I could certainly write paragraphs gloating over Adele’s ginormously supurb 21 album, and in particular the UK #1 single “Someone Like You”, or I could go on and on about how I think Britney’s “Till The World Ends” should be the 2011 World Cup soccer theme but retitled “Till The Game Ends”. But instead I’ve got some wonderful new music to tell you about and a couple of tidbits about some upcoming shows in my town (Toronto).
Kyle Brylin “Everything I’m Missing”
and
Kyle Brylin “Committed”
After reading glowing reviews over U.S. singer Kyle Brylin’s songs over the past couple of years, and being lukewarm about them, you have no idea how happy I am to praise his latest efforts “Everything I’m Missing” and “Committed”, from his upcoming album Make It So. These songs are so different from anything on the InterWeb now, and that’s pretty hard to achieve. You might think at first: Too Much Flippin’ Autotune. Maybe. But there’s something utterly hypnotic and otherworldly about “Missing” in particular that got my eyebrows arched last week and now tugs on my ears regularly. Then there’s “Committed”, which has this smashing hook and less autotune, but doesn’t quite hold the same interest all the way through. Last, there are the videos. The video for “Missing” seems pretty typical, until you notice one feature: Excessive amount of eyeliner. And just with all that black, the imagery turns somewhat sardonically sinister, despite Kyle’s great smile and overall seductive tone of the song. The video for “Committed” is impressive in a different way. Call it Bold Chair Calisthenics. Terrific job. Keep this great music coming and Kyle Brylin will be the toast of the pop/dance club scene.
Eric Saade “Popular”
The songs to date from 20 year old Swedish pop star Eric Saade have been catchy, but other songs have tended to capture my interest more. That is, until “Popular”. This song is a Finalist in Sweden’s annual Melodifestivalen contest. This show has some of the best performances for a televised event that I’ve seen in years. Young Mr. Saade’s compelling performance of “Popular” so reminds me of the star-making performance by Mans Zelmerlow two years ago. While Mans hasn’t broken into the international market, “Popular” is more accessible and screams International Pop Winner. Good luck to Eric this coming weekend *fingers crossed*
Collin McLoughlin “Back To The Wall”
Collin McLoughlin is a 22 year old singer from New York who previously played hip hop/pop/rock music in a band called Nautical Young. With a few connections such as producers One Love (B.o.B.’s “Airplanes”), Collin has branched off into a solo career focusing on pop/rock with a soulful but commercial edge. That’s attracted a lot of interest among a fervent fan base at his live shows. A recent single from his upcoming album is “Back To The Wall”, which has a streetwise sound that wouldn’t sound out of place at a sporting event in a large stadium. Sometimes big can be better and it sure looks like Collin McLoughlin’s career is getting bigger by the moment.
Toronto Tidbits
It doesn’t seem long ago that Toronto-based quartet The Midway State released its debut full length album Holes. But actually that was in 2008! Enduring singles “Never Again” and “Change For You”, a performance with Lady GaGa in 2009 for a cover of Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush’s “Don’t Give Up”, as well as constant touring have built a loyal following which led to two Juno Awards nominations and well-attended gigs just about everywhere. Amid all of this the band has recorded its follow up album Paris Or India, due on May 31, and will showcase songs in Toronto at a St. Patrick’s Day show (March 17) at The Ballroom. Find out more about the show at the band’s website – a good show by these four nice guys is well worth checking out!
He’s gonna be more than a flavour of the moment: UK pop/soul guy Jamie Woon is performing a handful of North American shows, including one in Toronto on March 25 at Wrongbar. You can hear a new track below by Jamie called “Lady Luck”, which exudes its own charm, and is totally unlike my recent chart fave “Night Air”.
Shhh… here’s the clip from the Brit Awards of Adele singing “Someone Like You”. Couldn’t resist – so heartwrenching 🙂
And finally… dance your ahhhsss off to an amazing 90’s megamix courtesy of Bright Light Bright Light 🙂
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 