Summarizing more than 20 years of the Manchester music scene on one CD is be a daunting task. While not exhaustive, the 24 Hour Party People soundtrack does an honorable job at giving a taste of the sound of the city through this Manchester Music for Dummies compilation.
From the late 70's after the arrival of Punk to the early 90's before Seattle took over the much-coveted spot with grunge, Manchester was the most influential music scene in the world. New wave, electro, baggy rock and rave built the city's musical identity and changed the face of music.
While focusing on Factory records and the Hacienda, The 24 Hour Party People soundtrack provides a good sample of these years, starting with punk rock thanks to the Sex Pistols' anthem "Anarchy in the UK", The Clash and Manchester's own Buzzcocks. We then witness the birth of new wave with Joy Division's classic "Love Will Tear Us Apart" as well as "Transmission", "Atmosphere" and "She's Lost Control". After the death of singer Ian Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division founded New Order, a pioneer of electro whose "Blue Monday" became the best-selling English 12" ever, and launched electronic music as the new club favorite. They also contribute "Here To Stay", "Temptation" and offer a live version of Joy Division's "New Dawn Fades" featuring Moby, Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers).
The Hacienda reigns on the rest of the CD, in particular with Happy Mondays' hits "Hallelujah" and "Loose Fit" as well as 808 State.
While the film focuses on Tony Wilson, his label Factory records and The Hacienda, regrettably the CD skips the baggy rock era and major players such as The Charlatans and The Stone Roses.
A good companion for the film, this soundtrack definitely calls for a follow-up.
