A very good evening!
Will write a longer post later on. The highlights however included:
- Meeting the cool forum members.
- STA at midnight.
- Spilling some wine.
- Hereing the aninmal song.
- Chatting to the brothers in the club after.
Sorry for a short post, bed is needed![/list]
Forum
Turnmills!
MultiQuote
#3
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Posted 01 January 2006 - 7:08 PM
awesome awesome set from the Chems. The previous session was cool, highlights for me were Trentemoller's remix of Royksopp's What else is there and a song I still refer to as 'the Steel banging track', mips told me the name but I forgot it, it was played again at the end of the set.
As acidchildren said Surface to Air was played on midnight, Tom and Ed skillfully timing the beats dropping (around 1.30 into the track) with the clock striking midnight. I can't name most of the tracks they played, but some old favourites from Live at The Social were in. The set surprised me, from a conversation with Tom (irishfan) in Wetherspoons before the gig, it sounded like it was gonna be a real mixed bag of tracks, but it was mainly 4/4 acid house. There was one track where the bass was so heavy my whole body was shaking (could it have been an attempt to recreate the famous Leftfield gig where the bits were falling from the ceiling?) I thought the selection of Chems tracks was great, some tracks played that I never expected - H.I.A, Nude Night, Under the influence (EBW 3 mix), EBW6, Believe, S2A, Enjoyed. Nude night, Under the influence, all were awesome. I was pleasantly surprised by Nude night, this track rocked! (I think Tom (irishfan) was the most impressed ;-)). Surprisingly there was no EBW7, but I'm not complaining.
Most of us were right at the front (as you'd expect!), but once the Chems started there was a lot of pushing (I got smacked in the face by a girl on the podium), me, Shaun (iggy) and Dave settled a bit further back, but made our way back to the front later on, then I had my turn on the podium with Jeanie and Tim (Darkstar) who stayed up there for the whole set!
After the gig, Acidchildren (I think) brought Ed round to the back room to have a chat, I think I had 3 handshakes from him altogether! X-D Top bloke.
It was a great night, every forum member who I met was awesome, it was great to meet everybody, even though I didn't get to speak to some people as much as I'd have liked, obviously being in the club you have to shout at people to be heard, I get to the stage where I can't be bothered any more.
A brilliant night, cheers everybody!
(For the record, 3 people asked me for pills)
As acidchildren said Surface to Air was played on midnight, Tom and Ed skillfully timing the beats dropping (around 1.30 into the track) with the clock striking midnight. I can't name most of the tracks they played, but some old favourites from Live at The Social were in. The set surprised me, from a conversation with Tom (irishfan) in Wetherspoons before the gig, it sounded like it was gonna be a real mixed bag of tracks, but it was mainly 4/4 acid house. There was one track where the bass was so heavy my whole body was shaking (could it have been an attempt to recreate the famous Leftfield gig where the bits were falling from the ceiling?) I thought the selection of Chems tracks was great, some tracks played that I never expected - H.I.A, Nude Night, Under the influence (EBW 3 mix), EBW6, Believe, S2A, Enjoyed. Nude night, Under the influence, all were awesome. I was pleasantly surprised by Nude night, this track rocked! (I think Tom (irishfan) was the most impressed ;-)). Surprisingly there was no EBW7, but I'm not complaining.
Most of us were right at the front (as you'd expect!), but once the Chems started there was a lot of pushing (I got smacked in the face by a girl on the podium), me, Shaun (iggy) and Dave settled a bit further back, but made our way back to the front later on, then I had my turn on the podium with Jeanie and Tim (Darkstar) who stayed up there for the whole set!
After the gig, Acidchildren (I think) brought Ed round to the back room to have a chat, I think I had 3 handshakes from him altogether! X-D Top bloke.
It was a great night, every forum member who I met was awesome, it was great to meet everybody, even though I didn't get to speak to some people as much as I'd have liked, obviously being in the club you have to shout at people to be heard, I get to the stage where I can't be bothered any more.
A brilliant night, cheers everybody!
(For the record, 3 people asked me for pills)
#4
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Posted 01 January 2006 - 8:07 PM
whirlygirl Escribi�:
Full review upon your next waking moment then!
I have woken and composed my chemical thought! Firstly Happy New Year to all esspecially the cool forum people who I were at turnmills last night that i managed to speak to:
Tyler: Enjoyed chatting, hopefully can do more next chemical event.
irishfan: Top geezer, cheers for drink.
chemicalfan: Cheers for another good night, looking forward to more.
