The Wake

I’m a little behind in my blog posting, as it’s been a whirlwind second week here in London. I’ll start with last Saturday. I went to a small basement club in the Tottenham area of Central London. I was initially denied at the door with the explanation of, “No football or rubgy shirts allowed.” I attempted a response but the pony tailed ogre was in no mood. He took a brisk step forward, placed his nose an inch from mine, and repeated, “NO FOOTBALL OR RUBGY SHIRTS ALLOWED,” this time with the full force of his baritone behind it. Unfortunately, I was the last in my group at the door, so I was on my own to hatch a solution. I went around the block asking strangers on their way in if I could temporarily borrow a shirt. Finally, a young Indian couple took interest and offered some advice. I turned my jersey (a ripped, two dollar Argentinean club jersey I bought in a market in Venezuela) inside out, and flared the collar. I zipped the jacket to the top and hoped for the best. The bouncer was fortunately distracted at my turn, and I was able to slip by.

The club was worth the hassle. It was like a time warp back into the 60’s. No longer was the dance floor covered in tightly packed groups of girls with a swarm of guys wrapped tightly around. It was spread open, with careless moves and gleeful expressions. People danced on platforms spaced throughout the horse shaped club. The music was a dream. The two 40 something DJs spun the finest assemblage of obscure Soul, R and B, 60’s pop, and modern rock. The first, named Ian, was a short African dude with a British accent. The other was a John Cusack type, but with blonde hair. I pestered both to write a set list for me to post, but neither would indulge. Here’s a few that I could remember by scribbling on my arm with a pen provided by my Finish and Estonian dance partners whom I’d met there.

“Alright” - Supergrass

“Reach Out” - Four Tops

“Flourescent Adolescent” - Arctic Monkeys

“Someday” - The Strokes

“Uptight” - Stevie Wonder

“Land of 1000 Dances” - Wilson Picket

“I Can’t Explain” - The Who

“Golden Skans” - Klaxons

“Take Me Out” - Franz Ferdinand

“A Little Less Conversation” - Elvis

“Rock N’ Roll” - Velvet Underground

“My Eyes Have Seen You” - The Doors

“Dance To the Music” - Sly and the Family Stone

“19th Nervous Breakdown” - The Rolling Stones

“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” - The Rolling Stones

“Alone Again Or” - Love

“Taxman” - The Beatles

“Day Tripper” - The Beatles (cover)

“Chelsea Dagger” - The Fratellis

It was an evening to remember, and I’ll surely be back. The Metros got live music most nights of the week, and a reputation for breaking new bands. Their Wednesday nights might also be of interest. Titled “I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor,” they guarantee at least 10 Artic Monkeys songs, and drinks are discounted for students.