Send Away The Tigers

Underdogs

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The most openly punk, and most overtly silly song from Send Away The Tigers it’s a dedication to fans, to those of us outsiders and freaks and underdogs. The lyrics are mostly poor although we appreciate the sentiment. Musically it’s very simple, the verses swept along by chugging, muted guitars, with a sudden explosion of manic drums and electric guitars for the chorus. It’s a fun bit of fluff, a curious moment of charity by the band, and one that comes off as both bizarre and harmless.

Underdogs: 3/Good

Misheard Lyrics: And the disposable destiny/and the dis-a-poseable (?) destiny

2: Shining bright but not disappeared

3: Passive like some faded stars

Actual Lyrics: And the disciples of our destiny

2: Shining bright but now disappeared

3: Passing like some fading stars

The Story Of The Song: It’s ostensibly a dedication to the fans. From day one, superfans of the Manics have been notable for being what idiots may term ‘freaks’. As the band became more popular, you can see a clear division in the fandom – those who came on board around the time of Everything Must Go (myself included) and who only like the big hits (myself not included), and those who are obsessed with the band and love everything. Then there are those who take it further by dressing up like Nicky and Richey. The song was the first single from Send Away The Tigers and in a rare moment of whatthefuckery from the band, they encouraged fans to send video footage of themselves to be spliced into the video. Ironically, fan reception of the song was not positive, so much so that the song was removed from the re-release of the album.

 

Rendition

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Rendition: 3/Good

A neat little punk quickie with flamboyant performance from Bradfield, thunderous drums, and some amusing lyrics. It’s all very catchy too, with the verse taking the most points but with a chorus which still does a fine job. It’s not going to change anyone’s world, but it’s a good, quick, impactful rocker that gets to the point without excess and doesn’t outstay its welcome.

Misheard Lyrics: All the animals I’m missing/All the animals are missing

2. Another moment of Japan and sorrow/Another moment of general sorrow

Actual Lyrics: All the emeralds that are missing

2. And at the moment I’m jumping at sorrow

Ranking The Manics Songs – Send Away The Tigers

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Manic_Street_Preachers_-_Send_Away_the_Tigers

After the mainly piano-based and electronic antics of Lifeblood, the band headed once more back to their guitar roots with the straightforward angular rock of Send Away The Tigers. Generally well received at the time, it’s an album which is mostly forgotten now beyond its major single. The band itself has once again been critical of certain songs but also credited it as getting them back on track and helping them to fall in love with making music again. Here’s my ranking of the ten tracks and the one hidden song:

  1. Your Love Alone Is Not Enough
  2. Autumn Song
  3. Send Away The Tigers
  4. Winterlovers
  5. Imperial Bodybags
  6. Underdogs
  7. Rendition
  8. I’m Just A Patsy
  9. Indian Summer
  10. The Second Great Depression
  11. Working Class Hero

Essentially everything above is a few steps below Your Love Alone Is Not Enough in terms of quality, with at least 7 of the lower ranked songs being interchangeable for me. No bad songs at all, just high average or thereabouts. It’s a short album but still garnered four singles, so that means we have plenty of B-Sides and alternatives to add in for my ideal version of the album:

  1. Send Away The Tigers
  2. Underdogs
  3. Your Love Alone Is Not Enough
  4. Anorexic Rodin
  5. Fearless Punk Ballad
  6. Rendition
  7. Morning Comrades
  8. Autumn Song
  9. Leviathan
  10. Boxes And Lists
  11. Imperial Bodybags
  12. Little Girl Lost
  13. Winterlovers
  14. Umbrella
  15. Ghosts Of Christmas

Both of those last two would be hidden tracks, naturally. That’s actually a pretty great album right there. I’m sure the order could be switched around to flow better. Let us know your ranking and picks in the comments!

Send Away The Tigers

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Generic Ratings: 1: Crap. 2: Okay. 3: Good. 4: Great

If any fans were put off by the experimental, electronic sounds of Lifeblood, then the opening track of Send Away The Tigers should see those fans sighing in relief. They play a little trick with a false organ start, but the opening guitar attack sets the tone for the album – a more streamlined, old fashioned rock sound with guitars, drums, bass, and vocals all unhindered by studio jiggerypokery. It’s a terrific opening riff, and the melodies and musical strength shines through the three and a half minutes, not allowing any spare seconds for additional nonsense – the point is made, and we can leave it at that. Lyrically, Wire seems to be on better form, and although the old themes of regret and nostalgia are prevalent there is a freshness to proceedings after the sleepy nature of the last album which makes you sit up and listen – and that chorus is bound to stay in your head for hours.

Send Away The Tigers: 3/Good (Patrick Jones video)

Misheard Lyrics:

  1. There’s no hope in the counties
  2. Faces on whores
  3. Same noise death and destroy
  4. Look at me I’m modest and free

Actual Lyrics:

  1. There’s no hope in the colonies
  2. Fixing some holes
  3. Same noise left to destroy
  4. Look at me I’m honest and free