Local band The Lottery Winners have dropped a new music video for their latest single featuring Shaun Ryder, simply entitled, ‘Money’.
The Leigh-based four-piece are about to release their new album, A.R.T (Anxiety Replacement Therapy), their fifth record in what has been a whirlwind few years for the band who have shot to fame both on the Manchester music scene and the UK in general.
Having already teased some serious collaborations on this latest project as part of the announcement, not to mention their track with Frank Turner, ‘Start Again’, gaining the group a whole new audience, fans were understandably buzzing to see Shaun Ryder join the roster of feature artists.
Not only does the Happy Mondays and ‘Madchester’ icon offer up his vocals on the track — having apparently ad-libbed his parts and even chucking in the classic line from ‘Call The Cops’ for some added nostalgia — but, as you can see, he is very much the star of the show in the brilliantly shot music video.
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Playing the lord of the manor (the very same Peaky Blinders‘ Tommy Shelby lives in, no less) as the band take on the role of a removal firm, Ryder is treated like the music royalty that he is throughout, with plenty of humour and energy running throughout.
The song is about something we can all relate to at the minute: “being skint”. Story of my life. That’s frontman Thom Rylance’s words, by the way, though it definitely makes the track feel like one for the moment.
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Better still, the band are backing it up with their upcoming UK tour starting this April, having sold out several venues already with their affordable ticket prices. Well in, guys.
While the band are obviously excited to see what people think of the rest of the album when it drops, they are still very much trying to get over having Shaun Ryder involved. Again, Thom’s words, not ours.
“SHAUN RYDER is on our single. How mental is that? Being in the studio with him was a very strange and wonderful experience. He gave me a conker that he had in his pocket for some reason. I love him. He’s a true Manchester music legend and truly is a genius.” Just Shaun Ryder things.
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And if you haven’t watched how they chose to reveal their new album, with a hilariously nostalgic and impressively accurate recreation of 90s TV show, Art Attack, then look no further.
The Lottery Winners‘ new album, Anxiety Replacement Therapy, is due to release on April 28 and Ryder won’t be the only recognisable voice you’ll hear on the baker’s dozen of a tracklist.
From what we’ve heard so far, it’s going to be another belter. You can pre-order HERE.
For now, you watch the full video for ‘Money’ featuring Shaun Ryder down below:
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Danny Jones -
16th February 2023 
