Mod isn’t always mod. My mod isn’t necessarily your mod, or their mod. Whatever your definition of mod, Ian Paige’s Mod Night at the White Heart sets forth a phenomenally functioning exposition of modern music styles.
Paige (who is also a Phoenix scribe) and his regular series at the White Heart are a living compendium of hits from several decades. But, rather than presenting it as a rehashed, reheated mess as more careless DJs would, Paige thoughtfully weaves tracks together in intriguing and exciting ways. He digs deep in the digital crates, getting virtually dusty and pulling out gems for the faithful who come to his parties.
As I approached the White Heart, I heard the familiar strains of “Under My Thumb” by the Rolling Stones. It's a secret favorite, but it could require a public admission of a soft spot for the Stones, which I have denied for years.
For the rest of the night, he was on fire. “I Want Candy” and “Louie Louie” gave way to an early recording of “Tainted Love” by Gloria Jones, when it was soulful and not Soft Cell. After he dropped “Cool Jerk,” “Jeepster” by T Rex, “Shotgun,” and "Get Up Offa That Thing,” I swore I was standing too close to the DJ booth, and Paige had tapped directly into my brain.
As he passed through on his rounds, Tinfoil Man gave Ian a high-five.
The next show is February 19
On the Web
Mod Night: www.myspace.com/ModNightPortland
