Lately, when hitting the clubs with my friends, I hear them make the same comment time and time again:

Now, I’m not knockin’ hip-hop. I like to get freaky on the dance floor now and then, and I even take a cardio hip-hop class at 24 Hour Fitness. However, sometimes listening to the same hip-hop or even techno music night after night gets a bit boring.

So, if you’re looking to get your groove on to a different beat, check out one of the following venues and its alternative to the normal San Diego club music!

Every Monday night at Live Wire, “Wheels of Industry” brings you some of the best and most innovative DJs that San Diego has to offer, featuring a different DJ and mix of music each week. You’ll hear sounds from different decades, genres and styles, so you should definitely be captivated by the eclectic variety.

If you’re familiar with the San Diego DJ scene, past acts have included sets by DJ Edgartronic of Fashion Whore and DJ Saul Q of Transport; some upcoming DJs to look out for are DJ Gabe and DJ Hippo on Nov. 5, as well as DJ Junior the Disco Punk on Nov. 12 If you need more than audio stimulation, play some pinball or a game of pool on the solo table.

Voted the “Best Hipster Bar/Club” in 2003 by Signonsandiego.com, Live Wire definitely attracts the young indie crowd, especially those looking for a casual ambiance and a plain ol’ good time. Keep your drink orders simple, like a bourbon and coke, and you’ll receive good service and stiff drinks at $6 a pop in a pint glass. Or sip on a PBR, a.k.a. Pabst Blue Ribbon, and you’ll fit right in with the regulars. Don’t forget to leave the plastic at home; Live Wire is cash only.

Live Wire is located on 2103 El Cajon Blvd. and open daily from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

If the creative and wildly entertaining acts of Chad Michaels and the rest of the Dreamgirls’ Revue don’t bring you to Urban Mo’s on Wednesday nights, then come after the show, and you’ll find the disco balls spinning and the disco tunes pumping for “Trash Disco” at 10 p.m.

DJ Lauren plays hit after polyester hit on the dance floor, and if you grew up in the ‘70s or just have an appreciation for afros and bell bottoms, then this is the night for you. You can even enjoy $3 well drinks from 9 p.m. to close.

Just leave the afro and bell bottoms at home (unless you’re REALLY into that sorta thing).

Urban Mo’s is located on 308 University Avenue and open daily from 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Remember the big hair, neon spandex, and heavy makeup of the ‘80s metal/glam rock bands? Well, if you don’t remember or are just feeling a bit nostalgic, then head over to Typhoon Saloon on Wednesdays for “National Lampoon’s Metal Skool,” the ultimate cover band of ‘80s metal and glam rock.

Be prepared to warp back in time: The band is decked out in true glam rock style: You’ll see people dressed in similar attire in the packed audience, and you’ll probably find yourself rockin’ out and singing along to the likes of Cinderella and Twisted Sister.

Just get there early, because cover starts at $7 at 7 p.m., but progresses to $10 by 10 p.m. to close. However, you can indulge in $2.50 Grolsch and Grolsch Lights.

Typhoon Saloon is located on 1165 Garnet Ave. and open daily from 4 p.m. to close.

For ‘80s pop aficionados, check out the ‘80s cover bands Pop Rocks or The Reaganomics at Jimmy Love’s, normally playing on Friday or Saturday nights from 9:45 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

These two bands look and play the part, and if you’re really adventurous, you can look the part as well (as my friends and I did a couple of weeks ago). They really pack the club with people of all ages, and you can dance and sing along to your favorite Flock of Seagulls, Go-Gos, and even Depeche Mode. For a complete schedule of live acts, check out http://jimmyloves.com/entertainment.htm Get there before 10 p.m. if you want to avoid cover, or have dinner beforehand and get in for free.

Jimmy Love’s is located on 672 Fifth Ave. and open daily from 5 p.m. to close.

If you’re more into New Wave and alternative ‘80s, then check out ‘80s Night at Bourbon Street on Tuesdays starting at 9 p.m. (karaoke simultaneously goes on in the front room), Club ‘80s at Shooterz on Thursdays starting at 9 p.m., or ‘80s Retro Electro Groove at The Brass Rail on Fridays starting at 8 p.m. Bourbon Street is free, but Shooterz and The Brass Rail charge a small cover.

On Mondays, join the rest of the Broadway divas (like half the gay boys I know) for Musical Mondays at Bourbon Street, where showtunes from Broadway to movies and television are playing on all the big screens and start at 9 p.m.

If country swing is more your speed, then don’t forget about Kicker’s at Urban Mo’s, every Thursday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to close. Take a lesson from Lee on country line dancing from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., and then tear up the dance floor the rest of the night. Don’t miss out on the Bud Lite Draft beer bust from 7 p.m. to close as well.

Bourbon Street is located on 4612 Park Blvd. and is open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Shooterz is located on 3815 30th St. and open Monday – Thursday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday – Sunday from noon to 2 a.m. The Brass Rail is located at 3796 Fifth Ave.

Since Halloween is next week, I thought it would be appropriate to end this column with one of my favorite quotes from Lindsay Lohan’s character Cady Heron in Mean Girls:

“Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.”

Now we all know the word “girls” is easily replaced with the word “gays,” so put on that slutty costume and rock out with your … you get the picture.