A New Order obsessed fifteen year old is still trapped somewhere inside this thirty-something body: I will never cease to be a sucker for an old school synth.
Which goes some way, but by no means all, to explaining why instead of sleeping right now, I am listening to some freshly downloaded Tiga on my headphones with the bass turned all the way up, revelling in the richly layered synths of “High School” and wishing I could be on a dancefloor, eyes closed, skin tingling, letting the sound wash over me.
This petite anglaise wants to go clubbing. Soon. To let out all of that pent-up naughtiness fizzing beneath the surface. The only ingredient lacking at the present time is willing, like-minded partners in crime (as I can’t exactly ask Mr Frog and his gang any longer, can I?). Any readers who might be partial to electronica in the Vitalic/Tiga/Miss Kittin vein, feel free to drop me a line at the usual address.
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petite anglaise 
I realise the eyes are scary. But strangely appropriate, I thought.
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 1:41 am
and I thought catching the red eye was an overnight experience. Then again…
Comment by LukePDQ — April 18, 2006 @ 2:38 am
My goodness, the more posts the more I wish I was in Paris.
Comment by joeinvegas — April 18, 2006 @ 4:33 am
Oh dear, Petite is in a mood. Watch out, boys. To quote Jimmie JJ Walker: “Dy-no-mite!!”
Comment by LJ — April 18, 2006 @ 5:32 am
OMG, Petite, you are absolutely a beautiful (drop dead gorgeous) young woman, and I’m sure you will NOT be alone for long. So enjoy and be careful what you wish for!
Comment by jouf — April 18, 2006 @ 5:57 am
The picture is about four years old, I hasten to add. It’s probably the most recent one of me in a nightclub in existence, hence why I used it. And because I like the “devil eyes”…
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 8:40 am
My clubbing days are now restricted to one weekend a year, but have to say that village fêtes are something else! Highlights include watching how fast the village priest leaves the dancefloor when the lambada comes on. Mums party till 4 and the kids sleep wherever they can find – in a corner/under a table. Only drawback is having to clean the salle de fêtes afterwards so that it can resume it’s usual function of school cantine by 10 am.
Comment by J — April 18, 2006 @ 9:41 am
Vitalic/Tiga/Miss Kittin sounds great (ever checked Tiga’s mix in the DJ Kicks collection? do: it’s awesome with chunks of brilliant)… But where?
London it ain’t, and last I checked (not so recently, I’ll admit), the pinnacle of club music in Paris stood somewhere between “I Will Survive” with the occasional French House filtered-synth-with-suave-lyrics track thrown in…
Weather and minds warming up should lead to a few more electro acts coming to the city in the next few months. At least that’s what I’m hoping for. I remember checking out the Batofar, the last time I came and being agreeably surprised by the resolutely non-parisian sound and ambiance… But full enjoyment of this spot is resolutely dependent on a decent outdoor temperature…
Comment by dr Dave — April 18, 2006 @ 9:50 am
I haven’t been clubbing since 1987…
or was it ’86???
the memory is not so good these days!
Comment by Julia — April 18, 2006 @ 10:01 am
Dave – Batofar, yes; Rex Club is not bad, Pulp on a Thursday with DJ Jennifer also not bad. Am very gutted to be missing a new night at the Trabendo on Saturday called Ballroom which has Laurent Garnier on the bill. There is stuff to be found.
But ouch, just realised Tiga is playing at Sonar in Barcelona on 16 June and I have a compulsory work dinner in London.
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 11:04 am
I have searched the whole of the radio 2 website and no ref to any of the performers mentioned?
??
Comment by meredic — April 18, 2006 @ 12:27 pm
Tonight?
Comment by Germain — April 18, 2006 @ 12:42 pm
I still bear the scars of Discotheque rejections – so I am not accepting this invitation.
Comment by andre — April 18, 2006 @ 1:16 pm
Oh yes, for me the music needed to bring me back to High School is Alphaville, Duran Duran, a bit of A-ha, Simple Minds, Depeche Mode, Ultravox man, where did I put my earphones.
By the way – wow! I didn’t realise that pic was u until I read the other comments – why the frig do u hide behind those spectacles? Get contacts chicka and go clubbing!
Comment by Valkyrie — April 18, 2006 @ 1:32 pm
not scary, you look lovely, with a side of demonic :)
Comment by stinkerbell — April 18, 2006 @ 2:03 pm
My, you have been prolific of late, Missy!
