Monthly Archives: June 2011

Tuned-On! Reeecap

Here’s a Reeecap of several songs and/or videos I’ve heard over the past few weeks that are oh so worthy of your attention:

Darren Hayes “Talk Talk Talk”

I swear Darren Hayes carries some pop dynamite up his sleeve.  His 2007 album This Delicate Thing We’ve Made was a striking conceptual monument to many things personal, sad, powerful, and wondrous, and was my favourite album of the last decade.  Darren’s much anticipated new release is called Secret Codes And Battleships, and its first single is “Talk Talk Talk”.  This song ties together the successful Savage Garden superpop with some of the more honed brilliance from This Delicate Thing that you have found in songs like “On The Verge Of Something Wonderful” or “Who Would Have Thought”.  Given the complex teasers that led up to the album title’s announcement and the release of “Talk Talk Talk” there is much more to meet the ear that is to come.  Pop songs rarely get better than this.  Get “Talk Talk Talk” on iTunes and watch the colourful video that is just full of Darren below.

Databoy “Just Once”

While that electropop sensation “Stupid” is still coasting in My Top 5 on my chart, New York based Texans Databoy are back with a song that I’ve been waiting for since I heard it at Arjan Writes’ Superfraiche show in New York City in April.  “Just Once” is an indelible slice of dance pop that screams summer beach fun in the sun, and you can hear it by clicking the link above.  It’s one of those songs whose good-naturedness is contagious like “Walking On Sunshine”, “Steal My Sunshine”, “Fun Fun Fun” – you get the idea.  Can’t wait to buy this one or to hear more from these lads.

Blue Hamilton “Runway”

I don’t know too much about Blue Hamilton other than that he’s been involved in A&R for a major publishing company and one of his better known contacts tweeted about this song during the week.  But we’ll be hearing about him more very soon.  And what a song it is, accompanied by a video that’s just heart-wrenching.  Blue has a one-of-a-kind voice that evokes many mid-80’s alt.pop memories (“A Good Heart” by Feargal Sharkey? “Wonderful Life” by Black? “Never Never” by The Assembly? Anyone?) and his delivery makes “Runway” particularly affecting.  Watch the video below – what’s that in your eye, a tear??

Van Go Lion “We Don’t Miss A Beat”

Portland, Oregon duo Amy Paige and Josh Loerzel are back to dazzle us with their own brand of danceable pop with the melodic and lyrical “We Don’t Miss A Beat”.  Once again, Amy puts on her best Annie Lennox (and this time coincidentally the melody has the same drive as Eurythmics’ “SexCrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four)”), and the song criss-crosses with Swedish-sounding europop faster than you can say Cascada or September.  Amy’s singing here also recalls 80’s UK chanteuse Maggie Reilly, who we heard as vocalist on songs by the likes of Mike Oldfield as well as eventually on her own solo records.  The song’s story quality sweeps you onto the dancefloor into a whirl of bright lights, glittering jewels, and big, fancy, twirling dresses.  Give a close listen below.

Spoons “You Light Up”

Once upon a time in Toronto there was a very young quartet called The Spoons, who quickly acquired a following at Canadian college radio stations in 1981 with an innovative debut album called Stick Figure Neighbourhood.  No sooner had that happened then a follow up single “Nova Heart” was released by mid-1982.  “Nova Heart” was propelled into the Top 20 across Canada followed by a stellar and influential new wave dance album called Arias And Symphonies.  More hits followed throughout the 80’s but by the early 90’s grunge rock made synthpop a bad name and the band went underground.  Still led by singer/guitarist Gord Deppe and bassist/singer Sandy Horne, The Spoons resurfaced with a new song in 2010, followed this Spring by their first official new album since 1988 called Static In Transmission.  The first single “You Light Up” makes it seem like time stood still for 23 years, and with the aid of today’s technology, the band’s melodic guitar-driven music is once again very current.  Watch the video below to see what happens when the good guys and gals can get back into the game – I’m pleased to say I was one of their earliest college radio supporters.

