Fresh Ears & Open Minds
In the aftermath of Market Days I have had several friends come to me and say how pleasantly surprised they were with Victor Calderone's set that Sunday at Crobar. For a variety of reasons, including the bad-mouthing of Victor by others who don't like his unrepentent tribal style, there were lots of folks who went to the Evolve party expecting to have to "put up" or "bear with" the music. Instead, they heard a legendary DJ put together a hard-charging set that was fun, exciting, and energetic. And with hardly a diva vocal anthem within hearing range. As one T-dance queen put it: "Calderone was amazing! I never knew pots and pans could sound so good!"

Folks who populate dance floors should understand that most DJs grow and mature over the years and that their DJing styles will evolve. As well, most party people will experience changes in their own dance music likes and dislikes over time. Thus someone whom you once thought of as a hack in the DJ booth may end up becoming one of your favorites, and conversely a previous DJing god may become less impressive as the years pass. Therefore, I strongly suggest that on occasion all pre-conceived notions and ideas about DJs be put aside, replaced by updated info from your fresh ears and an open mind. You might be surprised at what you discover and experience.

"Go West"
Heeding the words of the Pet Shop Boys, Djeremy will soon be exiting Chicago and trading in subway transportation for the streetcar variety in San Francisco. A resident DJ at Cocktail and Hydrate, Jeremy will be following a long-standing tradition among talented Chicago DJs: leaving town. While those of us who like and appreciate house music with deep soulful grooves will surely miss him, we wish Jeremy the best of luck out there on the Left Coast.

 

Music You Can Use

"Ride The Pain" ­ Juliet (Virgin Records)
This second single from Juliet's new CD Random Order could become an unofficial anthem of the S&M crowd or for those who just understand the concept of "making it hurt so good." The remix by Jacques Lu Cont could easily be called the "drum attack" mix with it's fun incorporation of all aspects of the drum kit. The Low End Specialist provide a Dominatrix Mix that is appropriately dark and progressive while the Dab Hands' mixes emphasize the electric guitar parts for a juicy and satisfying electro-house experience.

"No Strings" ­ Lola (Sobe Entertainment)
Another eponymously named female singer crooning about sex? Taking a very M4M or Manhunt oriented approach, Lola wants to have a "No Strings" liaison because the object of her desire has what she wants and needs. She conveys this message in several different remix versions by the likes of Peter Presta, Josh Harris (his Safe Sex mix is my favorite) and Atlantis-760.

 

Brasil ­ Salomé de Bahia (Yellow Productions / Tommy Boy)
When you mix this Brazilian diva with Parisian producer Bob Sinclair, an album as exquisite and captivating as Brasil is no great surprise. The deep house and world beat aficionados will surely thrive off the blend of samba, mambo, bossa nova, and salsa that's presented here on the CD. But alas, this long-player is for all as the energy from a track such as "Outra Lugar" will send any and all crowds and dance floors into groove heaven. The music from Brasil is destined to resonate with those who hear it: a perfect rhythmic end to the summer.

Danceculture ­ mixed by Tracy Young (Ferosh)
A frequent visitor to the DJ booths in Chicago, the Miami-based Young has recently released this continuously mixed CD which she states "is a true representation of the music I am currently playing." Known to the world in general as the DJ who spun at Madonna's wedding in Scotland as well as at Britney Spears's 21st birthday bash, those in the know describe Young as one of the most unique and innovative DJs on today's dance music scene. Danceculture is produced by Young's own label, Ferosh, and features exclusive remixes of Madonna's "Easy Ride," Cyndi Lauper's "Walk On By," and Chaka Khan's "I Believe." While Young somewhat laments the fact that this was a two year project in the making, many of her fans ­ old and new - will agree that the resultant output was well worth the wait.