Manic Street Preachers the band's first LP. The Manics intended to restore revolution to rock and roll at a time when Britain was dominated by shoegaze and acid house. The "NME" gave "Suicide Alley" an enthusiastic review, citing a press release by Richey Edwards: "We are as far away from anything in the '80s as possible." After the release of "Suicide Alley," Edwards joined the band on rhythm guitar and contributed to lyrics alongside Wire. Edwards also designed record sleeves and artwork, and drove the band to and from gigs. In 1990 the Manic Street Preachers signed a deal with label Damaged Goods
Lipstick Traces (A Secret History of Manic Street Preachers) 6.3/10, and said that: "Manic Street Preachers never conquered the world like they wanted to, but it's been a good enough ride that I don't begrudge them for trying, and this compilation, flawed though it is, is sure to please those who'd always hoped they would succeed." The album received a far more positive reception from fans than the "Forever Delayed" greatest hits album, which was heavily criticised for favouring the band's more commercially successful singles. The only recurring criticism of "Lipstick Traces" was the exclusion of the infamous fan favourite "Patrick Bateman" from the "La Tristesse Durera (Scream to