Shun Ward “Lift Off”

Shun Ward was just newly born when The Spoons’ last album was released in 1988, and the Houston R&B singer has had to overcome many hurdles in his life that have led to the release of his EP The Prelude To Shun Ward City.  This is slick soul that is more Chris Brown and R. Kelly than the sweeter sounds of the likes of Ne-Yo.  “Lift Off” has a warm and sexy heart that pulls you tighter and makes you want more.  Listen below and watch for Shun Ward to pop one of these days.

Joe Jonas “See No More”

I was more than pleased to hear that middle JoBro Joe was heading in a danceable pop direction for his upcoming debut solo album Fast Life.  While “See No More” may not be the single that neither fans nor radio stations were necessarily waiting for, I’m thinking that this direction is going to elicit a few surprises come the time of the album’s release.  Give an open-minded listen to “See No More” below.

Reeve Carney featuring Bono & The Edge “Rise Above 1”

Could it be that theatre mavens and superhero fans are flocking to see Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark on Broadway in New York City because the musical actually has very good music, despite awful reviews of the show?  Hitherto little known 28 year old Reeve Carney’s softer empathetic voice makes Peter Parker a singer, directly complimenting Bono and The Edge’s grandiose strokes that provide “Rise Above 1” with a wonderfully empowering message.  Can’t wait to hear more (and maybe see the show too).

REEECAP PREVIEWS

Matt Blue “Can’t Help Myself (Keep Dancing)”

I love to write about fantastic singers, and I personally can’t help myself when I hear 19 year old Dutch singer Matt Blue’s voice.  He’s been teasing us with this clip of his upcoming debut single for a little while now.  Somehow in a world of similar sounding, punchy dance floor fillers to Taio Cruz’s “Break Your Heart”, the energy and voice behind “Can’t Help Myself” are standouts.  Listen below.

Songs from Eric Saade’s Saade Volume One

Blog Scandipop has been taunting us with generous previews of songs from talented Eric’s Saade Volume One.  As you will hear when you go to the above link, this record will be a must-purchase!!  Can’t yet determine what might be my favourites but one may be “Me And My Radio”.

Ro Danishei “Wicked Baby”

I’m still getting into songs from Ro’s previously free downloadable album End Of The Rainbow, and along come… bonus tracks!  For the iTunes release of the deluxe version of the album, here’s a real teaser of a clip for “Wicked Baby”… which may or may not be a duet with…

New and as yet untitled from Jerry Reid

I’ve been raving about Detroit singer Jerry Reid’s song “Out Without Your Boyfriend” )(#6 on my current chart) from the excellent Ballroom Remixed compilation.  He’s been working with songwriter Charlie Mason and others on some upcoming songs, two of which you can hear below.  Sounds like some edgy dance pop with bite – listen below.

Pierre Lewis “Out Of My Mind”

I had a chance to talk with UK singer Pierre Lewis on a uStream chat a few weeks ago, where he also did some vocalizing, including an amazing cover of Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone”, which he should record.  Pierre’s now teasing us with the Jackson-influenced romantic R&B pop of “Out Of My Mind”, from the upcoming EP Transitions… watch the video below.

Tuned-On! Top 30 #355 – June 20/11

Another personal chart is here and it’s the start of a sizzling and scintillating summer of synthpop, which will also be known as in some future posts as Summer Popervescence 🙂

As we begin the sun-worshipping dancing, Simon Curtis has done what both Adele and Frankmusik could not do:  Replace Eric Saade’s “Popular” – my favourite song so far this year, by the way – at the top of my personal chart.  So the rivetting “Flesh” – which should by all rights be a prime candidate as a featured song on the new season of “The Vampire Diaries” – becomes Simon’s 4th number one song on this chart, joining “Delusional”, “Beat Drop”, and “8bit Heart” in that special group.  Look for a special announcement from Simon on Monday, June 20, which I’m sure has something to do with the R∆ album and moving full steam ahead!  Simon’s own “Superhero” continues to hold the charge at #4, while the still fantastic “Do It In The A.M.” by the very busy Frankmusik and Far East Movement, climbs to #2 but won’t possibly be able to dislodge “Flesh”.  Pop/dance duo Databoy take advantage of the middle of the Top 10 and find “Stupid” rising up to #5.  A pic of the boys from their Superfraiche show in NYC on April 1 is below.

