Classics week - the end!

As promised, here are some of the recommendations given to me by my pals.

Good lookin' out, friends!


The Seeds - Can't Seem To Make You Mine



Santana - Black Magic Woman



Bob Marley - No Woman No Cry



The Animals - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

Classics week (5)

Now, how could I write about the "classics" on a website titled Jazzy's Joynt without including the legendary Bob Marley, right?

Well, here he is. And I don't even know where to begin. The man was a revolutionary.

We could all take a lesson from the book of Marley. We sit here and allow the toxins in the world to destroy us. We fight. We judge. We are superficial. The list goes on. But just listening to Marley's music and lyrics instantly puts me in a different mood, a different world. His message was a peaceful one.

He even put a civil war to rest (for a moment) with just one performance. During his One Love Peace Concert in Kingston, Jamaica, Marley joined the hands of political rivals of the Jamaican Labour Party and the People's National Party. While performing "Jammin'," he brought the political leaders on stage and said, "I just want to shake hands and show the people that we're gonna make it right, we're gonna unite... The moon is high over my head, and I give my love instead."

Bob Marley, you lift my spirits! And it saddens me that you passed at such a young age.

His final words to his son Ziggy were, "Money can't buy life." And that is a lesson I'll take with me everywhere that I go.


Bob Marley - Jammin'



Bob Marley - Turn Your Lights Down Low



Bob Marley - The Heathen



Bob Marley - All Day All Night



Bob Marley - Three Little Birds



Bob Marley - Redemption Song

Classics week (4)

"Clapton is God." That is what my brother used to tell me and anyone who would listen many years ago. I paid him no mind back then but finally grew to appreciate Eric Clapton years later, once I got into classic rock.

Eric Clapton has been around for what seems like forever. From The Yard Birds to Cream to his solo work, Clapton has somehow managed to keep his music soulful and relevant. I mean, the man has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times. He's the only individual to achieve this.

The man is a musical genius. Thanks, bro, for the inspiration...


The Yard Birds - For Your Love


Eric Clapton - Forever Man


Eric Clapton - Cocaine

Classics week (3)

You're all pretty aware by now that I'm a house head. And you probably also know that I like my house music with some soul, some funk. And where would house music, or any other contemporary music genre, be without the influence of Motown?

Motown left quite the imprint on the music industry and on history altogether. I love Motown tracks because they're real. They're emotional. They're deep and true.

Here are a few of my favorite Motown jams. FYI: each one has been covered, some more than once. Just to further illustrate Motown's influence.


The Marvelettes - The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game


The Undisputed Truth - Smiling Faces


Diana Ross & The Supremes - Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart


Four Tops - Bernadette

Classics week (2)

I love Fleetwood Mac, mostly because I'm female, and the story behind this band is like a freakin' soap opera. I don't have the time nor the energy to get into detail about that drama; it would probably take up multiple pages. But if you care to find out for yourself, click here.

Let's get back to their music. The songs here all have special meaning to me, and they're all so different — part of the reason why I love Fleetwood Mac so much. They're songs can appeal to almost anyone. They cover so many emotions and situations through their music. And their impact is made apparent by the many covers other bands have produced. Even clubheads are jamming to Fleetwood Mac, without even knowing it. I've heard dance remakes of "You Make Lovin' Fun," "Everywhere," and "Stand Back" (which is actually a Stevie Nicks solo, but you get the point). And I'm sure there are many more that I haven't even heard yet.

So on to my playlist...I was never a big fan of "Dreams" until I was riding on the subway one evening about five years ago. A homeless man was blissfully strumming on his guitar and singing the lyrics, and I couldn't take my eyes off him. He played this song so beautifully, I missed my train because I didn't want to stop listening. It was the perfect song to illustrate the way I was feeling at that moment in time. I immediately went home and downloaded Fleetwood's version of the song, and ever since "Dreams" possesses a whole new meaning for me.

