The Manic Street Preachers spent much of the first half of 2004 with Greg Havers in rehearsal rooms in Cardiff.

They were recording a new album, the title of which has just been revealed.

Life Blood will be released this autumn and it's got James Dean Bradfield at least partly in control of production duties.

Nicky Wire has said: "It's modern, shiny, pure pop, elegiac pop, it really is the poppiest album we've ever done.

"The mixer of Goldfrapp (Tom Elmhirst) has been working with us, and he's really given it a lovely sheen and a modern edge.

"We've been listening to The Associates, early New Order, Joy Division. It's The Holy Bible for 35 year olds!"

It's the second time Bradfield has tried his hand on the other side of the desk.

He practised last year on the eponymous debut single by the London- based duo Johnny Boy.

And the track You Are The Generation That Bought More Shoes And You Get What You Deserve is credited to Bradfield and long-time producer of the band, Dave Eringa.

The song is getting a nationwide release via Vertigo on Monday, August 9 after proving a hit on Welsh indie label Boobytrap.

Bradfield, who married his long time girlfriend earlier this month, has produced other bands before, most notably with less-than-successful Manchester punks Northern Uproar.