I read with great interest the thread about the Ketchup Song, and the opinions on the YMCA, etc. I thought it might be fun to bring this topic back up to the top, and play with it a little.

First some questions for discussion, and then I'll weigh in with some opinions of my own.

Some of the folks here said they play stuff that does not get heard much - Okay then - what is it? What DEEP tracks do you throw on that pleases the YMCA crowd, but also makes you feel like your not just grinding the same old grooves? Share your nuggets.

Are you noticing that there is a slow-growing groundswell against the YMCA? I suddenly find that there are a lot of brides putting it on their "Do Not Play" lists along with other worn-out ditties like Celebration.

Me? I actually market myself as the Anti-DJ. I don't do silly games, I try to keep the mix pleasing to the most mainstream ear, but still veer away from stuff that seems to get played at every wedding (Oh yeah - I specialize in weddings, so that's my frame of reference)

I don't even own any Kenny G.. It's SO overdone. Anybody that specifies Kenny G probably cares little for music, and won't care if you give them a substitute. Try some instrumental traditional jazz. Focus on standards. I REALLY like to use 1930's hot-jazz (Django Reinhardt, etc.) It's uptempo, but is still conducive to conversation.

Unforgettable? Forget it! Unless there is a reason to play it, there are THOUSANDS of great slow tunes from that Era to have to play a posthumous father/daughter duet. (It's kind of creepy when you think about it) Try Dinah Washington's version of What a Difference a Day Makes, or Bobby Darin's More.

I get less picky when it comes to the dance-floor, but the same thought process applies. Grease Megamix? No! Play a request for hopelessly devoted? Yeah, if it's requested. The Macarena and Mambo #5 still get pulled out along with the electric slide because they are useful tools to get some of the holdouts onto the floor. Follow it with something amazing and fun (Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love can keep the electric sliding for another 5 minutes.)

The BEST way to really light-up a wedding dance floor is to TALK TO THE GUESTS. The best man went to college with the groom? GREAT! Ask him what they partied to. The bridesmaids have all been friends for years? They gotta have some special songs that tie directly to memories of when they went clubbing together - ya just gotta dig for it. A lot of these songs WON'T be the "usuals."

This gives you a lot of extra material to work with, and when you play some song that you've played a million times before, at least now you know you are playing it for a specific reason. If you play them the soundtrack to THEIR lives, they'll be too busy dancing to notice you skipped the YMCA.

It seems to work for me.

Ron

I'm the same way man, your words are gospel. Welcome to the board btw. It really sounds like you know what your talking about. Too many DJ's are drones I think, playing the same mindless dribble. You gotta get creative sometimes, but not overdo it either, especially at weddings.
Here's a few slow ones that I use, and get real good response to, KENNY WAYNE SHEPERD - " I Found Love ", PATTI LABELLE & TRAVIS TRITT (Duet) - "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby"

What you said there is some of the greatest info Ive heard.. I gotta say Im glad ya joined up on the forum and look forward to bein on here with you.

SyPHoN

Thanks for the kinds words, fellas....

Now - Give up your secrets, folks! Share your favorite "Surprise" song: the one that everyone loves but nobody expects.

Ron

I actaully pulled out Chicagos - You're The Inspiration and the dance floor over-filled. I usually don't play it, but have now started to more often.

I will have to think of some more faster songs....

Kool and the Gang - Get Down on it

Shadow Dancing

All I have to do is dream, by the EVERLY BROTHERS. Great slow one that filled the floor last gig. It's an old song, but one that I never played until now.

Brian Setzer Orchestra : Jump Jive and Wail
followed by Cherry Poppin' Daddies: Zoot Suit Riot
Ricky ******: She Bangs, Cup of Life
Simon and Garfunkle: Cecilia
Wake me up before you go-go

retun of the mac

what is hip - tower of power
starway to heaven - if you dont know who plays it...
main theme to st. elmos fire <--- I LOVE THIS ONE
the time warp - rock horror

thats al for now