Profiles of some of the best 60s / Mod DJs in North America - Part III - The Chicago Chapter

 

Now that I have my suits pressed, my dancing shoes polished and packed, my passport ready, my record box sorted out and with just a few days before the start of the festivities at MODchicago 10: The Underground Symposium, I thought it would be appropriate to introduce to you, as part of our Best Mod DJs in North America series, a special post on the homegrown Chicago gang.

One thread seems to unite them all, aside from the vibrant city where they reside, is that they are passionate about music, especially when it comes to their love of late 60s and early 70s psychedelic music. This is what I love about MODchicago. You’ll get every music permutation of the Mod spectrum and the Paisley Underground is well represented. Something I’m not necessarily well versed on, so it’s always third eye-opening.

- Your name / DJ name: Steve Krakow, DJ Plastic Crimewave

- City: Chicago

- How would you describe your musical style? I spin anything that is good on 45.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

General Crook - What Time It Is

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

Stack Waddy- Bugger Off!

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

I have regular nights at the Whistler and Rodan in town. In July I'll be DJ-ing a bunch in London.

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

Yup, but I'll listen to anything.

- Your name / DJ name: Moe Madness

- City: Chicago

- How would you describe your musical style? 

Freak Rock elements with a touch of Bubblegum.

- What is your "go to" track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

It constantly changes but recently I've been playing Jigsaw - One Way Street quite often.

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

I'd love to get my hands on a copy of J.C. Heavy - Is This Really Me or Suzi Jane Hokom - Need All The Help I Can Get.

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

Alchemical Splendor at Late Bar every first Friday of the month. Randomly at Lokal and other local bars in Chicago.

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

Yes.

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

Out of print LP's I go to Permanent Records. For 45's and OG LP's,  eBay is the worlds greatest record store! 

- Your name / DJ name:

"PsychedAlex" My early gigs I started out as "Psychedelic Alex" but my friend Martin Nunez suggested "Psychedelics" play on words and the name has stuck ever since.

- City: Chicago born and raised

- How would you describe your musical style?

On the DJ floor I'm a huge fan of UK and Euro Psychedelia and Freakbeat with a fair share of US garage. Along with that, at home, I've grown to love Acid Folk and evenings are usually filled with flutes and fragile lyrics.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning? 

A non LP 45 by US Psych band The Yellow Payges, just a perfect trippy psychedelic dancer. I definitely played it my first ever DJ gig and also at my first apperance at MODchicago!

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection? 

I've been pretty lucky to have scored quite a few of my "holy grail" 45's. Of course there is NO such thing as enough! One that will probably always elude me is the ridiculously named The Walham Green East Wapping Carpet Cleaning and Boggit Exterminating Association track Mr Green.

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

Along with fellow music brothers Moe Madness and Sir Eric Colin, we DJ the first Friday of the month at Late Bar for Alchemical Splendor. We spin quality jams till 4 am and the dance floor is always happening at some point of the night!

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

Half of what I spin has not even made it officially onto CD, even if so I'll always spin vinyl.

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

eBay, Musicstack and various other online sources. Reckless Records in Chicago has turned up some amazing in-store finds.

Profiles of some of the best 60s / Mod DJs in North America - Part II

 

Just a few weeks away from joining the appreciative and energetic crowd of the MODchicago 10: The Underground Symposium weekender, I present to you part II in a series featuring some of the best and most dedicated Mod DJs this continent has spawned. I can’t express how honored I feel about joining this expert league of needle manipulators. If you have missed part I, make sure to have a look here at the new inductees of the Parka Avenue Hall of Fame.

If you want to nominate somebody or simply wish to toot your own horn about your prowess as a master selector, get in touch with me. The Parka Avenue Hall of Fame has some space to fill!

- Your name / DJ name: Katie Rinaldi AKA Miss KT

- City: Los Angeles by way of Chicago

- How would you describe your musical style?

My musical style is eclectic. I grew up in a musical household with The Kinks as a staple. As far as what I spin it's mainly uptempo R&B and Garage sprinkled with Italian Beat and Brazilian Fuzz.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

The one track that is always in my box is Soulful Dress by Sugar Pie Desanto. Don't ask me why but I love to start my set with it.

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

The record that's missing is Brian Diamond and the Cutters Shake Shout and Go. I want this one so bad it hurts. The first time I went to Spin Out, a 60s night in La, Dan Melendez was playing it. I almost knocked everyone over on my sprint to the dj booth to see the record I so badly wanted. Who knew it was in my city this whole time. So close but out of reach.

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

I am always at Live Kicks! It's a Wednesday night here in Los Angeles at Los Globos. There are live bands every Wednesday and I'm always on the decks.

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

YES! I love it! Love the sound, the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction and my cute little record box.

