Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers plans to release a new album in spring 2009. It will only contain lyrics by Richey James Edwards, the band’s former rhythm guitarist and lyricist who disappeared in February 1995. Edwards had a well-known history of mental problems and was known for his depressing and dark lyrics, especially on the last Manic Street Preachers released before his disappearance, 1994’s The Holy Bible.
The album is tentatively titled Journal For Plague Lovers and the band have recorded nine songs with former Pixies and Nirvana producer Steve Albini. The lyrics were written by Edwards before his disappearance and has since then been kept by the other band members. Bassist and lyricist Nicky Wire told NME.com: “We’ve had these lyrics for 14 years and we all felt compelled that this was the right time to do it” and adds that “It’s a follow-up to The Holy Bible in a lot of ways.”
The band also posted a note on their website revealing that they have been the recordings so far have been done live, and recorded directly to tape. They also added a second possible title to the album, I Know I Believe In Nothing But It Is My Nothing and described the music this way: “in many ways it feels like a follow up to the Holy Bible but there is also an acoustic side – tender, romantic, nihilism, “Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky”-esque. It’s a record that celebrates the genius of his words, full of love, anger, intelligence and respect.”
– Johan A.
