Pure Manchester pop perfection right here. Back in 1980, Chris Sievey—the absolute mad genius who would later gift the world Frank Sidebottom—penned a hyper-specific, brilliant slice of new-wave romanticism inspired by a real crush at the city's legendary Virgin Megastore. It’s an infectious, power-pop anthem bursting with chimey guitars, frantic energy, and the kind of DIY romantic desperation that makes you want to immediately start a band in your garage.
Of course, the corporate suits and tight-laced radio censors couldn't handle it. When major label MCA picked up Sievey’s independent Razz Records release, Virgin corporate forced a title change to "A Certain Manchester Megastore." Even with the sleeve scrubbed, the BBC slapped a total ban on the record because Sievey stubbornly kept shouting "Virgin" in the actual vocal track. It’s a textbook piece of British indie lore—a record too honest and too catchy for the airwaves.
