MANICURED NOISE - NORTHERN STORIES 1978/80 (CTRUE3)

CD In Fold-Out Deluxe Digipack With memorabilia and extensive sleevenotes by Steven Walsh of Manicured Noise.

Caroline True Records are proud to present a Manicured Noise retrospective, Northern Stories 1978/80. The album gathers together for the first time almost all of their recordings including their two singles for Pre/Charisma Records, a BBC session and a wealth of unreleased material.

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. 

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

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