I understand what you're saying ... i too have had some top nights where the music hasn't been exactly to my taste ... but that's because of the company i've been in .... not because of what's being played.
Thank God for good mates in those situations.
At the end of the day .... it's the music i go for first and foremost ...... without doubt!
And with all the will in the world .... there's only so much even the funniest mates can do to alleviate the agony of poor records.
As for playlists BEFORE a spot ..... NOT ON YOUR NINNIE ..... NO WAY ..... NEVER ..... ABSOLUTELY NOT !!
Every night is different ..... and you adapt what you play accordingly .... AS YOUR PLAYING THEM ..... not the week before