The annual Sounds Of The City events are due to take place once again in the fantastically charismatic setting of Castlefield Bowl, slap bang in the middle of Manchester’s industrial centre. The weeklong event has previously hosted the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen, Blossoms and The Last Shadow Puppets but this year could be bigger than ever with headliners Haçienda Classiçal, Rag’n’Bone Man and Shed Seven. To help get you in the mood, here’s a handful of tracks guaranteed to get you pumped for Sounds Of The City 2018. Listen along in Spotify…
Reverend and the Makers – “Heavyweight Champion of the World”
Sheffield band Reverend and the Makers released this song as their debut single in 2007 to an immense response which shot the record into the top ten. “Heavyweight Champion of the World” is essential to the band’s set as its fast paced nature is sure to send audiences wild and get people moving but it’s also an important song when look at a little deeper. It portrays a tale of wanting more in life, compared to someone who just wants to “get born, get school, get job, get car”, it even seems to reflect what the current capitalist society is encouraging the masses to achieve, “just be like everybody else” and “you must earn a living” – without getting too political, there’s more to this song than first meets the ear. Nevertheless, its funky bassline and catchy chorus make it a proper tune! They support Shed Seven on Fri 29th June at Castlefield Bowl.
Haçienda Classiçal – “Blue Monday”
Now Castlefield Bowl regulars, Haçienda Classiçal return to Sounds of the City on Sat 30th June with their fantastic reworkings of classics from the Haçienda heyday – most notably with New Order’s “Blue Monday”. This massive hit came out of Manchester originally in 1983 and has persisted in popularity since then, however with original New Order members Peter Hook and Gillian Gilbert on board with the Haçienda Classiçal version, this classic is given a new lease of life and promises to rock audiences at Castlefield Bowl. The inclusion of Manchester Camerata is what makes this act so unique, the orchestral sound really does work with the recognisable dance and electronic vibes of the 80s and 90s to create a culmination of high culture and pop culture that works. Give it a listen for a twist on a New Order classic.
Shed Seven – “Chasing Rainbows”
Underrated Britpop band Shed Seven released what would be their most popular song “Chasing Rainbows” in 1998 and is somewhat reminiscent of a Stone Roses ballad, just the York version. It enlists all those sounds that made Britpop so… POPular, the strings that proved appealing for The Verve, the nasally, accent exposing vocals that the Gallagher brothers found useful, but for some reason Shed Seven seemed to fall through the cracks. Nevertheless it is wonderful to see them getting the exposure they deserve in a headliner position on the first Friday of Sounds of the City this year, a set which will most likely include this Britpop ballad. As well as being a treat for the ears, “Chasing Rainbows” explores a familiar feeling of always chasing but never achieving the goal, so less a heartbreak in terms of relationships, more the heartbreak of not ever getting to where you want to be – sad but true, and a great song.
Rag’n’Bone Man & Leaf Dog – “Right Now”
Before winning the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in 2017 which launched Rag’n’Bone Man into “Human” and “Skin” fame, he created an EP in 2013 with Leaf Dog called Dog ‘n’ Bone which included bluesy hip-hop offering “Right Now”. Although the sound on this EP seems different to that of his more recent hits, it is clear to see that Rag’n’Bone Man has merely changed direction in recent times as his incredible baritone vocals are still what sets him apart from others in the pop charts. It is most definitely a matter of personal opinion as to whether his 2017 album Human is an improved sound compared to Dog ‘n’ Bone, however it is fair to say that “Right Now” is a laid back vibe, perfect for a street-style summer – luckily as he is headlining Castlefield Bowl on Wed 4th July, a few beers in the sun (hopefully) will make the ideal accompaniment for a night you won’t forget.
CHIC – “Le Freak”
This disco classic was released in 1978 by CHIC, most often associated with guitarist Nile Rodgers, and is still a party starter to this day. Nile Rodgers and CHIC have not always performed together, as Rodgers has branched out into other projects plenty of times including recording and performing with the likes of Daft Punk, however it is always a ball when they perform together. This one isn’t just for the mums, the disco sound is irresistible to anyone and everyone and never fails to get you up and dancing, so get your flares on and FREAK OUT!. Find them at Castlefield Bowl on Wed 27th June.
Levellers – “One Way”
This anthem of personal independence comes from Brighton folk rock band Levellers who headline on Sun 1st July at Castlefield Bowl with their success of a show “A Beautiful Day Out”. Levellers have held onto a heck of a career since 1988, “One Way” being a fan favourite since 1997, and their return to Sounds of the City could not be more welcome. The song will no doubt be a success live with its hazy sound and anthem-like chorus and is an essential listen leading up to the event.
JP Cooper – “She’s On My Mind”
If anyone’s music encompasses the summer vibe, it’s JP Cooper. Most popular releases “September Song” and “She’s On My Mind” are essential summer tunes since their release in 2017 with catchy pop sounds married with reggae beats which allow you to drift away into the Caribbean in your mind. “She’s On My Mind” is pretty much self explanatory but this classic tale of heartbreak and regret seems fresh and somewhat nostalgic with Cooper’s laid back vibe and twist on the usual ballad. Having said this, his raw, incredible voice could make anything sound good, making him the perfect support for Rag’n’Bone man on Wed 4th July at Castlefield Bowl.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters – “Oh Well”
Well known for hits such as “She” and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”, Elvis Costello has already made his mark with heartbreaking ballads and a melancholic voice, and having dabbled in infinite collaborations and contributed to several film soundtracks Costello is currently performing with his group “The Imposters”. They perform at Castlefield Bowl on Fri 6th July, quite possibly including “Oh Well”, a stylistic melancholy sound and sombre lyrics are reminiscent of earlier material from him, likely pleasing long standing fans. This song may be the most profound however if looking for something more upbeat, try “Watching The Detectives/My Funny Valentine” – otherwise, maybe just listen to someone else.
For full line up, more information and to buy tickets, visit Ticketline.
Words by Emmeline Banks.
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