So many of us easily forget that the Mod culture was all started by teenagers. Two reasons explain why I'm still fascinated by it after so many years. One, I refuse to grow up. File it under "I'm a kid at heart". Two, it's the only subculture that you can still pull off after you turn 40. What man doesn't look good in a tailored suit at that age? Having a 10 inch mohawk might be harder to do. A pierced face, a cape and some black painted nails will get you noticed but people won't take you seriously. How about a crooked baseball cap, sneakers and oversized jeans? Think that will work for you?
In my endless quest to explore every aspect of Mod, I came accross this comic book. (Thanks Oliver!)
Click on image to enlarge
The first issue of Swing With Scooter came out in June-July 1966, just when the Mod "craze" hit the North American shores in the midst of a British Invasion tsunami. The story is pretty straight forward. The most famous English singer since The Beatles has deserted his British group, The Banshees, to start fresh in the good 'ol US of A. In your typical Archie type adventures, Scooter and his mates try to attain the American dream by being shrunk by lasers, battling martians and being transformed into vegetables. You know, your average teenage stuff.
Don't expect a true Mod being depicted in this 36 issue run. It is a DC comic afterall. For one, what's up with this Honda Cub / Zundapp Bella scooter hybrid?
But in issue #31, you see him scoot around in a Vespa / Lambretta crossbreed mishmash. Check out Clothes Make The Man and what we have all lived at one point in our lives while going to the "Mod Shoppe".
Our friend Scooter is starting to look more and more like Archie and his gang.
Knowing that I've long stopped collecting comic books since the tender age of 15, why bring this Scooter fellow up on Parka Avenue? Aside from some quirky Mod dilemmas and quanderies, the attempt at sounding cool is what makes it worthy of a closer look. You have to give credit to the writers Barbara Friedlander and Jack Miller for trying to make the characters sound like they are part of the in-crowd. And who here hasn't been faced with going to a dance without having a new Mod outfit to wear? Have a look and a chuckle.
Back in June 2012, I started a series of posts introducing you to some of the best Mod DJs in North America. It's easy to develop a complex of inferiority when we compare ourselves to our British and European cousins. (That is such a Canadian trait!) But we shouldn't! We have some skilled, talented (yes, it does take talent) and dedicated master selectors on this vast continent of ours. We should be proud! Being a DJ myself, I can garantee you that we don't do it for the money. We do it because we are pasionnate! Up in the Great White North, you might see us spin with some beaver pelt covered headphones but we do it in style. Here's an all-Canadian line-up of some of the best DJs to hit the Mod scene.
- Your name / DJ name
Marty Emanuel / DJ Mod Marty
- City
Now, Winnipeg. Previously Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.
- How would you describe your musical style?
I gravitate toward Northern Soul and Rare Soul. I love British R&B with Small Faces, The Action, The Artwoods, Alan Bowen Set and The Birds in my top drawer. But Soul is my passion.
- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?
It's hard to pick one. I can revive a dance floor with Tainted Love by Gloria Jones but I can keep a hot dance floor going with Can't Sit Down by Phil Upchurch or Shake by Shadows Of Night. I love to throw in People In Me by The Bonniwell Music Machine or Snoopy by the Playboys. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations or Love Potion #9 By The Spinners are soul go-to's but a real hot soul dancefloor will hear Turn On The Love Lights by Oscar Toney jr. and Everybody Dance Now by Soul City.
- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection.
Again, hard to pick one. Forever Bliss - Chalklit Milk Revue, She's Got Everything - The Kinks (B-Side to Days), So Is The Sun - World Column and Break Away by Steve Karmen, the instrumental version.
- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.
In Winnipeg you can catch me DJing most King Cabernet events. We do special nights dedicated to Stax or Motown or Andy Warhol's Factory and so on... but the regular night is Shindig at The Yellow Dog Tavern on Princess St. once a month, free to get in and sponsored by Creemore Beer, so... cheep Creemore beer.
- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?
Short answer is yes. Long answer is that all those records I can't afford or can't find I can play on Virtual DJ and I don't have to shlep 1000 pounds of vinyl around. That being said I will always choose vinyl over anything else. I have been collecting rare vinyl for 15 years and I love it when people are surprised that the song they are loving in the moment is needle in groove. Warms the cockles of my heart.
