Between 1977-2001, Rochdale was home to both Suite Sixteen and Cargo Studios on Kenion Street, where trailblazing artists like The Stone Roses, New Order, OMD, Inspiral Carpets, A Certain Ratio, Fall, Happy Mondays, and Joy Division recorded some of their best work. In 2026, Rochdale is Greater Manchester Town of Culture and is celebrating the legacy of these studios with an innovative new compilation release. Fourteen local artists were invited to reimagine tracks that were created at both studios. The album will be released as a limited-edition vinyl: ‘Rochdale Music Stories presents Kenion Street.’
Nigerian musician, dancer, and multidisciplinary artist Micah Stalgic leads us in with a reimagining of `Atmosphere` which for me was such a brave move as even Joy Division’s bassist, Peter Hook, has said he regards the song as one of the band’s greatest. The song became a kind of eulogy to singer Ian Curtis and was released a couple of months before he died and again after. Here it feels a little more upbeat with Micah`s vocals nigh on rapped, spoken and sung with local backing allowing the number to have an almost gospel like ambience. K-Estate who blend house-pop and electronic funk with a bold, street-style edge tackle `Damaged Goods` the debut single from Gang of Four, a number about “sexual politics”. They make it their own and offer up a delightfully pop come funky earworm.
Desyfer & Emma Konnanov share their version of `Twenty Four Hour Party People` from Happy Mondays debut album, and a track that deals with people on the dole who prefer partying to looking for work. Desyfer is a seasoned DJ and music producer with a rich history in the electronic music scene and creates a sound where singer/songwriter Emma`s rich and ethereal vocals are allowed free reign. An at times dreamy but compelling thumping electronic dance floor filler. `Keep The Circle Around` was on Inspiral Carpets demo album `Dung 4` from 1989 and pioneers of “Northern Funk, P*STARR share their foot tapping funky interpretation.
Leo HC shares his alternative‑folk version of The Chameleons `Up The Down Escalator` a track from their 1983 debut album `Script of the Bridge`. A wonderful delicate trancelike version. I remember seeing and hearing synth new wavers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) play `Electricity` when supporting Gary Numan`s Tubeway Army in Birmingham in September 1979. Here we have indie quartet PoolEra sharing a cracking and forceful guitar led take.
Greater Manchester`s vibe enthusiast Medley creates a delightfully dreamy trippy version of `Dreams Never End` a New Order number sung by Peter Hook and the opening track on the band’s debut album `Movement` from 1981. A Certain Ratio`s edgy jagged debut single `All Night Party` is reworked by Blvckout, a heavy-hitting alternative rock band from Littleborough who smooth out some of the edges but still retain that underlying sense of anxious tension.
Electronic musician and producer The Velvet Shadow creates a base for Maisie Thompson to provide her gossamer like vocals on an enticing dreamy electronic cover of `All Tomorrow’s Parties` by Nico, a song that was Andy Warhol’s favourite by The Velvet Underground. Jennifer Reid who has been referred to as a Lancashire dialect folk singer shares a scorching venomous version of The Fall`s `Totally Wired` which retains all the anger of the original. A song that Johnny Marr admits to being ‘obsessed’ with.
The final cut `Elephant Stone` is given a gentle folk like meditative ambience with brass tinges from Manchester Indie Christian band, From The Ground Up and features Bloom Music Community. A gentle and tender take on The Stone Roses classic that addressed loss, grief, existential crises, and a world in decay, allowing this reworking to garner an almost spiritual texture.
This compilation is almost overwhelming. There`s a deep beauty to and about it and it`s a tribute to Madchester or Cottonopolis that so many great bands were generated from the city`s depths and who choose to record within its suburbs. If you invest in one album this year, I suggest and recommend it`s this one, you will NOT be disappointed.
Rating 9.5/10