Further into the Top 10, we find the Ballroom Remixed project making its presence known.  First up from that record is the sock-hop swing of Jerry Reid’s “Out Without Your Boyfriend” at #6.  Both Christian TV and Elouise make welcome returns to the Top 10.  Christian scores his third straight Top Tenner with “I’m In Love” at #7, while Elouise’s tantalizing cover of “Tainted Love” becomes her third Top 10 entry as well at #10.

Just below is a mid-section of the chart abuzz with activity.  A totally different and non-R∆ song by Simon Curtis appears on the Ballroom Remixed album.  “The Puppet Who Gave Himself Strings” is a heart-tugger at #11.  Benny Benassi and Gary go lead a sparkling summer charge to the Top 10 with “Cinema” at #13, followed by Lady Gaga and “The Edge Of Glory” (along with its underwhelming video) at #14, and then we’re back with Benassi, this time with Chris Brown (whodathunkit) on the feel-good dance song “Beautiful People” at #15.  The emotional “Linda” by Toronto’s Andrea Lewis continues to climb at #17, Adele’s snappy “Rumour Has It” rises to #18, and the buoyant voices of Blue carry “I Can” to #19.

But the big news within the Top 20 is with “Cinnamon”, by Marianas Trench guitarist Matt Webb.  Smack me on the head and send me through the wayback machine to the 1983 pop hooks of songs by the likes of Rick Springfield or Huey Lewis, and give me guitar riffs that won’t quit and are as memorable as those in a song like “Let It Rock” by Kevin Rudolf.  I think a lot of broken hearts will identify with the lyrics of “Cinnamon”.  As much as I like Matt’s lead single “Bad Girl”, “Cinnamon” is a winner and the fastest riser on the chart moving 26-16.

Finally, four debuts arrive on the chart this week.

You may recall that I blogged about Montreal/L.A. duo Long Story Short earlier this year, who have debuted with their album What A Scene which includes the song “Caved In”.  The band has since amassed a following in the Philippines (!!), came second in a couple of songwriting contests, is about to make a video for the song, and has seen “Caved In” added to several radio station playlists across Canada – a difficult thing to do when you’re an independent artist.  Even better, Dan and Nicky have recorded a new song, “Venom”, which is included as a free download if you subscribe to their newsletter.  It’s also their best song to date, a true late summer night driving song, and you can hear it at the top of this blog.  Taking the best pages from the edgy sides of bands like Lifehouse, Matchbox 20, and Goo Goo Dolls, producer John Nathaniel has helped craft a wickedly catchy song that documents a relationship’s dive into a hellish abyss.  “Venom” is the highest debut on the chart at #21 – go get it!

Ballroom Remixed Part 3:  I’ve already blogged about the dance/pop wonders of “The Lover’s Rumba” by Elouise, and while her version of “Born This Way” exits the chart, our torch club queen remains on the chart with “Rumba” at #23.  Then at #24 we have a song that totally floored me over the past few weeks, thanks in part to MuuMuse touting the artist and the song.  Former Girls Aloud member Nicola Roberts slid onto the UK charts with “Beat Of My Drum” and then promptly slid back off.  Perhaps it’s because “Porcelain Heart”, also released on the single, is the better song of the two, with some cool drama carried by successfully emotive vocals.  It’s a real grower!

