Manchester

The horrific terrorist attack by Islamist extremists targeted against children at a music concert in Manchester last week was sickening and unforgivable.  My heart goes out to the family and friends of anyone affected by the events at the Manchester Arena.  The response and the stories of assistance showed the resilience from the people of Manchester.

I've been to a few gigs in Manchester when I was a student and I've always loved the music of the city - the Roses, the Mondays, the Smiths, Oasis, Joy Division and New Order.  One of my favourite films is 24 Hour Party People which depicts the Manchester music scene and the rise and fall of Factory Records with Tony Wilson (played by Steve Coogan).



So here is a playlist to celebrate the Music of Manchester over the last forty years.

Evil must never be rewarded and terrorists will not change the way we live.  

Madchester Will Rave On

Mixtape May 2017

Back in 1995 the rivalry between Blur and Oasis had descended into the gutter and their less savory insults were fodder for tabloid headlines.  Damon Alban and Noel Gallagher were two of the most talented songwriters of the era and the passage of time has resulted in a friendship and now a musical collaboration that makes you proud for the good nature of the humanz spirit.

However, Liam Gallagher still needs the publicity in 2017 so he has branded Damon a "Gobshite" and called his brother  a "Massive Girl".  Hopefully more examples of Liam's legendary wit will grace the output of his solo career if he can still write any decent songs with his grazed knuckles...  

1) Feels Like Summer by Weezer - These guys don't rest for long.  Weezer are becoming as prolific as King Gizz & The Liz Wiz  and are in danger of running out of colours to name their albums.

2) Cave by Future Islands - American band who penned "Seasons (Waiting For You)" have returned with their fifth album of synth-pop.

3) Paint Me Silver by Pond - Perth band drop a new dreamy tripped out pop song.

4) Are You Looking For Action? by Kasabian - three tracks released so far ahead of their new album. I'm a sucker for euphoric eight minute indie/dance hits that go all Flowered Up at the end.

5) Ever Rizing Dub by Nattali Rize - Reggae Revival track from her Rebel Frequency album.

6) Dream In/Out by Green Buzzard - Indie Rockers from New South Wales who have just released a  ripper new album "Space Man Rodeo".

7) Dependent On Mary by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets - Another Perth band getting better and better.

8) Love That I'm In by The Allergies featuring Andy Cooper - Infectious old school hip hop/funk from Bristol.  

9) We Got The Power by Gorillaz featuring Jehnny Beth - Noel and Damon finally make a record together.  New album Humanz is out now.

10) Superdub by Hollie Cook - Hollie is the daughter of the Sex Pistols drummer and a Culture Club backing singer.  This is the B-side dub version of her latest single.

11) J-Boy by Phoenix - Fresh music from these French indie rockers

12) In Cold Blood by alt-J - A cut from their third album due this June.

13) Cocoa Liquor by Alice Jemima - Taken from the eponymous debut album from this talented singer/songwriter from Devon.

14) Plastic Machinery by The Charlatans - 13th album "Different Days" is released on 26th May.

15) Battle Cry by Jack White - A grungy bluesy instrumental

16) Lights Out by Royal Blood - Brighton Rock

17) After The Moon by Real Estate - I fell asleep with my headphones in and awoke from a dream to this song.  Very chilled.

18) Porcelain by Moby (Pola & Bryson Remix) Classic Moby track from Play given a dnb treatment.

19) All I Want by Ride - Ride discover samplers in an attempt to update their sound.  Not sure...

20) Vacant Lot by The Growlers  - This awesome Californian band had their last album was produced by Julian Casablancas of The Strokes.


Open playlist in Spotify