Wednesday, 28 February 2007
Gig Report: Mika - Oh My!! Manchester Academy, Tuesday 27 February, 8pm
Prepped with a couple of strawberry beers from the permanently under-staffed Danish bar, Kro across the road from the Academy, we entered the now-familiar student haunt to find support act Lewis taking the stage. The look of shock from my partner's face (the name was also his uni band name back in the days of supporting Blur) soon replaced with bemusement when we queued amongst the younger folk for the bar. When did students get so glam? Feeling more at home with (as expected) warm drinks in our hands we ventured into the hall to hear Lewis play. A seemingly nervous start, they soon kicked into gear, though an incessant feedback interrupted the funky and sometimes 80's staccato beats and ensured that lyrics were indecipherable throughout. Nevermind - the charming Milli-Vanilli lookalike frontman was successful in warming up the crowd for the main act. After a protracted delay (9.40pm and still not on!?), fluffy-haired Mika burst onto the stage, instantly satisfying the people with uber-camp Scissor-Sister style disco tunes, enticing you to dance whether you liked it or not. Given the album is only 40 or so minutes in length, this was never going to be a long show - aptly reflected in the £8 admission and as was expected, a cover made it into the set. (Everybody's Talkin' At Me, by the way). Unusually, Mika opted for a mellow interlude halfway through, performing the album's hidden track - a technically difficult piano-heavy track using semi-tonal harmonies and a poignancy that was lost on the crowd. Oh well, at least they were able to concentrate on the lollipop girls working the room handing out free candy. Back in with gusto, Mika abounded with effortless falsetto and an energy that would bring a smile to the coldest heart. Ending on the number one hit 'Grace Kelly', the encore - 'Lollipop' - followed shortly after in a hail of oversized balloons (a-la Beautiful South gig but smaller) and glittery confetti. Overall, a fun night - polished performance, reasonable ticket price and an artist that didn't forget to thank the fans for his success. Bravo!
Gig Report: Beautiful South - Dec 06
Technically I should start with the first Manchester gig (Dave Matthews, May 06) but I struggling to remember it clearly enough (I blame the strawberry beer at the bar opposite the Academy), so I'm beginning with Beautiful South, December 06.
Missed out on the support band who we later discover is Badly Drawn Boy, (argh!! we're slightly annoyed we missed such a fantastic opener because we stopped for dinner!) but the bitter lyrics dripping from the mics of the Beautiful South, soon soothed the ecletic palates of myself and the packed crowd at the MEN arena. Bucking the usual trend of showcasing the new album and nothing more, BS played a couple of new tracks from their current offering, Superbi, but then continued with the old favourites (including an enthusiastic rendition of '36D'), resulting in a rocking show and two encores. Shame the people in the seated areas felt more sedate than the rest of us in the standing area and the backdrop was less than impressive, but most fans are there for the folksy twisted sounds designed for all us disaffected Gen Y kids and we were not left wanting. Good job BS.
Missed out on the support band who we later discover is Badly Drawn Boy, (argh!! we're slightly annoyed we missed such a fantastic opener because we stopped for dinner!) but the bitter lyrics dripping from the mics of the Beautiful South, soon soothed the ecletic palates of myself and the packed crowd at the MEN arena. Bucking the usual trend of showcasing the new album and nothing more, BS played a couple of new tracks from their current offering, Superbi, but then continued with the old favourites (including an enthusiastic rendition of '36D'), resulting in a rocking show and two encores. Shame the people in the seated areas felt more sedate than the rest of us in the standing area and the backdrop was less than impressive, but most fans are there for the folksy twisted sounds designed for all us disaffected Gen Y kids and we were not left wanting. Good job BS.
And so it begins... Manchester
Right - first things first, I don't know my way around very well yet. In fact, my geography is based solely on being able to spot the imposing Hilton tower to gain any sense of bearing. That being the case, it seemed natural to begin my Mancunian drinking career in this vicinity. Not at the Hilton itself mind you... one must work up to these things otherwise I run the risk that I could be truly spoilt and thus jaded by the offering at lower altitudes...
Loaf Bar
From the outside, and with hopeful eyes, this looked promising. Situated in the Deansgate Locks area it gives off a sassy lounge feel with trendy decor and good lighting. Spread on two floors, both visible from the street the upstairs seems busy and inviting, while downstairs it would appear to be chilled and sophisticated. Unfortunately this was not the case... upstairs was a heaving meat market, impossible to find a path to the bar and in desperation I headed downstairs genuinely believing things would improve. Wrong again. At least able to get to the bar for an overpriced drink (I am in the north of the country.. clearly the bar thought it was somewhere else) the previously scoped 'sophistication' had evaporated quicker than a free glass of champagne at a footballers' wives lunch. In its place was a mass of scantily clad middle class try-hards complete with alter-egos and fresh ID cards. I'm definitely too old for this place.
