I'm waiting for my moment

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone is down in the dumps lately? I've been going about my days as usual, and I've witnessed so much sadness, anger, turbulence, frustration, etc. And I'm still smiling. But I'm the only one it seems.

I'll admit I was pretty depressed last week. The whole situation in Iran had a huge effect on me, and it continues to worry me. And then a series of pop culture icons passed away. Not to mention the usual daily struggles—crummy economy, political woes, and so on.

But my sadness faded away rather quickly, and I have my friends and family to thank for that. And even though you may be struggling right now too, I hope I can help you out of that funk.

I spent the entire day with a very close friend of mine this past Sunday, and this time we spent together made me feel so special, blessed and loved. Like you and so many others, I have things I'm worrying about right now. I have plenty of work to do, personally and professionally. I could sit here and go on all day about the negative things surrounding me, but that won't do anyone any good. So when I feel myself get discouraged or upset, I think about all the positive things in my life. For me, the key is to not take all the love around me for granted. I know things may be sour right now for myself and for many others in the world. But I know it'll get better, or at least I'll try to make it better. I can't change everything, but I can change my attitude.

And I hope those of you out there going through painful situations right now are able to do the same. I dedicate this song to you.

Such a positive, uplifting, catchy track. And it couldn't have played at a more perfect time. A few hours into my Sunday with my pal, thinking how lucky I am to have this friend in my life. I've known this particular friend for years, and we've been through so much. There were times we were not on good terms. There were times that we hurt one another. But now we have reached a point where we can leave the past in the past and focus on the future. And it's friendships like these that are proof that even when life seems unbearable and you feel like you don't have a true friend in the world, things can change. Things can always get better.

So I heard this song playing and immediately jotted down the name because I wanted to share this moment with you. This moment of clarification. All it took was this moment to turn my mood around. The vocal's start off with these lyrics: "I'm waiting for my moment to come, I'm waiting for the movie to begin, I'm waiting for a revelation, I'm waiting for someone to count me in."

These are words I can absolutely relate to at this point in my life. Many days pass when I cry to myself, "Where's MY moment? Why hasn't it come yet?"

We all have dreams, and we all want them to come true so badly. The song ends with the questions: "Did you wanna be a winner? Did you wanna be an icon? Did you wanna be famous? Did you wanna be president?" And finally, "Did you wanna be in love?"

Anything is possible, my friends. Don't let the sour times drag you down. Think about the opportunities that present themselves. Think about the great things you can achieve once your moment arrives!


Keane - Spiralling

Goodbye Mike

I don't have much to say about Michael Jackson. His life (and now his death as well) has been the center of controversy for as long as I can remember. And my intention is not to stir anything up. I may not agree or condone certain behaviors but despite how he led his personal life, I can confidently say that Michael Jackson changed music. His songs are inspirational and powerful. There's no denying that.

Having said that, I think it's ridiculously messed up that people just look past this person and the horrible things he did just because he made great music.

I know Jackson had a rough childhood. I know he had to grow up very fast at a very young age. I know he was abused. These are all things that most likely led to his twisted adulthood. BUT that doesn't make it OK. So I hope you're reading this with the ability to distinguish his music from the rest of his life. His music was undoubtedly legendary, but remember what he did. Don't get your panties in a bunch just because people are taking this lightly and laughing. Michael Jackson has been the butt of all types of jokes for well over a decade. And now it's not supposed to be relevant because he died? I don't think so.

Now that I got that out of the way, know that I have been and will continue to be a fan of Michael Jackson's music. And you probably already know even when I try not to be controversial, I just can't help myself and it comes out anyway. Oops!

Anyhow, this is a blog about music. So here are my personal faves that I wanted to share with you.



Michael Jackson - PYT



Michael Jackson - Human Nature



Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson - Scream



Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us



Michael Jackson - Off The Wall



Michael Jackson - Beat It



Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana



Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal



Jackson 5 - I Want You Back



Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney - Say Say Say



Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel



Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror

We're gonna win this!

In keeping with the political theme I started on Monday, I introduce to you "Price of Gas" by Bloc Party. Pretty self-explanatory, huh? This track is sick. Listen to it. I mean, really listen to it. Listen to the words. Listen to the guitar, the drums, the bass, the tone of his voice, the intensity of all the dimensions. It hits.

