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-- Review: Comfort Zone Jan 21 2007
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Review: Comfort Zone Jan 21 2007

This is the one I've been waiting to write.... and been thinking about all week.

I wasn't planning on going to cozo until ERIC ENTRENA FEB 18 but Leap was going, and I really didn't want her going solo without a personal body guard. Since you all know how absolutely stacked with muscular awesomeness I am, I figured it made perfect sense to body-guard Leap and Miss_Sweetness and all other unbelievably hot chikeetahs who go to the zone. It was my task, and I was up for it.

So, after dropping cat off, i drove back down to college & spadina to wait. I parked the car in the underground parking lot and looked around, alert, to scope out the area. a few moments later, I was asleep. ZZZzzzzzz

What can I say? A warm car, comfy seats, nice Paolo chill out beats playing on the stereo...and allergy meds that made me drowsy all night @ Mastiksoul (footwork, put on by Carlo Lio) put me under. Then i heard thump thump and was roused out of my darkened slumber, and was greeted with something i think is a pretty cool phenomena that i think that occurs every Sunday morning.

at 5 am, the underground parking lot is empty... 5:30, a car shows up... 5:45, more cars slowly pull up... all filled with people, and softly thumping beats of varying qualities of stereo systems... the people emerg, but they aren't going anywhere--they have Tim Hortons and McDonalds, and are dancing around the cars to the beats coming out of the now open doors. One car pulls up with a good stereo, and Matt (from another car) runs up to them 'i have a track you HAVE to play on your stereo!!!' the people park, indulge him, and promptly all get out and dance. Meanwhile, people are opening trunks and changing their shirts, girls are changing in the cars (too cold to change in the garage). One guy is eating this huge breakfast quesadilla or something, losing bits as he dances around fueling up for a morning of dancing. This is the phenomena of comfort zone peeps getting ready to go dancing....AFTER a full night of dancing. Anyone familiar with the zone is familiar with this ritual of preparation.

I smile in spite of myself, I feel tired--i should be going home; i feel alert--because I'm about to hear some of the sic-est beats in Canada (yes, hear me: Canada), and i feel exhilarated because i know a lot of good friends will be there who hear the same call. I'm insane.



I hop out of my car and join some of the random people (soon to be life-long friends) in dancing around their cars. I see Leap and Miss_sweetness drive in from the north country and they park beside. They bring me a change of clothes, and a pack of insta-meals in a can. Guys... for anyone who does marathon partying, i highly recommend these--get yourself some. Especially when on the go, and you just want something to drink, down a meal replacement or two, and stay healthy! I changed into my new clothes, out of the used-clothes from a long night at footwork, and we head to the line up to await to get in.

Inside, time turns to mush. You have no idea what time it is, or how fast or slow time is passing. All you know is, its dark, the beats are slamming, and the vibe around you is making you feel more alive than you've ever felt on a Sunday morning. The best thing is, some of your friends are here too; unlikely as it may seen, the vibe has come with them, and you're jamming, looking at each other and can't believe the beats are pounding out, and you're STILL dancing.

Sydney blu was on first...i was afraid it'd be solid electro, but it was damn solid. She slammed me into the walls, as i aquainted myself with the darkness and the beats...there was room to dance, it was 7 am.

by 8:30, the club was completely packed. All the night clubers had arrived to continue their dancing marathon and the smiles were unmistakable as people waited for MASS with Deko-Ze to begin.

Deko-Ze didn't let them down, but a few thought he lacked symetry as his set bopped from one style to another, and didn't seem to find common ground--he added to the insanity that developed. .... his extended set until 1 pm hammered the crowd, letting them know that in this place, at that time, "This is my house." The crowd exploded with approval.

I sat, resting, feeling the vibe, feeling deko-ze struggling to keep the path; was he really struggling? It could be my perception... could be that my tastes weren't in line with his...the brassy babes belting it out, not chiming with my inner tribal spirit...

The afternoon was blissful, the aspect of socialization came into being. You don't go to the zone for the day and just dance. If you do, you shouldn't. Stop, look around, make a friend. Go up to someone you get a good vibe from and THANK them. Ask them what they do in the real world. Bring it up a notch or down a notch with them. That's your mission--make a new random zone friend, and then tell people about your zone friend.

More food, more rest, and back to the zone; the play all day pass is a blessing and a curse, you head back to that door, the bouncer nods for you to go by without getting searched---they know you already--is that a good sign? hmmm

Suddenly, I hear some familiar chords.... and I'm thrown back. The DJ is dropping a tune that still blows my mind!! Raining Again [Steve Angelo's Vocal Mix] - Moby. I couldn't believe my ears, i started hopping around like my feet were on fire, dancing around the pacific rim, singing along with the music:

Oh and it's raining again
Loud on my car, Like bullets on Tin
Sadness like water....raining down....raining down...

