CityLife

Clubland 2001

THE clubbing calendar has all but reached its end of year climax, when all hedonism breaks lose. It's been a turbulent time for the city's sprawling nightlife, tainted by club closures and the onset of corporate rot, with soaring highs to match the lows that make up the soul of Manchester.

Before we're all dragged, kicking and screaming into 2002, it's time to look back and attempt to make some sense of it all whether it be the good, the bad, or the downright ugly.

Bad news first, as we begin with the clubs that have shut up shop and said goodbye. Most notable, was the fall of Northern Quarter flagship Planet K, which closed its doors at the end of the summer after barely two years on the scene. Designed and built by clubbers for clubbers, many hoped that the venue would grow and replace the late Hacienda, and at first there were definite signs of a brand new Madchester in the making. But it wasn't to be. Planet K remains shut, though whether or not it's dead and buried is still very much in the open.

Unfortunately the same can't be said for the legendary Boardwalk (Little Peter St), which is due to be converted into loft apartments early next year. Originally a church building, the venue had played a critical role in the evolution of Manchester, nurturing the likes of The Smiths, The Roses, The Mondays and Oasis, as well as hosting Dave Haslam's 7 year residency, Yellow. It will certainly be sorely missed.

As would the infamous Twisted Wheel Club (formerly known as Chains), which since May of this year has been forced to relocate to The Granby on Princess Street. Julia Grant of the Hollywood Experience is soon to be taking charge of the club, though whether The Wheel will ever return has yet to be decided.

Lastly, there's Club Havana and Generation X, both of which closed down this year to the surprise of promoters and punters alike. New ownership is rumoured to be on its way in both cases, so count on at least one of the clubs being re-opened in 2002.

CLUB OF THE YEAR: Sasha at Sankey's Soap On a more positive note, 2001 has also had its successes, none more close to the city's heart than that of Sankeys Soap (Jersey St). From wishful thinking 18 months ago, the ''new'' Sankeys has grown beyond the boundaries of its former legacy, nominated for ''Best Underground Club'' at this year's Muzik Awards, as well as pulling off big name scoops, such as Victor Calderone and Sasha. Similarly, the Music Box has continued to hold firm, battening down the hatches and rockin' in the basement with the likes of Mr Scruff and the Electric Chair.

Speaking of which, 2001 saw the release of the Electric's first album, a compilation of selected cuts that capture the vibe of the night. Entitled Basement Soul Music, the album has been well received by critics and DJs alike, paving the way for further releases from stalwart residents, The Unabombers.

Evolution

Elsewhere in the city, the sounds of dance culture have continued to shift and evolve, fuelled by a network of independent labels, tweaking beats off the beaten track. Hip hop collectives, Grand Central and Fat City, have been hard at work this year, with acclaimed releases from the likes of Aim, Riton and Only Child.

Prime cuts have also come from Paper Recording's Problem Kids, with label-mates Crazy Penis causing a stir across Europe. Staying on a house tip, Fluid Recordings' have recently released their debut album (''Fluid''), a progressive landmark, mixed by DJs Evolution and Lucien Foort. And what about Skam Records, 10 years old already? Proud times indeed for the purveyors of the city's most twisted beats.

From the studio to the decks, from the decks to the dancefloor - it's time to turn our attention to the changing face of clubland, and take a look at the movers and shakers that will shape next year's scene.

Blazing young guns Good Greef seem set to blow up in 2002, with resident DJ Eddie Halliwell hotly tipped for superstardom. Meanwhile, at The Old Monk on Lloyd Street, Emporia has proved that there's still a good deal of glamour in the ''grim north,'' growing from strength to strength account of its broad range of sounds.

Just outside the limelight, Spellbound has been rockin' strong on dirty nu skool breaks, carved up by DJs Inkey and Deval, with lyrical licks from MCs Tyga, Piper, Mad Rush and crew. On a not too distant tip, drum În' bass lovers Sub Tub have much to celebrate this year, having recently launched their own label, the Sub Tub Players, fronted by hip hop outfit RSL.

DJ OF THE YEAR: Mr Scruff

Finally, some well earned awards: ''Club Of The Year'' goes to Sankeys Soap for making so much noise nationwide - scooping Victor Calderone as next year's monthly resident, as well as coaxing the legendary Sasha back onto home turf.

In close second place comes the Music Box, a worthy contender if it weren't for those toilets!

''DJ Of The Year'' goes to Mr Scruff for his sublime six-hour sets, not to mention his unfailing modesty in the face of superstardom. May he continue to Keep It Unreal.

Club Night Of The Year goes to Tangled (Saturdays at The Phoenix) - still packed to the rafters eight years on. A big pat on the back for residents Phil Morse, Terry Pointon, Herbie Saccani, and Steve Thorpe. Keep the home fires burning, boys.

New Club Night Of The Year goes to Airtight (Fridays at North, Tib St) - twisted incarnation of the Firstlight collective, serving up dark, evil breaks with block rockin' big names at the wheels. Top marks for effort.

Record Label Of The Year goes to Manchester's best kept secret, Skam. Ten years old and seemingly unstoppable. No sound system is safe. Last, but by no means least, Club Crowd Of The Year goes to the Tribalists at Sankeys Soap, without whom the club would never have come back with such a bang. Keep on having it large, you lunatics!

That just about wraps it up for this year. Have a very messy Xmas, and I'll see y'all in 2002 for the start of a new spaced odyssey.