This is the live version of "Big Love." It sounds much different than the studio version, which I don't care for much. But I wanted to post this because Fleetwood Mac is one of those bands that can put on the kind of show that you'll never forget. Their performance can change the way you listen to their music. I also wanted to use a song that showcased Lindsey Buckingham's vocals. Most people think of Stevie Nicks when they think of Fleetwood Mac. But Buckingham, as well as Christine McVie, added something different when they contributed to vocals, something special.

I also wanted to include "Gold Dust Woman" for you. My cousin, Mimi, introduced me to this song back in our grammar school days. Her father had an old jukebox in their garage, and we would repeat this track over and over again. Unfortunately, I do not have a downloadable version. But the video I dug up for you is an even better treat. So enjoy! And let me know your thoughts.


Fleetwood Mac - Dreams (Download)


Fleetwood Mac - Big Love (live) (Download)

Classics week!

There's more to me than meets the eye. I'm not all house and electro. So get that thought out of your head.

I'm feeling pretty inspired lately. This has a lot to do with the positive influences I've been keeping around me. Having already given credit to my cousins for my house addiction, I got to thinking about where my passion for music in general stems from. And I owe it all to my parents and brother. Thanks guys! You had me grooving to Stevie Wonder and Led Zeppelin when the rest of my classmates and buddies were listening to Debbie Gibson and New Kids On The Block.

This week, I'm going to steer away from the typical jams I've posted on this blog, and I'm going to focus on the artists and songs that I grew up listening to, before I even know house music existed. Without artists like The Supremes, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Smokey Robinson, Bob Marley, etc., today's artists wouldn't have a place in this world. Just because they're not typical dance tracks, they still make me bob my head and tap my feet.



Today, I'd like to focus on music's most dynamic, most influential group of all time: The Beatles. Yes, that's a bold statement, but I'm going to stand behind it. To be honest with you, the first time I listened to their music, I was not impressed...but keep in mind, I was about five years old. Their earlier stuff did nothing for me. Songs like "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "Love Me Do" were too corny for my taste. The novelty of that cheesy oldies era wears off QUICK.

But then I started listening to The Beatles later work, thanks to my hippy parents, and I realized these guys were way ahead of their time. I mean, these songs are incredible...especially those on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. If you don't already own this album, it's a wise investment. I can't think of one bad song on it. And if you really think about it, these jams would be great covers or even samples for today's musicians to use. Listen very closely. The lyrics are deep, the music is robust.

Anyhow, if it wasn't for the songs below, I may never have gotten into music the way I am today. Thank you Paul, John, George and Ringo. And thank you, mom and dad, for forcing me to listen to good music when I was still in diapers.

Quick thoughts on these tracks:
"I Am The Walrus" is super trippy, and nonsensical...outrageous! "Good Morning Good Morning" is positive and uplifting...sure to get you up in the AM! "I Want You" is sexy sexy sexy sexy!

Stay tuned tomorrow...more oldies but goodies!

P.S. I have a favor to ask of you, pals. I know 99.9% of you listen to The Beatles. Now that you know MY favorite Beatles tracks, I'd like to hear yours. Please leave me a comment, letting me know which Beatles song is YOUR favorite.

Holla!


The Beatles - I Am The Walrus (Download)


The Beatles - Good Morning Good Morning (Download)


The Beatles - I Want You (She's So Heavy) (Download)

I'm in a glue too thick...

I had to share more Hot Chip with you.

Dope lyrics.

That's it.


Hot Chip - A Glue Too Thick (Download)

Thank you

I really have to take a moment here to give credit to my cousins...my hip, fun, wise cousins. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have a clue about house music and its roots. First, there's Karina and Alexa, my role models growing up. They were my older, cooler cousins, and I loved hanging around them and their friends. And they were always grooving to the latest house tracks. Then there's Isaac, my early partner in crime. He gave me my first Hot Mix by Bad Boy Bill, back in the early '90s. I was not even 10 years old yet. And everywhere I went, I had my little cassette player and I would rock out to that mix. I mean, I think about that now, and I'm seriously astonished. Think about it...what 10-year-old do you know who listens to classic house...all day long? It's trippy.