I hope you continue to enjoy your singledom (plus those little *ahem* “benefits” from time to time). I was single for quite a long time. It is an opportunity to really work out what’s important to you, despite the inevitable feelings of loneliness which strike from time to time…
I love Electronica, but hate clubs and am not in Paris, so sorry I can’t offer my services on this occasion…
Comment by anxious — April 18, 2006 @ 2:04 pm
This is a bit off the subject and Sorry for bringing up what could be a sore subject, but do you think Jimm in Rennes still reads about petite?
Comment by Kirsty — April 18, 2006 @ 2:10 pm
He doesn’t right now, but we are in touch.
I do wear contacts, sometimes, but my eyes don’t tolerate them for very long these days.
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 2:21 pm
Well, you ARE a cute little thing, aren’t you! Four years ago…that would be right before Tadpole. I assumed the picture was of 15 year old you!
Comment by JoAnne — April 18, 2006 @ 2:27 pm
Bonjour petite et bravo pour ton blog que je lis très régulièrement!
Francaise exilée à Londres depuis 7 ans, mes années 80 en France étaient bercées par les sons de Depeche Mode, Alphaville, Soft Cell pour l’international, et Partenaire Particulier, Image et Indochine pour les tubes francais! Que de bons souvenirs, même aujourd’hui encore!
Aimes-tu la variété francaise?
P.S.: I discovered ‘Gorecki’ from Lamb through one of your posts and ordered the album ‘Best Kept Secrets’ immediately. Un petit bijou!
Comment by Stephanie — April 18, 2006 @ 3:12 pm
If you feel nostalgia for the 80’s synth and crave for dancing to 2000’s electro(clash). The only solution is to go on May 5 to the Batofar :(Monthly) NEW WAVE DAY PARTY !
You ‘ll be not disappointed.
I advise you to go enough early because last time (in october) when I wanted to go there, it was about 00:15 or 00:30 and I could not get in because there were too many people inside.
You will find a cheerful, warm atmosphere even frantic especially when Taxi girl’s (Cherchez le garçon) or Indochine’s hits (L’aventurier, 3ème sexe…) are played.
Every dancer is jubilant ! Unforgettable…
So book your evening of the Fifth !
Groovy Baaaaby !!!!
Comment by Kholastiak — April 18, 2006 @ 3:40 pm
I assumed that was a picture of you at fifteen too! It’s a lovely pic, demon eyes and all
Comment by lapagefrancaise — April 18, 2006 @ 3:43 pm
ooh, yes, Tadpole is away on her hols so I will most definitely be in attendance. yippee..
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 3:53 pm
I agree with lapagefrancaise, the picture is so great, I figured since you were reminiscing about high school, that the pic was from then!
Have fun, and make sure you post about the fun:)
Clubbing in Europe, I miss that..ahhh, the memories I have…sigh*
:o) kim
Comment by kim — April 18, 2006 @ 4:04 pm
Petite, if you fancy it I’ll take you clubbing the next time I am in Paris. I have a couple of places that are long overdue for a revisit.. Alternatively, the next time you are dragged over to London for a work function, why don’t I break you out early for a night out clubbing in Londontown?
You WILL have fun.
Comment by David in London — April 18, 2006 @ 4:25 pm
I’m so glad that you are in touch with J again!
Well most of the people would think that is better just to give a cut and go on…but I can’t and it makes me happy to keep in touch with the people I loved, and love!! Hope it gives this feeling to you too!! You looked very pretty with short hair!!
Eau
Comment by Eau — April 18, 2006 @ 4:25 pm
David, you’re on.
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 5:35 pm
After reading the post, I thought it was a pic of you at 15 too! Like I said in your previous post, you look so much younger than — what is it, 33? And what incredible cheekbones!
I can relate to the contacts-glasses problem, especially over the last 6 months… have been having ENORMOUS comfort problems which have prevented me from wearing my contacts, and I’ve been feeling like a lump ever since, particularly because my glasses are not flattering at all… I’ve tried to find a new pair, but my correction is SO high, it’s tough to find flattering frames that disguise it!
Needless to say, it’s a blow to my pride — and my vanity! But I’ve had to hang in there and just hope that things will work out… What these damn computers and the dry, air-conditioned office air will do to your eyes!
I’ve never been the best clubbing fan, so you’re braver than me… These days I’m a real “pantouflard” — staying at home and renting a movie or reading a good book — but I miss getting together with the gals over a good drink…
Wish I had joined you for your blogging night out, but I felt like it might not be right, what with my lack of a blog and all! Maybe next time…
Comment by Always Ace — April 18, 2006 @ 5:39 pm
I once had what could only be described as a panic attack in the Batofar.
