It all started with an A4 photocopied poster in Night & Day a few years back. Our line of enquiry led to rave MM reviews of their early recordings and their first major Manchester gig at CHAIRSMISSING. The rest is justifiably and notably history. Already hooked up to Prestons Action Records, at Chairsmissing ITC the connection to the person who would ultimately secure them a publishing deal was made. Small cogs we are though, because Fi-Lo’s blistering rock is the best thing we – and from the votes – you have been listening to. This is the real future of rock and roll. 

Even though the national rags love Elbow, there’s no denying the special connection the band have with their homegrown fans. Having capably developed their music over two albums, they are surely one of the most respected bands in the UK right now. A symbol of Manchester’s romance, determination and success.

Fi-Lo’s first release for Double Dragon was a great follow up to “Skin Deep Demons”. This time, as well as getting Peel and Lamacq excited they crept into the indie charts, with a respectful battle with Moco over the weeks best chart placing. “Cracked Bones..”  is perhaps one of the best northern rock records you’ll ever hear.

The debut album from Oceansize, we knew, was going to be something special. Something that was ultimately confirmed by fantastic reviews in the national press. A complex act, Oceansize made their record long, but accessible and under the production of Chris Sheldon managed to achieve the perfect balance between orchestrated sonics, blistering charges and delicate atmospherics. A special band indeed and one that we intimately know and have loved for some time. A great selection from the voters on any day.

People must now be seeing and hearing Lisa Brown for them to be voted this award, but all we can say is that this band are going to be the hottest proposition in Manchester. Their youthfulness is equally contradicted by such carefully crafted aural landscapes – crammed with soaring melodics and crashing climaxes, Lisa Brown are tomorrows epic masters.

When we started the webzine in 1999, the general line ups of your average band nights were pretty dire and attendances often low. In a nutshell the scene was almost on its knees, certainly quality wise. Only The Roadhouse and Night & Day seem to have ridden the storm and grown along with the emerging talent. Long regarded as having the best sound system and most talent through its doors, most of you seem to have played there or been in the gaff. It’s now the Goth equivalent of “Bling” and seems to go on from strength to strength. A home from home for many of us and long may it remain so..

Ged has been the stalwart of the music scene, writing  and snapping, mapping out progress and adopting the mantle of the scene’s official biographer. In the early days Ged and Tina (McClelland) were at almost every gig and supported ba nds with free pix and kind words. There probably aren’t many local bands that don’t know Ged and at long last there’s some recognition for his contribution to local music.

Still going strong and aside from its BDB links, its catalogue gets slightly wilder, definitely surprising and more ambitious each year. When it comes to cultural values and inspired quality, the ‘Nerve are at the cutting edge. Their recent discovery of new acoustic based singer song writers should see them go from strength to strength. Quality = Votes..

Akoustik Anarkhy… What can you say. From basement gigs to Hotel receptions, aA have truly earned their catchphrase “Seminal”. With their own label and groundbreaking events, you’ll be as likely to see a busker as a NYC punk legend at any of their gigs. An essential breeding ground for new talent and drunkenness. Original and still one of the best. 

Which ones Nev?  Well those who voted know but we think it’s the singer. There’s probably too many girls voting as he’s a bit of a pin up apparently. Doesn’t matter much  though, because you like them and so do we.  Nev - write in...

A great choice from the readers. There are many people involved in promoting good music, but Garvey has unselfishly used his position to help big up local acts such as Oceansize, I Am Kloot, Moco plus many others. Both on telly and in the press. Cramming in such celebrity references whilst under instructions to plug your next album in a limited column inch / airtime scenario is gallantry in the first order. Elbow took the difficult route to a label deal and know the difficulties bands face. It’s reassuring to all of us that Garvey still acknowledges  and respects his hometowns ambitions and is willing and able to help people make the journey themselves.

Although this film was made  a few years ago, it’s soundtrack provided the 2003 Xmas number one. A fantastic slice of teenage growing up tales, black gothic humour and supernatural science fiction. The last 5 minutes of the film (to which said song provides the soundtrack) provide probably the best ever climax to a great film. Brilliant 80’s soundtrack (for us old fossils) and a very moving movie.

Peter Kay. Bolton. Phoenix Nights. Makes the Office seem like an old piece of garlic bread. In the North Vs South battle for best comedy, Kay is not only a genius, but is far funnier than any other comedian in recent history. All backed up by his arena sized sell out one man shows. Maybe his first T’Internet award.

2003’s newcomers can’t fail to impress. Initially cornering the late Friday night drinking and music market in Chorlton, Blowout!  Has shown its true mettle with sell outs in Manchester and now Liverpool. An excellent A&R record and great value and great music has made this your number one event. Deservedly so. Expect even bigger success in 2004.

Manchester. So Much To Answer For. Liverpool isn't the new Manchester. Leeds isn't the new Manchester. Manchester is the new Manchester. And London is Dead. 

Cases for, cases against and difficult for many to balance in terms of lives now lost. But Blair lied to the nation and so did the MM headquarters area MP Ivan Lewis (now promoted after unshakingly supporting Blair). Where are the weapons of mass destruction ? – even the weapons inspectors have given up. The only thing in Blairs favour is that the Tories offer a more evil solution to running this country. Is it time for Kennedy to step up ? Vote Sutch...

After bashing a toilet attendant, Tweedy wasn’t found guilty of racist assault. Doesn't seem to matter to her as she still appears as a role model for young women in Girls Aloud.

Escalating bar prices represent the greedier side of Manchester's night life, but it's all ably thwarted by pre-event piss ups. Whatever the score, not having some booze in you hands is still ranked as your prime crime. Nurse it..it'll last all night. Big up to Student Union bars for a pint at 150p.....