This enigmatic act formed in Manchester in 1978, the very early days of the band remain a mystery. Given their name by prime Manc scenester and friend of Morrissey, Linder, the group peddled a form of spiky and angular Jazz Punk. Jeff Noon, acclaimed sci-Fi writer (Vurt) was an early member of the group, adding to the particular retro-futurist edge they displayed, forged in the early 80’s musical melting pot that was the Hulme estate.

Inspired by New York, Television, Ornette Coleman, Talking Heads, August Darnells' Machine, French Soundtracks and Disco Chic-along with a nod to Northern Soul and Moroder, the band cut a singular groove. Early hours inspiration from 70’s cop and Kung-Fu soundtracks were incorporated, a good 10 years or more before Massive Attack and Portishead did the same. In doing so, Manicured Noise created a sound that’s still difficult to pin down.

“Factory have expressed an interest in the Distractions, the Negatives and current musicians’ favourites, Manicured Noise. (Ask Vic Goddard, the Banshees; Wire what they think of M Noise. Politely of course”. (Paul Morley NME Dec 1978)

Guitarist and later period frontman Steven Walsh (original vocalist Gavin was sacked) was an ex member of the Flowers of Romance, a legendary pre-Pistols vehicle for a certain Sid Vicious, and various members of the Slits and Banshees.
A stringer for the NME and post-punk zine Zig-Zag, he bought an experimental and funky ethos to the band.

“Primitive funk learned by copying Chic singles played at 33 rpm” (Simon Reynolds-Rip it Up)

Faith, one of the two 1980 Pre singles was acclaimed on release, its Northern backbeat acknowledging the Manchester debt. A BBC session followed.

A-Faith – (Pocketknife’s Straight Line Edit)
B-Faith – (Original Version)

Release Date: Monday September 1st

Northern Stories is that rare disc that lives up to the moniker “gem from the vaults.” (Tokyo Times) 2007

Following the success and great critical acclaim the Manicured Noise “Northern Stories 1978/80” compilation has attracted. Caroline True Records are delighted to issue a key moment from the album, Faith, as a very limited 7” release (500 copies) and download.

“Faith"" was acclaimed on its original PRE Records release in 1980, its tough Northern backbeat acknowledging an indebtedness to the days of the Twisted Wheel and the Wigan Casino.

Lauded NYC producer and DJ Pocketknife whittles the track into a totally floor friendly form with his Straight Line Edit, whilst the original version is on the flip side.

Pocketknife has creatively remixed and re-edited a wide range of artists from folkster Joanna Newsom, through to Feist and Paul Simon. The recent Tambourine Dream 12” drew much applause.

Causing a transatlantic stir, P’knife is a real musical man of the moment.

The 7” release trails a remix EP set to appear later in the year which will feature radical and groovy reworks of Manicured Noise tracks from Fred Deakin (Lemon Jelly), Jon Da Silva (The Hacienda) Cousin Cole (Pocketknife s DJ NYC associate) Jon Kennedy (Grand Central) and Steven Walsh (Manicured Noise).

More Info:

www.carolinetruerecords.co.uk
www.myspace.com/manicurednoise
news@carolinetruerecords.co.uk

Manicured Noise - Song 64864 Track from Northern Stories 1978/80 (CTR)

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