Manchester is and always will be a city of music. From The Hollies in the sixties, to contemporary chart-toppers like The 1975 and Blossoms – the city has produced more than its fair share of world-class musicians.
Today people flock here from all over the world to share in the city’s musical heritage, which is evident on almost every street corner – from Salford Lads’ Club, the site of the iconic Smiths photo, to the apartment block that was once the Hacienda, the birthplace of the Madchester era.
While Wonderwall may be the first thing people think of when it comes to Manchester music, our city’s musical legacy runs much deeper than that. Here are some of the best albums made by Manchester bands and musicians.
17. The Durutti Column – LC (1981)
The Durutti Column, another one of the Factory Records success stories, released their second album LC in 1981. The track “The Missing Boy” was written as a tribute to their friend and label mate Ian Curtis, who had committed suicide the year before. | Factory Records/Discogs
18. The Hollies – Hollies’ Greatest (1968)
With a discography of over 30 releases, The Hollies are among the most prolific Manchester bands. Released in 1968, this is the only Hollies album to reach number one in the UK charts. | Getty Images
19. Inspiral Carpets – Life (1990)
Life by the Inspiral Carpets features “This Is How It Feels,” the band’s first single to reach the UK top 40. Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
20. The 1975 – I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It (2016)
The 1975’s second album features tracks "Love Me,” "Ugh!" and "A Change of Heart." | Getty Images for Audacy