I like the beginning of the track; it sounds so sinister—like our government. And the aggression expressed is intoxicating. It sucks me right in. It makes me want to do something about the situation we're in, here and abroad.

Oil. The price of oil is the central theme...obviously. It seems all the evil in this world stems from greed. Greed for power. Greed for money. Greed for land. Greed for oil. And who suffers? Not those in control, that's for sure. We lose. Me. And you.

But through it all, we must remain positive. We must continue fighting for what is right, for what is just. Like Bloc Party vocalist Kele Okereke wails, "We're gonna win this!"



Bloc Party - Price Of Gas

So I also wanted to try something different today. My pal Riste understands music in a very profound way, and I wanted to pick at his brain. Riste, what's your take on this track?

It's chaos when I listen to the track, especially the beginning—reminds me of our government pulling a thick blanket over our eyes. "We're gonna win this" is yelled over and over, like to grab the blind followers' attention to open their eyes and to follow him or her into a mass protest. Just as the song gets closer to the end, like as if you have this feeling you're actually going to win this fight against the government, you're screaming, "We're gonna win this!" in a mass protest in front of the white house. But their windows are closed and they don't want to hear you; they'll just fix you right up. It ends in silence just as you think the song would keep going into another verse—BUT nothing, dead silence. You got fixed, and then people forget who you are and what you stood for.

"Do as you're told and everything will be OK," as what I've heard for years.

Well your judgment on "OK" is good for you but not me; I like to stick out and be that asshole. I have a voice, I don't care if you want to hear it our not. This song brings that protester out of me. Follow me, and you'll see what I see. Just whip that political crap off your eyes and open your mind.

Or don't listen to me, because you might end up like the person in the picture above. I'll take that RISK.

-Riste Ristevski

For Neda, For Iran, For Freedom

I posted this track just a couple of weeks ago. But after everything that has been happening in Iran the past seven days, I found it only fitting to post it again today.

I'm still in shock that so many people around me are completely ignorant to the current situation in Iran. Open your eyes, pals. People are dying, fighting for their freedom. The government is killing its own people. And this terror continues. If you're one of the many people who are more concerned with Perez Hilton's feud with Will.I.Am than foreign affairs, do yourself a favor and do a quick google search on Iran. Educate yourself. Get involved.

And if you don't know who Neda is, get off your silly little cloud and watch the video. I'm not going to post the link; you can find it yourself. Neda was a young, beautiful woman who was protesting with her father in Iran. Sadly, she was targeted and killed, and it was captured on video. People all over the world began posting this video on Facebook and Twitter. Apparently, her name means "voice" in Persian. How fitting; she has become the voice representing change in Iran.

If only social media emerged 15 years ago. Maybe the former Yugoslavia wouldn't be in the state it's in now. Maybe Americans would be more aware that there's more to this life than Heidi and Spencer and E! News. The world needs a revolution now more than ever.

Peace.

Gorillaz - Kids With Guns (Hot Chip Remix)

Wild out!

It's Friday! You know what that means... I need to bump something crazy and upbeat. I need something to get me amped and in the mood for all the trouble that will be stirred up over the next 48 hours.

You may have noticed a trend by now; I just did. When, and if, I post on a Friday, it's usually my "get blasted into the universe" playlist. Fridays may be my favorite day. The work week is complete, and I'm free to behave however I'd like. I'm a troublemaker and a free spirit, so I can tell you already it'll be a wild one!

As soon as I leave the office, I get into my car, blast the new CD I burned and cruise home in anticipation for what the weekend has to offer. And if you do the same, please check out the songs below, and create your own playlist! I'm going to be dancing all the way home, dancing into my house, dancing in the shower, dancing in front of the mirror as I try on a million outfits, and dancing to the party I will attend this evening.


Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone
The Whip - Blackout
Freeland - Under Control
Tame Impala - Remember Me
Late of the Pier - Bathroom Gurgle (Tronik Youth Remix)

Pay attention to the song names and lyrics, friends. There's a message for you...

In memory...

Tupac Amaru Shakur would have been celebrating his 38th birthday today. I still can't believe he was just 25 years old when he was murdered. I always felt he was an old soul—a prophet in my eyes. Although he made numerous references to his untimely death, his passing still shocked the world. I was still in junior high at the time, but I remember that day like it was yesterday. I felt numb. I didn't understand how such a tragedy could actually occur.

