Kings of Spin

As the election is in in full swing and the spin doctors are rife and shovelling their stuff across the media I figured I too would engage in spin; although I thought I would have a quick waffle about the Mod/Soul DJs that royally entertain virtual mods and soulies aross the grid, 

There are several virtual DJs focussing their sets on mod/soul tunes at the present time, and whilst the number of clubs seems to be in decline the number of DJs seems to be increasing. The healthy number of DJs can only be good for the scene as after all , fashion, scooters, club architecture are merely decorative features that hang off the crucial foundation of the scene ... the music!

Currently found playing at Soul Mods and the AAi  Edensky Cortes and Kimbereley Sixpence played one of the first mod sets I attended on the grid. Kim and Eden play some sharp tunes, lots of ska and beat bands alongside some classic soul and monster mod favourites from The Who and the Small Faces. Often found playing at the same clubs is Sean Bernheim, an esoteric style Sean plays some of the coolest tunes on the grid, its unstructured its unusual and its always got tunes that spiral in from the nether regions of mod.

Northern Soul plays a huge role in the virtual mod scene and there are a couple of notable DJs playing this classic style. Atop the Northern pile sits Baron Ansome who seems to possess an endless supply of Northern Soul stompers and sixties delicacies, he can be found plying his musical wares at Soul Mods and a few other select clubs, join his group to keep informed. Northern Soul at its best from the best. Thats not to say there are not other outstanding DJs pumping Northern Soul into the grid. Another great champion of the genre is Dragon Bogbat late of the Twisted Wheel and who can now be found at his new club Dragons Den, he plays a great blend of classic Northern Soul; check his club here its well worth the trip. Speaking of The Twisted Wheel, where essentially it all began and still a mod hub despite its reincarnations and heavy leather presence, it plays host to many DJs playing a variety of sixties inspired sets, check their DJ calender. A new DJ to their roster is Marcus Arkin who had his own club at Soul Suite but is now a regular at The Wheel, he also plays a mean selection of Northern Soul and is worth checking out.

One of the best and most eclectic DJs on the grid is Micio Braveheart who along with her partner DJ  JarvisMudhoney Blackheart, play awesome mod tunes over at the Good Mixer. Yet another DJ worthy of mention is Nero Basevi who plays a mellow brand of soul at his Fabulous Soul Club. The final piece of a majestic Japanese soul triumvirate is Fujiyama Yokosuka who also plays a very chilled set of soul. Alas because of time zone differences I do not get to hear these talented DJs as much as I would like too, but they are well worth checking if you can fit them into your virtual schedule.

Now for a DJ that is always on my schedule: Boone Blanco, more known for his soul and funk sets at the Original Soul Rebel Head Quarters, can often be found coming out of his mod shell at special events, club openings and the like. He plays a blend of generic sixties, Northern Soul and sharp mod tunes and its worth listening to, and he draws a friendly crowd wherever he plays. The OSR HQ also plays host to a stable of DJs who play a blend of soul and funk that is worth checking. On occassion you'll find master builder and scouse superstar Slate Mcleod spinning his Northern Soul delights, or mod classic and revivalist masterpieces. The geezer is mod hardcore, albiet with a dodgy goatee. Other DJs to check are the wonderful Divine Law who whilst not playing mod does play a rather fine blend of soul and funk .. so check it!

Another worthy of mention is Davey MacIntyre of the 5.15 Club who appears to have gone quiet of late, real life commitments maybe. He plays a great classic mod set: soul, sixties and revivaklist tunes and well worth a listen too.

Returning to Soul Mods for the final DJ worth looking out for is Tabby Galthie who has begun regular Friday night sets, wonderfel Motown and awesome Northern Soul appear to be stalwarts of her Friday night set and I'd advise people to get along for a great night out.

Undoubtedly I have missed other outstanding virtual DJs but as my virtual time is limited I am unable to check every DJ online so these are a selection of MY favourites, its not an objective DJ critique far from it its wholly subjective with me choosing to pump up the profiles of the DJs I like to listen to. The Mod/Soul DJ department seems healthy with many more on the grid than when I entered the virtual worl couple of years back, hopefully the crowds keep coming and the scene grows from stength to stength. But DJs need clubs and there appears to be a decline in the number of viable Mod clubs hosting events, hopefully a recovery is on the horizon. Many events clash which means I cant get to everything I want to but rather that than a return to the spandex Friday and endless steams of US inspired insipid soft rock. So rejoice in our Mod Soul champions and dance til your feet burn, oh and Mods please lose some of the leather you look like a greaser mate, hahahaha.

Albion fulfills virtual DJ fantasy