Contrary to popular opinion, it wasn't just Morrissey who persuaded us to become vegetarians in the 80s. The most vocal vegetarian in pop music when I stopped eating meat was Kid Creole. He loved to lick out a coconut or two and wasn't shy about it.
Recently I have been re-evaluating our Smiths albums, as Stuart Maconie had made the staggering revelation that The Smiths were the best ever Manchester band. During Meat Is Murder, just before our chicken curry, I asked Betty if she agreed.
Of course not. We agreed on Joy Division as number one. But who was second?
Of course it had to be The Smiths.
That's if you discount, in no particular order,
The Fall
And Buzzcocks
And Magazine
And A Certain Ratio
And Durutti Column
And 10cc
And New Order
And 808 State
And The Stone Roses
And Happy Mondays
And Blue Orchids
Which makes The Smiths the 13th best band to come out of Manchester. Which proves that the number 13 is not necessarily unlucky.
The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig
22 hours ago
But who is worst Manchester band? I'd have to plump for Simply Red myself.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is not knowing where bands come from. Me, I just listen to the music. I only found out where Joy Division and A Certain Ratio were from through watching 24 Hour Party People.
ReplyDeleteWot, no Drones?
ReplyDeleteSimply Red, absolutely. As Wilson/God so rightly points out in 24HPP (as us hipsters refer to it)- his music's rubbish and he's a ginger.
Obviously you're wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe best Manchester band ever is Elbow.
ReplyDeleteYou don´t like Oasis do you?
ReplyDeleteI agree about Joy Division....oh and Freddie and the Dreamers.
I can't decide on the band issue, but congratulations on that brilliant first paragraph.
ReplyDeleteOne over-enthusiastic vote for 10cc!
ReplyDeleteI am astounded by that impressive list.
I suspect that there wouldn't have been so many great bands coming out of Manchester if there were other forms of entertainment available..
like Football?
Billy - It has to be Simply Red. I work with someone who has the worst musical taste of anybody in history. She loves Simply Mick.
ReplyDeleteLlewtrah - When I'm not sure I ask Betty. She is the fountain of all pop knowledge.
Anthony - Just heard The Drones, for the first time, on their myspace. I prefer Buzzcocks.
Beth - For some reason I thought Elbow were from outside Greater Manchester. Oh well, that knocks The Smiths down to number 14.
Kaz - Oasis are better than Freddie and the Dreamers. Not as sexy, though.
Istvanski - Thank you. It's probably the rudest thing I've ever written. I'm blushing just thinking about it.
HE - 10cc would not be in many music lovers' lists. But we know better.
Wot, no Crispy Ambulance?
ReplyDeleteWorst Manc band: Northside.
I've never heard either.
ReplyDeleteManchester is such a melting pot.