June 2012 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

DATABOY’s Dreams Are Gold album, plus new songs by Chris Wallace, Matt & Kim, The Presets, and Mika

DATABOY – Dreams Are Gold

Dreams Are Gold, the debut full pop electronica album from Texas duo DATABOY, is everything that I hoped it would be and more. For the uninitiated, the album features both of their past singles – the irrepressible “Stupid” and the massive summer anthem “Just Once” – as well as the new songs from their recent Summer Now EP, “8Ball”, “Lotion”, and the blink-and-it’s-done “Sweat (Part 1)”.

I continue to rave about the title song as I did earlier in the month – it’s a heartfelt lyrical song encouraging you to rise above your troubles that bursts into a club rave up (listen again below). “Genius” starts off the record, a playful song that’ll make you flaunt your smarts. Two other new songs, “Shoplift Your Love” and “Unfriend”, both show Cameron and Adam at their most caustic but still remaining extremely thoughtful with their ruminations. “Shoplift” comments on people who treat love as a whole lot less than what it should mean, while “Unfriend” rightly paints our social media as (more often than not) a destroyer of friendships with a click of a button.

Every song (there’s another mainly instrumental quickie called “Like It”) is more than worthy of your attention, whether you’re in the mood for dancing or listening. DATABOY’s Dreams Are Gold is one of 2012’s very best albums and is available on iTunes.

Chris Wallace “Remember When (Push Rewind)”

Chris Wallace’s previous band, The White Tie Affair, had a decent run of almost hits like “Candle (Sick and Tired”) and “You Look Better When I’m Drunk”, opening up for the likes of Lady GaGa in their short career. “Remember When (Push Rewind)”, the Indiana native’s debut solo single, pushes every direct button possible, grasping both your emotion and party moods at the same time – it’s 2012’s graduation and end-of-school song. He’s got a marvelous, unique voice that totally suits the song. The video is wickedly well shot, showing Chris as an engaging lead who carries the video. “Remember When” has everything it takes to be a massive hit. This one will be on your annual summer playlist! Watch below.

Matt & Kim “Let’s Go”

The Brooklyn, New York duo have nary taken a break from touring and their new album Lightning is almost upon us. To preview that record, we now have “Let’s Go”. It’s as enjoyably infectious as their best songs, which means that it’s going to sound fabulous in a concert setting, with all of its ooohs, hand claps, and percussive snaps getting stuck in your head. Watch/listen below.

The Presets “Youth In Trouble”

It’s been more than three years since Julian and Kim bestowed us with their original take on today’s dance music in their last album as well as one of their best singles, the unusually tender “If I Know You”. The Australian duo are back with the new album Pacifica this Fall, and in advance of that we have “Youth In Trouble” with an imaginative and psychedelic video to accompany it. The song itself is percolating 70s disco-influenced electronica – lately (and not just with the passing of Donna Summer) it seems like a whole group of musicians and producers have rediscovered the likes of Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte, Cerrone, and others who created the roots for our current dance music. It’s larger than life dance music that will blow your socks off in a club setting. Can’t wait for the tour! Watch the video below – but it’s sort of impossible not to move to “Youth In Trouble”!

Mika “Make You Happy”

To me Mika’s The Boy Who Knew Too Much was one of those watershed records, where you hope the performer would (selfishly… 😉 ) continue to make more and more of the same. In the spirit of artistic advancement however we know there will be change. While the official first single from the upcoming The Origins Of Love (“Celebrate”, featuring Pharrell Williams) is not gelling with me right now, the song with the first video, “Make You Happy”, certainly is. It continues to show how Mika can touch us by warmly zeroing in on a key phrase – “all I wanna do is make you happy” – to which we can all relate. The scenes in the video only encourage everyone to be as good as possible to each other in this life that you have. Watch below.