What is your favorite place to buy records?
I buy a lot of my stuff now from recordsbymail.com because there are only two tiny record stores in Winnipeg. Whenever I'm in other cities I'll hit up any store I can find.
- Your name / DJ name
Scott "Bjørn Late" Birksted, (aka Ska-tee). My moniker is a combination of my middle name and a joke about being born late for my musical tastes.
- City
Ottawa, Canada
- How would you describe your musical style?
Dynamic, a melting pot of early R&B, Northern Soul, Minor Key Ska, Mod Jazz, Rocksteady, Reggae, Funk, Latin sounds, Garage, Afrobeat ... and always some Slow Jams to close off the evening.
- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?
Hope We Have - The Artistics
- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection.
Bob and Fred - I'll Be On My Way
- What is the weirdest request you ever got?
"WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE TO GET SOME BRITNEY UP IN THIS BITCH!" - Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.
Over the past ten years I've went from one Friday a month (Ska, Soul, Rock N Roll), to a monthly Saturday gig (Meltin' Pot), then pairing that with every Thursday (Rocksteady Soul/Double Barrel).
Right now I'm taking a hiatus from regular gigs, casually looking for a new venue and taking on occasional guest spots. Look out for an appearance at the Double Barrel out door editions this summer. Those parties are killer.
- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?
I'd say v inyl and specifically 45s are tied to credibility in these circles. It's also key to set differentiation amongst peers.
I think most of the dance floor would say it doesn't matter in the least, playing off strictly vinyl is just 'neat'.
But so much of the fun is in digging: turning up rarities, new discoveries, big money tunes, or things you just love, then dropping them over a big public PA.
- What is your favorite place to buy records?
In person, at shops, garage sales, antique markets, etc. I do buy off eBay sometimes.
- Your name / DJ
Garry Armitage / DJ Gaz
- City
Ottawa, Canada
- How would you describe your musical style?
Mod. Northern / Hammond Groove / 60's backbeat / Brit-pop. All the best from the late 50's to the mid 90's.
- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart - NEVER get's tired. Isley Brothers - Shout - Guaranteed floor-filler. I have two copies so I can play part 1 and part 2 back-to-back, good fun!
- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection.
If price is no object, then the obvious choice is an original copy of Frank Wilson's Do I Love You (Indeed I do). Only 5 in existence, goes for $25,000 plus. I do have this as a re-issue, of course ($20).
- What is the weirdest request you ever got?
Not really a weird "request" but rather a weird "reason". A kid asked for Green Day, when I politely said "No", he said pointing at the MOD banner behind me and said "But you HAVE too". I said "I don't HAVE to do anything" to which he replied "But isn't this Much On Demand?". *sigh* - Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.
Every Sunday is The Mod Club (Ottawa) at Babylon Nightclub - 317 Bank Street, Ottawa, Canada. We are in our 10th year now and no end in sight.
- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?
A Mod lives with the past, not in it. I see no reason to deprive the audience of a great track simply because I can't find it (or afford it!) on vinyl. That being said, my preferred format will always be the 7" 45. I use my enormous CD collection (all bought and paid for!) to inform my vinyl quests.
- What is your favorite place to buy records?
eBay.
- Your name / DJ
Ben Shulman / DJ Papa Bill - City
Montreal, Canada
- How would you describe your musical style?
Gritty R&B from the late 50's / early 60's. That's my flavour right now, my top sound fluctuates quite a bit, it used to be Garage and Northern Soul! Who knows what's next?
- What is your “go to” track? The one you will likely never get tired of spinning?
Fire by Gino Parks on Tamla.
- Regardless of price, name THE record that is missing from your collection.
Oh dear... I'm Going Home by Prince Conley on Satellite.
- What is the weirdest request you ever got?
LMFAO and Ke$ha... this is a SOUL night people!
- Where can we see you spin on a regular basis? Tell us about the night or an event you would like to promote.
Mod Club Montreal and Bang 'N Shout. Mod Club is a weekly affair on Saturday nights and Bang 'N Shout is a monthly gig, both located in beautiful Montreal!
