Everything Must Go

In coming back after the disappearance of guitarist Richey Edwards, Everything Must Go had to be special. Thankfully, the album shows extreme dignity in the face of adversity, with its big, Phil Spector-ish production and the pure lyrical perfection of "A Design For Life" (the least patronising, most spot on discussion of the working class ever to reach number two in the charts). Richey Edward's influence is still evident, as "Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky" is a pit of despair, but it is much more subtle than anything on "The Holy Bible", delicately comprised of James' vocals and a harp. Their love of art and literature continues, referencing Sylvia Plath ("The Girl Who Wanted To Be God"), war photographer Kevin Carter, and artist Willem De Kooning (on "Interiors", surely one of Nicky Wire's best bass parts since "La Tristesse Durera"). It's little surprise that this was the album to finally shove the Manics into the mainstream. --Emma Johnston

Sony BMG offers the first in a range of eco-friendly packaged products: "Carbon Neutral Entertainment", a range of classic artist albums repackaged in 100% biodegradable and certified carbon neutral packaging. The carbon emissions generated in the production of each album has been calculated by The Carbon Neutral Company and balanced to net zero by investing in emissions reductions projects around the world that offset the equivalent amount of C0². Each album will contain a source of ten C0² reducing tips to help you think consciously about reducing your contribution to global warming. The original album booklet and label copy, rather than printed within the package, will be uploaded to a website for you to view online.

MANIC ST PREACHERS Everything Must Go (1996 UK 12-track CD includes A Design For Life Australia and Kevin Carter picture sleeve)