Anyhow, back to that Hot Mix. I was digging through old boxes a few days ago and came across that Hot Mix cassette Isaac gave me many years ago. It's been more than a decade since I've listened to this mix. As soon as the music began, I was in a trance. I couldn't stop bobbing my head, and singing along with the tracks. After all these years, I haven't forgotten a word or a beat.

Unfortunately, I don't have a track listing for the mix, but I want to share these songs with you so bad! So in an effort to obtain an accurate track listing, I enlisted the help of Bad Boy Bill himself. Not really expecting a response, I sent him an email explaining my situation. And he surprisingly emailed me back the same day! I couldn't believe it. Anyhow, he agreed to help me out, and hopefully, I'll have some of those tracks in digital format soon. So you can rock to the Hot Mix beat as I have been for the past 48 hours.

In the meantime, I have some old-school house jams for you. This is the music my cousins introduced me to almost years ago. This is the music that inspired me.

Thank you. This playlist is for you cuz.


Farley 'Jackmaster' Funk - Love Can't Turn Around (Download)


Machine - There But For The Grace Of God (Download)


Reel 2 Real - Go On Move (Erick "More" Radio Edit) (Download)


Daddy's Favourite - I Feel Good Things For You (Download)


Livin' Joy - Dreamer (Download)

This one's for you, JR

I've been bouncing off the walls the past couple days with my posts. I need to take it down a notch...for my sanity.

Hot Chip is still a dynamic electronic ensemble. Don't get me wrong. But it's the kind of music you can just kick back to, or perhaps blast on your late-night drive home.

You be the judge...


Hot Chip - Crap Kraft Dinner (Download)


Hot Chip - No Fit State (Download)


Hot Chip - One Pure Thought (Download)


Hot Chip - Wearing My Rolex (Wiley cover on BBC Live Lounge) (Download)

And if you like what you hear, you may also be interested in the countless remixes out there of Hot Chip songs. They're incredible.

Don't take your love away...

I have no idea why I haven't blogged about this song yet. This is the song that introduced me to my absolute fave Chicago house DJ...Mr. David Sabat.

The very first time I witnessed Sabat and Madd Soul perform at Cuatro, they busted out this jam. And the bodies on the dancefloor went nuts!

So check it out, and once again...dance with me ;-)

Buggin out!

Ok, I am truly speechless. I have nothing to say that can justify how absolutely awesome this track is...seriously. Sooo...I'm just going to post a picture of myself...dancing. Because that is what this song makes me want to do...right now...in my cubicle.


I suppose I can prepare you for what you are about to listen to:

This is a trancey house track. It has no vocals. Just a ton of trippy loops. This song kills me, the way it picks up and drops. You'll know what I'm talking about around the 3:15 mark.

In-*$#@ing-sane.


Gabriel Ananda - Ihre persönliche Glücksmelodie (Download)

I still remember...

Have you ever been to Europe? Have you watched MTV or VH1 while traveling abroad? It is absolutely a trip! I mean, sure, they play some of the mainstream videos we're used to in the United States. But some of these songs are far out, and the videos are even trippier. Is that even a word...trippier?

Anyway, I haven't been to Europe in a while, but the two times I did go were quite memorable, especially because of the music. When traveling, I feel you learn so much about yourself and others, and in my experiences, music has a great deal to do with the memories I have of traveling.

Whenever I hear "Soul Reply" by Stylophonic, I think of shopping in hip, trendy boutiques in Rome. I remember jumping into that car in Florence and letting those charming Italian gentlemen show us around the city after hours. When I listen to Gigi D'Agostino's "Bla Bla Bla," I remember dancing in this dark French club, La Scala, in Paris. I remember smoking cigarettes and walking to the Eiffel Tower with my classmates each night.

