Scene Report: Manchester - August 2006
By: Gareth Roberts
What springs to mind when you think of Manchester? Cotton and guns? Alan Partridge's view of the city may have held some credence years ago, but now Manchester is cementing its hotly contested position as the UK's second city through the organic development of its cultural and artistic aspects. Musically, the city is obviously steeped in musical heritage, the Buzzcocks, Joy Division, The Smiths, New Order, The Happy Mondays, James, The Stone Roses and Oasis through to the modern leaders of the pack such as Nine Black Alps, The Longcut, Liam Frost and Jim Noir.
The problem however with Manchester is it is essentially haunted by the legacy of that former cluster of bands, and clubs such as 5th Avenue and 42nd Street are full every night of people acting like they've heard 'Fool's Gold' for the first time in their life. The local radio stations don't seem to be helping matters yet either, newly arrived Xfm's choice of DJ's (the likes of Clint Boon and Tony Wilson) hardly offering much hope of pushing Manchester forward musically. In reaction to this, numerous club nights are popping up in an attempt to cater for those whose musical taste stretches further than The Killers and The Kooks. 'Up the Racket', 'High Voltage' (who also produce a brilliant free monthly fanzine) 'Clique', 'Smile', 'Save Yourself' and electro nights such as 'Invest in Property' and 'Tramp' all endeavouring, and succeeding, in bringing good alternative music to those who want to hear it.
The Northern Quarter area of the city is fast becoming a mecca for those wanting to stray the 'mainstream', excellent bars such as 'The Bayhorse', 'Common', 'Matt & Phreds Jazz Club' and 'Odd' providing a welcome diversion from the chain bars full of drunk old men and the ubiquitous ASBO brigade. The Northern Quarter is also home to two of Manchester's best music venues, 'The Night n Day Café' and 'The Roadhouse'. Oldham Street is the hub of alternative shopping, boasting the likes of Affleck's Palace, Vinyl Exchange, Piccadilly Records, Pop Boutique, Oxfam Originals and Ryan Vintage. Just around the corner is the Urbis Musuem, recent host to great exhibitions such as 'Punk' and Mick Rock's photography.
Moving over to Oxford Road and you've got more venues in the shape of The Academy's 1 to 3, The Music Box and The Late Room, whilst larger acts turn to the Apollo and The Evening News Arena. Bars like 'Big Hands' and 'The Temple' ensure that the Northern Quarter isn't the only place to go for a pre-gig drink in the city. Local artists such as David Bailey and Lucy Jones, who make up the Mount Pleasant duo, and Matt Sewell, are increasingly becoming appreciated by a wider audience; new galleries are appearing sporadically, one of the most recent being underneath the fantastic 'Oklahoma' craft shop.
Manchester is a good place to be, there's lots going on, and whilst it's not the 'centre of the universe' that London views itself to be, the people here are content playing the role of outsiders to the Capital. Culture and night life is plentiful and there's always something to see, whether a gig or a film at the famous 'Cornerhouse'. The only thing; if I hear one more Stone Roses song on a night out I won't be held accountable for my actions.