MANCHESTER POP TRAIL
THE retro remastering of Manchester music is really being led by Cherry Red records.
They have to be praised for a seven CD box set that celebrates the city’s independent scene from 1977 to 1993.
The music that came from this period began as DIY, built on an attitude that caused a stir but led to a revolution which the city can be praised for. This remarkable set illustrates the fact.
Household names feature, like Mick Hucknell, the Frantic Elevators lead singer, in 1979. The track, Voice In The Dark – a slice of guitar riff pop providing the roots of Simply Red. Radio Manchester’s Mike Sweeney’s attempted stab at stardom in 1979 features in the Salford Jets. Their track, Manchester Boys, is a homage to the 60s dance club, the Twisted Wheel and is a lost gem set free.
Graham Fellows may not be a name on everyone’s lips, but mention Jilted John and John Shuttleworth and everyone knows who you are talking about - all three are one and the same.
His 1978 song, Going Steady, features on this compilation. It was the A-side to Jilted John (you know, ‘Gordon Is A Moron’), originally released on Rabid Records,
The Weeds’ 1986 release, China Doll, is an interesting find, featuring Simon Wolstencroft on drums.
Wolstencroft weaves an interesting trail on the local music scene – formerly with Patrol (Stone Roses) and The Smiths, before becoming a fulltime member of The Fall during their heyday. The Weeds track interested Tony Wilson enough to try to sign the group, but failed, and then nothing more was heard of them.
The set, entitled Manchester North of England, is extensive and breaks the music into periods and genres to celebrate the 70s indie and punk period, the 80s pop and 90s acid house movement. It’s a treasure trove of artists you would never get the chance to discover: The Distractions, Fast Cars, Any Trouble, Yargo and the rockabilly Big Ed And His Rocking Rattlesnakes with D’you Think I Look Like Elvis Presley. Then, names we recognise that cement its importance: Morrissey, Oasis, Joy Division, New Order, A Certain Ratio, Sub Sub, Inspiral Carpets and Stone Roses on over 140 tracks!
Congrats to Cherry Red. It comes with a great book by Mick Middles.