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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Steve Robson

Review: The Streets at Sounds of the City, Castlefield Bowl

So let’s put on our Classics and we’ll have a little dance, shall we?

For many of us it’s been more than 18 long months and we needed absolutely no invitation thank you Mr Skinner.

Friday nights like this, a big crowd and a big name act like The Streets headlining the Castlefield Bowl, is just what Manchester has been missing.

Children of Zeus, a homegrown duo who have made a name for themselves with their sweet soul sounds, got the party started as the sun was setting and the beer flowing.

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And by the the time Mike Skinner walked out we were all in the mood.

"I've got a lot to talk about ok, so just listen," he said. And we were straight into it.

'Turn The Page', the album opener from 2002's Original Pirate Material, still sounds as fresh as ever.

'Dont Mug Yourself' had the place bouncing.

Like a fair few of his audience, Skinner is now in his 40s and last year’s album, his first in nine years, reflected his new-found maturity.

The Streets perform at Castlefield Bowl (Scott M Salt Photography)

Fewer lyrics about drugs and chasing girls and more about relationships difficulties and being his own man.

With its long list of contributors, ‘None Of Us Are Getting Out Of This Life Alive’ is a duets album in all but name.
An array of talent lined up to work with Skinner, from indie bands Tame Impala and Idles to young rappers Ms Banks and Jimothy Lacoste.

It’s a shame Skinner hasn’t kept himself front and centre as he’s still able to nail the witty one-liners and love life observations.

“You know I’d give you my kidney just don’t ever take my charger” is one favourite.

‘I Wish You Love You As Much As You Loves Him’ takes us straight back to the early Noughties.

Before grime was all the rage we had something called garage, kids.

The Streets perform at Castlefield Bowl (Scott M Salt Photography)

In between the tunes Skinner found time to laud Manchester for its historical significance.

Vegatarianism, suffragetes, factories - "I'm glad this is not the capital city," he kept saying.

In fact, he was so glad to be in Manchester he invited everyone back to his hotel room, number 305 at the Midland.

As 'Blinded By The Lights' rang out we were all ready to join him to keep the party going.

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