by RAF KATIGBAK

Alright, party monsters, so much to do this weekend it's hard to know where to begin...

First off, one of my favourite DJs in this city, Philgood, is gracing the decks at two events this weekend. Remember new beat? It's that late-'80s Belgian dance movement that started when DJ Marc Grouls accidentally played a Belgian new wave record at 33 instead of 45. Tonight, Thursday, Dec. 4, over at Parking, Philgood will be dropping some classic new beat and acid tracks (break out those smiley-face shirts and Dr. Seuss hats!), so don't miss it! Friday Philgood temporarily takes over the tech-house duties at Stereobar's Remedy night as resident Noah Pred ships off to Mexico and abroad.

Tuesday, Dec. 9, deep listeners will be flooding the SAT for Volt AA (08), another rambunctious evening of contemporary computer and electronic music. On hand will be the superstar stylings of U.S. minimalist composer Richard Chartier as well as Jean-Pierre Gauthier, I8U and Call Crawford. $10 at the door, show starts at 8:30 p.m. Don't forget to get there early 'cause no one's allowed in after the first set starts!

If jungle is dead, nobody told Montreal. In fact, since it went deeper underground, it seems the D&B scene has become more intent on quality events and production. Take the Chopstick Dubplate crew for example. Having already released three 'nuff nice vinyl 10-inches (with a full-length mix CD and two other 10-inches on the way), the Montreal duo of Rcola and Jacky Murda find themselves at the frontlines of the ragga revival after only a year of existence. Check out a recent profile of the crew on www.ragga-jungle.com.

For those looking to mash up the dance, drop by the next IDJ event this Saturday, Dec. 6, at a "totally new, underground fresh venue" with guests from the nation's capital Chris Kellett and David Florida along with the usual IDJ suspects. Only $10 at the door, call 401-6774 for details.

Friday night, there's no excuse to miss HiFX Productions' Alibi party. This two-room affair (electro and chillout) will feature Mini, G O'Brien, Iznogood vs. Thor, Pat Davis, Galaksy and a slew of others. Call 450-542-8950 for details.

For an intimate affair this Friday, check AmaZone with Techsafari crew DJ Rickam, Seb and Yann over at 980 Rachel E. $5 gets you in.

Oh yeah, I'm supposed to mention a super secret underground vernissage/dance party happening at "the space where a certain local pop festival had certain parties, up in the Mile-End area," Friday, Dec. 5. It's free and there might be "certain refreshments" available for "consumption" so "don't" "miss" "it," wink wink.

After last week's Derrick Carter/Steve Lawler ticket, Aria continues to entice the big name jocks this weekend as Sweden's Adam Beyer hits it on Friday and DJ Sneak bumps it on Saturday.

Ancient Chinese secret, huh? Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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