Summer Popervescence #1 featuring Baiyu, Jeronimo, Markus Riva, Carlos Nobrega, Killian Wells, and Andreas Moe

Summer looks to be very hot ahead – and I’m only talking about the music! Don’t forget that Make Me Believe in Hope by Bright Light Bright Light drops in the USA on Tuesday. And be sure to check out two new full length releases below, plus two new singles, and a video!

Hunter by Baiyu

Last year, Baiyu’s warm and subdued video for “Together” was my introduction to this talented New Yorker with an impressive set of pipes. Then came the quirky and fun “Take A Number”, which showed another side of her. I’ve already written about her tantalizing video for “Invisible” (featuring duet partner Rotimi), which has led us to Hunter, her latest free download full length mixtape.

Hunter is stellar work all around. Baiyu has diversified even more within and you can feel the heart and soul that went into this record. I’ve already compared her voice to Keri Hilson and more particularly Beyoncé because of her power and range. She does marvellously in songs like “Laws of Attraction”, “Lost and Found”, and “Another Lifetime”, very reminiscent sometimes of Toni Braxton as well. There’s blood on the dance floor waiting in the wings if more startlingly good club songs like the title track are in store for us! It’s my very favourite on Hunter, with a close runner up being her duet “Make Believe”, featuring an equally stunning vocalist, Paul Kim – I want to know more about him 🙂 There are actually four duets with male singers within. Often singers can get left in the dust by their partners, but thanks to Baiyu’s prowess and her production team’s fine work, the showcase is hers.

Hunter awaits for you to add Baiyu to your summer playlist. It certainly surpassed my expectations, and we will be hearing much, much more from Baiyu. Download Hunter right here and listen to the powerful title song below.

One Kiss by Jeronimo

I’ve finally got to hear the full album release One Kiss by Jeronimo, which confirms that the insanely infectious title song with an undetermined Latin backdrop (currently #2 on my chart) and previous single, the heartwrenching ballad “Somebody Who Loves Me”, are no flukes. This young Dutchman (via Brazil) with the unique voice could definitely find his place in the international music scene – if this record can be released outside of Europe.

The album is full of jaunty pop/dance songs as well as ballads for Jeronimo’s swoonworthy crowd. His playful charm comes off best in “Sacrifice”, “Renaissance Man”, “All I Want Is You To Love Me”, and the genuine spark of “Unheard”, which could be a follow up single. Look to “Firefly”, “Someone New”, and “Hey Hey” for some effective balladry. I would only ask in future that his production team stop messing with our boy’s fine voice by adding technology to alter it, making it stand out in the wrong ways.

But if you haven’t caught on to the title song yet, which is available internationally on iTunes, watch the video below and be slayed. Jeronimo will win lots of new fans with this project 🙂

Poptronik Follow-Up!

Three performers from This Beat Is Poptronik Volume 1 have new songs out for you to hear that are equally as engaging as the ones on the summer’s killer dance compilation which is the soundtrack for the essential electronica beach dance party in Sitges, Spain on September 1 and 2.

“We Dance 4 Reason” by Markus Riva featuring Ralph

The Latvian singer’s “How It Feels To Be A Man” is newly perched in the Top 10 of my chart, and he’s upped the ante a bit with this fun and explosive dance song, whose video shows off some snappy choreography. Markus is in fine voice and the song will definitely help get your groove on. Buy it on iTunes. Watch below.

“Turn It Up” by Carlos Nóbrega

The energy level in “Turn It Up” (co-written by Carlos) must stem from the Portuguese star’s enthusiasm that transforms what initially starts out to be a pretty formulaic dance song into a fiery and urgent dance floor anthem that has grown on me a great deal since I first heard it. Carlos’ voice soars to new heights mid-way which keeps the song on a real high. You can buy “Turn It Up” on iTunes, with an album to follow in the Fall. Listen to the song below. It’s the successor to “Pitiful”, which also shows the many sides of Carlos through an acoustic version which you can hear below.