Comment by Trevor — April 18, 2006 @ 5:47 pm
Yay! The Trevor returns… Fancy a repeat panic attack on May 5th?
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 5:53 pm
My clubbing days were back in the 70’s in Manhattan, places like CBGB, and Wednesday’s, and the like. Saw the Rammone’s and Talking Heads back then. Ah, what great times they were.
Petite, looking at your eyes, I can’t help but wonder if you are a replicant. I may have to V-K you………..(If you saw Blade Runner, you’ll get it.)
Comment by Dave of the Lake — April 18, 2006 @ 5:57 pm
Of course I saw Bladerunner! Do Androids dream of electric sheep?
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 6:02 pm
Right, the Rex Club! wasted many a high school thursday nights there (well, the /Friday/ was wasted, mostly).
Damn, it seems like Laurent Garnier is *still* a resident there… How many decades has it been?
Dunno exactly what French New Wave entails (Indochine was never quite my cup of pastis…) but at any rate, I have only good memories of my last (and only) time at the Batofar…
Comment by dr Dave — April 18, 2006 @ 6:34 pm
Oh yes. Laurent Garnier on a Thursday (because I only taught at 2pm on Fridays, thank god). Maybe eight or nine years ago, that was. Ah, the memories.
And I have a very vivid memory of hearing “Good Time Girl” by DMX Krew for the first time at a Rephlex night au Batofar. Mmm.
Comment by petite — April 18, 2006 @ 7:12 pm
I like Miss Kittin. I love the track she did with Golden Boy. The Futurism albums are excellent. Crikey, haven’t listened to them in a while. You’ve reminded me, might have to dig them out.
Comment by stressqueen — April 18, 2006 @ 7:35 pm
“Of course I saw Bladerunner! Do Androids dream of electric sheep?”
You should join us in alt.fan.bladerunner. Lots of good people, you would like it there.
Just one question: Is Deckard a replicant or a human? Your answer will determine whether or not I will have to retire you……:-)
Comment by Dave of the Lake — April 18, 2006 @ 8:02 pm
dave, dave, dave — deckard is clearly a replicant. even ridley scott said so. petite, though? no way.
Comment by franko — April 18, 2006 @ 9:29 pm
You age so nicely if that was only four years ago! I only hope I do the same. :)
You seem like the type of person who would command the attention of plenty of worthy gents on the dance floor – I’d definitely be out there, too…except I fancy line dancing a little more than anything else. :)
Good luck and go have fun.
Comment by Fixed Up Girl — April 18, 2006 @ 9:39 pm
LOL! Yes, I am in the Deck-a-Rep camp as well. I keep my copy of Future Noir close at hand.
BTW petite, the group is alt.fan.blade-runner.
Comment by Dave of the Lake — April 18, 2006 @ 9:40 pm
Time is what you make of it. Age is really within yourself. Plus, in that picture, I could give ya 15. ;)
Amuse-toi.
Comment by Caiê — April 18, 2006 @ 10:18 pm
“Clubbing in Europe”… I guess this nostalgic note refers to places such as Ibiza, Berlin, London or Barcelona: Great places, friendly crowds and very capable DJs.
Clubbing in Paris: Ugly faced gorillaz at the door of the overpriced disco of horrible acustics, unfriendly French people inside, drugs high English expat girls and of course, unhelpful bar tenders.
Go Clubbing petite, but accept the offer made by someone above and do it in London. More fun, better people and for sure, better music.
Comment by Uranus — April 18, 2006 @ 10:21 pm
What about going out dancing with Mr Frog? rememberance of the good old dancing days! you did say you were friends now….
Comment by anne — April 18, 2006 @ 10:30 pm
I’ve been reading this site for a few months now, but never got round to commenting – Don’t know why!
This post reminds me of my time in France, although I must admit that I alays found Paris clubs to be slightly over-rated. Being based in the Pas-de-Calais, my regular clubbing destination was Lille, and it may just be my personal opinion but Lille beats Paris for clubability. However, London still wins hands down! It’s almost worth being back here (London) again so that I can make the most of my youth while I still have it!
Keep up the good work
Une Fille
Comment by Une Fille — April 19, 2006 @ 12:41 am
Blimey, if that’s a picture of you then you really are rather gorgeous, aren’t you?
