Thursday, July 22, 2010

5 More London Club Classic Soul Tunes

Soul Saturdays have spread to more than one popular London nightclub - and while there is plenty of Top 40 stuff and current artists to be heard at these nights, you'll also find the DJ paying a healthy homage to the godfathers and soul sisters of the genre. Today we check out another 5 of the songs that'll make you feel good ... I knew that you would now!
Reach Out (I'll Be There), The Four Tops
You might not know who originally recorded it, but you'll certainly recognize that chorus! Always fab to hear this tune when you're out with your buds, looking for nothing but a great Saturday night. You'll recognize the lead singer's voice from I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch). If it isn’t the Four Tops version you hear, it could be any of twenty odd popular covers - Elton John, Gloria Gaynor, Boyz II Men, Clare Teal and Diana Ross have all done their own versions.
Hold On, I'm Comin, Sam and Dave
Another great, clightly cheeky tune to use as a reason to approach that guy or gal you've had your eye on in a London nightclub! Sing the lyrics to your potential partner ... but don't be too serious, let a little self-deprecation in for best effect. This song was named in the top 100 songs of the past 25 years by Rolling Stone.
Lady Marmalade, Labelle
Whether the original by Labelle, Xtina's or the All Saints version that's playing, it's a rare day that doesn't see the dancefloor of every nightclub in London filled when Lady Marmalade comes on! For those of you who had never really questioned the seemingly random arrangement of sounds in the chorus (like myself, I'm a little ashamed to admit!), it is actually a French phrase - Voulez vous coucher avec moi (ce soir)? It translates to 'Do you want to sleep with me tonight?'
Chain of Fools, Aretha Franklin
She's soul sister number one ... and this track, which came out around the same time as Respect, was one of those that cemented this status. This London nightclub soul favorite was honored with a Grammy when it came out, and also with a Hall of Fame Grammy.
What'd I Say, Ray Charles
Well! Wikipedia, at least, credits this track with actually birthing the genre of soul. I'd confidently say that new genres take time to define - but it certainly catapulted Ray Charles into the mainstream spotlight. It comes in at number 10 in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and Ray Charles closed every concert with this song from 1954 onwards. It's a staple for any self-respecting RnB club.


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Newest Hot Hairstyles for London Nightclubs

If you're sick of everything in your wardrobe (well, more so than usual!) and need a whole new look for your next adventure clubbing in London, we know what you need! A new hairstyle costs far less than new heels and a frock, will stay in fashion far longer, and can make you feel fresh for everything from hitting the nightclubs in London, to work, to visiting your folks. Today we check out 5 new standard and celebrity hairstyles that are great for hitting the bar, the dancefloor ... even the line outside.
Monique Coleman
This gorgeous hairstyle will work for both the shorties and the longies among us - Monique Coleman has long hair, and it's pinned up at the back, but you could just as easily curl and wave a short back to look the same. The style is a best suit for gals with fairly thick hair, although it will work on any face shape. Best to try it out on a day when the girls are coming over before your clubbing in London session and the hairstyling can be fun, rather than a chore. It'll take around 2 hours to do ... be prepared!
Taylor Lautner
This is a very easy guys London nightclub hairstyle - run a bit of wax or moulding gum through it and it's ready to go. If you like this style, it's probably best to bring the pic into your hairdresser and ask for a cut that will allow you to do this easily ... and properly! It won’t work if your hair is too fine or naturally wavy/curly - that's the only caveat.
Christina Aguilera
Want a look that will take you from the elegant atmosphere of London nightclubs like Chloe to the jiving dance floors of Soul Saturdays at The Refinery? Christina's got the ticket - this style is both feminine and cutting edge, and if you have naturally curly hair it's actually pretty easy. You could even do the two-tone with hair extensions, if you aren't up for the zebra look for work!
Talulah Riley
Isn't it funny how when you just roll out of bed, you never have a 'just rolled out of bed- hairstyle like Talulah Riley's?! She put a bit of effort into that bedhead, but not too much ... so if you've got long locks and no time to do anything more imaginative, this sexy look is a lifesaver. Won’t suit if you don't have layers, though.


Friday, July 9, 2010

Another 5 Fun Cocktails to Try This Weekend

Heading out to get your drink, your dance and your teensy dress on? There's one surefire way to ensure that your night at a London nightclub feels, new, different and memorable. Try a new drink or five! Okay, so maybe the new drinks won’t help with the memory - but they'll certainly up the fun factor. Today we check out some of the most popular drinks from around the clubbing in London scene this year. Just one thing to remember when you’re busy branching out, spreading your wings and flying through the entire cocktail recipe book ... different types of alcohol will often make your head feel more 'different' than usual, the next day!
White Christmas
Once you've tried it, you'll certainly start dreaming about it! Don't be surprised if extra bottles of amaretto and vodka find their way into your home liquor cabinet, as well as some purely pleasurable heavy cream and nutmeg appearing in the fridge, after you try this divine beverage. It's simple to make - equal parts amaretto, heavy ceram and vodka, with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Angel's Wing
It's definitely a girl drink, this one. You mix half an ounce of brandy, half an ounce of crème de cacao, and 1 tbsp cream in a speciality glass. If you get the pouring technique right (first Crème, then brandy then cream ... carefully!), you'll have a lovely layered drink.
Noel's Nooner
Not every bloke likes this drink. It's vey much a love or hate thing... and those that love it have no idea how the haters could be so cruel and heartless! It's a bit of a tricky drink (bring your own recipe for the bartender at your London nightclub) - it mixes ¾ of an ounce of dry red wine, dark rum and Plymouth gin (gag!), plus an ounce of orange juice and a lime slice which change the drink completely.
Original Tequila Sunrise
If you haven't tried a Tequila Sunrise, stirring slowly across the skies, there's no better time than this Saturday! Every bartender in town will know how to knock up one of these tequila, orange juice, lime juice and grenadine concoctions up.
Peppermint Patty
The little tomboy redhead from the Charlie Brown cartoons is all grown up and doing delicious shots at her favourite club in London now! This drink mixes ½ ounce each of crème de cacao and peppermint schnapps with an ounce of cream.