Comedy Store Bar
Directly on the left (or right if you are leaving Loaf in a hurry as I was) also on Deansgate Locks is the Comedy Store with a reasonable bar to grab drinks before the show. The 'outrageous' animal print sofas in keeping with the mood of the venue, this place is a reasonable choice for a drink in Manchester. Obviously people are there almost exclusively for a pre-show sharpener, but with low ambient noise and thus the ability to chat eloquently (I was several drinks in at this point, so this may or may not be true) makes it a decent bar. If good times is what you are looking for, this place hits the spot - late show is a tenner on Saturday nights.
Dukes Bar, Castlefield
Ignoring the renovation work going on, this place has a chic style appropriate to the surrounding area. Castlefield - for those not immediately aware - is bursting at the seams with new-build designer apartments and converted warehouses - yuppy haven. That said, the owner's clearly saw a market and grabbed it by the VISA card quickly. A favourite in the neighbourhood, it's the first place people in this area will recommend and I tend to agree on the basis of flattering lighting, stylish opulent decor (think velvet and baroque mirrors) and background music that doesn't punish the eardrums.
KRO Bar - Oxford Road
Roughly opposite the Manchester Academy, KRO is one of a number of Danish-inspired bars all called KRO-something dotted around Manchester. Drawing in a steady stream of bohemian student types it makes for a great pre-gig venue to chat as the music is at a reasonable level. Bar staff can be a touch on the vague side, but friendly enough given they are stretched to serve the waiting punters.In summer, the bar enjoys a reasonable position out front to quaff the fine selection of brews on tap (the strawberry beer gets better by the pint) and though I've not tried it (yet) the menu looked inviting and well-priced.Watch out for the stairs going up to the ladies toilet - perilous on the way back if you've necked your beer quickly to catch a gig!
Sugar Lounge, Deansgate Locks
It was with slight trepidation that I returned to this area on account of the unsuccesful attempt to enjoy it previously, however we returned on Saturday night to give it another go - after all there were a number of bars along this strip and surely they couldn't all be dire, right? So, heading to the far right we surveyed the selection with critical eyes. As it was past 9pm, and a perfect evening for drinking away the remnants of a 23 degree Spring day, most places were already heaving. One place caught our eye as appearing a lot classier, and being dressed up for the evening (no reason, just felt like it) we decided to try our luck getting in. Expecting a cover charge we sailed up to the front and not seeing any immediate guest list/door staff, coasted straight in, having been given the nod by the bouncer. I've since read that there was historically a membership scheme but that this has been relaxed to allow people who have the right look. Once behind the massive velvet curtain obscuring the entrance we are in a much smaller bar than we anticipated. If there is another part to this venue, I didn't see it. Essentially it is a squarish room with a bar to one side and lounges on the perimeter. That's it. Having said that, the crowd were stylish and not conceited, the music soulful and the drinks spot on, despite their annoyance at having to make an Old Fashioned for Phil - his favourite cocktail. During the evening the crowd swelled enough to fill the place though it never felt overcrowded.verdict: excellent cocktails and people watching.
Atlas Bar, Castlefield/Deansgate
Directly opposite The Knott Bar also at the bottom end of Deansgate sits the newly refurbished Atlas Bar. Not having had the experience of visiting prior to the updates, I'm not in a position to comment on how much of an improvement this has been, however I can report that the look this place currently sports is one of casual sophistication, which is a rather diplomatic way of saying it is devoid of much personality. Other than it's 21st century cookie cutter trendy wine bar feel, the staff seem friendly if not entirely knowledgable. Upon asking if they had any fruit beers I was told that he didn't know anywhere in Manchester that served them (though if his boss was in earshot I can forgive for not imparting wisdom of The Knott Bar across the road.)Collecting our drinks, we headed out the back to the terrace area to find a smart decking area overlooking some residential splendour. If this place kicks off at night I pity the neighbours, though I suspect it's pretty sedate owing to the lack of television screens or music. I'm undecided on this place - it hasn't really made much of an impression so a re-visit is in order. Stay tuned.