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

Everywhere. I love Rockaway Records in Silver Lake. They set up a turntable for me and I can get lost in their 45 boxes for hours. It's my form of mediation.

- Your name / DJ name

DJ Soulmarcosa aka DJ Marco Hammond aka Mark Weddington

- City

Originally from Triangle area of NC, currently residing in Echo Park, Los Angeles CA.

- How would you describe your musical style?

Go-Go Internacionale or International Psychedelic Soul.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

I've got a ton, but I've got to represent my Carolina roots with 1979's Gator Time by Essence of Truth on JuJu. 

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

The list keeps getting bigger but Rings & Things "Strange Things Are Happening" is a longtime want. I know of two copies currently up for sale in the 3-figure range, but I spent my money on a ticket to MODchicago instead... absolutely no regrets there!

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

The revival of THE HONEY MACHINE in Los Angeles takes place on Friday July 6 and should become monthly or bimonthly after that. Find out more here. I'm also a frequent guest at FUNKY SOLE and do spots from time to time at parties like BLACKEYED SOUL CLUB, UBIQUITY'S THE MOVEMENT, and DR. WHO.

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

For me personally, yes. Doing the research, traveling the country for spots and meeting new people in the process, drinking with friends at swaps, digging for hours to find that gem, holding the record in your hands while you clean it, spinning the actual artifact in front of an appreciative crowd who doesn't know the difference (but with other DJs who definitely do), it's all part of the experience and the culture. It shows that as a DJ, you care. Downloading MP3s from a blog and playing from a laptop just doesn't compare.

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

In North Carolina, the Raleigh Fairgrounds Flea Market was an often frustrating experience with incredible heat and humidity in the summer and biting cold in the winter. But it definitely yielded some gems like The Cykle and Moses Dillard Tex-Town Display albums for less than $5 apiece. In Los Angeles on Saturdays, I love hanging out at RECORDS LA with all the local DJs who inevitably roll through and proprietor Scott Craig who inevitably supplies everyone with free beer. Good Records NYC and the ModChicago record swaps at Delilah's are up there too!

- Your name / DJ name: Cassandra Holbrook / Bossy Boots!

- City:  Brooklyn / NYC

- How would you describe your musical style?

Moving & making move. This can range from early 50’s - late 60’s R&B, Blues, Popcorn and Soul to Garage-Mod-Freakbeat-Psych and Heavy / Stoner rock. I tend to like a lot of midtempo records and odd combinations of styles; raw production is nice too. I most enjoy mixing all the styles together and I am always given free rein at ModChicago! I don’t pre-plan any of my sets, ever.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning.

Hmmm..... prob. The Bit’ a Sweet – Is It On - Is it Off?  People love it & so do I, though I get bored with the same records over and over.

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection? 

Well I have to name TWO because there’s always an R&B and always a R&R:  so,  Carl Underwood – Ain’t You Lyin (Merging)  & Psycho – You Need Me (Frantic)  F*** I love these records.

 

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

I promote nights in bed .... zzz... just kidding.  Unfortunately I have to get up very early these days which curtails dj’ing ‘til 4am.  Occasionally I do on invitation. Last one was the Jonathan Toubin ‘Home Sweet Home’ party I think... & Rhythm n’Booze in Atlanta with my friend Brian Poust.

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

Out? Yes. In? No.  I love grabbing all the amazing stuff that comes up on YouTube now and downloading all the things I’ll never be able to have. 

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

  

I love eBay & Record Fairs (both for the digging around & the for the geekery). I always do WFMU here in the city, usually Allentown in PA, aspire to Austin & Birmingham, hopefully one day even Utrecht!  And hopefully one day Detroit!

Far from considering myself one of the top DJs from this great land, I thought that I could nonetheless play at my own game.

- Your name / DJ name: Patrick Foisy aka DJ Parka Pat

- City: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

- How would you describe your musical style?

Anything that will light up a dancefloor that has more likely been recorded between 1960 and 1969. I like playing obscure versions of well-known singles. I get an added kick out of spinning a French version of a popular 60s English title. I love seeing the faces of dancers suddenly realizing that it's not the song they were expecting and going: "Whaaaat?" A typical Parka Pat track is usually Soul, up-tempo, has lots of hand clapping and a drum break in the middle.  I call it the Modtreal sound.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

Funny how when you ponder on your own questions, suddenly you realize they're not easy to answer. So let's go with Ooh Poo Pah Do by Skip Easterling. I have great memories of picking up that 45 in the French Quarter in New Orleans.

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

The easy answer would be Frank Wilson's Do I Love You (Indeed I do) but I would probably end up selling it to pay off my mortgage. I wouldn't mind putting my hands on Frankie Beverly and The Butlers - That's What You Wanted.

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

The Mod Club night at Blizzarts in Montreal. It has been going strong every Saturday for almost 5 years now. I spin on average once a month. I owe it all to DJ Lee Modern and Parklife.