Comment by Clare — April 19, 2006 @ 12:53 am
meh, I’m in High School now, and the best parts are generally on the dance floor. After spending last year abroad, returning to my rural town in the Norwestern US is not always so fun, but I realize that I’ll be leaving soon. At the end of the month, we have our last dance…
Would you believe there are no clubs here?
Comment by Alessandra — April 19, 2006 @ 1:20 am
I couldn’t do contact lenses either, so finally I sprang for Lasik and went from very, very short-sighted to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other. It cost a small fortune (which I have never regretted) eight years ago but it’s much cheaper now—at least it is in the U.S.—and there’s a newer procedure that I believe is even better and safer.
Comment by Passante — April 19, 2006 @ 3:33 am
Well, if I wasn’t on the other side of the world, and if I wasn’t married, I sure would not take you out clubbing.
I would attempt to take you out for dinner!
Boris
Comment by A Frog in Oz — April 19, 2006 @ 4:10 am
How hot are YOU??
I’ll go clubbin’ …. even if I have to buy a transAtlantic ticket to do so. My, my…. look out, Petite!
Comment by eric — April 19, 2006 @ 9:15 am
This isn’t how I’d pictured you. It’s quite unfair that you’re gorgeous AND you can write so well.
Comment by Suze — April 19, 2006 @ 10:12 am
*blushing*
no, it’s just a really flukey photo
Comment by petite — April 19, 2006 @ 10:56 am
Me me! I wanna go clubbing! I will even come over from Germany to do it :)
I haven’t been clubbing in such a long time too, I fear I am due a certain life crisis where re living my youth might factor highly. All sounds really cool.
Comment by lydia — April 19, 2006 @ 11:08 am
Curses! Lydia wrote my comment!
Comment by Flighty — April 19, 2006 @ 5:03 pm
Ok, this is a dumb question…but all of your photographs are beautiful. So here goes: What type of camera are you using? Or are you using Photoshop or another program to enhance your photos? How?
Maybe it’s just that your skin is naturally flawless…I’m jealous!
Comment by Catjack — April 19, 2006 @ 6:45 pm
If I knew how to use photoshop properly, I probably wouldn’t have red eyes in this photo.
Skin: a magic pill called Diane35
Comment by petite — April 19, 2006 @ 6:55 pm
Always liked soft cell myself, prehaps that explains a lot.
Comment by Neil Hobbs — April 19, 2006 @ 7:10 pm
OOh all this talk of clubbing makes me feel so old and out of it. My daughter took me to a Thomas Fersen concert (my first ever LIVE one) and it was so LOUD . . . .
It’s back to CDs for me but all you youngsters, enjoy!!
Comment by Sandy — April 19, 2006 @ 8:43 pm
You are stunning and, coming from this gay man, that really is a compliment.
Comment by Lost in France — April 19, 2006 @ 11:08 pm
I need lessons on cool music I’m afraid, I related to Soft Cell much more easily than Miss Kitten. Line dancing does sound like fun Fixed Up Girl, any ideas where you can do that in Paris?
I understand your need to go wild petite, my ‘rock’ band does it for me, but I know I should give Rex a try before I’m past it.
Comment by Paris Lights — April 20, 2006 @ 12:04 am
I had no idea you looked like that. I don’t know why but I never really thought what you might look like.
btw – on about New Order – excellent band. Still don’t rate when put next to Jean Michel Jarre though :)
Comment by Jonathan — April 20, 2006 @ 12:13 am
You really do look beautiful/super young in that photo! Wow! So, clubbing, Paris – I’m totally game. I’ve only ever been to Queen and Cabaret. Batofar sounds fun. Drop me an email if you’re game and we can rendez-vous.
Comment by Laura — April 20, 2006 @ 12:29 am
Thomas Fersen is not loud, Thomas Fersen is BRILLIANT!
(I do realize this is not exactly the kind of music that was previously discussed, but, come on, I couldn’t let this one go without a little coup de gueule. I went to Thomas Fersen’s concert in Toulouse, and I still have papillons in my head just to think about it)
Comment by Lola — April 20, 2006 @ 12:40 am
hmm, I do like the idea of having butterflies in my head.
right, am going to the Batofar on Friday May 5th, who’s coming with me?
Comment by petite — April 20, 2006 @ 7:12 am
No way José!
Comment by Trevor — April 20, 2006 @ 8:22 am
Google’s Picasa software (www.picasa.com) has as really sweet anti-redeye feature (and is altogether a very cool, and free, photo-editing tool). And no I don’t work for them. (Doesn’t work for Macs though).
