Music

The scene that sprang up in the north-west of England in the wake of punk’s call to arms is among the most exhaustively documented, analysed and fetishised eras in British musical history. But this three-CD set, assembled by éminence grise Paul Morley and spanning 1976-84, can possibly claim to be the definitive word on the subject.
The Manchester CD inevitably begins with Buzzcocks’ sublimely truculent debut ‘Boredom’ and Mark E Smith’s prophetic mission statement ‘Repetition’. But it’s interesting to see how much difference 30-odd miles of M62 made in sonic terms.

If Manchester post-punk was the sound of existential itches being scratched (discordant guitars, hypnotic basslines, bleak vocals), the Liverpool version saw them being bathed in soothing balm (jangly guitars, poppy organs, crooning vocals). A certain lush romanticism hints at the nascent grandeur of the likes of Echo And The Bunnymen and Wah! Heat. There are new discoveries to be made here too, with the likes of The Distractions and Blue Orchids sounding well worth further investigation.

The third CD is a treasure trove of rarities and curios from the two cities. It further emphasises the extraordinary creative fertility of the period. A thoroughly enjoyable look back but many new paths to follow too.