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

I pride myself in playing only vinyl and 99% of it is at a speed of 45 rpm. I  believe it takes real dedication, commitment and effort to build a record collection you can be proud of. Besides, when played in a club, it just sounds better. But I'm not a snob about it.

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

At any local record shop while on a trip. You leave the city with some great music and a meaningful souvenir. I picked up quite a few gems in places like Detroit, Chicago, Boston, New Orleans and Memphis. You can read all about my record digging expeditions on this very blog.

 

Profiles of some of the best 60s / Mod DJs in North America - Part I

As one of the largest Mod gatherings this side of the Atlantic is quickly approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce some of you to the best wax spinners the American continent has to offer. MODchicago is celebrating the 10th year anniversary of the Our Way ofThinking weekender. It has been known to attract some top DJs from around the globe and somehow I was fortunate enough to be invited to join this elite force for a second consecutive year.

Without further ado, here is part I of the Best 60s / Mod DJs in North America starting with THE man himself, the one behind MODchicago, Sir Eric Colin.

If you are interested in having any of the DJs featured here be part of your event or night, I’ll be happy to transfer the info to them (without the usual 20% cut!)

 

- Your name / DJ name: Eric Colin - Sir Eric Colin

- City: Chicago

- How would you describe your musical style?

Messianic 60’s / Heavy 70’s

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

Groovy Woovy By Los Buenos

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

Too many to mention but the glaring omissions would be “Don’t Blow Your Mind” By The Spiders and “Lay Down And Die Goodbye” by The Nazz; both early versions of what would become Alice Cooper.

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

Always Late Bar, sometimes Rodan.

I would love to promote MODchicago’s 10 year Anniversary Weekender Celebration.

It is as follows: As you glace back sullenly at yesterdays bankruptcies and forgotten promises, upon the horizon there is a time of great beauty and soulful endeavor waiting for you; a bacchanalian celebration of all that is righteous and magical.

Ladies and gentlemen, we ask you to join us in celebrating 10 years of the finest sounds in Chicago on June 22nd-23rd with MODchicago 10: The Underground Symposium. Our international DJs specialize in an all vinyl smorgasbord of Mod, Soul, Garage, Freakbeat, Psych & Hard Rock sounds designed specifically for your maximum dancing pleasure.

MEET AND GREET WITH THE ELITE AT LIARS CLUB

Friday June 22nd Liar’s Club 9PM-2AM
1665 W. Fullerton Parkway, Chicago
SOUL / R&B & GARAGE PUNK DJs slinging hot wax all night

MODchicago Garage Sale & Record Swap

Saturday June 23rd Record Fair 1PM – 5PM
Favorite Records
1535 W. Division St, Chicago IL
Come buy, sell and trade rare 45’s and LP’s with dealers from around the world
Free admission

Saturday June 23rd LATE BAR 10PM- 5AM

All night Soul / Garage / Freakbeat & Psychedelic dance party with DJs From Around The Globe! $10 dollars

Plus Psychedelic light show and a plethora of freaky flicks to view.

Your weekender DJs:

Laurent Reus – Revolver Records (Barcelona, Spain)
Midnite Cowbwoy – One Track Mind (Raleigh, NC)
DJ Soulmarcosa - Mescalina Club LA / Masala Beat Club (Los Angeles, CA)
DJ Parka Pat - Parka Avenue (Montreal, Quebec)
DJ Bossyboots – Smashed Blocked (New York)
Amanda Otto – Reaction (Baltimore, MD)
Plastic Crimewave - Plastic Crimewave Sound (Chicago, IL)
Moe Madness & Psychedalex – MODchicago (Chicago, IL)
Sir Eric Colin – MODchicago (Chicago, IL)
Derek See – Derek’s Daily 45 (San Francisco, CA)
Katie Rinaldi – Live Kicks / Intl Beat Club (Los Angeles, CA)

As you are introduced to a brave new world the only requirement will be that you give your body to the ritual!

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

Indeed it is!

 
- What is your favorite place to buy records?

Record Dugout in Chicago

 

- Your name / DJ name: Derek See

- City: Bay Area, CA

- How would you describe your musical style?

I mix equal parts R&B, beat and soul. I feel that my job as a DJ is to be the soundtrack to a party, so I keep it uptempo and never self-indulgent.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

Blowing Up My Mind by The Exciters, along with dozens of others.

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

An original copy of No One To Love by Pat Lewis

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

I don't have a regular night, currently. Often times I spin sets before bands- most notably, Iggy & The Stooges and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

YES

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

Anywhere and everywhere.

- Your name / DJ name: DJ Amanda Otto

- City: Baltimore/ DC

- How would you describe your musical style?

