MY PLAYLIST – KEV MCMANUS
Kevin McManus has been a central figure in Liverpool’s music story for decades — from his early days writing for the NME, to supporting emerging artists as part of the LIMF Academy, to his current role championing the city’s music sector through his work at UNESCO City of Music. For this playlist, Kev takes us on a journey through his lifelong connection to Liverpool music.
As he puts it, “This playlist goes from my early days as a music lover right up to date — and by the time this is published I’ll probably have another four or five favourite Liverpool tracks to add in.” It’s a purely Liverpool list, packed with personal favourites old and new — a snapshot of the city’s sound through the ears of someone who’s helped shape it.
1. The Real Thing – You to Me Are Everything
A really important group in Liverpool music history, and this song is timeless. It’s guaranteed to make people smile and get on the dancefloor wherever or whenever you play it. They were the first UK Black artists to have a number one single, and their 4 from 8 album is one of the great Liverpool records.
2. Big In Japan – Big in Japan
A beautiful, chaotic thrash by a band that had no idea how to make a ‘proper’ record — and probably didn’t want to anyway. I loved seeing them live. This, the first release on Eric’s Records, perfectly captures the ethos of punk. Amazing to think that the line-up included that magnificent pair of creative disrupters Jayne Casey and Bill Drummond, as well as Holly Johnson, Budgie, and a young lad, Ian Broudie, who went on to have a few hits both as an artist and as a respected producer.
(OMD’s “Electricity” is another electropop masterpiece from around the same time — an incredibly influential record by a hugely important group. But my juvenile brain preferred the brutal simplicity of Big in Japan.)
3. Echo & The Bunnymen – Rescue
I saw the Bunnymen in their early days, when they were still learning how to play and had a cheap drum machine instead of a drummer. Despite those restrictions, they always had something special about them. With the addition of Pete de Freitas, they went on to deliver a wonderful debut album in Crocodiles. “Rescue” sums up the naïve genius of early Bunnymen for me.
4. The Coral – Dreaming of You
The Coral are, for me, the best Merseyside group of the last 25 years. I’ve loved them since the early days — debut single “Shadows Fall” and the legendary Bandwagon nights at the Zanzibar. Every album they’ve delivered contains a host of musical treasures. I could have picked any number of songs from their back catalogue, but “Dreaming of You” is an early slice of effortless pop genius by a group of young lads who were making great records for fun.
5. The Farm – All Together Now
I’ve known The Farm from the very beginning of their career — I reviewed them for NME way back in 1982. They were always a lovely group of people, so I was made up when they had their moment in the sunshine almost a decade later, with the number one album Spartacus and this huge single, which still sounds great. A new album is on the way too.
6. Shack – Comedy
Mick Head is another Liverpool musical legend. I’ve known Mick since his early days with The Pale Fountains, then on to Shack, and most recently with The Red Elastic Band. Throughout his career, Mick has always been an amazing songwriter, but the stability in his life over the last few years has unleashed an incredible streak of creativity. His last two albums are as good as anything he’s ever done, and the live shows have been the best of his career.
I’ve gone back to the Shack era and picked “Comedy” for its simple, heartfelt beauty. I dare you to find a better song anywhere.
7. Jamie Webster – This Place
I wanted a song about the city in this list. I could have chosen Pete Wylie’s “Heart as Big as Liverpool” or BANNERS’ “The Best View in Liverpool”, among others — but I’ve gone for “This Place”. Jamie deserves all the success he’s had over the last few years, and he’s kept alive the tradition of Liverpool artists who aren’t afraid to touch on politics and call out injustice.
8. Koj – Love Money Drugs
It feels like the time is right for Koj to break through. The quality of material he’s delivered over the last 12 months — and the live shows — have just gone through the roof. This track shows why he’s going to be huge. It was a standout from the last few live sets I’ve seen.
9. Keyside – Michael
One of my favourites from the new crop of Liverpool guitar bands. They’re already churning out great song after great song, but “Michael” stands out even among those — perfect Liverpool guitar pop. It should have been a hit, but their day will come.
10. Tonia – Harmony
Keyside are playing BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend on the Introducing Stage — and it’s great to see they’re joined by Tonia, Koj, and Superlate, who’ve all come through our own LIMF Academy programme. Tonia is definitely one to watch, and I love this recent track of hers.
Honourable Mentions
It was impossible to keep this list to just ten — so here are a few more that absolutely deserve a shout. On another day, any of these could’ve made the main list.
Crawlers – Come Over (Again)
A band that’s really captured something raw and real. This track in particular struck a chord with so many people — and it’s great to see them flying the flag for Liverpool on a much bigger stage now.
Luvcat – Matador
A fresh one, but there’s something about it that just sticks with you. Luvcat’s got a real knack for melody and mood — definitely one to keep an eye on.
Red Rum Club – Would You Rather Be Lonely
They’ve built their following the proper way — great live shows, relentless work, and some cracking tunes. This one’s a fan favourite and a reminder of just how strong Liverpool’s gig scene still is.
