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While the Liverpool argument would almost certainly be finished by the phrase “Two words: The Beatles” and Ireland could only ever really come up with the answer “U2”, the Manchester scene has been so fertile over the years that the merest mention of it in the office prompted a near-riot.

After all, it’s the city that gave us The Buzzcocks, Joy Division, New Order, The Fall, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and Oasis – all bands guaranteed a place in any sane person’s list of the greatest bands of all time from anywhere.

Just below them lurk the likes of Magazine, James, Electronic, Inspiral Carpets, Badly Drawn Boy and Doves, while extending the search parameters slightly would mean mentions for likes of The Verve and Elbow.

Manchester bands have always been there, whatever the prevailing musical mood. Pre-punk, they brought us The Hollies, Elkie Brooks, The Bee Gees, 10cc and Herman’s Hermits. In pop terms, they’re responsible for Take That, M People and Simply Red.

The city’s dance heritage means it’s brought us 808 State, A Certain Ratio, A Guy Called Gerald, Manchester Uni students The Chemical Brothers and, lest we forget, MC Tunes.

And if you like to keep things indie, you can opt for King Of The Slums, New FADS, The Durutti Column, The Man From Delmonte, Easterhouse, The Chameleons, Big Flame or all manner of arty oddballs.

And I haven’t even mentioned Northside, Paris Angels, Intastella, The Adventure Babies, The Wendys and all the other 'Madchester' chancers, But that’s because they were, essentially, rubbish.

That aside, Manchester has never had much bad music to answer for. But who are the city’s favourite sons/daughters? Only the 6 Music massive can decide – your nominations, please …

Mark Sutherland