All I know about contemporary French dance music is from the superb Hotel Costes series but would love to listen to more. Why not post some music recommendations on your blog as well?
Pxx
Comment by Paola — April 20, 2006 @ 2:24 pm
I like Trevor.
Comment by Hmmm — April 20, 2006 @ 2:58 pm
Zoots, in King’s Lynn?
We could go for a kebab after.
Comment by JonnyB — April 20, 2006 @ 3:14 pm
Paola- Another Hotel Costes fan. I love them (No. 3 is the best).
JonnyB- Of all the people in all the places- Kings Lynn!!! Horrible little town- my Mum lives there. i was born in Spalding!!
Comment by David in London — April 20, 2006 @ 3:53 pm
Oh yes. Definitely no. 3. Even the artwork is fab.
Pxx
Comment by Paola — April 20, 2006 @ 4:04 pm
Why why why do I not live in Paris??? *frustration steam from ears* would *love* to join up with you Petite…nothing better to quell the ohmygodI’mamumandgettingold
feeling!
Went with my hubbie (10 years older than me and Definitely not a clubbie) and my brother and his girlfriend to a club in London – first time I’d been somewhere loud for 10 years! It was fab – they played all old stuff from the 80’s like Cindy Lauper and Boy George. No real beer though, but hey can’t have everything! Felt nearly young again despite all my 29 years…
Comment by Lucy-Jane — April 20, 2006 @ 7:40 pm
Thanks for the skin tip. But there was no need to be snitty with the Photoshop comment. I was just trying to be nice.
Comment by Catjack — April 20, 2006 @ 8:21 pm
snitty? honestly there was no snittyness intended. I just don’t know how to take a compliment gracefully.
Comment by petite — April 20, 2006 @ 8:26 pm
To Lola – I agree Thomas Fersen is brill but a live performance was a shock to my system. Sitting in the third row I could feel the drum beat as though the drummer was hitting the seat and it was reverberating through my entire body – not a comfortable experience. However, once I got used to it and/or the drumming level was reduced i enjoyed it. (Still prefer his CD’s though!)
Comment by Sandy — April 20, 2006 @ 8:45 pm
similar things have been said about sex
Comment by Trevor — April 20, 2006 @ 9:18 pm
Clubbing in Paris sounds great! Here in the Aix region most clubs play techno all night long, which gets old fast. There are a couple salsa places which are fun, though. As for the loudness, I can’t deal, either–I wear ear plugs. I may get some weird looks, but at least I won’t be deaf by age 40. :)
Comment by O. — April 20, 2006 @ 10:49 pm
Come on Petite! Stop showing photos from your London days! We want to see current photos, what we are going to find in the club in Paris! We want to see how pretty and young and modern and hopeful Paris made you!
Comment by Uranus — April 20, 2006 @ 11:13 pm
Ah, I was not sitted in the third row (alas!)
Trevor, you have had interesting experiences (unless it is second hand information?…)
Comment by Lola — April 21, 2006 @ 4:26 am
Seated. Of course. I meant.
Comment by Lola — April 21, 2006 @ 4:27 am
I like Trevor, too.
Comment by Alessandra — April 21, 2006 @ 4:33 am
Me too. I like Trevor, too.
Comment by berky — April 21, 2006 @ 6:05 am
Lola,
Nothing beats the Cosmopolitan magazine in the Dentist’s waiting room as a compendium of knowledge on matters relating to women. I’ve been known to turn up an hour early in order to catch up on past issues.
Comment by Trevor — April 21, 2006 @ 9:57 am
uranus – the photo was taken in the Rex club, in Paris, after I’d been living here for 6 years. There are more recent photos on the site, you just have to delve a little deeper.
I like Trevor, but I’m not convinced he is real.
Comment by petite — April 21, 2006 @ 10:50 am
I sent you an e-mail to vouch for my sincerity.
Let me know if you got it.
Comment by Trevor — April 21, 2006 @ 12:33 pm
Nice site… Cool guestbook…
Comment by background checks — April 21, 2006 @ 12:43 pm
You have an outstanding good and well structured site. I enjoyed browsing through it.
Comment by steroids — April 22, 2006 @ 6:39 pm
can’t you for once put a bad picture of yourself on the site?? aw hell you know what I mean. For me to, it was CBGBs late 70s, and Max’s Kansas City… and those head shops on 8th street, there are none left..
Comment by magillicuddy — April 24, 2006 @ 2:01 pm