And it's at this time, in this place, that i know for one moment, I'm in the right moment at the right time. Know what I mean? Everything just clicks into place. And now, I realize, that I've discovered the secret to this scene: things clicking into place. The music. The friends. The strangers we've yet to meet. The pounding bass. The gatorade and red bull. Don't we love it all? Isn't incomplete without the other? I'm startled in my realization.

We spend the afternoon dancing and singing and meeting new people.

Let's be real...this scene is filled with two-faced people. People with their own agendas...using the scene for $$, for drugs, for women, for popularity. You know what? f*ck them. THey're part of it sure, but they're not the center of it. We are, you know? The ones that love the music, the ones that love the underground. Don't get me wrong, we all have our dark moments, are failings, and i'm sure the scene brings out the best..and the worst... but those that don't have the music at heart--let's push them out, shall we? Let's concentrate on what really moves this thing called House... the music.

We waited for our favourite DJ to hit the decks. And for whatever it is worth, I truly believe this man is the best DJ in Toronto right now as far as track selection and mixing goes. I don't know his personal life, i don't know if he's a good person, i dont' know if his friends like him or not, but i know this: he knows how to lay down house tracks like no one else. Nathan Barato was the first DJ i really focused on in this scene... and I swear, I've never heard a set by him I didn't like. I've tried to find one, to prove he has an achilles heal..but thus far, nothing.

The truth of the matter is, the DJ has a job to do, and we measure him or her based on that job... do we measure them on their life outside the decks (sure, they gotta be nice...if they piss ppl off, not much of a following), or do we truly measure them by their spinning abilities? And when we measure, are we educated in doing so?

All I know is when the beats come out, it sounds RIGHT, and the tracks that are produced, that Nathan throws down, are some of the sicest my ears have heard... and I danced it up hard with my friends, whose hearts are in it for the right reasons: for the music.

And on a closing note: because i have this review thing going, and because i'm feeling particularly feisty tonight... here's an online slam of sorts: to that girl who, during Nathan's set, when I was joking with David A about someone mistaking Nathan for Carlo Lio, and said "That isn't Carlo Lio, that's Nathan Barato you f*cking retard" first of all: be nicer to the retards. Secondly, you'll solve more with sugar than salt, my dear. And when you told my buddy to stand aside and tried to teach him how to dance, well, no one teaches disco to dance. Hope to see you on the dance floor soon under nicer circumstances.

Here's some vids i caught that night, even though Nathan thought I was creepy for taking them.

Click here to download, use Quick Time to view

I REALLY <3 your reviews
I am really that I missed you of all weekends at CZ though. I took this weekend off.

Please come back this Sunday so we can party together again!!!

Re: Review: Comfort Zone Jan 21 2007

quote:

Originally posted by Ni-Cd Oh and it's raining again Loud on my car, Like bullets on Tin Sadness like water....raining down....raining down...

Sing it baby!

Nobody sings like you do.

i generally don't like reading reviews this long... but I started skimming this one, and the next thing I know I've read the whole thing.

Very well written, with a lot of emotion and care. Nicely done.

Re: Review: Comfort Zone Jan 21 2007

quote:

Originally posted by Ni-Cd Let's be real...this scene is filled with two-faced people. People with their own agendas...using the scene for $$, for drugs, for women, for popularity. You know what? f*ck them. THey're part of it sure, but they're not the center of it. We are, you know? The ones that love the music, the ones that love the underground. Don't get me wrong, we all have our dark moments, are failings, and i'm sure the scene brings out the best..and the worst... but those that don't have the music at heart--let's push them out, shall we? Let's concentrate on what really moves this thing called House... the music.

That's pretty sad and true. There are alot of people who are involved in the scene who don really care about the music. But that's the nature of it and things wouldn't be the same without them.
Life is fulfilled with different kind of people.

I really respect your party spirit, and love the reviews.

Keep it up.

awesome awesome review. throroughly enjoyed reading it. it put my night on a good note

oh and u brought a camera in? are they allowing them now or... and nathan generally doesnt like cameras too close to him. so thats probably why he was like that to you.

you're reviews always roxorz

holy review!!
that was a terrific sunday at the zone...

slept all night (sorta) and came in for the morning.
only stayed till about 1 cuz i wasn't gonna last till nathan came on.
was SOOOOO disappointed he didn't open for deko-ze.

tune of the morning was possibly raining again

Shanny - u know I was singing for you.

MagikB - no zone for me until the 18the (ERIC ENTRENA), but I'll be at Sonic for Creamer & Behrouz... u?? Missin' u on da dance floor big time. Good for you, resting up tho.

Jchung--thanks for the props man. Yeah, i know nathan doesn't like cameras, haha...oh well! tis the nature. The camera i brought in was my cel phone... i don't dare bring something in with a flash or anything. :O

m2j - thank you, i really appreciate that. This one was written with a lot of emotion, not just the usual fancy funny stuff i throw in... thank you for giving me your time. I try to avoid useless posts, and really throw something out there, you know?

Halcyon - on & on!! w00t w00t!!!

