Starting with Ewan MacColl's 'Dirty Old Town',
written about the great metropolis and capturing
the effects of 200 years of industrial revolution
and its aftermath, "Manchester; A City United In
Music" moves through the 60s beat revolution,
Strawberry Studios pop era, northern punk, indie
mayhem and on to the Madchester years,
culminating with an Oasis modern day-anthem.
? The tracks vary from the multi-million selling hits
of Wayne Fontana, 10cc, Herman's Hermits and
Simply Red to the cult musical art of Haydock's
Rockhouse, Wynder K Frog and Smack. Well-
known artists like the Hollies, Georgie Fame and
John Mayall are heard on some of their lesser-
known but top-notch tracks.
? Cult singles are featured by the Purple Gang,
Toggery 5, Gerry & the Holograms and the
Dakotas. Local personalities abound - Chris
Sievey in pre-Frank Sidebottom guise with the
Freshies, the Bard Of Salford - Mr John Cooper-
Clarke and Graham Fellows aka John
Shuttleworth when he was Jilted John.
? Future stars like Graham Gouldman and Dave
Formula are present on great tracks recorded
before fame arrived, while legendary producer
Martin Hannett's name threads through the track-
listing.
