Well, it's official. Summer is upon us, folks, and she couldn't have chosen a much better day to greet us with her presence. After the miserable spring we've had, I hope this bright, warm sun stays with us more than a handful of days.
I don't know about you, but my mood is a direct reflection of the season... and more specifically of the weather. And the music I listen to is a reflection of that mood. Summer is a time for BBQs and rooftop parties; picnics and sailboats; celebrating life and love; blossoming relationships; drunken shenanigans with your pals; and so on. And to achieve the fun these things have to offer, you need a proper summer playlist.
So I'm sitting here, with nothing to do. So I decide to continue organizing the music on my hard drive...an ongoing project that will probably never be complete. If you have an immense amount of music, though, I highly recommend attempting to clean it up and organize it. It helps you rediscover music you forgot about, haven't listened to in a while, or just neglected in the recent past.
Anyhow, so I'm sitting here organizing my music folders, and I begin another neglected task...creating a workout playlist! I haven't been to the gym in ages, and I keep blaming my lack of a "workout playlist" for my absence from the gym. Shame on me...
Basically...I need to get my $hit back in order! My music is in disarray, and my muscles are dwindling!
While I worked on these two projects simultaneously, I came across this track. Either I've been out of the house scene way too long, or house DJs just suck ass now. Someone please tell me which it is, because I just don't hear tracks like this anymore!
Check it out, let it warp your mind. And get back to me.
I think I have a new favorite Pandora station. I've been jamming to a lot of house lately, and I figured Crazy Penis would be a good starting point for a funky house Pandora station. I was so right. This track blasted through my speakers this morning, and my shoulders started bouncing. So if you like it, check out Crazy Penis' station on Pandora.
This has got to be the perfect tune to start the weekend. Such a feel-good, funky vibe. It's Friday, and I'm all smiles. I'm ready to cause some mischief with with my pals this weekend.
Don't just dance. Absorb the words...
"F*ck it. Let's have some fun. Forget about the bad times. Forget about the sad times."
I've been slacking in the blog department lately. And it's not because I'm too busy or because I'm lazy. I've been feeling so uninspired. It seems as though I have the most to write about when I'm unhappy. In the past, my muse has always been my sadness. That pattern needs to stop now.
I haven't been writing because I'm happy. Imagine that!
Leo Zero's remix of Kenneth Bager's "I Can't Wait" popped up on my shuffle this morning, and it was so fitting. Ain't nothing like a funky, fresh house track to put me in a good mood. And if I'm already in a good mood, even better.
Those lyrics, "I can't wait to see your face again. I keep thinking of the times we had. And you're the one I'm waiting for. Cause I can't wait to see your face again. I'm heading off to work in the pouring rain. I can't wait to get home to you..."
Too fitting. I'm happy, and just because the angst is gone doesn't mean I have nothing to share with you. It's time to revisit the genre that inspired me to start this blog in the first place. House.
Tomorrow Jazzy's Joynt celebrates its first birthday. I can't believe a year has gone by already. It seems like just last week I was emailing my pals songs of the day, and one encouraged me to start a blog instead. So I did. Thank you, Justin.
Although I've learned and grown so much through this little project, it still needs tons more work. But I want to thank all of you who have supported me and made this fun for me. I appreciate the feedback and comments, positive and negative. It just makes me put more thought into future posts.
I'm now taking on even bigger projects and improving the ones that are already in the works, and failure just isn't an option. I am feeling so inspired right now. When I was trying to figure out which song to post to commemorate this moment in my life, "The Time Is Right" by Crazy Penis stood out.
Right now is the time. The time for me to make a difference, the time to feed that fire that burns inside of me. I have peace of mind, and this is the first time I think I ever uttered those words.
Now listen...and join me on this next adventure...
I was recently introduced to Burial, and it's become a new addiction for me. Again, I'm late to the show; the album Untrue came out more than two years ago. Oh well.
Burial is extremely hypnotic. I love that this album has this gothic sound, but not in the traditional sense. It's very sensual. It's dubstep, on another level. It's got soul.
These tracks make me want to take my clothes off and get sweaty.
As I look back at 2009, I recall the events that led to me where I am today. The year 2008 was definitely one of the most traumatizing, yet enlightening. And 2009 only strengthened my character. For the first time in my life I feel like I know who I am and I know what I want. And I'd like this slice of web space reflect this notion.
I started this blog because I wanted to share some anti-pop music with you, mostly targeting you house heads out there. Although my direction may have changed, my heart is in the same place. Today, I am pretty open to any musical genre...more importantly anything that will sound amazing while blazing trees. After all...this is Jazzy's "Joynt" right? And it's not really about being under the influence. It's about having an open mind and an open ear.
I was just explaining to a new pal how I absolutely always need music playing, no matter where I am or what I'm doing. Who better than a fellow toker can understand this mentality?