Jeanie: A chemical ledgend, nice seeing u again.
iguanapunk: Very funny drunk or sober, take it easy.
mippio: Cheers for the invite back to yours, I really needed my own bed.
mc marsh: Good chatting, hope to see you again.
Darkstarexodus: Top dude, good effort on the travel.
Grahame: Loved the hat!
M'Chebne: Hope you had a good.
Heres part 1 of my review.
Well all in all a top class night that started well in spoons after travelling up with the chemicalfan. Was great being with like minded chemical fans!
Arrived at the club around half 9ish. The vibes on entry were very good and it was a pleasent return to the mills. Had a brief look around the club with irishfan before hitting the dance floor were most of us were busting out the moves. James holroyd was warming up in the best way as he allways does in the live shows. Tom was hanging around the box so managed to say hello before ed joined him at the set began. I find it hard to name many of the tracks but it began with lots of acid house that i had never herd before STA being slipped in at midnight with some fire works being let off in the club. The reaction to this track was as expected very good with the club shaking hard! As the set went on alot of chemical favorites were dropped including the dj milo/impulsion bootleg. Also dropped into the set was much of BGWIO which went down very well. Hereing the new tracks was also great, Ed pointed at the deck to me just before it came on, I was a bit confused at first, then reaslised what he meant!
Anyways I will write more later when it comes to me.
#5
- Fan
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Posted 01 January 2006 - 8:19 PM
hey all,acidchild arent you missing the most important bit of all when you dropped the champagne on eds record-high drama ,should have been ejected for that-what a waste of booze! :D no seriously it was great you all came down and i hope you had a good night...we def did -the set ended up pretty demented which is a good thing with lots of new edits and specials hope you enjoyed!
anyway happy new year to you all and thanks for listening and taking the time to get involved!
tomx
anyway happy new year to you all and thanks for listening and taking the time to get involved!
tomx
#6
- Tatsumaki-Senpū kyaku
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- Group: Members
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- Location[-+-]
Posted 01 January 2006 - 8:21 PM
Yeh I wish i'd stayed at home. Weatherspoons was fantastic, could have stayed there all night. Oh and I apoligise for my drunkeness :-//
Chems set was a bit to minimal for me, didn't enjoy it at all. even though I told Ed it was a 'nice set', to which he replied "it was a bit glitchy". Just wasn't for me i'm afraid.
I got a kiss off two blondes at the midnight time, which I was happy about but what REALLY pissed me off was people landing on my head. I got kicked in the face by some speaker bitch, some other munter landed on me, and some other kicked me in the back of the head causing a seconds blackout. RAGE!
The rest of the forum members met Edward Chemical while I was probably wishing death upon myself in a small corner, but i'm not to gutted tbh.
Feels so good to be home! Got there 4.30, found 'spoons at 5 and started drinking. I think we all headed to Turnmills about 9.30? Me and Dave stayed till 8 fuckin' AM! then got chucked out onto the cold streets. Got our train and made it home at 11:30am on Sunday.
Next year i'm going to enjoy a beer and Jonathon Ross on the BBC. THIS IS WHY I NEVER DO NEW YEARS, IT'S OVER RATED!
Oh and the forum people were cool 8) Really enjoyed their company. I accidently touched Jeanie's boob when saying hello, and it was an accident! I opted for the gangsta greeting you see, which is usually done between males. Mikey B was cool as always, love that guy! MC Marsh dissapointed me because he didn't spit any mad lyrics but seemed like a decent bloke. For some reason I expected Tyler to be a child :? but he was a fully grown adult who has the original pressing of Blue Monday :o nice guy. Acidchild was a nice guy in person, I thought there could have maybe been a bit of conflict but no, I liked him. Sorry Mips about our meeting, I don't know if you could tell but I was out of it! I didn't mean to be rude :-// I was just wondering aimlessly and lost my ability to talk, my throat was killing me. Have I missed anyone out?
Anyway, again, apoligies for my state, not a great impression I know.
Chems set was a bit to minimal for me, didn't enjoy it at all. even though I told Ed it was a 'nice set', to which he replied "it was a bit glitchy". Just wasn't for me i'm afraid.
