5 Top Tunes To Start The Weekend!
Friday 28 September 2012
Friday 21 September 2012
Manchester Music Tours
Manchester is
the centre of the musical universe....some might say. The City has not
only produced some of the best bands in the world but also some of the
best venues. The bands iconic pictures in front of local land marks are
famous world wide. The lyrics of the City can be found around every
street corner. So if you never been to Manchester where would you find Salford
Lads Club or the site of The Hacienda?
You
might want to try 'Manchester Music Tours' Run by Inspiral Carpets
drummer Craig 'Gilly' Gill, the tours take you on a trip round
Manchester (& Salfords) musical land marks. Special dedicated tours
will take you round 'The Stone Roses' , 'Oasis' , 'The Smiths' and 'Joy
Division' land marks or if you prefer a general Manchester Music Tour
also runs.
Craig Gill tells us more:
How long has 'Manchester Music Tours' been running?
I did my first music tour in 2005, its only the last 3/4 years that its really started to take off.
How did it you start running musical tours of Manchester?
How did it you start running musical tours of Manchester?
Are the tours themed around bands or general music tours?
It started out as a all encompassing walking tour, I now do specialist driving tours as well, such as: The Smiths, Joy Division, Oasis, Stone Roses, and also bespoke tours, some people want to see everything.
What's the most popular place that people want to see?
Salford Lads Club is the most popular tourist attraction, there is a lot
more to see than the facade, I never get bored of showing people round,
other highlights are 'epping walk bridge' (Joy Division) and 'sifters'
record shop (Oasis).
Have you ever been surprised by somewhere that someone wants to see?
I had a request recently from a girl who only wanted see the grave
stones of Tony Wilson, Rob Gretton, Martin Hannett and Ian Curtis...
Why do you think Manchester has such a rich musical heritage?
Why do you think Manchester has such a rich musical heritage?
Maybe
because we've always been an industrious bunch here in Manchester?, or
the fact that there's always been a melting pot of
different cultures that have co existed side by side, meaning that a
Mancunians record collection was more eclectic than most? Or is it just
simply the rain? People always ask "is there something in the water in
Manchester", which is partly true, playing an instrument was an escape
from the weather and the boredom of being unemployed in the 70's and
80's, creating punk, acid house and Madchester. knowing there is a rich
pedigree of bands that have been before you is not only inspirational
but it also sets the bar.
What's your favourite album to come out of Manchester?
Its
a tough choice, years ago I would have probably said something by The
Smiths, but if push came to shove I'd probably now say 'Closer' by Joy
Division, I think it has more edge than unknown pleasures, both Joy
Division
albums have not dated in over 30 years, they could have been recorded
last week
How can people find out more and book with 'Manchester Music Tours?
Online at www.manchestermusictours.com and you can follow us on Twitter at
Craig Gill continues to play drums with Inspiral Carpets and the band have just announced plans to tour their 1990 album 'Life' next year. For tour dates and tickets check out: www.inspiralcarpets.com
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Tony Fletcher's Top 10 Smiths Songs
Described as one of the most influential British bands of all time, the story of The Smiths is extraordinary. In just 5 years the band release 4 studio albums, 3 compilations and a live album, as well as releasing 16 singles. Lead by Morrissey & Marr's songwriting partnership and backed by Andy Rouke (Bass) and Mike Joyce (drums) The Smiths formed in 1982 but by 1987 the band had split. 25 years on, Tony Fletcher has just released his latest book 'A Light That Never Goes Out:The Enduring Saga Of The Smiths' It is the definitive story of The Smiths and the first time band members have been directly involved with a biography of the band. Tony Fletcher has put together his Top 10 Smiths songs for Banging Drums:
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Yes, this one is obvious, but there's a reason for that. It's timeless. It's the Smiths simultaneously at their most credible and their most commercial. Few bands can pull off such a delicate balancing act. The Smiths managed it - and then refused to release it as a single. That took balls. The Smiths had enough for ten bands.
Still ill
I always loved this song for its lyrical sentiments, as I note in the book;it may have been the first time I realised the Smiths had such a strong political sensibility. But it is also early(ish) Smiths at their jangliest and jolliest and that's a good thing too.