“It’s Like That” by Killian Wells featuring Nixon

I’m so glad some music videos incorporate comedy and lightheartedness because they are often remembered more for that then those that are deathly serious. And so we have “It’s Like That” by Killian Wells, who previously brought us the bouncy and intense “Psycho”. Stick with this one all the way through for some amusing set pieces and fun interplay between Killian and featured artist Nixon. Recent similar reference points might be “Burnin’ Up” by It Boys and “No I.D.” by FrankMusik featuring Colette Carr. Enjoy below!

“Collecting Sunlight” by Andreas Moe (official video)

While I’ve already posted acoustic performances of talented Andreas which showcase the man and his music, the official video of his single currently in the Top 20 on my chart (and on official release internationally this week) is a delightful animated clip that might be a bit literal but gets across a fine message. Watch below.

BILLCS Chart #381

My new and slightly overdue chart is a busy affair where only one song sits still. That would be the song at the top. I simply can’t get enough of “Waiting For The Feeling” by Bright Light Bright Light or the essential album from which it comes, Make Me Believe In Hope (read my previous post right here). And I’m very anxious to hear Jeronimo’s full album that contains its title song “One Kiss”. I often look for songs that are mood-changers, and “One Kiss” is a breezy, fun ode to new love that moves up to #2 on my chart. Also rising up a place is the first of three featured songs from the amazing electronica dance compilation This Beat Is Poptronik Volume One. Tao Hypah’s “Celeb” moves up to #3. Give a listen to this one, and bop your way into bliss 😉

While his gal Quigley’s “Inkblot Game” continues to climb up to #16 on this chart, FrankMusik (under his Vincent Did It alias) pairs up with his lovely on “Notice Me”. This song is a grower, thanks to Vince’s artistic production and Quigley’s exuberant vocals, and moves up to #4. Listen to this one below.

Also entering the Top 5 is “Only The Horses” by Scissor Sisters, currently touring their Magic Hour album. I’m thinking about checking out their concert next week, so if you’ve seen them let me know what you think to help make my decision 🙂 Watch their performance of “Only The Horses” from The Voice UK at the top of this post.

There are more Poptronik performers to be had within the Top 10, with Adam Tyler’s “Music Freak” rising to #6, and “How It Feels To Be A Man”, a quiet kind of anthem of sorts by Latvian singer Markus Riva, moves up to #9. The trifecta of Foster The People’s Mark Foster, DJ A-Trak, and New Zealand’s Kimbra, currently on release with her own album Vows, rounds out the songs on the rise within the Top 10 with the free download of “Warrior”.

I won’t leave the Top 10 without remarking on a very high debut. That of course comes from Texas duo DATABOY, whose “Dreams Are Gold” is my new summer jam and crashes the chart at #8. Read all about it right here. The second highest debut on the chart, at #21, also belongs to these lads, from their free download Summer Now EP. “Lotion” will transport you to a beautiful beach somewhere warm enough where DATABOY won’t let you get sunburned 🙂 Listen to both songs below.

You can view the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can click right here. You can hear all of the songs on the chart or watch their videos by clicking on the pics on the chart page. Any free downloads that are identified are sanctioned by the performer.

There are five other fast risers on the chart. “All Our Love” by Gentlemen Hall jumps 19-14, while the fastest riser, “Secret Fear” by Daniel Bedingfield is right behind, climbing 22-15. Moving up four places each are “Collecting Sunlight” by Andreas Moe at #19 (official single is out June 26 – watch him perform an acoustic version below), River Tiber’s jazzy “These Are Centuries” at #20, and Poptronik performer Monti Montañez with “Turn Up The Radio” at #22.

There are two other debuts which complete this week’s blog post. RAC stands for Remix Artist Collective, three producer/DJ’s who create their own music and remix that of others, and you can find out more about them at http://www.rac.fm. Penguin Prison has joined up with them for the free download of “Hollywood” which bows at #23. Listen below.

