Some of it might be your thing, some of it might not – either way, why not raise that beer garden pint to some of Manchester’s musical heroes? No Smiths or Elbow, we’re afraid, but plenty of laid-back sunny classics from across the decades.
Chemical Brothers - 'Where Do I Begin'
Having met in Manchester studying, Chemical Brothers remain to this day one of our finest exports, but add in a Beth Orton vocal and you’re onto something truly forceful. It’s a great, lesser-known track, likely to inspire you to use that sunshine for something a little more productive than getting pissed in the park.
Rae and Christian ft. The Pharcyde – ‘Let It Go’
We’re not going to make any claims that The Pharcyde are Manc lads, but the duo behind Grand Central Records, otherwise known as Mark Rae and Steve Christian, certainly are. If you want something that’s perhaps a little more befitting of their classic sound, check out ‘Spellbound’ – or if you’re after an uplifting smack in the face, go for their more recent song ‘Happy’.
Los Porcos – 'Do You Wanna Live'
The group that formed from the remnants of WU LYF, Los Porcos takes on a brighter, lighter sound that’s great for bobbing around town in the sun.
J-Walk – 'Soul Vibration'
This track comes from a Manchester duo known mostly for their work in the mid to late 90s, which seamlessly fused hip hop, soul and electronica. At the core of this chilled-out song we’ve got a nostalgic trip-hop beat, lifted by rattles of brass to make it one for kicking back and soaking up the blissful sun.
The Mouse Outfit – 'Shak Out'
This tune is more of a late afternoon, sun-goes-down and spark up vibe, when the hysteria often associated with rare sunshine in Manchester moves aside for something like this, which, thanks in most part to that thread of sultry bass that runs throughout, is simply relaxed as hell.
Horsebeach – 'A Place Like This'
Hazy, jangly surf pop from one of the city’s more recent good’uns, this song taps into the sun-drenched guitar-driven sounds of the Californian 60s, whilst rooting it down with an endearing touch of Mancunian gloom.
Mr Scruff - 'Honeydew'
Champion of the feel-good factor, there’s absolutely no greater man to bring the sunny vibes than Scruff. But this, one of the smoother tracks from his pioneering 1999 album ‘Keep It Unreal’, seems particularly fitting for a lazy, hazy day.
Mint Royale – ‘Little Words’
Whilst this duo is more known for the sample-heavy ‘Singin’ In The Rain’, ‘Show Me’ with Pos from De La Soul, ode to The Curry Mile ‘From Rusholme With Love’ and ‘Don’t Falter’ – yep the one featuring a younger, more tuneful Lauren Laverne – this song is a super chilled feat.
The Watchmakers
It doesn’t get sunnier than the ethereal wave of psychedelia, and thankfully we’ve got Manchester four-piece The Watchmakers on duty for some psych-infused sun salutation.
Doves – 'There Goes The Fear'
We could’ve gone for the obvious yet aptly titled ‘Catch The Sun’ but instead, a nice bit of sunny optimism to finish. They’re technically from Cheshire, but we can claim that, right?
Fancy a pint? Find out where the best beer gardens n Manchester are.