If it weren't for music, I don't really know how much I would remember about my past travels or those special people who shared these moments with me. But thankfully, for Euro MTV, I'll always remember...

Droppin da pressure

I love everything that Mylo puts out, from his original tracks to his remixes. He's brilliant. If you're not familiar with Mylo's music, you may have heard "Drop The Pressure" at clubs about four years ago. "In My Arms" also got some decent airplay for those of you who listen to internet radio stations. The video for "In My Arms" might be one of my favorite videos...in this musical genre at least. I'm usually annoyed with the music videos for house tracks, but this one's got a good lil' storyline. My favorite part is the muscle car...good grief I want a muscle car. And dude lets his girl drive it. Stellar! Anyhow, I digress. So...check it out:



As for Bob Sinclar, I like some of his stuff. A lot of it is a bit too cheesy for me. But I will say, I love most of his remixes. So having said that, I want you to listen to this track by Bob Sinclar and remixed by Mylo. It's slightly trancey, but also very catchy. The female vocals perfect the track.


Bob Sinclar feat. Steve Edwards - Yes U R (Mylo Mix) (Download)

Ready for the weekend!

The weekend has finally arrived...and not soon enough! It's been one crazy week, with the Chicago heat wave (70 degrees in February...madness!) and octo-baby mama drama and Chris Brown beating up on his much hotter, much cooler, much more talented girlfriend. It's been a turbulent few days, and I need a release! I'm going to close out this week the only way I know how...with some hot tracks and dancing, of course!

These three tracks are permanent fixtures on my "getting ready to go out" playlist. They're fun, catchy and vibrant. So if you're feeling as pooped as I am right now and need a little pick-me-up, jam to these tracks and get motivated! It's Friday!

Also, if any of you are in the Chicago area this weekend, I highly recommend attending Madd Soul's performance at Cuatro tonight. Madd Soul is a combination of percussion, trumpet and saxophone played live with Chicago house DJ, David Sabat. I've already seen this group perform quite a few times, and I have probably become their biggest promoter! I'm telling you, if you like to dance, this is the place to be. And the crowd is so lively. The drinks are delicious. No doubt, you'll have a good time.


Grand National - Cherry Tree (Download)


Laurent Wolf - No Stress (Download)


Punks Jump Up - Dance To Our Disco (Download)

Come dance with me

For all you jazz heads out there who don't mind a lil' groove, a lil' funk, you must check out the Verve Remixed series. These are compilation albums of classic jazz artists remixed by contemporary world-renowned DJs and musicians.

This song, "Come Dance With Me" by Shirley Horn, is such a fun track. To be honest, I heard it for the first time while I was taking a shower. (Thank you, roomie, for introducing me to the Verve.) I immediately started dancing in the shower. Yes, I said it...dancing in the shower...and you know it, my clumsy ass almost fell. Go ahead...I know you're picturing it in your head. Get the giggles out of the way, maniacs.

So as I was saying, this song is too groovy, you cannot help but sway back and forth, tap your feet, bob your head and bounce those shoulders. So please, check it out. And if you like it, you may as well just purchase all the Verve Remixed albums. This particular track is on Verve Remixed 3, which includes songs by the legendary Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, remixed by artists such as The Postal Service, Brazilian Girls, Junior Boys, Diplo and Danger Mouse.

Now go put on those dancing shoes, and get ready for a funky ride...



Shirley Horn - Come Dance With Me (Sugardaddy Remix)

Quite a heartbeat...

I'd like to take this moment to share my new favorite band with you: The Foals. Although I'm sure they'd be categorized as "alternative" or "punk," their music absolutely has an electronic/techno influence. That's why I like them so much. They're not the typical emo-pop-punk band. You can rock out to their tracks...or dance...or relax. The Foals can fit any mood, any vibe. They're like Minus The Bear meets Pinback, with a splash of Bloc Party (mostly because of the British accents). Anyhow, give these few songs a listen, and if you like them, all these tracks can be found on their album Antidotes.

