Admittedly after the fat-fest that was Christmas and the faff-fest that was New Year's Eve, the idea of going clubbing this weekend might seem about as attrtactive as setting fire to your own head.
And, of course, if life was fair, this week would have been declared National Recovery Week, whereupon nobody would have to work, everybody would be required to talk in soothing whispers, and every available surface would be covered with duvets just in case the need to snooze should overtake us.
However, this is unlikely to happen, so it's no good whatsoever trying to screw yourself into a little ball and pretend that 2002 hasn't arrived. After all, there are your New Year's Resolutions to consider, and where else are you goin to achieve all of your aspirations if not in a club? You can get some exercise, broaden your social sphere and cop off with Miss/Mr Right all in the one night, leaving only those pesky drinking and smoking resolutions to take care of.
OK, so now we have established that going out this weekend is completely necessary for your physical and emotional well-being (sort of), which venues are dedicating themselves to this most worthy of public services?
The Phoenix is doing its bit to reward Manchester's hardcore element by allowing half-price entry to Saturday night's Tangled recovery session to those who can produce a ticket from any New Year's Eve party (although this might not include that knees-up at the bingo hall with your nan). Perhaps realising that you are bound to be in a delicate, possibly distressed, state the lads don't want to frighten you by confronting you with strangers so it is residents all-round for those who want to get Tangled this weekend.
This should meet with no complaints as co-founders Phil Morse and Terry Pointon deliver some progressive house and trance in the main room, while upstairs regulars Herbie Saccani and Steve Thorpe offer up some nu-skool breakbeats.
Unhand that lighter fluid and gather your resolve - the New Year starts here.
NICOLA MOSTYN