“Are you a mod or a rocker?” Ringo Star-“I’m a mocker.”And so am I after experiencing the best night out at Mockers, in Stroud, that this jaded clubber has had in a long time.
I had heard rave reviews, myths about leather cat-suited women in cages and other tales of debauchery. Until
last Saturday however, I had not yet been along to one of these monthly(ish) nights being put on by vinyl obsessive, party enthusiasts Pavinyl and Nick (Solidkick) Buckle.
I arrived at about half ten and the smoky dance floor was already in full swing. What struck me immediately was the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. People of all ages, and an anything goes dress code makes this a welcoming place for anyone who like me goes out for the sole purpose of dancing and having fun, rather thanposing self consciously or drinking to oblivion.
The theme tonight is ‘Bunny’s and Boots’ so there is licence for all kinds of delicious eccentricity and exhibitionism, if you so desire. A gold flapper bunny and a 70’s glam rock bunny are getting down alongside modish chaps and rock chicks. Then there are the famous girls in cages, a tactical ploy promoter Pavinyl uses to set the tone for uninhibited partying, it seems his cunning plan is working tonight. Mesmerising projections of 60’s B movie pulp fiction, screen sirens, bunny girls and old school Hollywood glamour provide the back drop. There is live music tonight in the form of Liverpool band El Toro who play a fervoured set of filthy garage drenched in surf. They sound raw and reverby, in an ear splittingly good way.
The dancing continues in to the night as Pavinyl and Nick play a soundtrack of 60’s surf, garage, rock and soul. I’m transported back to a time before I was born when suits were tailored, mp3’s weren’t even imagined and we’re all Betty Page or James Dean. I’m already looking forward to next months Mockers. A classy night of excellent vintage.
I once asked a group I was working with what is your lowest risk and what is your highest risk, a flood of responses came back at me. Then one of the group turned the question on me, “Geoff What’s your highest risk and what is your lowest risk?”. I responded with my lowest risk was to go to war with my guys and my highest risk was to allow myself to cry in public while watching a very emotive film.
“Make sure you know what your trying to say before you start anything” that comes from a BBC journalist tutorial. Well I don’t know what I’m trying to say but I’m going to say it anyway.
NASHVILLE - Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and Kellie Pickler are the latest additions to the artist lineup for 2010 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13 in Nashville, Tenn. Previously announced artists include:
GRAMMY winning artist Neil Young was honored as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year in Los Angeles with a tribute that featured performances by multi-GRAMMY-winning artists T Bone Burnett, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Norah Jones, Dave Matthews, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Taylor, and Lucinda Williams. Also performing were GRAMMY-winning artists Elvis Costello, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Fogerty, Ben Harper, Booker T. Jones, Lady Antebellum, John Mellencamp, Jason Mraz, Leon Russell, and Keith Urban, and artists Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Jackson Browne, Neko Case, Patty Griffin, and Josh Groban, and rock bands Everest and Wilco.
plays the best music; a mature yet alternative mix of, classic, underground, independent obscure and cutting edge sounds presented by intelligent adults with knowledge, wit, style and passion. I’ve been listening to it as I’ve been writing this and Steve Lamacq has played tracks from Broken Bells, Flowered Up, Mumford and Sons and Delphic and now ACDC- where else? I ask you. For me it represents quality programming that effortlessly combines culture and entertainment with educational value (for music geeks like me anyway). That’s why I pay my license fee. As the anger subsides and a tear rolls down my cheek, I salute you Mr Lamacq sir, and all the presenters on 6 Music, you are an inspiration to me.