I got a kiss off two blondes at the midnight time, which I was happy about but what REALLY pissed me off was people landing on my head. I got kicked in the face by some speaker bitch, some other munter landed on me, and some other kicked me in the back of the head causing a seconds blackout. RAGE!
The rest of the forum members met Edward Chemical while I was probably wishing death upon myself in a small corner, but i'm not to gutted tbh.
Feels so good to be home! Got there 4.30, found 'spoons at 5 and started drinking. I think we all headed to Turnmills about 9.30? Me and Dave stayed till 8 fuckin' AM! then got chucked out onto the cold streets. Got our train and made it home at 11:30am on Sunday.
Next year i'm going to enjoy a beer and Jonathon Ross on the BBC. THIS IS WHY I NEVER DO NEW YEARS, IT'S OVER RATED!
Oh and the forum people were cool 8) Really enjoyed their company. I accidently touched Jeanie's boob when saying hello, and it was an accident! I opted for the gangsta greeting you see, which is usually done between males. Mikey B was cool as always, love that guy! MC Marsh dissapointed me because he didn't spit any mad lyrics but seemed like a decent bloke. For some reason I expected Tyler to be a child :? but he was a fully grown adult who has the original pressing of Blue Monday :o nice guy. Acidchild was a nice guy in person, I thought there could have maybe been a bit of conflict but no, I liked him. Sorry Mips about our meeting, I don't know if you could tell but I was out of it! I didn't mean to be rude :-// I was just wondering aimlessly and lost my ability to talk, my throat was killing me. Have I missed anyone out?
Anyway, again, apoligies for my state, not a great impression I know.
#7
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Posted 01 January 2006 - 8:25 PM
ban the champagnespiller! Escribi�:
hey all,acidchild arent you missing the most important bit of all when you dropped the champagne on eds record-high drama ,should have been ejected for that-what a waste of booze! :D no seriously it was great you all came down and i hope you had a good night...we def did -the set ended up pretty demented which is a good thing with lots of new edits and specials hope you enjoyed!
anyway happy new year to you all and thanks for listening and taking the time to get involved!
tomx
Thats in part 2 mate, cheers for a great night though, looking forward to some new chemcial music and shows. take care
#10
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- LocationPortsmouth, UK
Posted 01 January 2006 - 8:43 PM
ban the champagnespiller! Escribi�:
hey all,acidchild arent you missing the most important bit of all when you dropped the champagne on eds record-high drama ,should have been ejected for that-what a waste of booze! :D no seriously it was great you all came down and i hope you had a good night...we def did -the set ended up pretty demented which is a good thing with lots of new edits and specials hope you enjoyed!
anyway happy new year to you all and thanks for listening and taking the time to get involved!
tomx
When that happened, I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the podium (I saved that for later, incidentally)!
Although I must admit, I couldn't see what it hit, I thought it had filled a mixer up for a second - not good!
#14
- dork
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- Locationin the valley of the acid clowns
Posted 01 January 2006 - 10:12 PM
There ain't a smilie big enough to post that accurately depicts the grin on my face right now.
Thank you all so much for everything so far, ACIDCHILDREN, mc marsh, chemicalfan, iguanapunk... and welcome tomx aka ban the champagne spiller, good to see you here!
What a fantastic end to a fantastic year! Or a fantastic start to a... bah, you know what I mean.
Damn, how I wish I could've been there with you all to welcome 2006 but being here reading this is the next best thing. Only 364 to plan my next trip to London.
Love you all!!
Thank you all so much for everything so far, ACIDCHILDREN, mc marsh, chemicalfan, iguanapunk... and welcome tomx aka ban the champagne spiller, good to see you here!
What a fantastic end to a fantastic year! Or a fantastic start to a... bah, you know what I mean.
Damn, how I wish I could've been there with you all to welcome 2006 but being here reading this is the next best thing. Only 364 to plan my next trip to London.
Love you all!!
be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle
#16
- dork
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- Locationin the valley of the acid clowns
Posted 01 January 2006 - 10:32 PM
irish fan Escribi�:
and it was nice champagne he spilt as well. must thank tom and ed for being so cool there especially talking to us for so long
X-D The most legendary party foul, ever!
That's so freakin cool Tom and Ed took the time to chat with you.
Still grinning over here in California...
be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle
#19
- JeanieBeanie!
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Posted 01 January 2006 - 11:56 PM
HAHAHA!!