The Knott Bar, Castlefield
Situated at the border of Castlefield on the bottom end of Deansgate lies Knott Bar. My reluctance to enter what appeared to be a harshly lit (yes I really do have a thing for correct lighting) and somewhat shabby bar delayed my entry for several weeks to this place. However, once inside and away from the windows where aforementioned flourescents reside, the bar itself is very charming, authentic and relaxed. Shabby chic abounds in the mismatched furniture but the key reason why I will now have to find a different way home so that I don't spend every minute of my Manchester life here lies at the bar. I have found the mecca of fruit beers in the North. Not one, but FOUR varieties available here, two on tap (cherry and strawberry) with a raspberry and peach available in bottle format. Bliss. There is also an above average selection of other beers but be warned, this place is not super cheap - two beers for around £7 - hmmm - and the toilets are so tiny you nearly have to stand on the seat to close the door.
Bar Ca (Castlefield area)
Well, this was our third attempt to get in, owing to the endless private parties that seem to be held here. Odd though, because whilst the parties are held in upstairs and back room areas, the main bar remains empty all night, making the place look really unpopular. Mentioning our struggle to ever get in to the ameniable door staff, they kindly let us in to grab a drink from the bar if we promised not to enter the private parties. Do I look like that kind of person? ;)Once in, we were able to experience the soulless and uninspired splendour that is Bar Ca's main bar. Formally part-owned by Mick Hucknell of the band Simply Red, the place lacks any distinguishable feature that I can think of. It is truly as charmless a bar as you can possibly conjure, right down to the stained leather sofas repeated ad nauseum throughout.Shame too - the bar is smack in the middle of a lively upmarket canal-side residential area - which I guess is the only reason why the private party bookings still roll in. If this place were anywhere else it would be closed.Next!
Hilton Podium Lounge (Deansgate)
Odd name for a bar at street level, but feeling a little decadent late one night we plumped for some elegant cocktail sipping action at the aforementioned bar. First things first - the arrangement of the seats are much more suited to people who don't know each other well - very formal and few lounges where you can actually sit together - when seated, gives off that awkward job interview feel where you don't know whether to sit on the edge of the chair or fully recline - and there is no middle ground. That said, the white back-lit marble bar and chilled ambience make this place worthy of a re-visit. Bring heavy duty plastic here - you pay to keep the riff raff out.
Loaf Bar
From the outside, and with hopeful eyes, this looked promising. Situated in the Deansgate Locks area it gives off a sassy lounge feel with trendy decor and good lighting. Spread on two floors, both visible from the street the upstairs seems busy and inviting, while downstairs it would appear to be chilled and sophisticated. Unfortunately this was not the case... upstairs was a heaving meat market, impossible to find a path to the bar and in desperation I headed downstairs genuinely believing things would improve. Wrong again. At least able to get to the bar for an overpriced drink (I am in the north of the country.. clearly the bar thought it was somewhere else) the previously scoped 'sophistication' had evaporated quicker than a free glass of champagne at a footballers' wives lunch. In its place was a mass of scantily clad middle class try-hards complete with alter-egos and fresh ID cards. I'm definitely too old for this place.
Comedy Store Bar
Directly on the left (or right if you are leaving Loaf in a hurry as I was) also on Deansgate Locks is the Comedy Store with a reasonable bar to grab drinks before the show. The 'outrageous' animal print sofas in keeping with the mood of the venue, this place is a reasonable choice for a drink in Manchester. Obviously people are there almost exclusively for a pre-show sharpener, but with low ambient noise and thus the ability to chat eloquently (I was several drinks in at this point, so this may or may not be true) makes it a decent bar. If good times is what you are looking for, this place hits the spot - late show is a tenner on Saturday nights.
Dukes Bar, Castlefield
Ignoring the renovation work going on, this place has a chic style appropriate to the surrounding area. Castlefield - for those not immediately aware - is bursting at the seams with new-build designer apartments and converted warehouses - yuppy haven. That said, the owner's clearly saw a market and grabbed it by the VISA card quickly. A favourite in the neighbourhood, it's the first place people in this area will recommend and I tend to agree on the basis of flattering lighting, stylish opulent decor (think velvet and baroque mirrors) and background music that doesn't punish the eardrums.
KRO Bar - Oxford Road
Roughly opposite the Manchester Academy, KRO is one of a number of Danish-inspired bars all called KRO-something dotted around Manchester. Drawing in a steady stream of bohemian student types it makes for a great pre-gig venue to chat as the music is at a reasonable level. Bar staff can be a touch on the vague side, but friendly enough given they are stretched to serve the waiting punters.In summer, the bar enjoys a reasonable position out front to quaff the fine selection of brews on tap (the strawberry beer gets better by the pint) and though I've not tried it (yet) the menu looked inviting and well-priced.Watch out for the stairs going up to the ladies toilet - perilous on the way back if you've necked your beer quickly to catch a gig!
