Everything Must Go

Manic Street Preachers: James Dean Bradfield (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, piano); Sean Moore (trumpet, drums, percussion, background vocals); Nicky Wire (bass, background vocals).
Additional personnel includes: John Green (Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards).
Recorded at Chateau De La Rouge Motte, France.
The cathartic album title perfectly reflected not only its contents but the band itself: following the traumatic breakdown and disappearance of Richey Edwards, the other Manics were left to pick up the pieces--it was an extraordinary and unexpected recovery. Perhaps most striking was their new sober image--the make-up, military garb and much of the bravado were gone--and their characteristic disaffection seemed more pertinent and controlled. Despite losing a member, the band had discovered a new voice, delivering a collection of powerful and socially aware songs. Poignantly, Edwards' lyrics graced songs including "Kevin Carter" and "Small Black Flowers . . . ," all delivered in James Dean Bradfield's emotional tones.