I followed Shakur's music and writing, and I always believed he was misunderstood. Sure, many of his tracks glorify crime and the mistreatment of women, but I don't feel those are an accurate representation of what he believed in. With the exception of most of his singles, his music was political. I think of the songs "Dear Mama" and "Keep Ya Head Up," and I know his intention was to get his fans and anyone who would listen to THINK. I watch old interviews conducted while he was prison, in which he sensibly explains his side of the story. And it's clear to me that he was much more wise than some think.

I listen to rap music today, and I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed because very few (if any) have the wit, intellect and charisma Tupac possessed. I can only hope that my lifetime will once again see such a soul.

2Pac - Dear Mama
2Pac - They Don't Give A Fuck About Us
2Pac - Thugz Mansion
2Pac - Last One Breathin
2Pac - To Live And Die in L.A.
2Pac - Never Had A Friend Like Me
2Pac - Changes

Expression session

Lately I've been neglecting my writing, and this troubles me. I used to keep a journal, since I was maybe 10 or 11 years old. And the older I get, the less time I allow myself to artistically express myself. I did, however, find an outlet through this website. Yet, there are so many other thoughts and ideas running through my head that I absolutely need to get on paper. Thoughts that have nothing and everything to do with music.

What I used to do and haven't done in a very, very long time is what I like to call my personal "expression sessions." It goes a little something like this:

I create a playlist, which includes songs that are thought-provoking, soothing and hypnotic. I throw those bad boys on a CD. I dim the lights just a bit, bust out a pen and paper and blast my new inspirational CD. I make sure there are no distractions; the cell phone is shut off. The music takes me on a journey, and I can't put the pen down. The thoughts come pouring out from my mind through the tips of my fingers. And I don't stop until I have nothing else to write.

This works for any form of art: painting, dancing, sculpting, etc. I want you to try this out one day. I can assure you won't regret it, and what's the worst that can happen anyway? You made yourself an awesome playlist. No harm, no foul.

Here I've posted some of the songs that I recently discovered that will definitely go on my next expressive session playlist. Maybe they will inspire you. I hope so.

I know I will go home tonight and write the things I've been longing to express for months now. What a release! Artistic expression is therapy for the heart and mind, and I am anxiously looking forward to my next session.


Quantic - Time Is The Enemy (Thanks for sharing, Paige.)
Air - Cherry Blossom Girl
90 Day Men - Saint Theresa In Ecstacy
Closer Musik - Maria
Handsome Boy Modeling School - The Truth
Grand National - Peanut Dreams

"Nah...can't do that baby."

Dear Mr. Paul Johnson,

I just want to share with you the tremendous effect you have had on me and my musical taste buds. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting you last night after your set at Chicago's Lumen night club. I was anxious all day leading up to that point. See, this is what you need to know...

I heard the name "Paul Johnson" while on vacation in Paris in April 2000. I had just gotten into techno and house music, and my friends and I decided to check out some discos. I heard the hypnotic and funky "Get Get Down" and needed to know where this music came from. In true Jasmina fashion, I asked the DJ, who informed me it was a track by this American DJ/producer Paul Johnson. So you know I went home and started researching this man and discovered a world of groovy house music. And I need to thank you for that.

Fast forward just over nine years, and here we are today. My good friend, Joshua, informed me of this appearance you were going to make at a local hot spot, and I knew I had to be there. You don't know this yet from the brief conversation we had last night, but over the last few months, I've been making some enormous strides towards my dream(s). The first part was creating this blog. The second part is to make a name for myself as a Chicago-based music writer. And next I want to learn how to DJ, but that will come in due time. Anyhow, I only know what I have read and heard about you, but I want to go straight to the source. And last night, I had the opportunity.

As soon as I heard you spin "You Brought The Sunshine" by Elements of Life, I almost lost it on the dance floor. All my thoughts and expectations came to life, and I just absorbed the grooves. Your set made me think of one song in particular, and I wanted to ask if you had this track with you. But I wasn't sure what the proper etiquette is for this type of situation. The last thing I wanted to do was offend you. So rather than walk up to you like I would anyone else and demand to hear a song, I approached you and smiled. And under the insightful counsel of my wise owl cousin, Alexa, I politely asked if it was offensive to request a song. And you gave me a friendly wink and said, "Nah...can't do that baby." For a brief moment, I felt so small. But you gave me another smile, and I said "I love what you're doing" before I walked back to my table. Minutes later, you threw on some wicked tracks that kept me on the dance floor the remainder of the evening. And you later told me this was your intention because I had the nerve to request a song. Ha! Your words exactly: "I'll show her. I'll keep her on the dance floor all night." And that you did. Funny how you knew exactly what to play, without me even asking.

