Posts Tagged ‘nw1’

Manchester Calling – Musically At Least

// June 18th, 2009 // No Comments » // Music

Perhaps subconsciously I’m a little homesick but whilst I’m sat here working away in Camden I can’t stop myself listening to some good old Manc classics.

It all started this morning when one of my all time favourite records came through via an iTunes set to random. The unmistakable rhythm guitar from the classic “Let’s Take a Trip” by Northside gripped me immediately and sent me into a spin back to a little Manchester-in-my-head. For me it’s one of the defining songs of the whole ‘Madchester’ scene and to some extent Factory records too; optimistic, uplifting whilst still being a bit rough. (For the record in my opinion much of Factory’s music was quite uplifting -if a bit scruffy- despite the belief by some that it was all a bit tragic due to the Joy Division association, but that’s another debate.)

Following on from that, I couldn’t help but dig out Palatine: The Factory Story; the 4 piece box set containing some outstanding tracks from pretty much every member of the Factory family. From Joy Division early James and The Durutti Column through to more the obscure X-O-Dus and Kalima the full set mixes the upbeat with the downright grim. It’s a pretty good way to reawaken any dormant Manchester thoughts in anyone’s brain and today in-particular I’m glad for it (gladferit?).

If you can dig it out (I believe it goes for anything between £75 and £1000 second hand these days so good luck), I highly recommend it. Although listening to the albums from which the tracks are taken is always worth the time if you have it.

My notable tracks:
Sketch For Summer – The Durutti Column
Hymn From a Village – James
Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Division (Of course this has to be there)
You’re No Good – ESG
Happy Ever After – Stockholm Monsters (Weird Johnny Rotten/Brian Ferry/Roxy Music sound but lovely)
Sparkle – Kalima (The birth of the Balearic scene maybe?)
24 Hour Party People – Happy Mondays
World In Motion – New Order (Catch Me If You Can, Coz I’m The England Man – Ha Ha John Barnes)
Wrote For Luck – Happy Mondays

Hello Camden. I’m Andy the Mancunian Digital Freelancer.

// June 8th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Design, General

After what seems like years and years I’ve finally completed my move to Camden. I’ve been here since Saturday and so far, I’m very enjoying it very much, despite a few little traumas.

Most notable is the distinct lack of furniture in this house, meaning I’m currently experiencing an unintentional extreme minimalist existence, with just two large bean bags being my only options for work and rest. Working on a bean bag all day is not an experience I recommend in case you were considering it. The only other ‘furniture’ is a stereo and a TV (I’ve got my priorities straight as you can see). I’m just hoping that’s not where the parallels with Steve Jobs’ late 20′s end; I’d quite like some of his entrepreneurial success too.

Hopefully I’ll not be without a desk for much longer, and the addition of a sofa and somewhere to sit and eat will be most welcome later this week.

Since my last post all those weeks ago, I’ve been working on an exciting new venture which I’ll go in to greater detail on in the upcoming weeks. I’m also now working on a few freelance projects here in my new home town which are shaping up quite well. Somehow I managed to continue functioning during my own little internet ‘prohibition’.

I’m looking forward to making the most of all that Camden has to offer, especially the pubs and places to eat. Even as a born and bred Mancunian, I’m very excited about living in Camden, so far it seems like a great place. Fellow Mancunians might liken it to a giant Northern Quarter, with large parts of it being a giant Affleck’s Palace. It’s creative, diverse, vibrant and in the right places warm and welcoming.

Now I’m back to full strength again I’ll endeavour to post more often again. Afterall, I’m sure you’ve missed my wittering this past few weeks.