At just 63 years of age, it was sadly reported today that Mani, bassist from The Stone Roses and later Primal Scream passed away. The Stone Roses are one in a long line of iconic Manchester bands that spread their influence far and wide. Their self titled debut released in 1989 is my all time favourite album. Through the mid-late 90s it was a personal tradition to listen to it on the way to university during the first week of school every year, all while sitting on the bus and watching the sites pass by.
The debut album is still a formidable album. Released during the “second summer of love”, for many it was the comedown album after going to the rave. Mixing sixties guitar pop, Mancunian swagger, indie beats, and a touch of Simon & Garfunkel lyricism – it is a perfect mix of sounds. Iconic in music and look, The Roses captured the sound of young UK while wearing flared jeans and bucket hats, paint splattered across guitars and album covers ala Jackson Pollock. The band burned brightly for a short time. In his early 60s, Mani still had years to go. Never to be topped, Mani and The Stone Roses will never be forgotten.
The Light Appears 