Scratch'd

Most DJs spend hours digging through crates trying to find the perfect break or beat. Chances are most have thumbed through every bin in town, from the DJ Dojo and Friends of Sound to Waterloo Records, Sound on Sound, and End of an Ear. But tonight's DJ Melee competition at Mohawk is putting a new spin on things.

Earlier this week local DJs Manny and Tweedy, along with Japan's Giant Hornets, were given five minutes to pick out 30 pieces of vinyl from a randomly selected music retailer. It's basically the audiophile equivalent of those timed grocery store shopping sprees you used to see on TV. The DJs then have to create a 30-minute mix in real time, with one DJ declared the winner by a panel of judges.

The next round takes place May 9 at Beauty Bar as DJs Orion, Coolhands, and Ian Orth square off, followed by DJs Starsign, Abominatron, and Notion's three-way at Club de Ville June 13. The winners then compete for the local crown and a chance to take on the best from L.A. and New York July 18 at Mohawk.

Those itching to go on their own vinyl binge might want to hold off until next Saturday, Record Store Day. See next week's Off the Record for more.