The Headmaster Ritual
I strongly recall hearing this opening up Meat Is Murder and realising that the Smiths had raised their game, that they were more than a singles band or flavour of the month but that they had, excuse the pun, the meat to compete with the best of rock bands. Lyrically it spoke to some of my own experiences; musically it's impeccable, with Marr and Rourke, in particular,intertwining with the ease that comes from having grown up together.
Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
I never doubted that the Smiths had a sense of humour.But when this single came out I almost fell over laughing; it was tender and it was tragic ("Two lovers entwined...") and yet it was side-splittingly funny at the same time, Morrissey laughing at himself while still desiring to kick certain people in the eye. And Marr, as I note in the book, captured a sense of melancholy in his performance, and that's not easy. This song more than any other Smiths single polarised the British public at the time. I knew which side I was on.
Stretch Out And Wait
If I'm honest, I would have to say I only truly came to appreciate this song to such an extent while researching and writing the book;after all, it was a bonus B-side to one of their least successful singles. Perhaps this gorgeous lilting ballad about a girl giving her body to her “juvenileimpulses” should have been the A-side, but that was always the beauty of the Smiths, that they would tuck such magical music away in a format that most bands used as a dumping ground.
Panic
Although Panic led to in a shift in the Smiths audience (again as detailed in the book), and for all that the 'Hang the DJ' line was the start of Morrissey unraveling enough rope to hang himself in the eyes of the media, the power of this song, its retro glam feel, and its lyrical sentiment that seemed blindingly obvious in those pre-acid house days (i.e. I never took it as being anti-dance music, but rather as in opposition to the high street meat market discos and the inane MOR that dominated their dance floors) made this a supreme anthem in 1986. It still sounds just a little bit dangerous and exciting even a quarter century on. For that matter, so does Metal Guru. The best music always does.
You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby
I'm a sucker for great pop songs and they don't get much greater in the Smiths' canon than this one, which only saw vinyl release on The World Won't Listen compilation. At the time, I couldn't understand why it wasn't a single; now I realise that the Smiths were nervous about seeming too commercial. They went for Shoplifters Of The World instead, the success of which indicates that they made the right choice. But producer John Porter’s ear for a hit is nonetheless at its most finely attuned here.
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
All 17 singles had their merits, and I’veselected a few here already. This one has always been a personal favourite.While I would like to believe I understand and empathise with the sentiment to this song, I love the mood more than anything. I find it enormously uplifting and I love the fact that the Smiths essentially released the demo recording as the single.
Paint A Vulgar Picture
I don't know how many people share my high opinion of this song from Strangeways, Here We Come. I have issues with the lyrics, but musically, I felt it was a big step forward for the Smiths. It's rock, but it's not cliched. There's a guitar solo, rare for the Smiths, but it too is not cliched. It reminds me of the R.E.M. song 'The Flowers of Guatemala' from Lifes Rich Pageant; as per Johnny Marr, Peter Buck was not given to solos, and when he finally stepped up to one on record, he kept it remarkably direct and simple, and it was all the more powerful as a result. When I hear this song, I think of what the Smiths might have become, especially in regard to the onward motion of their aforementioned American cousins.
,
William,It Was Really Nothing/Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want/How Soon Is Now?
It is almost incomprehensible that the Smiths recorded all three of these classics in the same session, for the same single. The B-sides have endured better (at least in the States) than the A-side, but 'William' remains one of my most treasured Smiths singles for its brevity, simplicity, and again, its wit. It's neither fair nor accurate to say that the Smiths peaked at this point- The Queen Is Dead was probably their finest 40 minutes - yet what an astonishing package this was. I'm sure that the band themselves occasionally scratch their heads and wonder how they pulled it off.
'A Light That never Goes Out:The Enduring Saga Of The Smiths' Is available now in the UK from bookshops & online at Amazon
The author Tony Fletcher has his own Website
Friday 14 September 2012
The Lottery Winners - Pillows (Live at the Lounge)
We have just received this excellent video from our friends at The Lottery Winners......enjoy!
