MUSIC IN MANCHESTER

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For one day only , the spirit of the infamous New York club, CBGB's, the place that has probably showcased as much crap as the genuine quality that it illuminated, flicked briefly

With a different emphasis from previous theme nights in that instead of past songs being subject to a "modern interpretation" this was to be a chance for bands to pay homage to artist(s) that have inspired them.

Thus copy cat versions were the permitted, as long there was a revelation of some of the original spark of energy, inspiration or attitude.

Nervously, Ju Garratt opened with a stripped down "Gimmie Danger" (Stooges) before relaxing into Rock'n'Roll (Velvets), paving the way for the Strap-Ons to give us a 15 minute blast of the Ramones via "Blitzkrieg Bop", "Sonic Reducer" & "Psycho Therapy"     In true tradition, no mic stand was left unthrown, as guitarist & vocalist took turns to drag each other to the floor, yet managing not to miss a beat or a verse

If front of a steadily growing audience, Medicine Bow, dressed in a dainty floral tribute, used their 15 minutes of spotlight to provide rustic versions of "Living In the Real World" & "Sad Vacation", yet never quite deflected the obvious question of "where did they get that hat?"

A change in style and pace as Vinny Peculiar stepped up with 3 songs, "Guiding Light", "Don't Worry About The Government" plus one from his own back catalogue that doesn't appear to have any bearing on today's event, but hey, what the heck?

The Film Extras changed the running order around when they appeared with "Love Comes In Spurts" plus a couple of their own, but it was the best excuse of the day-- allegedly they wanted to finish early so they could go on the piss. Even if it's false, never let the truth get in the way of a good story!

Maybe because they had played such a big part in organsing the event that the need to rise to the occasion was consuming, but the Obsession raised the ante, glamming as well as slamming the stage.     Matt, stripped to the waist, adopted the Hooky pose, legs splayed, with the coolest guitar seen in Manchester for yonks slung but an inch from the stage.      Nick, glitter splatted, lipstick smeared, feather boa wrapped around his neck, preened into their own "Soul on Ice" before puckering up for "Give Her a Great Big Kiss"

Raw, brutal sonic power emanated from Zoe McVeigh as she unleashed a British punk version of "Love in a void" & "Identity" (X-Ray Spex)

SixDiscRunner, two guitars, & tapes and struggle with the vocals through "Suzy Is a Headbanger" "Sheena is a Punk Rocker" & "the KKK….." , as once again homage is paid to one of the most renowned acts from CBGB's -- the Ramones

Polythene recruited 3 different members for the night, one of whom, Jo-Jo, managed to put a can down long enough to hold a bass, and they stormed the stage with "The Modern Age", and "Last Nite" (Strokes & I've got the single neh neh ne neh neh).      Darren, shades fitted, strutted, prowled and ate up the stage. For a band not renowned on playing tunes that last for more than two minutes, they finished with a loyal, full length rendition or "Roadrunner"

What next?     Loafer.     Fresh from releasing their debut LP (Care in the Community), they rounded off a good week for them by displaying their versatility. A coherent version of "Piss Factory" blasted into "Hanging on the Telephone" , with Julian trying to strangle his guitar.    "The Tide is High" produced the first bit of ska/reggae influence of the day and it went down rather nicely

In between Carol Batton popped up with her home spun poetic numbers,

To Moco & Drift, the hassles of last train home & inconveniences such as work the next day meant I missed your sets, so apologies, but I don't think I was needed.

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