Ban the champange spiller X-D Welcome Tom! Good to see you on the board - and thanks loads for that twisted set , at one point i was going so ape i didnt know what to do with myself anymore! Hahahaha !!
ANd rich , don't worry , you're a legend X-D It was ace to share the prime position at the front with you !!
Guys - i dont know where to start. I have so much to tell.
I will make it a shorter review that Brixton , don't worry !!
So , it was ace to meet everybody in spoons - i loved you all , honestly i dont wanna dweep but chem fans really are so cool , so nice , you all are the best! BIG HUGS !!
Turnmills is lOVELY - great atmosphere. God i love London!
I had a great position on the speaker in front of the boot and i wasn't giving up !!! At about 11.45 chems came on , and at 12 they dropped surface to air , goddamnjezusfuckerdefuckhallelujaeverythingintheworldfreakinggoooodddd !!!! I went so ape , actually i went a bit spacey , like i was sober all night but i got into a trip man! And when the beat came in at 12 all this confetti came! I remember strange people giving me new years eve hugs but i just wanted to DANCE!!!
The set was TWISTED! Just the way i like it :D Evil man , evil. The Champagne Indcident got me laughing so loud - When Ed was giving me a glass of champagne we were very carefull! THnx btw Ed , i was so thirsty !!! also the girl who wanted tom and ed to go on a picture with her gizmo stuffed animal , she made me laugh so loud that i almost fell off the speaker!
And meeting Ed , what can i say ! Irish fan and myself talked to him for a litthe while when he bought us a drink - i was thinkibg later , i should've bought him a drink! hahaha- that was very special for me. I got to tell Ed something that was vey important for me for him to know , and it was just so very special to having the oprtunity to tell him what their music has done for me.
Ed man , thanks loads for being so fucking cool , down to earth , and funny , and for caring what we think and appreciating us as we appreciate you guys. It meant so much to me that u were intrested in what i had to tell you - and how you said that the board means a lot to you. We all love you guys loads - and it's amazing , truly great , that you guys are so intrested.
Well , everybody had a chat with Ed , if i remember correct Ebw 8 is coming out soon - thats exciting !! We talked about loads of stuff - wich song we liked most of PTB and all that jazz , very intresting.
When me and my mate walked home i had a bit of a moment - i just was so happy at that moment. I felt so ... whats the right word. This was such an amazing evening - Tom and Ed's music is such a big part of my life , and than to actually tell them that is , to me , i dont wanna use the word emotional but i'm gonna use it anyway.
The party was INSANE - it was a great way to start 2006. this year is going to be very important to me , moving to the states and all , and having such a good start is a good thing !!
Tim (Darkstar) is actually typing his review next to me. Tim dude you're a top guy! I couldn't say it any better than saying you're awesome. one of the coolest persons i met !!
To anyone i've met , it meant a lot to me. Thanks Mike for the cd , thanks LOADS !!!
Pics later - i'll be home friday , BEWARE!!! Hehehehe :D
Tom and Ed , can't say it enough - love you guys :D ( In a non-scary way , some of the girls yesterday on the speaker with me were a bit obsessed , like this one girl who wanted to kiss them and told me she kissed groove armada Bwahaha! )
Ban the champange spiller X-D Welcome Tom! Good to see you on the board - and thanks loads for that twisted set , at one point i was going so ape i didnt know what to do with myself anymore! Hahahaha !!
ANd rich , don't worry , you're a legend X-D It was ace to share the prime position at the front with you !!
Guys - i dont know where to start. I have so much to tell.
I will make it a shorter review that Brixton , don't worry !!
So , it was ace to meet everybody in spoons - i loved you all , honestly i dont wanna dweep but chem fans really are so cool , so nice , you all are the best! BIG HUGS !!
Turnmills is lOVELY - great atmosphere. God i love London!
I had a great position on the speaker in front of the boot and i wasn't giving up !!! At about 11.45 chems came on , and at 12 they dropped surface to air , goddamnjezusfuckerdefuckhallelujaeverythingintheworldfreakinggoooodddd !!!! I went so ape , actually i went a bit spacey , like i was sober all night but i got into a trip man! And when the beat came in at 12 all this confetti came! I remember strange people giving me new years eve hugs but i just wanted to DANCE!!!