Samhouse--were you as surprised as me to hear that tune dropped? Wow, was I pleased. I hadn't EVER heard that tune in a club, and to hear it really made my day, especially to see the crowd react so positively to a tune that I have secretly loved for so long.

XTC bombbbb - yup, the scene wouldn't be the same without them. Just wish i had a two-face detector sometimes, you know? *sigh*

btw, finally great to meet you CUZO!! After hearing about you and reading so many posts online, finally got to meet you. *bows extravagantly*

he used to play it alot back in the day
but yeah its been forever since i heard it...totally didn't expect it that morning cuz he started on such a dark tangent!

Re: Review: Comfort Zone Jan 21 2007

quote:

Originally posted by Ni-Cd And on a closing note: because i have this review thing going, and because i'm feeling particularly feisty tonight... here's an online slam of sorts: to that girl who, during Nathan's set, when I was joking with David A about someone mistaking Nathan for Carlo Lio, and said "That isn't Carlo Lio, that's Nathan Barato you f*cking retard" first of all: be nicer to the retards. Secondly, you'll solve more with sugar than salt, my dear.

BITCH PLEEEEEEEEZ!!

quote:

Originally posted by Ni-Cd And when you told my buddy to stand aside and tried to teach him how to dance, well, no one teaches disco to dance.

understatement of the year!!!!!!

quote:

[b]Originally posted by Ni-Cd Hope to see you on the dance floor soon

FEB 18TH!!! mark that shit!!!!!

awesome Sheldon

Amazzzingggg Reviewwwww
lovin the nod to mobyyyyyy
can't wait to Entrana!

quote:

Originally posted by jchung52 oh and u brought a camera in? are they allowing them now or... and nathan generally doesnt like cameras too close to him. so thats probably why he was like that to you.

shel im confused
did i do something to make u feel self concious about cameras?

and why does everyone think i dont like cameras around me?
im just shy (well when i havent had berz that is lol)

I thoroughly enjoyed your review. Just makes me want to attend service @ the zone even more. Keep up the great work!

quote:

Originally posted by illestofdananas shel im confused did i do something to make u feel self concious about cameras? and why does everyone think i dont like cameras around me? im just shy (well when i havent had berz that is lol)

LoL, no worries nathan - i was just playing on the joke u left on my myspace page. You know I'll never stop taking pictures, it's how i document my life & times. w00t w00t! Btw, did you download that zip file? I'd like you to track ID a couple of the tunes you belted out. Simply awesome man, thanks for the wicked set. I was absolutely exhausted by that time in the night, and your set kicked me in the ass hard. Lovin' what the music does.

Illnada!! can't wait to see you again! Are you going to Sonic tomorrow night? Otherwise, i'll see YOU feb 18th for ENTRENA!!! And btw, congrats on the engagement.

Thanks for the props everyone. Glad the reviews are n-joyed.

which underground parking?

quote:

Originally posted by StereoPrincess which underground parking?

I'm guessing it's underground parking across the zone (CAMH building)

quote:

Originally posted by StereoPrincess which underground parking?

The one referenced is on Huron street, one block east of spadina, off of college. Six bucks all day on Sunday!

quote:

Originally posted by Ni-Cd The one referenced is on Huron street, one block east of spadina, off of college. Six bucks all day on Sunday!

U of T's parking?

Re: Review: Comfort Zone Jan 21 2007

quote:

Originally posted by Ni-Cd And on a closing note: because i have this review thing going, and because i'm feeling particularly feisty tonight... here's an online slam of sorts: to that girl who, during Nathan's set, when I was joking with David A about someone mistaking Nathan for Carlo Lio, and said "That isn't Carlo Lio, that's Nathan Barato you f*cking retard" first of all: be nicer to the retards. Secondly, you'll solve more with sugar than salt, my dear. And when you told my buddy to stand aside and tried to teach him how to dance, well, no one teaches disco to dance. Hope to see you on the dance floor soon under nicer circumstances. Click here to download, use Quick Time to view

haha I know exactly who this girl was........dont sweat it

Love the review.

quote:

Originally posted by Ni-Cd m2j - thank you, i really appreciate that. This one was written with a lot of emotion, not just the usual fancy funny stuff i throw in... thank you for giving me your time. I try to avoid useless posts, and really throw something out there, you know?

definitely.
I've never been to the zone, but after reading this review, I really want to check it out. Sounds like a good time... but the problem is not a lot of my friends like going to the zone (they find it too sketch)

but I may try and make it out for Entrena Feb. 18 (mmmm... tribal) if I can convince people to come... we'll see what happens i guess.

quote:

Originally posted by m2j but I may try and make it out for Entrena Feb. 18 (mmmm... tribal) if I can convince people to come... we'll see what happens i guess.

One of the keys is definitely finding some good people to go with. Some of my friends jokingly call these close friends 'exit buddies' haha. Feb 18 is a few weeks away...definitely time to make some 'zone friends' prior to actually heading to the zone. That's how I ended up going my first time! If you go to Entrena, I'll be happy to introduce you around to lots of good people too.

great review

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