Lastly but hardly least, when Darren Hayes picks a song recorded by someone else to sing, it’s usually a wise choice. I’ve actually owned the vinyl single of “Talk Talk Talk” since last Fall, and I’ve decided to chart his vibrant and faithful cover of Madonna’s “Angel”, the 45’s B-side, after continual play on my iTouch. “Angel”, at #28, accompanies “Stupid Mistake”, which moves up to #11. Listen below – and why shouldn’t pop radio play it?? The song would fit like a glove.

Quick Reeecap: DATABOY’s New Gem, Jane Badler’s High Drama, Sam Sparro’s Dancing Kingpin, and Nick’s High Notes

DATABOY “Dreams Are Gold”

It’s no secret that I can’t get enough of the music that DATABOY is creating right now. The Austin, Texas duo of Cameron Maxwell and Adam Bailey continued to win me over recently when I wrote about their free Summer Now EP, and their song “Lotion” in particular is on repeat in my head as I write. But today they unveiled the title song of their upcoming album Dreams Are Gold. It’s a real gem. These fellas are amazingly clever. They’ve managed to meld a beautiful and often playful melody, crafty house rhythms, ever so soulful vocals (secretly, I think they listen to a lot of R&B), and some truly heartfelt and identifiable lyrics. By design it’s a sincere and joyous invitation to get your ass on the dancefloor and to never, ever stop dreaming. And if the rest of the album is this good, DATABOY will be on many playlists for this summer and beyond. So well done!! Listen below.

Jane Badler, “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” (Stormby’s Drama Mix)

Not too long ago, I wrote about the potential of “Yesterday’s Tomorrows”, by noted actress Jane Badler, who has also had a singing career for a while now, with her latest release an EP called Mistaken Identity. Visions of a grand Broadway play with gorgeous costumes, people, drama, murder, and lust, all filled my head. And then along came Stormby’s drama mix… and now my visions are turned on their head, into a grand Broadway musical, with over the top costumes, lots of make up and colour, drama, and dancing. If a song is going to be transformed, do it in high style like this. Dance clubs, here it comes! Listen below.

Sam Sparro, “I Wish I Never Met You” (video)

“I Wish I Never Met You” is the bold antithesis of a pop/dance hit, but it really works, as I wrote recently. I hadn’t found the video though until now, where we have Sam as a 30’s prohibition kingpin who gambles, dances, and gets his comeuppance – or does he? Watch and find out! I hope to find my way to Sam’s Return To Paradise album soon!

Nick “Human Nature”

It’s been a while since we heard something new from our boy Nick Hagelin (now using only his first name). You see, he’s been kind of busy, making new friends in pretty high places, and finding himself a record deal. And not just any deal. You may have heard of Streamline Records. It’s a subsidy of Interscope. The lead act on the label is one Lady GaGa. And while we had a fling with getting to know “X Games”, from his upcoming album, the song was pulled off the interweb to make you anxious for more. A lot of you are out there because you made my post on “X Games” in January my most read blog post in the three years I’ve been writing! So Nick’s promised to be viral once again, and his return to acoustic covers is with a version of Michael Jackon’s “Human Nature”. Nick’s honest charm, talent, and gorgeous high notes are all on display. Watch below.

More on Make Me Believe In Hope by Bright Light Bright Light, plus Penguin Prison, Amanda Palmer, and Rebecca Ferguson

It’s hard for me to find different ways to exude my enthusiasm for Make Me Believe In Hope, the debut album by Bright Light Bright Light, after raving about Rod Thomas’ many talents over the past two years plus. He has literally cornered the market for smart emotional/lyrical electronic pop music that is only rivalled by several Swedish performers who have their own take on that style. There are five new songs on Believe In Hope, including the retro-pop/dance of “Feel It” which I showcased last week.

“Immature” is a great song for anyone in their 20’s to listen to. There’s always a turning point in our 20’s where you wonder why you acted or did things the way you did. Rod captures the spirit of those instances so well and so very thoughtfully. “Moves” is a potential dance floor banger with a 90s electronica inspired melody where you can visualize a couple gracefully commanding the dance floor. “Debris” is a brief quite pause near the end of the record like that moment at the end of a long evening where you know the night is basically done and wonder what’ s going to happen next. And “Grace” is such a classy way to inspire hope and moving on while at the same time remaining true to who you are.

