Man Alive (Vinyl) (Reissue)
Working with Bat For Lashes producer David Kosten (aka Faultline), the recording of Man Alive was completed mainly in a chapel in North Wales. The album sounded unique. Nothing dates like the future, yet Man Alive sounds dateless, placeless, and as a result, stands up perfectly many years later.
Man Alive was only the beginning of the group’s adventures in – to use their words – ‘Mismatched styles of music mashed together.’ The result is often exhilarating; there are Brazilian drums and a prog guitar breakdown in Schoolin’, classical influences, as well. Its subject matter is often way outside the realms of conventional songwriting; MY KZ, UR BF explored the different Americas: the cosy self-centred domesticity of programmes such as Friends versus a foreign policy based on killing; Qwerty Finger examines imperialism. Anglo Saxon guilt is also present.
Released in August 2010, Man Alive made the UK Top 20 and was well reviewed. Man Alive was shortlisted for the 20th Mercury Music Prize in 2011.
The original LP edition of the album is super- scarce, released before the ‘vinyl revival’ kicked in, hence the original pressing now selling in the high three figures. This re- issue is presented with scrupulous attention to the detail of the original UK first pressing, complete with gatefold sleeve, poster and 8 page booklet. It is pressed on 140gm vinyl.