Read our recent interview with The Lottery Winners here
You can keep updated on The Lottery Winners here:
Read our recent interview with The Lottery Winners here
You can keep updated on The Lottery Winners here:
5 For Friday!
5 Tunes To End The Week!
The XX - Angels - Listen Website
Sam Haine & The Bloodflames - See Horses - Listen Website
Moose Patrol - Butterfly Resin - Listen Website
Flowers Of Hell - Atmosphere - Listen Website
Nine Black Alps - Me One and Only - Listen Website
If you want us to feature your 5 For Friday contact us: Email
The XX - Angels - Listen Website
Sam Haine & The Bloodflames - See Horses - Listen Website
Moose Patrol - Butterfly Resin - Listen Website
Flowers Of Hell - Atmosphere - Listen Website
Nine Black Alps - Me One and Only - Listen Website
If you want us to feature your 5 For Friday contact us: Email
Tuesday 11 September 2012
The Tennysons
The Tennysons describe themselves as 'The new voice of Leicester's working class youth' They play in your face punk rock and roll music. The band's influences include, Cockney Rejects, Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Twang, The Sex Pistols. The band have been together for nearly a year and have a loyal following in Leicester. Who is in the band and where are you from?
We've got me (Ryan Dunn) on vocals and guitar, Ben Woolley aka the beast on the drums and Max Stafford attempts to play the bass! And we are all LEICESTER boys.
How did the band get together?
I started doing a few acoustic gigs round Leicester and me and Max have been pals for years so got him on board and then Ben is our third drummer but he's doing a top job so far.
George Smith - The Tennysons by The Tennysons
Where does the bands name come from?
It's after the English poet, Alfred Lord Tennysons, me mate from Lincoln came up with it when we used to have a bit of a jam years ago and it stuck.
When did you play your first gig?
Our first gig was at a boozer called The Abbey. Quality night that was, absolutely packed and went on till about 4 in the morning. Everyone loved it.
Have you played many gigs outside of your home town?
A few. We've played a few scooter rallies round the country and got a few more lined up very soon.
Sometimes - The Tennysons by The Tennysons
How difficult have you found it to get the recognition from national press?
Very Difficult. It's a joke. Even local press ain't been writing about us yet. There too busy with 'indie' bands and the next big pop act and we feel we deserve a bit more support from 'em. There is a website called Arts In Leicestershire though that know what they are taking about and have gave us some banging reviews.
Where was your EP recorded?
It was recorded at Yellow Bean studios in Leicester. Well pleased with what they did with it. Still sounds raw as fuck and it's booming.
What other bands have you been listening to?
There ain't many 'newer' bands that I'm really that into. I'm liking Miles Kane's album ain't heard The Twangs new stuff yet but looking forward to that album.
Sometimes - The Tennysons by The Tennysons
What was the first single/album you bought?
The Filbert Fox song on tape. Classic (BD:Google it, I did)
Where can we catch you live?
We're playing at the 02 Academy Leicester with Modern Faces on the 22nd September and we've got a big headline gig at the Soundhouse Leicester on the 6th October which is gonna be a banging night.
What's next for The Tennysons
Just gonna keep hammering away at it and hopefully someone will open there eyes and do something about it man and Ben Woolley our drummer is getting a gig wig so look out for that too.
Keep in touch with The Tennysons: Facebook Twitter MySpace
Monday 10 September 2012
Salford Music Festival 2012 The City Is Yours
Salford Music Festival, takes place between 20 - 23rd September 2012. The festival is now in it's 3rd year and showcases music from the City and beyond. Salford has a rich musical history, Hooky & Barney from New Order are both from Salford as are The Happy Mondays, both bands were signed to Factory Records, run by Salfordian Tony Wilson. Ewan MacColl, Russell Watson, Mark E. Smith and John Cooper Clarke are all also from the City. The festival takes place accross 19 venues from Lower Kersal Social Club to The Lowry Theatre, covering every area of Salford. Festival founder Ed Blaney told us more about the festival.
How did the festival start and how much has it grown since the first one?
The idea came after i realised other so called "festivals" in Salford were not putting any Salford bands on the bill , so i thought, start one that does and as i am a proud Salfordian the oportunity was right and supported locally. I tested the water as it were by starting the group " we want a music festival in Salford" on facebook and it stil has over 1600 members.