Some commentary on the tracks:

Hummer is aggressive, yet funky. Has some good solos, especially at the 1:45 mark.

Electric Bloom is for those who want something more mellow, dark and chill.

Olympic Airways is fun and full of energy. It has a pretty melody, and the vocals are mesmerizing.


Foals - Hummer (Download)


Foals - Electric Bloom (Download)


Foals - Olympic Airways (Download)

House music by Legowelt

Although he was born in The Netherlands, you would never guess it judging by his musical stylings. Legowelt breaks those deep, funky beats in true Chicago house fashion. Don't believe me? Just listen to these three tracks. The Chicago influence is made apparent within seconds.

All his tracks put me in a trance. They're not complicated, yet extremely hypnotic. But they're not that boring trance garbage. You know what I'm referring to. Legowelt's got skill, and I could jam to this any time, any day. If you want to learn more about Legowelt, and I definitely encourage it, check out his website here.


Legowelt - The Republic (Download)


Legowelt - Strange Girl (Download)


Legowelt - Ricky Ramjet (Download)

Bring me music

I heard this track on one of David Sabat's recent mixes, and my house head cousin and I immediately became addicted to this groovy jam. We've been dancing around our apartment to this song for the past week or so. Ha! So I had to share it with my pals. It's so sexy and mellow. If you're looking for something deep, vocal and especially seductive, give this one a listen. It'll stimulate your senses...


Jaidene Veda - Sunday (Sunday Skool Vocal) (Download)

Feeling optimistic

What a positive, uplifting track! It's extremely chill and relaxing, but the message is powerful. Kate Rogers has such a soothing voice, and she has a way of making you feel what she's saying.

The message: Everything's gonna be alright! It's pretty simple really. No matter what goes wrong, you must have faith that things will work out. It's not always easy, but you just gotta pick yourself up. You must remain optimistic and focus on the positive side of things. If you worry too much about the negative, you end up wasting time and energy on the things that don't matter.

The reason I am posting this now is because it's the perfect song to explain my current state of mind. This past year has been trying and full of obstacles. I have somehow overcome everything that stood in my way, and now it's time to move forward and keep pushing.

I have so much to look forward to in 2009. Those of you who know me well know that I have a ton on my plate, but I welcome the challenges. All the experiences that brought me down last year...those are lessons that I am taking with me into this year. And those very lessons have motivated me to move forward with all the exciting projects I have in the works.

I am blessed to have such great friends and family who support me and encourage me to follow my dreams. I dedicate this song to you. The fact that you care so much makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I know, I know...I'm corny. But it's true. Just seeing your reactions to whatever it is that I'm doing gets me even more excited than I already am.

Now before you listen, make sure you get nice and relaxed. And make sure there are no distractions. Just you and the music. Enjoy.


Kate Rogers - Fine (Download)

Just for my sister, Savka...

This song is for you, Sav! I can assure you it will get you pumped.

And to all those degenerates out there who ever took a strong, beautiful, badass female for granted:

"Anybody knows when, you use me,
You’ll lose me
You’re never gonna learn till,
You lose me, you lose me

Do I look to you
Like something to lose?
Or am I to you only
Someone to use?"


Creamer K feat. Nadia Ali - Something To Lose (Cedric Gervais Mix) (Download)

Nirvana vs. Tricky

So I'm at a bar last night with my best pals, James and Justin, and we decide to play some tunes on the jukebox. I see the Nevermind album by Nirvana and immediately get excited, and they actually had ALL the songs available to play. Usually, on these new digital jukebox machines, I only see "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Lithium." Anyhow, I digress...so I see the title "Something In The Way," which is a great song, but I honestly haven't heard it in several years. So I thought it was as good a time as any for a grade school flashback.

