Recommended - In The City
A Twisted Nerve In The City - Sunday 13 September. An evening dedicated to Andy Votel's much talked about experimental label. Bearded chappie and Dry Bar resident drinker Badly Drawn Boy will no doubt be wooing the crowds with his eerie bedroom folk-pop, whilst The Dakota Oak Trio finally reveal themselves and their funky shit. Turntables powered by Andy Votel, Sirconical and Dominic Thomas. Essential. Bierkeller. 10pm. £5.
International No-Fi Festival All Dayer - Sunday 13 September. Convinced that major label success ain't the be all and end all of making sweet muzik, Polythene and B-Fab UK decided to plug resources together and organise this value for money all-dayer at the city's punk venue. Bands that promise to entertain you far better than Robbie Williams ever could include Yummy Fur, Pink Cross, Space Kittens, Red Monkey, Polythene, B Fab UK, Die Kunst, Fleming, and Robot Roadstar. Compered by comedian Susan Vale and including DJ spins from Gold Blade gambino Jay Taylor. Star and Garter. 3pm. £3.50.
The Durutti Column, Graham Massey & Graham Clark - Monday 14 September. Personal vision of guitarist Vini Reilly (pictured), Durutti Column are one of those bands you tend to love or hate.
Fans will be pleased to know that this rare gig coincides with the release of a new album Time Was Gigantic When We Were Kids. Support comes in the form of an exciting collaboration between 808 State's musical pioneer Graham Massey and critically acclaimed jazz violinist Graham Clark. A must. Manchester Cathedral. 8pm. £10-£8adv.
Olympia, Bridget Storm, Cay - Monday 14 September. Playing alongside impressive Curve-like locals Bridget Storm are London's Cay who've already caused ripples of excitement due to their tuneful, noisy guitars and their vague resemblance to early Stooges, Jane's Addiction and (dare we say it?) Nirvana. Playlisted by the coolest DJs and praised by the music journos who still fall in love with new 45s, Cay are obviously a band you'd be stupid to ignore. Colliers. 8.30pm. Free.
Puressence, Electrasy - Tuesday 15 September. Failsworth guitar band signed to Island whose second album Only Forever is packed with anthemic songs and rippling guitars. This is their biggest gig to date and a buzz of excitement is guaranteed. Support comes from MCA act Electrasy whose second single 'Morning Afterglow' is packed with orchestral strings, piano and guitars. Tipped as one of the more unusual and original bands this year. The Ritz. 7.30pm. £7adv.

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