Sugar Lounge, Deansgate Locks
It was with slight trepidation that I returned to this area on account of the unsuccesful attempt to enjoy it previously, however we returned on Saturday night to give it another go - after all there were a number of bars along this strip and surely they couldn't all be dire, right? So, heading to the far right we surveyed the selection with critical eyes. As it was past 9pm, and a perfect evening for drinking away the remnants of a 23 degree Spring day, most places were already heaving. One place caught our eye as appearing a lot classier, and being dressed up for the evening (no reason, just felt like it) we decided to try our luck getting in. Expecting a cover charge we sailed up to the front and not seeing any immediate guest list/door staff, coasted straight in, having been given the nod by the bouncer. I've since read that there was historically a membership scheme but that this has been relaxed to allow people who have the right look. Once behind the massive velvet curtain obscuring the entrance we are in a much smaller bar than we anticipated. If there is another part to this venue, I didn't see it. Essentially it is a squarish room with a bar to one side and lounges on the perimeter. That's it. Having said that, the crowd were stylish and not conceited, the music soulful and the drinks spot on, despite their annoyance at having to make an Old Fashioned for Phil - his favourite cocktail. During the evening the crowd swelled enough to fill the place though it never felt overcrowded.verdict: excellent cocktails and people watching.
Atlas Bar, Castlefield/Deansgate
Directly opposite The Knott Bar also at the bottom end of Deansgate sits the newly refurbished Atlas Bar. Not having had the experience of visiting prior to the updates, I'm not in a position to comment on how much of an improvement this has been, however I can report that the look this place currently sports is one of casual sophistication, which is a rather diplomatic way of saying it is devoid of much personality. Other than it's 21st century cookie cutter trendy wine bar feel, the staff seem friendly if not entirely knowledgable. Upon asking if they had any fruit beers I was told that he didn't know anywhere in Manchester that served them (though if his boss was in earshot I can forgive for not imparting wisdom of The Knott Bar across the road.)Collecting our drinks, we headed out the back to the terrace area to find a smart decking area overlooking some residential splendour. If this place kicks off at night I pity the neighbours, though I suspect it's pretty sedate owing to the lack of television screens or music. I'm undecided on this place - it hasn't really made much of an impression so a re-visit is in order. Stay tuned.
The Knott Bar, Castlefield
Situated at the border of Castlefield on the bottom end of Deansgate lies Knott Bar. My reluctance to enter what appeared to be a harshly lit (yes I really do have a thing for correct lighting) and somewhat shabby bar delayed my entry for several weeks to this place. However, once inside and away from the windows where aforementioned flourescents reside, the bar itself is very charming, authentic and relaxed. Shabby chic abounds in the mismatched furniture but the key reason why I will now have to find a different way home so that I don't spend every minute of my Manchester life here lies at the bar. I have found the mecca of fruit beers in the North. Not one, but FOUR varieties available here, two on tap (cherry and strawberry) with a raspberry and peach available in bottle format. Bliss. There is also an above average selection of other beers but be warned, this place is not super cheap - two beers for around £7 - hmmm - and the toilets are so tiny you nearly have to stand on the seat to close the door.
Bar Ca (Castlefield area)
Well, this was our third attempt to get in, owing to the endless private parties that seem to be held here. Odd though, because whilst the parties are held in upstairs and back room areas, the main bar remains empty all night, making the place look really unpopular. Mentioning our struggle to ever get in to the ameniable door staff, they kindly let us in to grab a drink from the bar if we promised not to enter the private parties. Do I look like that kind of person? ;)Once in, we were able to experience the soulless and uninspired splendour that is Bar Ca's main bar. Formally part-owned by Mick Hucknell of the band Simply Red, the place lacks any distinguishable feature that I can think of. It is truly as charmless a bar as you can possibly conjure, right down to the stained leather sofas repeated ad nauseum throughout.Shame too - the bar is smack in the middle of a lively upmarket canal-side residential area - which I guess is the only reason why the private party bookings still roll in. If this place were anywhere else it would be closed.Next!
Hilton Podium Lounge (Deansgate)
Odd name for a bar at street level, but feeling a little decadent late one night we plumped for some elegant cocktail sipping action at the aforementioned bar. First things first - the arrangement of the seats are much more suited to people who don't know each other well - very formal and few lounges where you can actually sit together - when seated, gives off that awkward job interview feel where you don't know whether to sit on the edge of the chair or fully recline - and there is no middle ground. That said, the white back-lit marble bar and chilled ambience make this place worthy of a re-visit. Bring heavy duty plastic here - you pay to keep the riff raff out.
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