James and Justin encourage me to blog about the song, because I was so excited about it. So that's what I'm doing right now. I like James' description of Nirvana: "They're dirty. Kurt Cobain's voice is ugly. But that's why I like them. They're ugly, good music." I couldn't agree more. Nirvana was by no means a "pretty" sound. But they represented a generation, who, at that time, needed a voice — a dirty, honest voice. It just fit.

Anyhow, many years after I first heard this song, I discovered a cover by Tricky. I have to be in the right mood to listen to Tricky, who is very mellow, sinister and dark. And right now, I am feeling very conflicted. I normally hate covers, especially anyone who dare covers a Nirvana song. But I am beginning to feel like Tricky's version might be slightly better. I can't believe I just shared that.

Well, I'll leave it up to you. What do you think?


Nirvana - Something In The Way (Download)


Tricky - Something In The Way (Download)

The Blue-Eyed Artist

I dedicate this playlist to you, blue-eyed artist, who walked out of my life as quickly as you walked in. But this isn't a bitter message, it's thankful. I am grateful for the imprint you have left on my path. Although you walked out of my life without explanation, you did something very special and profound for me. In the brief time I knew you, you made me feel things I never thought I would or could feel again. That is a gift, blue eyes, and you will never even know.

It pains me that you'll never know what could have been. You excited me, and you still do. But I will admit, part of the reason you still get under my skin, even in your absence, is the mystery, the challenge, the unknown. However, I have no regrets, because I tried. You were hard to crack. But you will never know my story. The story I wanted so badly to share with you.

That door is now closed, and that is unfortunate. You walked in and out as quick as that game of Connect Four at Carol's.

Just listen to the songs, and know your impact.


Erlend Øye - A Sudden Rush (Download)

"A sudden rush of expectation...
Initial hint of disappointment...
Another blow of resignation...
Why did you come at all? If it wasn't for me."



The Whitest Boy Alive - Inflation (Download)

"Painless
So easy
You come fast
And leave me."



Bloc Party - The Present (Download)

"I wish I could've given you the lightness
The lightness that you deserve...
And they say time is a healer
And time will look after you
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Come over."

Woah!

I recently found this track while perusing one of my favorite blogs (www.dreambigdreamfree.com). It was an instant download and addition to my "party" playlist.

If I were a DJ, this is that song I'd play when I just hyped everyone up. The energy level on the dance floor is bangin. And just when they think it's over, I'd play this track. It gives 'em a nice, short break, calms things down a bit. Then, when they least expect it, I bring it back to that high-energy level, and the grooving can continue.

Just a thought...


Grum - Woah (FutureFlashs Disco Mix) (Download)

You know me the best

This song is about the love of your life, and it finally being your turn.

About the artist: Róisín Murphy has an incredible voice. And she is soooo strange, I love it! She's like a somewhat normal Björk. Which isn't saying much, I know. But she is so funky and fresh. Eeehh...correction: She's like Björk meets Debbie Harry meets Lady Gaga. Yea, that's a much better description.



So this is probably one of my favorite songs...ever. I'm not quite sure if I have ever felt this way about anybody. But just listening to this song MAKES me want to fall in love with my best friend! It's so catchy and groovy!


Róisín Murphy - You Know Me Better (Download)

There's something in the air

Time to liven things up a bit on here. I realize my last couple posts have been quite mellow and slow to pick up. Here's something to get you riled up.



Digitalism has recently become one of my favorite electronic artists. I like to think of them as a modern-day, more uplifting New Order...for those of you who grew up in the 80s. They never fail to get me up and motivated. Their songs are definitely in constant rotation on my work-out playlist. Give 'em a try. See if this doesn't make you wanna throw something, do a funny dance, prank call, sing in the shower, or just smile :)


Digitalism - Pogo (Download)