The festival has doubled in size every year, In 2010 we had around 64 bands play,In 2011 that number went to 135, this year we have well over 200 acts from all over the UK.
How many venues are involved with the festival?
So far we have 19 venues all across Salford, we have every postcode covered which is great for everyone, we may add another more than likely.
How much are tickets for the Festival?
Only the gigs at The Lowry + (Fall @ Lower Kersal social club) are ticketed at a very low price just to cover the costs, around 95% of the gigs are free, we are a registered not for profit group, we know money is tight, a few people think we are daft not charging but we make it happen and thats the main thing.
What have the highlights of past festival's been?
In 2010 that was special with The Fall headlining and getting the festival up and running was a big moment for us and having people travel from Germany and Denmark was amazing. Last year we added a DJ club night with Jon Da Silva -Graeme Park - Dave Haslam all tearing the place up untill 5am, that was some party.
Do you think Salford and it's musical heritage get forgotten about because it's proximity to Manchester?
Definatley, I suppose its just how it is but over the years Manchester has benefitted more with the Mondays tags and many other bands from Salford also, untill now we didn't have a look in, that looks like its about to change which is great for both Salford & Manchester.
Is the festival a way of putting Salford back in the musical map?
Yes, Salford has always had a great live music scene way back to the 2nd world war days, my gran & grandad Jim & Maggie Riley sang in all the pubs and did well, the stories i have heard of all the wartime greats playing in and around Salford, we had so many pubs & clubs that have over the last few decades have vanished, cross lane for instance had so many live venues , the last main Salford one was The Willows which closed last year. So we are opening the whole city up for live music which can only be a good thing for all involved.
There's some great bands playing this year, who are you looking forward to seeing?
I will have to see The Fall and i hope to get about to see as many as i possibly can, we have so many its gonna be difficult,. Karima Francis, Bethia Beadman, Girl Peculiar ,the Lowry all dayer, chances are i wont get to see much as i will be busy running around or maybe this year i will get lucky and have the choice.
What's your favorite track to come out of Salford?
Has to be one i co-wrote with The Fall " I wake up in the city", It was written and recorded in Salford, in my house, It has several Salford inspirations and sums up the feeling of waking up in Salford. It also is the most collectable Fall record, It was given out free by John Peel on radio 1 to the 1st 500 and is very hard to get hold of.
What plans do you have for the future of Salford Music Festival?
Next year we have our sights set on the new Salford stadium & Lowry as mainstages,. Noel Gallagher has said he is up for it , we have been holding meetings with the new Mayor and council who have been very open to the idea and very supportive, we will no doubt be adding more venues again all across Salford and going for the magic 300+ number.
As a result of putting live music in venues all over Salford, a lot of the venues have been asking us for bands each week, so we may open a booking agency within the festival and the idea of bands playing across Salford each week and getting decent wages is a big bonus for the bands and us aswell.The possibilty of a label is on the cards also.
If anyone wants to get involved with the festival are there opportunities to volunteer?
Anyone can get involved, if they go to the website they can register as a volunteer, without volunteers including ourselves it would not happen. Whether it be helping out, meet & greet, sound engineers infact any help is fantastic, thats what the festival is all about, creating openings for everyone on both sides.
Find out more and get updated information from Salford Music Festival here
Here is our 5 must see bands at Salford Music Festival
The Fall - Lower Kersal Social Club - 11pm Saturday 22 September
http://youtu.be/pX_BNE-H2v0
Karima Francis - The Lowry Theatre - 8pm Friday 21 September
http://youtu.be/8FAzNsA3gnw
Lucy Rhiannon - New Oxford - 6.30pm Saturday 22 September
http://youtu.be/rP7Sp1YegYA
Kraul - The Ship - 5pm Sunday 23 September
http://youtu.be/etp46A_aRHc
John Ainsworth - The White Swan - TBC Friday 21 September
http://youtu.be/wLyNacSCseg
Friday 7 September 2012
Moose Patrol
Moose Patrol are making a name for themselves and having already played a number of gigs, they are building up a strong fan base over Greater Manchester. You maybe surprised to find out that Adam,Conner and Adam have only just finished school. The band recently played as part of Bury music festival 'Glaston-Bury' and followed this up with an appearance at Rochdale's 'Feel Good Festival' in front of a home town crowd.
