EVEN THE STARS ALBUMS OF 2019 - 20 to 17

Today we reveal the first set of our favourite albums of 2019 - from twenty to seventeen

Mano McLaughlin - Then Lightning

Then Lightning is Mano McLaughlin's long-awaited second album, the follow-up to 2013's Peach Got Bones and demonstrates why many of his contemporaries rate him as one of the best singer-songwriters around despite the lack of recognition he's had from the industry over the past few years. Then Lightning might not change that, because things aren't as simple as great music automatically getting the acclaim it deserves, but it's a record that will disarm and charm anyone fortunate enough to cross its path.

James Holt / Mano McLaughlin - Manchester Night People - 1st March 2019

James Holt launched his new single Come Out To Play at Manchester's Night People on Friday night. Julia Grantham reports back on the outsider who's barging his way into the conscience of a growing band of admirers. His headline set was preceded by Mano McLaughlin showcasing songs from his forthcoming Then Lightning album.

Mano McLaughlin - Salford Eagle Inn - 26th October 2018

To celebrate the launch of his new single and title track from his forthcoming second album Then Lightning, Mano McLaughlin played an intimate eleven-song set in the Eagle Inn in Salford, a stone's throw from Blueprint Studios where the album was recorded.

TRACK OF THE DAY 1 : Mano McLaughlin - Then Lightning

Then Lightning is the first track to be revealed from Mano McLaughlin's forthcoming album of the same name. Its release coincides with a launch gig at Salford's Eagle Inn from one of the North West's best kept secrets, a songwriter who should be lauded up there with the city's favourite sons.

The Bluetones / Giant Rooks / Mano McLaughlin / Razz / Liam Frost And The Latchkey Kids / FTK / Jess Kemp / Deco - Head For The Hills Festival - 15th September 2018

 

 

Day two of Head For The Hills festival in Ramsbottom saw a full program of music across the day from established national headliners like The Bluetones to local heroes like Liam Frost, Mano McLaughlin, Jess Kemp and FTK as well as up and coming bands from further afield in Deco and two German bands Razz and second stage headliners Giant Rooks. The weather held off and allowed the crowd to take in not just the music but the multiple other attractions dotted around the cricket pitch.

Mano McLaughlin - Interview

Last year we described Mano McLaughlin's set at Head For The Hills Festival with these words - "His set featured new songs from his follow-up to 2013’s Peach Got Bones and demonstrates he’s not lost any of the ability to craft beautifully observed songs that might be personal to him, but can find resonance with anyone, which for us is the greatest thing any songwriter can ever do." A year on, as he prepares to return to Ramsbottom and with the release of Then Lightning, the title track from his forthcoming album imminent, we caught up with him for a chat.

Head For The Hills Festival Day 2 - Toria Wooff / Sonya And The Greyhounds / Dantevilles / Secret Lemonade Factory / SKIES / Mano McLaughlin / Neville Staple Band / Dutch Uncles / Ist Ist

Day 2 of Head For The Hills festival in Ramsbottom saw another set of the type of diverse and eclectic acts that it has got its name and so many admirers for. From nationally recognised acts to some of the best local talent, Saturday's bill had something for everyone. We caught a real mix of performers including Toria Wooff, Sonya And The Greyhounds, Dantevilles, Secret Lemonade Factory, SKIES, Mano McLaughlin, Neville Staple Band, Dutch Uncles and a triumphant second stage headline set from Ist Ist.

Dave Fidler / Mano McLaughlin - Chorlton Strange Brew - 17th February 2015

Since his sold-out album launch at The Whiskey Jar in October, Dave Fidler's been quiet other than a few support slots on John Bramwell's never ending solo tour, but tonight he's playing an intimate show to celebrate the launch of his new single Taking Over with support from Mano McLaughlin.

Jo Rose / Mano McLaughlin / Lucy & Virginia - Chorlton Strange Brew - 7th January 2015

Early January is a time of fairly slim pickings on the live gig front, but we were treated to a special acoustic evening with three great acts at the intimate surroundings of the Strange Brew in Chorlton. Jo Rose headlined with a special guest appearance from Klara from First Aid Kit and he was ably supported by Mano McLaughlin and Lucy & Virginia.

Dave Fidler / Mano McLaughlin - Manchester Whiskey Jar - 30th October 2014

We've raved about Dave Fidler's brilliant solo debut I'm Not Here for quite some time tonight and last night saw the launch gig for it at Manchester's Whiskey Jar.  As people were being turned away at the door, Dave put on a show that added new textures to the album as well as a few covers and some as gems from his days in Bluebird Kid Clark.