Living as a Mod in the 21st Century

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The End Of An Era: The Last Of MODchicago’s Our Way Of Thinking






It took me a couple of weeks to come out with this post. I have  three good reasons why. One, I’m still riding high from the incredible 4 days I spent in the Windy City with people that I could probably describe as family. It took me a while to have my feet planted back on terra firma. Two, it’s hard for me to put into words how wonderful this event is and how it will be missed. Third, I spent the last couple of weeks preparing and shooting a TV show. More on that soon…

The last few posts were all about the incredible DJs that traveled from across North America  to attend the last Our Way of Thinking and with whom I had the honor of sharing the bill with. That's right, after a 10 year hiatus,  sadly the curtain is being drawn on the Our Way Of Thinking weekender. Let me just say that the DJs brought their "A" game  for the occasion and they delivered the goods! Let’s not forget Rhode Island DJ extraordinaire Ty Jesso and French spin master Laurent Réus that were not featured in the previous posts but will surely need posts all to themselves.

World traveler Laurent Réus teaching us a thing or two about Soul music
Ty Jesso lighting the dance floor on fire
None of this would have been possible without the Grand Poobah himself, Sir Eric Colin. Kudos to him for gathering such an incredible line-up! When you have people that are ready to travel from all over the world just to be part of the festivities, it says a lot about the man’s character.

The Man (with a capital M) Sir Eric Colin showing us what style is all about.
Let’s be honest, the crowd does not compare with a European weekender, with a few hundred people in attendance at best. In terms of quality, I have no doubt it can rival any of them.

In the DJ tradition of the past events, here’s my set list for both Friday and Saturday night.
 
Friday night set @ Liar's Club 
 
The Deltones – Gimme Some Lovin’ – EMI Colombia
Yvonne Elliman – I Can’t Explain – Purple
Tony Clarke – Landslide – Chess
Danny White – Keep My Woman Home – Atlas


Thelma Jones – Stronger – Barry

 
The Belles – Don’t Pretend – Mirwood
Billy Storm – Baby, Don’t Look Down – Loma
Johnny Rivers – Seventh Son – IR Imperial
Nancy Wilson – Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Capitol
Rose Batiste – Hit & Run – Revilot
Ronnie Taylor – I Can’t Take It – Nassau
Georgia Soul Twisters – You Shot Me (Through The Grease) – Mainstream
Sonny Raye – Whip It On Me – Jetstream
Les Hou-Lops – Pas Besoin d’un Docteur – Apex
The Human Beinz – Turn On Your Love Light – Capitol
The Hardtimes – Fortune Teller – World Pacific

DJ Miss KT in the Groove
Friday night crowd at the Liars Club warming up the dance floor
 Saturday night set @ Late Bar

James Kirk – Tell Me Please – Guyden


King Coleman – Do The Booga Lou (Part I) – Port
Eddy “G” Giles – Eddy’s Go-Go Train – Murco
The Metros – Since I Found My Baby – RCA Victor
The M.V.P.’S – Turnin’ My Heartbeat Up – Buddah
Gwen Owens – I Lost A Good Thing – Velqo
Wendy Rene – Bar-B-Q – Stax
Lee Rogers – Craked Up Over You – Wheelsville
Lou Lawton – Knick Knack Patty Wack – Wand
Elvis Presley – Rubberneckin’ – RCA Victor
Vandyke and the Bambis - Doin’ The Mod – Piccadilly
Charlotte Leslie – Les Filles C’est Fait Pour Faire l’Amour – Polydor
The Children Of Darkness – Sugar Shack A Go-Go – Royce
The Quid – Crazy Things – Eagle
Little Willie John – I’m Shakin’ – King
The African Beavers – Find My Baby – RCA Victor
Memphis Slim – Clap Your Hands – Fontana
Roy Redmond – Ain’t That Terrible – Loma


Vernon Harrel – Slick Chick – Lescay


DJ Derek See from California & DJ Parka Pat
DJ Bossy Boots & the lovely Ashlea
LA's DJ Soulmarcosa hard at work
Sir Eric Colin and DJ Midnight Cowbwoy exchanging loving glances
It was a bitter sweet ending to a great weekender. Sighs that will only be alleviated by some wonderful memories and lasting friendships.


The next post will be all about the incredible records I brought back from Chicago. Some great Soul coming your way!

4 comments:

  1. Nice one! It was great to meet ya Patrick. I hope to get out to Montreal soon. -Russell J Russell

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    1. Same here my friend. If you ever cross the border, you can expect the Parka Avenue VIP treatment from me!

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  2. Please let me know if you ever come to Japan! I live in Kobe and will take you and your wife around to all the good record shops, clothing stores and bars with 60s decor. I love mod, too.

    Do you have instagram?
    telerouge

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    1. How nice of you! I would love to visit Japan one day. I hear the Mod scene is quite spectacular.

      No I'm not on Instagram but maybe I should!

      Keep The Faith!

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