UK nightclubs dance to a beat of their own
By Heather Irish, Staff Writer
March 30, 2007 | 9:33 p.m.
There has been a long running joke about European music. Of course there is always some truth to the stereotype; for instance, there are a lot of nightclubs and pubs that play the "European" techno music. One of our favorite pubs, Salt, transforms from a nice nautical pub during the day to a packed nightclub at night.
The first night we went to the club it played a great selection of dance tunes. However, the next time we went the soundtrack was so random and strange that you couldn't even dance to it. The highlight of the night, in between the James Brown and the slow '90s ballads, the DJ announced "the number one song in the UK last year." The Baywatch theme song played to the amazement of the interns.
At nightclubs, including Salt, it is extremely hard to request songs. I had the hardest time requesting one of my favorite dance tunes, "Sexyback." I was promised several times that it would be played by several different DJs. Even when my American and Welsh friends went up to request the same song, the fact that many people requested the same song didn't seem to phase the DJs. Instead they filled the whole night with European power ballads of the '90s and American classic rock. Then "Sexyback" would be played as either a dance remix medley or as the very last song of the night. No girl wants to dance to "Sexyback" as the last song of the night when her shoes are killing her.
But while I did go to some interesting clubs, where I heard more Tina Turner and James Brown songs than I'd heard in a while, there are still some amazing British songs and bands to watch.
The band Kaiser Chiefs’ sophomore album "Yours Truly, Angry Mob" has a great single called "Ruby" that has a great tempo for those spring walks through College Green. The band has a nice, edgy vibe that fans of The Killers would enjoy.
Take That is a huge band in the UK. Its new album "Beautiful World" has two hit songs: The upbeat song "Shine" and the ballad "Patience" are both worth downloading [legally that is].
Another big hit, and my personal favorite, is Mika. He's a new artist that made it big with his hit "Grace Kelly," which I hope will reach the United States. In his pop rock song that is reminiscent of the '70s soft rock era, "Grace Kelly" really has you dancing to your iPod. While no one can repeat the talent of Queen's Freddie Mercury, Mika's high voice is a reminder of the late singer.
While I don't necessarily like British rocker Amy Winehouse, her soulful R/B song "Rehab" is good. She won many British awards and has already released her album in the United States.
Whether you’re going to nightclubs with unusual song choices or listening to my recommendations on your iPod as you walk to class, the European and British music scene is definitely worth checking out.