The last premiere belongs to the creative producer/remixer Monsieur Adi, who in the last year has had triumphs with the likes of Madonna (his take on “Get Together” must be heard), Ellie Goulding, Javi Silva, Reni Lane, Gary Go, and Marina & The Diamonds, as well as his own songs.  His most recent free download is the mesmerizing and commanding “Chariot”, which bows on the chart at #26.  Listen and download below.

http://soundcloud.com/monsieuradi/chariot

You can view the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can click right here.  Be sure to leave any comments you might have, and thanks for reading :)

Note that when you click on the pictures in the first column of the chart pages that they will now allow you to either listen to the song or view the official video to the song.  Enjoy this new feature!

Striking R∆ Nerves: Sophomore Score for Simon Curtis

The official sophomore release R∆ by L.A. indie pop vocalist supreme Simon Curtis enthralls and tangles you up in a darkened sea of emotions, and at the same time delivers super sonic boom boy pop.  

The overall result is… overwhelming.  After a first listen, I felt battered but exhilarated, the latter more so with subsequent listens.

First and foremost, if a record isn’t entertaining it will lose me.  The music in R∆ makes you want more, just like Simon sings in “Don’t Dance”.  Despite the dominating dark and angry themes, R∆ is full of honest, passionate power.  That comes in the forms of concert fave “Laser Guns Up” – we need glow in the dark lego laser guns 🙂 – the triumphantly militant “Get In Line” (it’s gonna be a Robot Army theme song), and first single “Superhero”.  I dare you not to feel good about just about anything after hearing these ones.  

“Don’t Dance” is a reverse psychology mind game that only makes you wanna dance.  The scathing “Pit Of Vipers”, the Faustian “Soul 4 Sale” (did the great Tyler Shields cover art evolve from that growling scream in the song?), and “Chip In Your Head” sing about things that people in the entertainment biz don’t want to hear.  These are bold efforts that reinforce being true to oneself instead of being the flavour of the day or another notch on someone’s wall.  

After a week of release, I am still floored by the gritty fantastic feast that is second single “Flesh”.  It’s not only the most unique song on R∆, it’s also Simon and producer Jeff “Jadion” Wells at their very finest.  Bravo.

R∆ has five more songs that must be as painful for Simon as they are cathartic.  They seethe about loves gone sour, friendships gone awry, betrayal, loss, and hatred.  As hard to hear sometimes, they are compelling.  I can so relate to “How To Start A War” having experienced my own form of personal hell within the last year as well.  “Enemy” is another zinger, when the envelope gets shoved past the point of no return.  “Joshua” is possibly the oddest and hardest-hitting song on R∆ and is rife with messages.  “DTM” and “I Hate U” are the most difficult listens, repetitious and full of gut-spilling emotion.   The record closes, as did 8bit Heart, with a song called “The Dark”, this time subtitled “Return to the Dark”.  The dark is too easy and enticing a place to remain and the song holds hope for the light that I know can take it all away.  

Musically, the record is a highly charged mix of aggressive pop dance that takes a lot of risks with its creativity.  The rhythms will come and get you and take you away.  Simon’s voice in all of its different octaves keeps getting better and better even when twisted and contorted by effects.  If you’ve seen Simon sing in concert, you know that his voice is the real deal.

R∆ is so deserving of the first day sales and excitement it received on June 7.  Do I like everything about it?  No – it’s just that there is so much more about it to enjoy.  

Simon Curtis has a lot at stake with this record but I think the rewards will be bountiful.  I for one will be happy to wait another year for another record like R∆.  It gives you a bit of a rough ride but ends up taking you to its heart and soul.

Tuned-On! Top 30 #354 – June 6/11

It’s been an extraordinarily busy few weeks in the pop music world, and accordingly my new personal chart takes to some flipping and flopping.  When that happens, usually some songs that might have been destined for greater sights on the chart suddenly stop or tumble to make way for some of the year’s best triumphs.  And this chart is no exception.