With these songs adding to the splendid mix that includes the previously released “Love Part II’, “A New Word To Say”, “Disco Moment”, “Waiting for The Feeling”, “Cry “At Films”, and “How To Make A Heart”, Make Me Believe In Hope will find Bright Light Bright Light on many Best of 2012 lists at year end.

Below, listen to Rod’s playful mashup “Disco Respect”, as well as a sparkling remix of “Waiting For The Feeling” by Vinnie Vero and Steve Migliore.

“Hollywood” by RAC featuring Penguin Prison

Chris Glover of Penguin Prison is one busy guy. Besides relentless touring with Miike Snow (pic above from his May 1 show in Toronto) and Class Actress, DJing at festival such as Bonnaroo, and remixing everyone notable under the sun including Jamiroquai, Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding and more, he’s now showing up as a featured performer as vocalist on this song by RAC, who previously remixed Penguin Prison’s “The Worse It Gets”. And “Hollywood” has a similar 70’s pop vibe that tells a story around an instantly catchy chorus. I got to hear the band perform the song the other night at a high energy small club show in Toronto, which now makes me want a remix! Penguin Prison also does a killer live version of Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans”. Take a listen to Penguin Prison’s remix of “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons below.

Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra “Do It With A Rockstar”

I had not really heard of New York born, Boston-based singer Amanda Palmer before her amazingly successful recent Kickstarter launch for her upcoming CD. She was previously noted for leading the Dresden Dolls and for establishing ‘punk rock cabaret’. “Do It With A Rockstar” is noteworthy as a precursor for her new project but also for its reverence to the post 80’s punk-new wave sounds by the likes of Lene Lovich, Cyndi Lauper, Romeo Void, and others, though the song’s attitude and lyrics reside mid-70’s through influences of the glam and punk rock eras, with a reference point for me being David Bowie. It’s an engaging record, full of great lyrics, not to everyone’s taste, but recommended to those with a sense of adventure outside of the pop bubble and don’t mind some sneer in their pop veneer. Get it as a free download from Amanda’s website with an email subscription and listen below.

Rebecca Ferguson “Nothing’s Real But Love”

While we don’t hear much about the success of UK X-Factor contestants over here, 2nd place finisher (to Matt Cardle) Rebecca Ferguson seems to be one of those unique voices that only comes along once in a while and appears destined for the same club that includes Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Alicia Keys. “Nothing’s Real But Love” is nothing new, but a simple and direct showcase (co-written by the singer) for a voice that will absolutely wow you. It was recently an iTunes store freebie and now I can’t wait to hear what she has to offer on her new release Heaven. Watch below.

BILLCS Chart #380

It’s here at long last! Make Me Believe In Hope, the debut album by Bright Light Bright Light arrives in most places except the USA on Monday June 4 on iTunes (Americans get it on June 26). The stunning “Waiting For The Feeling” gets a second appearance at the top of my chart, and doesn’t look like it will relinquish #1 any time soon, though a couple of challenges are brewing below. In anticipation of this feat for BLx2 (aka Rod Thomas), take a listen to one of the new songs from the album below called “Feel It”. You will revel in a wayback machine journey back 20 years or so when house-y dance hits featured powerhouse vocalists like Martha Wash (Black Box, C+C Music Factory, among others).

River Tiber’s “Symmetry” gets stuck at #2 for a third appearance, while a third song from their CD From Now On arrives on the chart (more on that later). The fastest riser from two weeks ago, the instantly memorable “One Kiss” by Jeronimo zips up the chart to #3 to become a number one contender. Jeronimo’s One Kiss album is on release in the Netherlands and Belgium, with other territories to follow. Also new to the top 5 is “Celeb” by Tao Hypah, from the must-hear compilation This Beat Is Poptronik… Volume One. And a third song from that album debuts on the chart too. This is also the first time that I think two Dutchmen (Jeronimo and Tao Hypah) are in the Top 5 at the same time! Maybe they’re starting a trend 🙂 Rounding out the Top 5 again is “Call It What You Want” by Foster The People, whose Treasure Fingers Preparty remix rings my bell every time. It also reminds me of Scissor Sisters’ “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing”. Listen below.

