iPod Battle, Bethnal Green Working Mens Club, London, 22.3.07

'I'm sure they are filming a second series of Nathan Barley,' I overheard as the UK's first iPod Battle commenced. And boy did it feel like it, as folk from Mystery Jets, M.I.A, Wowow, Radioclit, Fabric, Gucci Soundsystem, Vice and their entourages took to the stage of a working men's club armed with their iPods to do battle (which entailed them playing five songs each - the loudest cheer from the crowd for the best set sent the teams into the next round).

The idea was coined in Paris by rappers TTC, and they all hopped on the Eurostar to host this inaugural UK event. It seemed like it was all about having a big entourage as Shaun Roberts and Tim from the Filthy Dukes (wearing cardigans) were left facing a ten strong, garishly dressed Wowow team. It was as if James Stewart and Cary Grant were taking on the cast of Taboo. The Vice team featured People Are Germs and a rather coy looking Uffie - all dressed as red indians - and M.I.A also had a hefty ten strong crew which saw her through to the final taking on the French TTC team. Special mention must go to Ben Fat Trucker who appeared solo, but had some great iPod battling 'moves'. M.I.A's team proved victorious (if it had gone to the French there may have been a riot) ending another typical night out in Shoreditch. Oh, the music? It seems that R Kelly, Aha, Black Box, the Bugsy Malone soundtrack, cheesy euro-pop and jungle versions of Easy by the Commodores are what are considered prime weaponry. Me? If I had taken part I would have put my iPod in a sock and swung it around and taken everyone out. Especially the French.