17.41
Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers has spoken about his band’s upcoming new album, his last recording session with Richey James and what he thinks of the current crop of new bands.
While the Manics have just released a new B-sides and covers compilation 'Lipstick Traces (A Secret History Of Manic Street Preachers)', Wire has been speaking about the group’s new studio album and an unlikely influence.
"Blur's ‘Think Tank’ has been an inspiration.” Wire explained to Teletext, “We'd wanted to change things - get a new producer, record somewhere new. Hearing ‘Think Tank’ confirmed that was the right decision. Going to Morocco has had such a beneficial effect on Blur, it's a fantastic album.
“The plan is to do 10 short, cheerful pop songs. I say cheerful, but you're talking by our standards, we haven't been at the happy pills. Nobody has the attention span for long albums any more. I hope James will write more lyrics, as ‘Ocean Spray’ is one of the best songs we've ever done. As part of shaking things up, I'm writing lyrics with my brother Patrick, we're challenging each other to great effect so far.
'Lipstick Traces’ features the track 'Judge Yr'self' a song written for - although not included on - the ‘Judge Dredd’ film soundtrack, and the last track recorded by the Manics as a 4-piece.
“It's been well documented that that last recording session with Richey was a very happy two weeks,” Wire explained, “Which you can tell on ‘Judge Y'rself’, there was no sign anything was wrong. When he disappeared, it was never even discussed whether the song would go on the soundtrack, it would have been too inappropriate to ask us. I'm glad it's appearing now, and it's good to listen to, because it only brings back happy memories of how enjoyable that last two weeks was."
A typically acerbic Wire also delivered his verdict on The White Stripes ("I love everything that surrounds them - the mystique, the relationship, the dress code. The only thing I'm not fussed about with The White Stripes is the music."), Yeah Yeah Yeahs ("It's disgraceful, it really is. Karen O in popsocks? I was wearing them four years ago") and The Datsuns ("Oh, they're just dreadful, aren't they? I love AC/DC as much as anyone, but the problem with the new garage rock scene is that it's encouraging stupidity”).
The full transcript of the interview can be found now on Teletext.
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