Sounds like it is 1969 and your foreign exchange student just joined the female chapter of Hell's Angels.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

Keith West - The Kid Was a Killer

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

A woman should never have to pick just one, we are made of sugar and spice! So for the sugar I need a copy of Ennio Morricone - Splash (from the Partner soundtrack) and for the spice I need Purple Sun - Doomsday!

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

REACTION! Happening 2nd Fridays at the Sidebar Tavern in Baltimore. Over six years of djs, live music, 2 for 1 drinks, a bus of vintage clothing and occasional body painting!

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

Far be it for me to decide what is acceptable for others, but for me the difference is like buying a vintage couture dress versus one from Walmart. But if you like Walmart, who am I to judge?

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

Hands down the Arbutus Record Fair, happening monthly at the fire hall in Arbutus, Maryland!

  

- Your name / DJ name

Brian E. Harris, DJ Midnite Cowbwoy (spelling is correct, JA patois ala The Harder They Come)

- City: I live just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina

- How would you describe your musical style?

I started out playing Soul (Stax, Motown), and Reggae (Ska, Rocksteady) mid-90s in the scooter & skinhead scene, through the years Funk, Northern Soul, Garage, Psych, & Mod sounds have continued to fill the record boxes and dancefloors.

- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?

I'm too ADD to keep a record in #1 spot for too long. I have a list a mile long of records that I beat the hell out of over the years.

- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection?

Paul Vann - One Track Mind

- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.

One Track Mind is usually the last Friday of every month at Neptune's Parlor in Raleigh NC

- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?

Of course!

- What is your favorite place to buy records?

These days eBay and various Facebook record groups tend to get most of my record money.

------------------------------------

Thank you to all the DJs who took the time to share their insights. A part II will be up shortly.

Is the scarf making a comeback as a Mod accessory?

With summer knocking at our door and the scooter season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to put those heavy football scarves or striped Ivy college scarves back in the closet and take out the more elegant silk ones. I’ve noticed, in the last few years, that the modern man has adopted the chic scarf in larger numbers. Some will say that it has never really left. I don't want to insinuate that the scarf ever went away, only that it's more present than ever. In my personal experience, during the Revival years, I don't remember ever seing someone wearing a silk scarf, at least not in my parts. I kept all my catalogs from that period (mainly Merc but also from Carnaby Cavern) and don't have any of them selling the silk ones. As for the footbal and college scarves, that's another story. No matter on which side of the coin you fall, the distant cousin of the cravat seems to be here to stay.

The Tootal brand has long been associated with Mod culture and for a good reason; they look damn good! Personally, they’re my favorite. You can still find some quality vintage examples online that won’t pull at your purse strings. The choice of colors and patterns are practically limitless. Stripes, polka dots, paisleys, you name it, they made it. When it comes to scarves, I’m partial to the late 60s paisley look. What a way to make a plain shirt pop out! Some new version are available at Atom Retro.

A classic houndstooth pattern from Tootal

Worn with a suit on a chilly night out with your lady or with your M65 parka out on a scooter ride to your local pub, it will make the difference between looking plain and dashing. How else can you make a army parka look acceptable?

 

The controversial Pretty Green has it’s own version of the Mod scarf but expect to pay for the name. My friend Dominic is a die hard adept but I haven’t brought myself to part with my money for what I consider vastly overpriced clothes. On the other hand, I’ve been guilty of paying a pretty penny for anything Fred Perry.

 

Speaking of Fred Perry, they had some nice ones flying off the shelves lately. They might be the safer choice for many but remain a great classic look.

Fred Perry scarf available at Asos.com

Peckham Rye has a collection worth checking out, although at £55, they are a bit out of my price range. They seem to be courting the Mod market because they’re currently the Modcast’s official sponsor. I don’t own one but they have a couple of models I wouldn’t mind wrapping around my neck. My friend Ger owns a few and can vouch for their high quality. This is what you would expect when you purchase hand crafted items from a company that has been in the business since 1799.

The Geometric Print scarf - Block 49 from Peckham Rye

For a simple yet smart look, make a stop at the Art Gallery website. This polka dot scarf is a sure bet at a reasonable £25. While you are there, you should browse through their knitwear. I have a feeling that one of them will make their way into my wardrobe. In the same price range, ModClothin also offers a few examples that can easily be added to your collection.

The Davies polka dot scarf from Art Gallery

The good people at Ace Face Clothing have some outstanding tonic scarf and hankie sets for £70. Let me just say that they are tempting, very tempting.

The Vintage Mallard Tonic scarf from Ace Face Clothing

Finally,  the London based Mendoza Menswear has a nice silk scarf collection at your disposal and at £40, they are worth a second look.

There are some smart looking scarves out there for every budget. I’m sure there’s one with your name on it.

My personal favorite, a vintage Grosvenor Tootal scarf