Manchester clubs over the weekend

This weekend in Manchester sees the return of old favourites, the arrival of a legend back at full fitness, two of the finest underground producers in the country in one night, and while we're at it, some Absolute Sh*te to boot. Read on, all will become clear in good time. By which we mean, after you've finished reading the next few paragraphs.

Jam City and Dancers Wanted – Soup Kitchen, Stevenson Square, Friday
A double bill of on-point, underground dance goodness in the always reliable Soup Kitchen basement this Friday night. Early doors in the gig format is a live show from Night Slugs favourite and high-minded experimentalist, Jam City. His recent second LP, following up the already legendary 'Classical Curves', has garnered some of the best reviews of the year for it's unique mix of bass, grime and pop that belies some intriguing philosophical ideas about contemporary society. Of course, when faced with a dancefloor, Jam City's live set is more likely to make you dance, with an available sideline in pondering. Following Jam City is the return of Ruf Dug's quarterly party, 'Dancer's Wanted', at which genre hopping Ruffy will be joined by Londoner Jack J. Closely associated with London's vibrant Peckham party scene, his last EP' on Mood Hut, was one of last year's most timeless sounding debuts, featuring some of the most irresistible, live sounding grooves out of the capital in years. Both Jack and Ruffy has oodles of new material primed for summer dancefloors, and the always vibrant Dancers Wanted will no doubt be treated to much of it among the smoke and under the strobes.

Bugged Out! - Sankeys, Radium Street, Friday
Now twenty one years into their fruitful existence, UK clubbing institution Bugged Out actually began at the old Sankeys Soap, luring the likes of Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers and several of Detroit's finest to Ancoats, the latter generally all commenting that they felt right at home. This weekend, they at last return to Manchester with a new roster of talent. Headliner TEED is one of dance music's worthy crossover success stories of the past few years, and as a DJ, he remains skilled and versatile, as knowledgeable of jungle as he is of techno and pop. Joining him is Jonas Rathsman, currently leading the way among the new raft of French house producers, and Ghost Culture, whose recent LP co-produced with Bugged Out hero Erol Alkan, is one of the most unique records so far this year. London's much in demand Lemmy Ashton tops off the party.

Robert Hood - Secret Venue, Manchester, Saturday
Having been originally scheduled to play prior to Christmas, before falling victim to a crippling illness, one of Detroit's true kings of techno returns courtesy of Selective Hearing, primed, fit and ready to turn the club upside down with his unique brand of relentless techno. As well as digging deep into an incredible heritage of definitive productions, he'll no doubt explore his recent, Gospel inspired Floorplan alias, responsible for hits like the ubiquitous 'Never Grow Old'. Trust us, it somehow better when Hood plays it himself. Further heavy business comes from Sunil Sharpe, Cleric and Reflec.

Absolute Shi*e – Ruby Lounge, High Street, Saturday
Tongue-in-cheek club nights are hardly a new concept to Manchester, but few dare to go as far as the gang at Absolute Shi*e, who promise an evening of deliriously catchy, unforgivable music designed to have you question your own taste. Personally, we're of the opinion that no pleasure should be a guilty one, and we're not so certain that Kanye West should be included among Absolute Shi*es list of clunkers such as The Lighthouse Family, Eiffel 65, Shaggy and Black Lace, but for a proper, unpretentious party of the variety Russ Abbott would approve of, then this Saturday at Ruby Lounge is for you.

Find out more about Manchester's music and nightlife.