Marshall Jefferson
Attempting to document the aesthetic and spiritual transition from Manchester to "Madchester," the soundtrack to Michael Winterbottom's 2002 film is a quick primer on the Factory Records saga and the songs that propelled it. Set in motion by the timelessly vitriolic "Anarchy in the U.K.," its inclusion is key to the legend that the [bad word] Pistols pried open the third eye of label founder Tony Wilson during their 1976 Manchester Free Trade Hall gig. With his vision firmly imprinted, Wilson set off to be Manchester's chief impresario and, apart from the other two punk inclusions (the Buzzcocks' "Ever Fallen in Love?" and the Clash's "Janie Jones"), the remainder of [bad word] outlines the legacy that he stumbled upon and at times fostered. Certainly Wilson's signing of Vini Reilly's [bad word] Column, while perhaps not pivotal, shows that the one-time TV host had a keen ear. "Otis" is one of the few uplifting moments among the non-dance selections here that simultaneously showcases Reilly's overlooked talent. Other proper selections include 808 State's breezy sax/synth hit, "Pacific State," and one of the Hacienda Club's fave moments, Guy Called Gerald's "Voodoo Ray." Unfortunate choice