On Being a Mod

It isn't a question of labels when one comes to understand the fundamentals of Modernism. Being a Mod is a statement of attitudinal detachment from the Status Quo, not some ridiculous affectation or hankering for long ago nights with Mels Mods' at the Barrel Organ, old Jam records or trips to the Wigan Casino.





Davies the Pipe Jnr
(Far Right upon his SX200)

 

Being a Mod is a thorough going attitude of mind, in which rare groove, RnB, The Kinks, The Who and The Small Faces all matter just as much as well cut cloth - but not only.  Ultimately, being a Mod is all about the future - and whilst it may be an individualist creed, it is also collective in nature, gathering around the idea that the future will be better than the past.  Standing out is important to mods, not just visibly but intellectually.  We have our own code.  What Pete Meaden once referred to as Clean Living Under Difficult Circumstances. 

The Mod Movement has moved on significantly since the late 1950's and will continue to thrive as style driven young people invent new and powerful means in which to subvert the meaning of the received wisdom of the day.  In the meantime I'll be collecting my newly adorned Lambretta SX200 from Irish Jack next week.

For a great side of Mod check out Dobie Gray below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DXNvyPIeXg&feature=related