Manic Street Preachers Share Previously Unheard Song Studies In Paralysis
Friday, 26 August 2022
Written by Laura Johnson
Photo: Mitch Ikeda
Manic Street Preachers have unveiled a previously unheard track.
Studies In Paralysis was recorded at Miloco Studios in London during the same time as their 2001 album 'Know Your Enemy', but didn't make the record's final cut. It arrives with a Kieran Evans-directed video. He said:
"It started with an email from Wire [Nicky Wire - bassist/vocalist] (it always does!). Would I be up for working on visualising two unheard tracks from the 'Know Your Enemy' sessions that were to feature in the beautifully expanded and reworked re-issue of the album? Of course I would! Both 'Rosebud' and 'Studies In Paralysis' landed an hour later and were stunning and took my breath away. Fuck me...They left these off the original album...what were they thinking???!!!
An hour later, another email landed from him - "I'll send some DV footage of the Miloco sessions up to you". But this footage was very different from previous recording sessions he'd filmed. There was a seriousness to everyone's behaviour and recording performances. There was no frivolity or funny off camera 'moments'. The atmosphere felt intense, you could feel the pressure they were under.
Cutting this footage to 'Studies in Paralysis' was a task. I went through many iterations and edits to get the right "feel" to reflect what is a truly glorious song... Thankfully...I think we definitely got there in the end."
The song deals in fuzzed-out guitars and an earworm chorus with the type of tongue in cheek lyrics we've come to expect from them: "Nothing to lose, but my sanity." It will appear on the Welsh rock band's expanded and remastered anniversary edition of the album, which is due out on September 9. The record will also include the recently released single Rosebud.
Manic Street Preachers’ last studio LP was 2021's 'The Ultra Vivid Lament'.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
