Blossoms, The Fall, M People, Puressence, OneDa and Oasis are just some of the artists who feature in a new eclectic playlist created by a panel of music experts, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hard Rock Cafe Manchester.

The 25 tracks which make up ‘Manc You For The Music Vol.2’ span seven decades and a myriad of genres, from reggae to disco, post punk to Britpop. Highlights include the poignant cover of The Smiths’ Well I Wonder by the late Denise Johnson; and Mike Garry & Joe Duddell’s tribute to Factory Records boss and Manchester icon, Anthony H Wilson.

The expert panel who compiled the playlist included Inspiral Carpets keyboardist Clint Boon; acclaimed house music legend, DJ Paulette; BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins; and Happy Mondays singer Rowetta.

The full tracklisting of Manc You For The Music Vol.2:
1. Mr Scruff – Get A Move On (1999)
2. Harlem Spirit – Dem a Sus (1986)
3. Bugzy Malone – Beauty & The Beast (2016)
4. OneDa – Major Pay (2024)
5. Pip Millett – Heavenly Mother (2020)
6. Sylvia Tella – Spell (1981)
7. Denise Johnson – Well I Wonder (2020)
8. Simply Red – Holding Back The Years (1985)
9. Puressence – This Feeling (1998)
10. Blossoms – Perfect Me (2024)
11. Inspiral Carpets – Keep The Circle Around (1989)
12. Oasis – Champagne Supernova (1996)
13. Ian Brown – F.E.A.R (2001)
14. The Weeds – China Doll (1986)
15. Everything Everything – Distant Past (2015)
16. The Fall – Hit The North (1988)
17. Barry Adamson – The Man With The Golden Arm (1989)
18. Durutti Column – Otis (1984)
19. Lamb – Gorecki (2006)
20. Rae & Christian – Spellbound (feat. Veba) (1998)
21. Crazy P – Never Gonna Reach Me (Hot Toddy Remix) (2009)
22. The Chemical Brothers – Block Rockin’ Beats (1997)
23. M People – One Night In Heaven (1993)
24. Bee Gees – Night Fever (1977)
25. Mike Garry & Joe Duddell – St Anthony: An Ode to Anthony H Wilson (2015)

Clint Boon commented: “If this was an album, I’d be the first in line to buy it. Some real lost gems from the likes of Harlem Spirit and the Weeds. Some ace newer stuff that shows the city’s ongoing musical diversity (Mike Garry, Blossoms, OneDa). And a nice little reminder of some of the amazing souls we’ve lost over recent years – Denise Johnson, Danielle Moore and Mark E. Smith. What a city this is.”

DJ Paulette added: “What a lively, informative, respectful, fun, fabulous, riotous and righteous session Manc You For The Music 2025 was. I enjoyed every second of creating a playlist that is fully representative of Manchester and Manchester artists. I learned a lot and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it (and to add this to my personal library).”

‘Manc You For The Music Vol. 2’ was curated and compiled by a panel of music professionals, including promoters, musicians, DJs and presenters:

● DJ Paulette – Hacienda (Mcr), Glitterbox, Reform Radio, Worldwide FM
● Clint Boon – DJ and keyboardist, Inspiral Carpets
● Chris Hawkins – presenter, BBC Radio 6 Music
● Rivca Burns – Head of Music, Factory International
● Liam Walsh – Creative Director, Humans & Other Animals
● Rowetta – Mancunian singer/songwriter (Happy Mondays, Todd Terry, Swedish House Mafia)
● Rob Kerford – owner and managing director, Sonic PR
● Terry Christian – columnist, writer, radio/TV presenter, and stand up
● Christine Cort – Director, CC&Friends and co-founder of Manchester International Festival
● Colin White – owner, Vinyl Revival Manchester

Aneta Jarzmik, General Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester, said: “This playlist is the perfect way to celebrate our 25th anniversary; it showcases all that is great about Manchester music, past and present – diverse, iconic and packed with great tunes.”