“Popular” by Eric Saade remains at #1 for a fourth appearance (8 weeks) from his forthcoming album Saade Volume One.  Lord knows what would have happened if “Popular” was about pushing up against hot bodies, S&M, going down on someone, or biting into willing flesh, it might have never let go of the top of my chart 😉  For just this past Tuesday (May 31), Simon Curtis unleashed “Flesh” onto the somewhat unsuspecting public, and the resulting Internet frenzy may have been cause for temporary decreases in a productive workforce or perhaps sudden desires to procreate.  From its slow-building start to its heart-racing climax, “Flesh” vaults onto the chart into the runner-up spot right off the bat.  And though I’ve heard versions of a number of the fine songs that will eventually appear on R∆ in their finest forms, one can only wonder what tasty production treats Simon and producer Jeff “Jadion” Wells have in store for us.  Listen to the Future Freestyle remix below.

With “Flesh” building a solid wall at #2, that leaves “Do It In The A.M.”, the fine single from Frankmusik and Far East Movement, to climb to third place.  But don’t underestimate this song’s place on the chart.  It’s a great motivational song, particularly if you want to paint your town red.  Then it’s more super Simon climbing from 9 to 4 with the first single from R∆, “Superhero”.  Though “Flesh” has the lead story this week, “Superhero” should be taken hand-in-hand for the pop anthem that it truly is.

All of this activity leaves songs by Kyle Brylin, Jamie Woon, and Databoy stranded mid-Top 10 (a good place to be, by the way), Adele’s “Someone Like You” tumbling to #8, and “Another Dimension” by Bass Robbers and new Dutch sensation Matt Blue struggling to get past #9.  And it’s not going to get much easier, as the first entry from the Ballroom Remixed compilation (read here for more) debuts at #10.   That belongs to “Out Without Your Boyfriend”, the jive-East/West coast swing bundle of energy by Jerry Reid featuring pianist Ben Waters (listen to the song here).  Rarely is a song such fun that you can visualize a room full of people going full tilt, dancing and having a blast to it.

Just below, the always busy Christian TV has the fastest riser on the chart with his slice of eurodance/pop “I’m In Love”, which moves up 19-11.  “Tainted Love” by Elouise has to take a few smaller steps this week, rising to #12, while songs by Britney Spears and Nelson Clemente hold just below.  Then it’s a triple play score for Simon Curtis as his song from Ballroom Remixed, “The Puppet Who Gave Himself Strings”, bows mid-chart at #15 (listen to the song here).  It’s gotta be hard when such a fine, but differently styled song from those on R∆, is such a winner unto itself.  Its story will resonate with listeners and Simon’s vocals are totally captivating.

The incredible activity on the chart continues just below with lovely Ro Danishei’s “Drunk Txt” climbing to #16, while Lady GaGa herself soars to #18 with “The Edge Of Glory”.  Benny Benassi is two-for-two as his own “Cinema”, featuring the talented UK vocalist Gary Go, rises to #17, and his collaboration with Chris Brown on “Beautiful People” lands at #20.  Sandwiched between GaGa and Brown/Benassi we find Andrea Lewis with the heart-wrenching “Linda” at #19.

Many recent favourites have slid into the 20-30 zone, which is also peppered by Adele’s “Rumour Has It”, “I Can” by Blue”, and our fourth debut.  Canadian band Marianas Trench are promoting their current release Masterpiece Theatre in the U.S., and in among all of that, guitarist Matt Webb has put together an upcoming album.  I blogged about “Bad Girl” a few weeks ago, but Matt also posted a limited free download of “Cinnamon”.  And he’s outdone “Bad Girl”  with that song, with great end-of-summer-breakup lyrics and a zinger of a guitar hook.  Listen to “Cinnamon” right below – I can’t wait for his debut solo record.

You can view the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can click right here.  Be sure to leave any comments you might have, and thanks for reading :)

Note that when you click on the pictures in the first column of the chart pages that they will now allow you to either listen to the song or view the official video to the song.  Enjoy this new feature!