The set was TWISTED! Just the way i like it :D Evil man , evil. The Champagne Indcident got me laughing so loud - When Ed was giving me a glass of champagne we were very carefull! THnx btw Ed , i was so thirsty !!! also the girl who wanted tom and ed to go on a picture with her gizmo stuffed animal , she made me laugh so loud that i almost fell off the speaker!
And meeting Ed , what can i say ! Irish fan and myself talked to him for a litthe while when he bought us a drink - i was thinkibg later , i should've bought him a drink! hahaha- that was very special for me. I got to tell Ed something that was vey important for me for him to know , and it was just so very special to having the oprtunity to tell him what their music has done for me.
Ed man , thanks loads for being so fucking cool , down to earth , and funny , and for caring what we think and appreciating us as we appreciate you guys. It meant so much to me that u were intrested in what i had to tell you - and how you said that the board means a lot to you. We all love you guys loads - and it's amazing , truly great , that you guys are so intrested.
Well , everybody had a chat with Ed , if i remember correct Ebw 8 is coming out soon - thats exciting !! We talked about loads of stuff - wich song we liked most of PTB and all that jazz , very intresting.
When me and my mate walked home i had a bit of a moment - i just was so happy at that moment. I felt so ... whats the right word. This was such an amazing evening - Tom and Ed's music is such a big part of my life , and than to actually tell them that is , to me , i dont wanna use the word emotional but i'm gonna use it anyway.
The party was INSANE - it was a great way to start 2006. this year is going to be very important to me , moving to the states and all , and having such a good start is a good thing !!
Tim (Darkstar) is actually typing his review next to me. Tim dude you're a top guy! I couldn't say it any better than saying you're awesome. one of the coolest persons i met !!
To anyone i've met , it meant a lot to me. Thanks Mike for the cd , thanks LOADS !!!
Pics later - i'll be home friday , BEWARE!!! Hehehehe :D
Tom and Ed , can't say it enough - love you guys :D ( In a non-scary way , some of the girls yesterday on the speaker with me were a bit obsessed , like this one girl who wanted to kiss them and told me she kissed groove armada Bwahaha! )
#20
- doin' it after dark
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- Group: Members
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- Locationthe Canadian Shield
Posted 02 January 2006 - 12:10 AM
SEAS-ONS ... GREE-TINGGGS!!! (inside joke, sorry....) X-D
Wow. Absolutely amazing night. Stunning.
Met up with Jeanie, her friend Ed, and Thomas (irishfan) around 6 PM and we walked to the 'spoons where everyone was well on their way to getting battered. Everyone I met seemed top, top people; very personable and witty. A few pints later and a lot of good conversation, it was time to get the dance on.
Around 9:30 we headed over to Gurnmills and got in promptly. After the exorbitantly priced coat check it was off to the main room to check the scene and stake our places. The DJ before the Chems was dropping some good tunes and the floor was starting to fill up with people and anticipation. Timed my washroom/pill break just perfectly so I could get back to the front before the Chems got on. Texted my girlfriend shortly before 12 to wish her a great NYE and told her how much I miss her.
And then it was time for: 'Ladies and Gentlemen! Mind bending Chemicals!'
Ace!!!!
Surface to Air at midnight was absolutely transcendent. As soon as the opening bars came in I felt like the clouds parted and some supreme being was invading my soul (in a good way, mind!). Absolutely brilliant tune for 12 PM. Dropped the beats in exactly as the clock struck twelve. I was so into the moment and the tune that I was actually taken a bit aback at first when the two fit girls next to me grabbed me and kissed me! X-D
I'm generally pretty poor at trainspotting tracks, but I recognized a fair bit of what they dropped and greatly enjoyed the Chems tracks and DJ set staples that they played. Nude Night, Under the Influence, Freestyle 'Don't Stop the Rock' were particular highlights, but I don't think anything quite touched Surface to Air, honestly. Kept hoping for the Spiritualized remix to end the set, but it was not a disappointment that it didn't drop b/c the tunes were all so ace. I guarantee I would have cried if I Think I'm In Love was played, though. :-//
I was well into it and it would have been a top night of tunes even if I hadn't taken the time to Stop, Double Drop, and Roll (twice....). No chemicals were needed to enjoy the Chemicals (but they didn't exactly hurt either). The music took hold quite on its own thank you very much.
Spent the entire set on the podium/speakers right in front of the booth and snapped a few ace pictures of the masters at work. Tom and Ed handed out a few glasses of champagne shortly after twelve which were consumed communally by the forum members at the front.
