Current track

Title

Artist

Current show

The Playlist

00:00 12:00

Current show

The Playlist

00:00 12:00

Upcoming show

Its F On Sunday

12:00 13:00

Background

Fab Rants

Manchester, is of course, one of the world’s leading cities when it comes to music. From The Hollies to The Buzzcocks, from Joy Division to The Smiths, it is a city that has always been a beacon of alternative music.

After 15 long years holding court on the airwaves, “The Ripman Show” is finally back to write a few words of wisdom trigger the music snob purists. To celebrate this auspicious return, I’ve decided to take a  proper look all over some of the most sacred relics lining the classic rock canon. That’s right, it’s […]

Right, listen up you bunch of jabronis who think a glorified calculator can replace the raw, pulsating soul of a true musician. Those articles gushing about AI composing symphonies and writing the next pop anthem? Hogwash! Drivel! The ramblings of a toaster programmed by a tone-deaf accountant!

So, you’ve formed a band with your mates. You’ve got the name (avoiding anything with the word “Wolf” in it, wise move), the questionable haircuts (essential for any aspiring musician), and a sound that could melt cheese from fifty paces (not ideal for gigs near Greggs, but hey, originality counts).

Ah, the rock and roll dream. Living the high life, groupies throwing themselves at you, hotels trashed on a nightly basis (though these days trashing a Travelodge gets you a stern talking to, not a rock and roll legend badge). But before you swap your day job flipping burgers for a life of questionable fashion choices and questionable hygiene, let’s have a reality check that’ll make your skinny jeans even tighter.

1971 stands as a landmark year in music history. Genres exploded, innovation thrived, and iconic albums emerged that continue to resonate today. Here’s a closer look at why these twelve releases deserve their place among the best of 1971, with the backdrop of the United Kingdom’s political climate that year.