Who is in the band?
Adam Lee on Drums and backing vox, Conner Hanmer on Bass and backing vox, Adam Bostock on Guitar and lead vox
How long have you
been together?
We have been together as a band for two years, though it is
only in the last ten months that we have seriously started to work, getting
gigs, recording etc.
Where does the name
come from?
Ahh the age old question J it’s a bit of a funny
story but, when he was younger Adam Bostock was attacked by a wild Moose whilst
in a car. When we became friends in school, he had this weird phobia about
mooses, so we (Adam Lee and Conner) would pretend to always be on the lookout
for them, like patrolling around to make sure he was not going to be attacked
again. The name for the band was an obvious choice for us really…
Who writes the songs
in the band?
We all write the songs together. One of us will come up with
a riff or bass line, drum pattern or such like. Suddenly the light will go on
and we will start jamming it, and the songs kind of develop from there. We each
keep books with lyrics and ideas in and the whole thing just sort of grows and
fits together.
You've had some
pretty good gigs already, how have people reacted to your music?
Yeah we have been lucky enough to get some brilliant gigs
for such a young band! The support we get behind the scenes really helps with
this! Plus other bands we have played on the same bill as or that we just know
have been very helpful in getting gigs. The response we get from our audiences
is usually very positive! We get quite a few people coming up to us after a
show telling us how much they liked the set or particular songs. The reaction
from other more experienced musicians has also been great; they generally can’t
believe that we are all only 16. We always see an increase in our online
following after gigs, which means people liked us enough to check us out
further.
What can we expect
from 'Moose Patrol' live?
What we hope to achieve with the Live Moose Patrol
experience is that the audience will leave having had a good time! We love
performing and try to put lots of energy and fun into it, which we hope the
audience picks up on and comes along with us for the ride. Good music helps as
we reach for a state of epicness J
Well after our first week in college we have realised that
it is a lot more tiring than school! But on the other hand the opportunity to
mix with new people, new musicians and tutors is already showing us things we
had not thought about regarding our music. We just need to be a bit more
organised with our time to make sure we stay on top of college work, but at the
same time move the band forward. We think the new opportunities college will
give us outweighs any negative aspects that might arise.
What music has been
an influence on the band?
We are each influenced by different artists whom we all
bring to the band. This gives us a wider range of ideas to bring to the table.
Adam Lee: Dance drum tracks, Pulled apart by Horses,
Smashing Pumpkins and Joy Formidable
Conner Hanmer: Nirvana, Pixies, Red Hot Chilli Peppers to
name a few…
Adam Bostock: I listen to a lot of popular current music, oh
and Nine Inch Nails!
How good was it to
open the 'Feel Good Festival' in your home town?
It was simply
amazing! We won the chance through an online vote in which we scored over 50%
of the total vote, thanks to our engaged followers! We stood on the stage as we
got to the festival and looked out at a massive area that was, at that time,
empty, and thought OMG this is going to be freaky; we turned around and saw
Martha Reeves walking over to us! The set itself was one of the best we have
played, the reaction from the audience was magic to see, oh and the sun was out
for a change. Ranking Roger from The Beat actually came over to us to chat
about Rochdale, and he gave us some fantastic advice. Everyone we met backstage
was really nice, and the whole experience gave us a taste of what could be if
we work hard and get lucky.
Have you got any gigs
booked in the next few months?
Yeah the diary is filling up with gigs over the next few
months:
7th September – Back Door Project – Rochdale
8th September – Sudden Social Club – Castleton
9th September – Headlining Cherry Valentine
Promotions All Day Rockathon at the Bay Horse in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
21st September – The Cresecnt, Salford as part of
The Salford Music Festival
28th September – Supporting the recently signed
The Rubys at the launch of their new Single at the Night and Day Café
Manchester, along with Northern Adult.