I was originally on the one podium, but this really fit (but insane; she's the one Jeanie mentioned about wanting to kiss Tom and Ed) Brazilian girl pulled me across to the other podium (where Jeanie was). She was fun and danced with me for a fair bit but was a bit whacked. She asked me if I'd like to come with her to one of the back room to 'talk', but I said I'd rather stay in the manic grip of the Chems tunes. There was no way in hell I was missing a single moment of that set.
She disappeared, only to be replaced by a really nice Australian girl who wasn't nearly as insane. Ended up sorting a couple more party favours from this really nice shirtless, sweaty bloke who kept checking in with me to make sure that things were going well. Actually, I thought most of the people around me were really nice and everyone was in a great mood, although a few had consumed a bit too much of the sweeties. At one point there were 11 people on the podium we were on, which really shouldn't hold more than about 4 at the absolute most.
Again, I can't say how much I enjoyed the set and Tom & Ed were in good spirits in the booth. They interacted a lot with us at the front and were very tolerant of all the obnoxious flash photography going on (sorry guys! I kept it to just a few...).
Anyways, I had gone to the washroom after the set and to check up with a few people only to come back to where most of the people were to find Ed Chemical chatting it up. I introduced myself and we had a brief chat but I really didn't want to hassle him for too long. I was crushed that I didn't have a cigarette for him when he asked. It was MY chance to be HIS hero, for a change! X-D Others were chatting with him for quite a while but I really didn't want to bother him. Still felt a bit intimidated in the presence of one of the masters, despite how down to earth he was. Now today I'm wishing I had chatted a bit more because he seemed in a really good mood and very open to talking.
Honestly, Ed you're a legend for taking the time to talk with all of us and it is shocking and amazing how much you and Tom know about all of us on the boards. Hope you can see how much the tunes mean to all of us. Thanks for being such a great chap and so open and inviting. Couldn't have hoped for a better end to 2005 and a better start to 2006. Ace!
I had the chance to chat with K-oS a couple times but he looked pretty wrecked, to be frank (maybe he wasn't but his pupils were like two black holes, sucking all light in Turnmills into them). Seeing as he's Canadian and all, would've liked to have taken the opportunity, but I'm a little shy at times.... :-// X-D
Left with Tom (mippio), M'Chebne, Charlie and Andrew (mcmarsh) for some postgame vodka and billiards, which quickly devolved into a passed out mess on the couches.
Slept away most of today after heading back to the hostel with Andrew. And now a new night awaits.
Sorry for the incredibly long post and sorry if I left anything or anyone out. Everyone I met last night, you guys were absolutely fantastic. Thanks for making me feel welcome in London. It's kinda geeky having 'internet friends' and all, but you are all top top people. Thanks again!
(And it's been a blast hanging out with Tom and Jeanie and Ed the last few nights. The hospitality and conversations and clubbing has been a true highlight! So glad I met you peeps!!!! :-// :D )
And finally, a last thank you to the Brothers In Arms for giving me my NYE dosage of Mind Bending Chemicals!!!
(Oh, and Iggy, I'm a little curious what time it is. Could you help me out? X-D Sorry you didn't have the time you were hoping for last night, but it was great to meet you anyways.)
Ta-ta!
Wow. Absolutely amazing night. Stunning.
Met up with Jeanie, her friend Ed, and Thomas (irishfan) around 6 PM and we walked to the 'spoons where everyone was well on their way to getting battered. Everyone I met seemed top, top people; very personable and witty. A few pints later and a lot of good conversation, it was time to get the dance on.
Around 9:30 we headed over to Gurnmills and got in promptly. After the exorbitantly priced coat check it was off to the main room to check the scene and stake our places. The DJ before the Chems was dropping some good tunes and the floor was starting to fill up with people and anticipation. Timed my washroom/pill break just perfectly so I could get back to the front before the Chems got on. Texted my girlfriend shortly before 12 to wish her a great NYE and told her how much I miss her.
And then it was time for: 'Ladies and Gentlemen! Mind bending Chemicals!'
Ace!!!!
