168 Songs of Hatred and Failure

More about the book

Formed in 1988, Manic Street Preachers have become a staple of the British rock scene, with 14 albums to their name. Their journey has been marked by significant events, notably the disappearance of Richey Edwards in 1995, which added a layer of complexity to their narrative. Initially, the band seemed destined for fleeting fame, with early performances characterized by brief bursts of "hate-noise" and debut records blending art and politics through punk's Situationist lens. They once promised a multi-million-selling debut followed by a breakup, but real life intervened. The themes of history and loss are deeply embedded in their identity, alongside a mischievous spirit. Each album serves as a cultural barometer, reflecting intersections of politics, philosophy, and art, featuring a diverse array of figures from Friedrich Nietzsche to George Orwell. This book chronicles their evolution from 1988's Suicide Alley to the present, highlighting 168 songs selected by the author and Nicky Wire to illustrate the dynamic progression of the Manics' music.