The pride of Manchester

While this punter got it spot on regarding The Distractions, he was wide the mark with Joy Division, and, it could be argued, A Certain Ratio.  Thanks to Mike Noon for the last of these City Fun scans.

BIG TIME DON'T BECKON

Dear City Fun,

Having seen what's being put forward as the musical pride of the Manchester area, namely The Distractions, Joy Division, A Certain Ratio at gigs recently, it's very easy to understand why the big time won't beckon them.

The Distractions, with the smarmy smiles and the yes sir, no sir, 3 bags full sir creeping attitude; Joy Division, a surly bunch who are fooling nobody and the dire nondescript Certain Ratio, are all doomed to 4th division status via their boring music (?).

If some of Manchester's more promising bands had got half the promotion and press exposure as the ones mentioned above, they could be making some impression on the charts.  As it is The Distractions, Joy Division and A Certain Ratio are doomed despite frantic ravings from Messrs. Tony Wilson, Mick Middles, Dave McCullogh, Tony Jasper, Paul Morley etc. & City Fun.  With all the ravings these bands can't get a record in the top 150.

I repeat, if some of Manchester's other bands were given half the credit and press coverage they were due, you would then see some deserving names in the charts, i.e. Salford Jets, the Trend, Private Sector, the Freshies, the Renegades and one or two more.

Yours, 

OBSERVER (Stockport)