Barbara Manning
Issue #32
Super Scissors
By Dina Horneich
Published: June 1st, 2007 | 12:00am
Barbara Manning is a modern musical mastermind who is probably too good for this world. After 1997’s critically acclaimed 1212 (her last album on Matador), she seems to have fallen off the radar. Despite having the majority of her post-Matador efforts consistently overlooked by too many, this Super Scissors box set has been lovingly assembled for a devoted fanbase well aware of Manning’s shining talents as a singer-songwriter with an impressive history of collaborating with an eclectic assortment of then-obscure artists over the years, including Stuart Moxham (Young Marble Giants) and well-liked New Zealand indie musicians (the Clean, Tall Dwarves, etc.) to name only a few.
Super Scissors contains three re-mastered CDs with a sizeable booklet. The first, Manning’s widely lauded 1988 solo debut, Lately I Keep Scissors, showcases her at her best and features favorites like “Talk All Night,” “Prophecy Written,” and “Mark E. Smith & Brix.” It proves to be an enduring masterpiece transcending indie-rock proportions, complete with an amusingly revealing college radio interview tacked on at the end.
The second disc contains the original eight songs from Manning’s second solo album, One Perfect Green Blanket, plus nine previously unreleased bonus tracks. Although not quite as stellar as its predecessor, One Perfect Green Blanket certainly contains some tuneful gems. Among them is the calm, nursing-your-wounds, breakup song, “Sympathy Wreath,” as well as a pleasing Bats cover, “Smoking Her Wings.” The bonus tracks are significant listenings, featuring a whimsical version of “Walking After Midnight” as well as many other endearingly subdued lo-fi and live demos, rarities, and outtakes to keep surprised fans happy. Worth mentioning is the fine radio session of the splendid “Optimism Is Its Own Reward” (from 1995’s Barbara Manning Sings with Original Artists) as well as the many live delights like “For Pity’s Sake.”
Fifteen more outtakes and demos, many of which are alternate versions of songs on Super Scissors, comprise the third disc, which might resonate the most with hardcore fans most sensitive to the nuances of Manning’s sound. Quite noteworthy is the alternate version of the classic “Mark E. Smith & Brix,” which beguilingly pays homage to the Fall, and, in this unique version, gives props to Sonic Youth. Overall, there is plenty new material on the third disc, such as “Wires Cages Fences and Gates,” to keep absorbed listeners digging for more.
Super Scissors is a welcomed addition to any and all record collections. Pressed in a limited edition of 1,000 copies, don’t hesitate to seize this musical treasure trove at your nearest mom-and-pop music store — if you are lucky enough to find it.
Comments
Please login to be able to comment on this article.
more