I look forward to more enlightening conversations with you, Paul. I'm glad I was able to speak with you after your set and talk music and proper listener etiquette. You made my day!

Yours,
Jasmina


Paul Johnson - The Price Is Right
Paul Johnson/Jennifer Lopez - Get Right (Dancefloor Dub)
Paul Johnson - She Got Me On

A lil' dose of funky fresh house

I started out this blog because I wanted to share my house-music finds with you. And well, Jazzy's Joynt has sort of warped into anything and everything as far as musical genres are concerned. I realized it's been a while since I posted a true house track. So here it goes...

When I think of house music and how it should make one feel, this song is probably right there at the top of my list. It's funky. It's soulful. It makes me wanna shake my hips. And lastly, it puts a smile on my face. It makes me think happy thoughts about love and life.

And listening to these lyrics, I yearn to feel the emotions she's expressing: "Every time you're near, my heart just skips a beat. I'm falling more in love with you. To be in love with you is everything... Every time you're near, you sweep me off my feet. I'm falling more in love with you..."

I know, I'm cheesy. Deal with it. I'm having a good day.

Masters At Work feat. India - To Be In Love (MAW Video Mix)

Karma is on my side

In an effort to keep this blog as meaningful and relevant for myself and for the readers, I never post anything unless I'm truly inspired. If I hear or see something that affects me and I feel the need to share, I do. But for the past few days, I've been sitting here racking my brain trying to figure out what to post. My brain has been passing major gas, and it's been quite aggravating...until now...

So I had my iTunes on shuffle all morning. The tracks played, all upligting jams that are getting me psyched for the weekend. Then this remix of Seal's "Amazing" came on, and I immediately stopped doing what I was preoccupying myself with and signed on to the Joynt.

If you keep up with my Facebook, you know very well that I've had a pretty nice relationship with Lady Luck as of late. I've been spreading my optimism and positivity amongst my closest friends, hoping some of this luck would rub off on them as well. And when I heard this song start playing, Seal took all that positive energy and turned it into a beautiful song. Once that track finished, I had to listen to one of my other favorite Seal remixes, "The Right Life." What a jam! And another groovy track to get you in the Friday spirits.

If you don't believe me, check out these lyrics: "Caught up in my life, Waiting to be set free, Waiting to find my answer. Come if it feels right, Now is the time to breathe, No need to find forgiveness... Just when you thought you were lonely, They put you under the right spell. Wake up tomorrow, you're gonna be livin' the right life..."

It's Friday people. And the sun is out (at least in Chicago it is). I am so ready to find out what else Lady Luck has in store for me. There's one thing that I learned (or re-learned) this week: Karma is real, and when she finds you, there is no better feeling. But she will only come when you least expect it. If you chase her, she will run. So be patient, grasshopper.

Much love...


Seal - Amazing (Thin White Duke Edit)
Seal - The Right Life (Eddie Amador's USA Club Radio Edit)

If you wanna kiss me, kiss me

I love Cedric Gervais. And I love this song. Enough said.

Nah, actually... I think I'll go on. You wanna mess with me, boys? It's everything or nothing. Jazzy don't play that halfway nonsense. Feel me? Just figured I'd share that quick thought, while it was on my mind.

Ok, I'm done now...

Cedric Gervais feat. Second Sun - Halfway Love

Easy does it, easy does it

The U.S government makes me ill. I was having a conversation with some pals the other day, and the points they made have been haunting me ever since. I'm not going to bore you with all my anti-American propaganda and what not. What I will share, though, is this awesome remix of the Gorillaz track "Kids With Guns."

Why must the government and mainstream media always give us something to fear? I don't buy it. I never will. Fear isn't real, it's manufactured. Remember that.

Interpret this one however you want, but I think you know where I'm going with this one, friends...


Gorillaz - Kids With Guns (Hot Chip Remix)