- Is vinyl the only acceptable format for playing your style of music?
In Part I of A Mod's Shopping Guide To Las Vegas, records and clothes were the main focus. It was geared towards the budget minded Mod that wants to bring back a memento or two from his Vegas vacation. In this post, unless you have deep pockets or have made a killing at the black jack table, we will instead collectively dream upon gazing at some photos of furniture and accessories we wish we could afford or more importantly manage to bring back in our suitcase.
Even if Las Vegas is not meant to be seen by foot, the Downtown Arts District has a vast array of antique shops within walking distance.You can buy everything a Mod needs to decorate his space age pad.
By far my favorite has to be Retro Vegas. A quick look at these photos, you'll understand why.
For the Star Trek look
A few steps down the street is the Corner Store, a place where modern furnishings rub elbows with a few vintage pieces. In need of a Arne Jacobsen reproduction Egg chair? You'll find it there. With "bespoke" painted on the wall and a couple of cool modern paintings of arrows, it has the potential to attract a few vacationing Mods.
Across the road is Medusa's Antiques. It's worth walking in just to have a look at the Sammy Davis Jr. custom made shirt.
While you're there, go to the back of the shop where you'll find a tiki room full of goodies. You'll have everything you need for your next luau party: records, tiki mugs, shakers.
Some of you might know that every time I go on a trip, I like to bring back a piece of art. This escapade was no exception. In this room I found some out of sight art by Derek. Although not a Las Vegas native, this Atlanta, Georgia artist had some groovy pieces on display. I flipped my wig when I eyeballed this far-out four color silk screened serigraph entitled Wail On. With a limited run of only 70, I had to put my paws on it man!
To bad this one wasn't for sale. You dig?
A few doors down is JJC Clocks & Antiques. Once you have passed the room full of clocks (enough to make you coo coo!) you might find something that floats your boat. In fact, in the back room there was a rough looking Vespa GS150 with some eye catching authentic accessories bolted on. My mate Eric passed right in front of it and didn't even see it!
A short stroll down Main St. and you'll come across the Vintage Vegas Antique Mall. Just ignore the poor-excuse-for-a-scooter 80s Honda Spree near the entrance and go right in. This might be a good spot to buy a souvenir. You'll find kitschy vintage Las Vegas knick-knacks that won't leave you penniless.
Off Main Street, at 10 W Wyoming Ave is Sin City Pickers. Loads of stalls for you to roam through.
If you feel like taking a long walk, you might want to hop over to the Las Vegas Boulevard near the infamous Pawn Stars headquarters (don't bother going in, it's a waste of time). Their neighbors, on the other hand, might be worth checking out. One thing's for sure, you can't miss Lost Vegas Antiques.
After a few hours of intense shopping, time to head over to Las Vegas' best kept secret for a well-deserve respite. A short brisk walk from Antique Alley is Frankies Tiki Room. Now, this place is a must. Don't argue with me. Don't give me any excuses. Don't come up with your "I got drunk last night and just the thought of alcohol makes me nauseous" routine. Just go!
Places like this are getting harder to find. You know, the type of place we end up calling an "institution". I don't recommend it to an alcoholic because the glasses are tall and the drinks are strong. There's even a system of skulls on the cocktail menu to indicate how stiff your libation is. If you want to immerse yourself in a retro tiki kitsch vibe and that you see velvet paintings as genuine art then you'll go bunkers for this joint. The mix of 50s and 60s surf, garage and exotica music will make you want to savor your Wild Watusi and stay for as long as you possibly can.
Beware of the Tiki Gods or you'll die, die, die!
Eric, the cool cat.
The Tiki with a pair of aces, my new best friend.
Like most places in Sin City, they serve cocktails all around the clock. And with the place being so dark (and when I say dark, I mean DARK!) you'll loose any sense of time and space. It's the Twilight Zone of tiki bars!
The best part about this bamboo lounge is that for a nominal fee, you get to leave with your tiki mug. I can't think of a better souvenir! Word to the wise, leave your scooter at home. The taxi driver will soon be your best friend.
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