Surface to Air at midnight was absolutely transcendent. As soon as the opening bars came in I felt like the clouds parted and some supreme being was invading my soul (in a good way, mind!). Absolutely brilliant tune for 12 PM. Dropped the beats in exactly as the clock struck twelve. I was so into the moment and the tune that I was actually taken a bit aback at first when the two fit girls next to me grabbed me and kissed me! X-D
I'm generally pretty poor at trainspotting tracks, but I recognized a fair bit of what they dropped and greatly enjoyed the Chems tracks and DJ set staples that they played. Nude Night, Under the Influence, Freestyle 'Don't Stop the Rock' were particular highlights, but I don't think anything quite touched Surface to Air, honestly. Kept hoping for the Spiritualized remix to end the set, but it was not a disappointment that it didn't drop b/c the tunes were all so ace. I guarantee I would have cried if I Think I'm In Love was played, though. :-//
I was well into it and it would have been a top night of tunes even if I hadn't taken the time to Stop, Double Drop, and Roll (twice....). No chemicals were needed to enjoy the Chemicals (but they didn't exactly hurt either). The music took hold quite on its own thank you very much.
Spent the entire set on the podium/speakers right in front of the booth and snapped a few ace pictures of the masters at work. Tom and Ed handed out a few glasses of champagne shortly after twelve which were consumed communally by the forum members at the front.
I was originally on the one podium, but this really fit (but insane; she's the one Jeanie mentioned about wanting to kiss Tom and Ed) Brazilian girl pulled me across to the other podium (where Jeanie was). She was fun and danced with me for a fair bit but was a bit whacked. She asked me if I'd like to come with her to one of the back room to 'talk', but I said I'd rather stay in the manic grip of the Chems tunes. There was no way in hell I was missing a single moment of that set.
She disappeared, only to be replaced by a really nice Australian girl who wasn't nearly as insane. Ended up sorting a couple more party favours from this really nice shirtless, sweaty bloke who kept checking in with me to make sure that things were going well. Actually, I thought most of the people around me were really nice and everyone was in a great mood, although a few had consumed a bit too much of the sweeties. At one point there were 11 people on the podium we were on, which really shouldn't hold more than about 4 at the absolute most.
Again, I can't say how much I enjoyed the set and Tom & Ed were in good spirits in the booth. They interacted a lot with us at the front and were very tolerant of all the obnoxious flash photography going on (sorry guys! I kept it to just a few...).
Anyways, I had gone to the washroom after the set and to check up with a few people only to come back to where most of the people were to find Ed Chemical chatting it up. I introduced myself and we had a brief chat but I really didn't want to hassle him for too long. I was crushed that I didn't have a cigarette for him when he asked. It was MY chance to be HIS hero, for a change! X-D Others were chatting with him for quite a while but I really didn't want to bother him. Still felt a bit intimidated in the presence of one of the masters, despite how down to earth he was. Now today I'm wishing I had chatted a bit more because he seemed in a really good mood and very open to talking.
Honestly, Ed you're a legend for taking the time to talk with all of us and it is shocking and amazing how much you and Tom know about all of us on the boards. Hope you can see how much the tunes mean to all of us. Thanks for being such a great chap and so open and inviting. Couldn't have hoped for a better end to 2005 and a better start to 2006. Ace!
I had the chance to chat with K-oS a couple times but he looked pretty wrecked, to be frank (maybe he wasn't but his pupils were like two black holes, sucking all light in Turnmills into them). Seeing as he's Canadian and all, would've liked to have taken the opportunity, but I'm a little shy at times.... :-// X-D
Left with Tom (mippio), M'Chebne, Charlie and Andrew (mcmarsh) for some postgame vodka and billiards, which quickly devolved into a passed out mess on the couches.
Slept away most of today after heading back to the hostel with Andrew. And now a new night awaits.
Sorry for the incredibly long post and sorry if I left anything or anyone out. Everyone I met last night, you guys were absolutely fantastic. Thanks for making me feel welcome in London. It's kinda geeky having 'internet friends' and all, but you are all top top people. Thanks again!
(And it's been a blast hanging out with Tom and Jeanie and Ed the last few nights. The hospitality and conversations and clubbing has been a true highlight! So glad I met you peeps!!!! :-// :D )
And finally, a last thank you to the Brothers In Arms for giving me my NYE dosage of Mind Bending Chemicals!!!
(Oh, and Iggy, I'm a little curious what time it is. Could you help me out? X-D Sorry you didn't have the time you were hoping for last night, but it was great to meet you anyways.)
Ta-ta!