The Captivating Journey: History Of Manchester Music In 13 Recordings

Manchester, the vibrant city in the northwest of England, has been a breeding ground for influential musical talent that has shaped the cultural landscape not only in the UK but also across the globe. From iconic bands and legendary performances to revolutionary sounds and poignant lyrics, the history of Manchester music is an awe-inspiring journey that deserves to be explored.

1. "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division (1979)

Joy Division's melancholic yet enthralling masterpiece captured the essence of post-punk and set the foundation for Manchester's musical revolution.

Leave The Capital: A History of Manchester Music in 13 Recordings

by Paul Hanley (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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2. "This Charming Man" by The Smiths (1983)

The Smiths effortlessly blended Morrissey's unique lyrical prowess with Johnny Marr's jangly guitar riffs, asserting their place as one of Manchester's most iconic bands.

3. "Blue Monday" by New Order (1983)

New Order's fusion of electronic beats with rock elements in this groundbreaking track propelled Manchester into the forefront of the emerging rave culture.

4. "She Bangs the Drums" by The Stone Roses (1989)

With its infectious guitar hooks and catchy melodies, this anthem introduced the world to the "Madchester" scene and became an instant classic.

5. "Unfinished Sympathy" by Massive Attack (1991)

Although not from Manchester, this Bristol-based trip-hop group collaborated with Manchester-born vocalist Shara Nelson to create a timeless track that epitomized the early '90s sound.

6. "Wonderwall" by Oasis (1995)

Oasis burst onto the scene with their undeniable swagger and larger-than-life anthems. "Wonderwall" remains their most iconic and enduring hit.

7. "Fit But You Know It" by The Streets (2004)

Mike Skinner, hailing from Birmingham, but heavily influenced by Manchester's music scene, crafted this track that captured the raw essence of British urban culture.

8. "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" by Arctic Monkeys (2005)

Although not originally from Manchester, Arctic Monkeys gained inspiration from the city's musical legacy and launched themselves to stardom with this catchy and energetic single.

9. "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. (2007)

M.I.A.'s smash hit combined elements of hip-hop, electronica, and world music, encapsulating the multicultural spirit of Manchester's music scene.

10. "Elephant" by Tame Impala (2012)

Hailing from Australia, Tame Impala drew inspiration from Manchester's rich musical heritage to create a psychedelic masterpiece that enthralled audiences worldwide.

11. "Do I Wanna Know?" by Arctic Monkeys (2013)

The Arctic Monkeys returned with this seductive track, showcasing their ability to consistently evolve their sound while staying true to their rock roots.

12. "Loose Yourself to Dance" by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams (2013)

Daft Punk collaborated with the ever-talented Pharrell Williams to create a disco-infused anthem that paid homage to Manchester's rich musical history.

13. "Still Feel" by Half Alive (2019)

Inspired by the eclectic sounds of Manchester, Half Alive concocted a delightful blend of indie-pop and danceable rhythms in this catchy track.

The history of Manchester music is a testament to the city's vibrant cultural heritage. These thirteen recordings represent just a glimpse into the captivating journey that Manchester musicians have embarked upon. From the post-punk era to the rise of Britpop, Manchester's impact on the music world cannot be overstated. As new artists continue to emerge from the city, we can only anticipate more groundbreaking sounds and unforgettable performances that will leave an indelible mark on the history of Manchester music.

Leave The Capital: A History of Manchester Music in 13 Recordings

by Paul Hanley (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1224 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	195 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

When British bands took the world by storm in the mid-sixties, the world turned and looked at London. Despite the fact that the most successful of these bands hailed from the North West corner of England, for the USA, London was the source of these thrilling new sounds. And in many ways it was – The Beatles, The Hollies and Herman's Hermits recorded all their hits with London-based producers, for London-based companies in London studios. And that's how it remained, until four Mancunian musicians became alive to the possibility of recording away from the capital.

Against the prevailing wisdom, they opted to plough their hard-earned cash back into the city they loved in the form of proper recording facilities. Eric Stewart of The Mindbenders and songwriter extraordinaire Graham Gouldman created Strawberry Studios; Keith Hopwood and Derek Leckenby of Herman's Hermits crafted Pluto. Between them they gave Manchester a voice, and facilitated a musical revolution that would be defined by its rejection of the capital.

This book tells the story of Manchester music through the prism of the two studio's key recordings. Of course that story inevitably takes in The Smiths, Joy Division, The Fall and The Stone Roses. But it's equally the story of 'Bus Stop' and 'East West' and 'I'm Not in Love'. It's the story of the Manchester attitude of L.S. Lowry, by way of Brian and Michael, and how that attitude rubbed off on The Clash and Neil Sedaka. Above all, it's the story of music that couldn't have been made anywhere else but Manchester.