Anyhow, I welcome 2010 with open arms. This being the first blog post of the new year, I had to make it special. This is a celebration, friends. So as I dance into a new decade, you know I need a twisted house soundtrack to go along with my mood. Here it goes...
I love those nights that are unplanned. The nights that begin with me laying in bed, reading a book, minding my own business. And next thing I know, I'm walking out of my apartment with my partner in crime, props in our hands. One thing leads to another, and I end the night dancing around a bar wearing a wild animal mask.
It seems those spontaneous nights always lead to something great. A new musical discovery, a new friendship, a new favorite cocktail...whatever.
In this case, it may be all three.
But I'm going to focus on the musical discovery today. I think I owe a large portion of our shenanigans last night to the man responsible for the music at Bar Deville. I was definitely that annoying chick, walking up to the DJ booth every five minutes asking the name of each song. Thankfully, The Beta Theta was awfully nice to me and gave me the title of each desired track.
I'm so happy there are bars in Chicago that play this kind of music (I'm not even going to attempt classifying it...BUT if I had to I guess it was a mixture of punk, electro and funk). My pals and I danced the night away, terrifying strangers in every direction I'm sure. I mean, a friendly panda and spastic giraffe never hurt anybody!
Anyhow, thank you Beta Theta for hooking it up with the tracks. And if you like what you hear, pals, you can find him on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/thebetatheta. For those of you Chicagoans, he'll be DJing at The Burlington Bar in Logan Square tomorrow and at Rodan in Wicker Park on Sunday.
So this blog is approaching its one year in existence, and as I look back at the past few weeks I realize that I definitely veered off my intended path. I look at my first few posts and remember how much I focused on house, pure house music. And it's funny I make this realization today, because as I was driving this morning, "Finally" by Kings of Tomorrow started playing in my ride. And there is no house track that is more true. Everything about this track is intentional and powerful.
When I listen to her words, I think of falling in love. I think of all the obstacles I've overcome. I think of saying goodbye to the past and hello to the future. I think of how much better it feels to embrace the sour times because they make the sweet taste that much sweeter.
My favorite lyrics: "I had a dream my trip would end up at you, and now I know paradise."
So it's only fitting that my blog takes another direction sometimes; my life does too. But I always return to what I know to be true and what makes me feel alive.
Cheers, web friends! I introduce (or reintroduce) you to what may be one of the greatest house tracks produced.
I cannot even remember the last time I wrote a blog entry on a Monday. The only time I've ever been motivated to write on a Monday is when I have a wicked weekend. And finally! My head is still bobbing, my hips are still swaying, my toes are still tapping. I'm on a high.
I was fortunate to spend most of my weekend with a new friend who has just as diverse a music collection as my own. Since I've already shared my music library with him, he decided to return the favor and introduce me to something new. It's trippy how you pick up on others' musical preferences; it's so rewarding when they actually like what you recommend. I wonder what it was about me that gave him the notion that I would like Hercules And Love Affair. I'm glad he thought of me, though. When I walk into a room, I want "Athene" to play in the background. And I want to dance until I can no longer feel my legs.
I'm sitting here right now, listening to "Time Will," and in my mind I'm reliving the brilliant moments I shared with friends these past three days. There's nothing else I would rather listen to. Something about that voice and that funk... it captures sentiments I thought were lost.
The thing I love about Hercules And Love Affair is that they transcend musical boundaries. It's house, it's jazz, it's synth-pop, it's soul. I could hear these songs mixed at a dance club or performed live at a loungy piano bar. And that's something I can definitely appreciate. Just like I don't like to classify music, I don't like to be classified myself. If I were a song, I'd be...
I literally just logged onto Juno Records' website minutes ago and searched the new house releases. This is the first song I listened to, and I'm addicted. Although I wanted my next blog entry to be about my recent adventures at Lollapalooza, this had to be shared. The reason being: it's not your typical house. I actually don't know why it was listed under the house category, to be honest with you. Yes, it can absolutely be mixed into a good house set. But this is also a song I can see my dad, a classic rock lover, jamming to as he drives through the desert in his old-school 1975 Pontiac Trans Am. If the blues and house procreated, this song would be the spawn.
With mice and Lollapalooza on my mind, I realized I never posted a Deadmau5 track in any of my previous Lolla posts. The annual three-day music event has always been known to host a variety of rock bands, but with electronica emerging more into the mainstream, it only seems right that the event organizers would throw in some DJs and other similar acts, including MSTRKRFT, Kaskade, Boys Noize, A-Trak and Deadmau5.
I find Deadmau5's mixes to be quite intoxicating and hypnotic. I really want to catch his set, but I'm not sure that's going to happen since The Killers are performing at the same time. And as much as I love to dance to some nasty house beats, I'd much rather jam out to actual instruments.
But that's neither here nor there. This post is about Deadmau5 and how sick his mixes and original beats are. Here's one of my current faves...