30th September - Live and Loud at Retro Bar
Manchester
20th October – The Horse and Farrier – Norden
24th November – The Fiddlers Arms – Cleethorpes.
Quite busy, but we will squeeze a few more in, if we can get
them!
What's next for the
band?
Our aim for the time being is to keep growing our fanbase,
primarily by getting out and gigging as often as we can. We hope to be able to
work with more established artists and play supporting gigs for bigger bands.
We will be recording new material when the opportunity arises (hopefully before
the end of this year). Next year we are wanting to get a few more festival
gigs, we have been bitten by the festival bug J
We are also really looking forward to opening for The Rubys
at the launch event of their new single at the Night & Day Café Manchester.
The Rubys are a fantastic bunch of guys who have been really supportive of us,
and we wish them the very best and thank them for their help.
A free download of our track Far Away is also available on our Reverbnation page and at http://moosepatrol.amazingtunes.com
You can find out more and keep uptodate with the band at:
Moose Patrol's music is also
available to purchase or stream on various sites including Itunes, Amazon, Amazing
Radio.
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Ramsbottom Festival Preview
Ramsbottom Festival 2012 is almost here, don't put away your festive wellies just yet as we have time for one more festival. Located 12 miles North of Manchester and with transport links that include a steam train to the festival site, this has to be one of the best small festivals around. The site is located at Ramsbottom Cricket Club and this year hosts 3 stages, plus a Real Ale Bar, Funfair and Silent Disco.
We have put together our must see acts for Ramsbottom Festival:
I Am Kloot - Manchester's IAK are fronted by singer/songwriter Johnny Bramwell and have released 5 studio albums. Their last album 'The Sky At Night' was produced by Guy Garvey and Craig Potter from Elbow which was Mercury short listed. The band are currently in the studio recording a new album so you may hear a couple of new tunes.
Saturday Main Stage 21.15
Thea Gilmore - Acclaimed singer/songwriter Thea Gilmore has established herself as one of the greats of her generation. She released her first album when she was 17 and has gone on to release a total of 12 albums. 2011 saw the release of a collaboration with the late Sandy Denny entitled Don't Stop Singing and, in 2012, the CD single "London" was released from the album as an exclusive Record Store Day 7″. It was also featured on the coverage of the 2012 Olympics montage of team GB medal winners.
Sunday Main Stage 19.30
Inspiral Carpets - The Inspiral Carpets reformed recently with the original line up that has not played together in over 20 years. The band were part of the Madchester explosion in the early 90's The bands debut album 'Life' charted at No.2 in 1990 and they went on to release a number of hit singles. A new album from The Inspirals should be released next year. Friday Main Stage 21.15
Roddy Woomble - Roddy is best know as the front man of Scottish rock band Idlewild. He has also built up a very successful solo career. In 2006 he recorded and released a solo album 'My Secert Is My Silence' as a one off but due to its popularity he continued his solo project alongside Idlewild. Roddy is due to release a new solo album next year.
Saturday Main Stage 15.30
Miles and Erica (The Wonder Stuff) - Miles Hunt is the only original member of The Wonder Stuff still playing with the band. Miles has also released material with 'Vent 414' & 'The Miles Hunt Club' more recently he and Erica Nockalls have toured and released their own music as Miles & Erica. Expect a mixed of the pairs own music along side some classic 'Wonder Stuff' hits. Saturday Main Stage 17.50
Check out our recent interview with Ramsbottom Festival's Victoria Robinson here
Tickets:
Tickets are still available for the festival from www.skiddle.com by phone: 0844 8842920 or in person from the following outlets:
A&L Music, 4 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom BL0 9HX
The Met, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW
Piccadilly Records, 53 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JR
The Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LE
The Parlour, 60 Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9EG
The Eagle Inn, 18 Collier Street, Salford, Manchester, M3 7DW
Camping:
Off site camping is availble about a mile from the festival site. Check www.ramsbottomfestival.com
for more information of www.skiddle.com to book camping.
Transport:
Travel by Steam Train from the centre of Bury and arrive at Ramsbottom Station next to the festival entrance.
Return coaches are available from Manchester City Centre and Chorlton.
Train and Coach tickets can be booked in advance at www.skiddle.com
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