Speaking of the Sisters, “Only The Horses” gallops to #7 this week as we saw the release of their album Magic Hour. And it’s a fine and varied affair, definitely a few dances and turns away from 2010’s Night Work. The Calvin Harris-produced album sees John Legend contributing to what is the most obvious pop radio target, “Baby Come Home”, while the Bee Gees harmonies are abuzz again on “Inevitable”. The quirky “Let’s Have A Kiki” stays in your head, and the other standout song is “Self Control”. The songs should make for a grand bit of fun in concert too. You can listen to the entire album right here.

The tireless Adam Tyler has been home in Kansas City, MO performing this weekend. And while that’s been happening, “Music Freak” has risen up to #8. The last new entry to the top 10 is from Frankmusik’s free Vincent Did it project called The SOPA Opera EP. “Notice Me”, featuring Quigley on additional vocals, is one of Vince’s best songs. I can’t wait to see what makes the cut for his next full album.

Just outside of the Top 10, several songs continue to move up. “Warrior” by Mark Foster, A-Trak and Kimbra should bound into the Top 10 in two weeks along with “How It Feels To Be A Man” by Latvia’s Markus Riva, also from the This Beat Is Poptronik release. I continue to enjoy Keane’s “Silenced By The Night”, though I’ll wait to see what’s in store for single release #2 from Strangeland. Since this is Bright Light Bright Light’s big week, the link to his remix of my #13 song, “Stupid Mistake” by Darren Hayes is right here.

While “Prince Of Nothing Charming” sails to #6, Tyler Hilton’s rocking “Loaded Gun” jumps 21-15. The fastest riser on the chart belongs to the exuberant “All Our Love” by Boston’s Gentlemen Hall, climbing 26-19. While Sam Sparro’s “Happiness” tumbles to #17, I’m posting the lyrics video to Sam’s next single, “I Wish I Never Met You”. It’s a scathing change of pace from the joyful “Happiness”. But the song’s lyrics and execution hit home, particularly if you’ve ever been crushed by love. I love how bold this song is.

“Can’t Say No” by Conor Maynard has a cheery charm to it that keeps me listening, and it moves up to #20. Andreas Moe’s upcoming single “Collecting Sunlight” debuted on my last chart, and you can watch him perform it live below. Huge talent in the making, folks!

The highest debut belongs to Daniel Bedingfield, who graced the top of my chart twice back in 2002 with “Gotta Get Thru This” and “James Dean (I Wanna Know)”. His new songs are decidedly rockier and more emotional, and his new EP Stop The Traffik-Secret Fear, though available for free download, is worth buying to get all seven songs (only five are available on the download). The dramatic and very well sung “Secret Fear” bows at #22. Watch Daniel sing it in concert below.

I’ve mentioned the other debuts above. Whether he thinks it or not, Tommy Paxton-Beesley’s created one of the coolest albums of the year with River Tiber’s From Now On. No more is this evident in the jazzy “These Are Centuries”, which arrives on the chart at #24. The only place where you can hear this one online is through iTunes, where you should go and purchase the entire album anyway 🙂 Lastly, our third debut from the This Beat Is Poptronik album belongs to 23 year old former Menudo member Monti Montañez with “Turn Up Your Radio”. Initially, this was not one of my three favourites from the album; however its insanely catchy chorus has captured me and its 2:30 length just reminds me of the kind of songs radio used to play – short, sweet and memorable. If you happen to be in Spain on September 1 and 2, Monti is one of the featured performers at the Poptronik festival in Sitges. Listen right here.