Due to poor budgeting on my part, I most likely will not be able take any significant vacations in the near future. So although laying out in the sun next to the ocean, piña colada in hand, is my most favorite thing to do, I'll have to live my beach fantasies through music.
Here in Chicago, we have Lake Michigan. That's our version of the beach. It's no Pacific Ocean, but it works. And it makes me happy. So in the meantime, I'll take my iPod to the lake, rest my head on a blanket, gaze at the night sky and dream about the day I finally make it back to the ocean.
Below you will find three of my favorite summer tracks. No matter where I may be, these carefree house beats immediately transport me to the beach. I can feel the sand between my toes, smell the ocean and hear the waves crash. In my mind, I'm wearing my bathing suit and long flowing skirt, dancing along the water. The sun is shining bright, and I'm surrounded by friends. It's a nice place to be, isn't it? Try it.
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!
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.
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...
Such a beautiful track for a beautiful day! It's in the high 70s and sunny here in Chicago, probably the most beautiful day I've witnessed this year. And I just discovered this uplifting hit as I was perusing the Hed Kandi website this morning. The geniuses at Hed Kandi closed two of their compilations with this track, and I totally agree with its placement. What a wonderful way to end a groove...on such a positive note.
If you keep up with my entries, you know very well that I've gone through a ridiculous amount of changes and I'm making big moves. This summer is going to be like no other. And I know this to be true for many of my close friends as well. I am on such a positive high right now just thinking about what the summer will bring. And this track is a perfect illustration for this mood.
If you haven't given the track a listen yet, here's a taste of the lyrics: "Even when the sun goes down on all the things you thought would last so long. It's alright. Life is still beautiful."
I know I say this a lot, but this may just be my new favorite song for the moment. It strikes a nerve. It keeps my spirits up, and that's exactly what I crave.
Now, let me introduce to you: Jazzy's Summer 2009 Anthem...
Here's something for the deep trance lovers out there. This is not soulful or funky. It's not groovalicious or full of melody. It's simple techno. For the DJs out there, this is the kind of jam I'd love to hear when I'm just coming down from the crazy upbeat track you played moments before. A transitional track. Something to calm me down, but keep me dancing.
Or better yet, this is the kind of music I want to listen to on my drive home from the dance party I just left. I still got the groove in me, and my pals are in the backseat making out or blazing. Who knows?! The party isn't over; it just left the building.
Tiefschwarz is a three-man electro-house group out of Germany. In German, Tiefschwarz means "deep black." And that is a perfect description for their style. It's deep and it's dark. It's gritty and it's edgy. The three tracks below are from their DJ mix, Misch Masch. And they're intense.
So next time you need something to listen to during your late-night drive, jam to this. I don't condone your hedonism, but all I can picture when I hear these tracks is very bad things. Now go be bad, and tell me all about it later...if you can remember!
Who knows where this lil' website I call Jazzy's Joynt will take me? It could crumble. It could fall. It could become a household name. It could skyrocket and become the biggest thing in music since MTV. Ok ok, now I'm going too far. But what I love about this whole project is that it's something I love to do. I research and collect music even without this blog. And I've been sharing music with my friends since CD burners came out. I absolutely love music, and I know you see that. And that makes it worthwhile for me. When my friends give me feedback about the Joynt, they all say the same thing: "Jasmina, you love doing this and it shows." And some even say that my excitement for music is infectious.
And when I discuss music and my aspirations with DJs and other industry folk, they're so willing to help and share their wisdom so openly. It's because we all share that one thing in common. We're all doing what we're doing "strictly for the love of house, for the love of beats, for the love of dance."
Now, here's a jam that expresses this passion for music...
And I apologize I couldn't post the mp3, kids. You're gonna have to buy this one!
So it's been a week since my return from New York City, and I've had the past seven days to collect my thoughts and reflect on my experience at Body & Soul.
I fully encourage any and all house-music enthusiasts to attend a Body & Soul event, if you haven't already. François K, Joe Claussell and Danny Krivit put on this amazing show and spin a phenomenal house soundtrack for the evening.
First, I'd like to say the crowd is the most diverse group of people I have ever seen in this type of environment. I don't know if it's a New York thing and Chicago just doesn't throw parties like this. Whatever the case may be, it was so refreshing to be present in a place where everyone feels like they belong. Everyone is welcome.
And that's what this event is all about. Body & Soul's message is one of love and freedom. Everyone was there for the same reason: to enjoy the music. It wasn't the typical club-rat scene I'm used to with meat heads in muscle tees picking up bustdowns left and right. If that is indeed what you're looking for, Body & Soul is NOT the place to be.
There is no room for superficiality. No room for hate. This is no place for shadiness, hostility or dishonesty. It is a place where people go to be themselves and truly feel the music and its profound message. And yes, the music has a message. And there's no way to really explain it without actually experiencing it yourself. So I dug up a track I felt would fit right into a Body & Soul vibe. Enjoy!
