PET SHOP BOYS, “Vocal”
I don’t think I’ve been so excited to hear a Pet Shop Boys album in recent years than with their upcoming album Electric (due July 15). “Axis” was a tantalizing mainly instrumental teaser, but “Vocal” is the real deal, the best PSB single since their Christmas 2009 cover/mashup of “Viva La Vida/Domino Dancing”, and I think we have to go back to sometime in the early 90’s to find a finer single by them (I know some of you perhaps would argue this). Neil and Chris haven’t sound so inspired, and the truly heartfelt urgency of the lyrics (“this is my kind of music / they play it all night long / the feeling of the warmth around us is so strong”) sounds suspiciously like classic disco-era music lovers’ sentiments. The younger generation of disco/dance/EDM will embrace this. BRAVO. “Vocal” is now available on iTunes.
FRANKMUSIK, “Walking On A Dream”
As FrankMusik writes his Facebook diary of his road trip experiences touring the USA, it’s obviously inspiring him to record music along the way. Vince just doesn’t stop and we are the beneficiaries of his labours. So he’s shared this impromptu recording of a cover of the Empire Of The Sun hit from a few years back overlooking a mountain scenery in Georgia – he didn’t even know the song before he recorded it. Not only that but he brings it to a different and more simplified level that actually enhances the lyrics. I’m very jealous of all you Americans who get to check out his show and hear his voice in such fine form as in this song.
ELEVEN PAST ONE, “The World Is Ours”
Finally! A domestic (Canadian) release that actually takes its flavour from European pop! Eleven Past One is a Canadian quintet, partially from Ontario and partially from New Brunswick. Think of these lads as a variation of The Wanted playing their own instruments, but with flourishes of Swedish pop and good ol’ Canadian rock. Lead singer Daniel Richter has a fantastic voice, and the song itself has more than enough crunch and bounce to make you want more. Good on Warner Music Canada for signing this talented group. Eleven Past One will be touring to support R5 and Zendaya this summer.
ANTON EWALD, “Can’t Hold Back”
Now that “Begging” has me hooked, I’ll probably be bringing you more songs from his new release, A. “Can’t Hold Back” is the best kind of summer cotton candy out there, and it actually makes a good mix with the Eleven Past One song above. This one brings it down midway though in an extremely sexy, soulful break. The lyric video above features enough playful mugging that should help get word out about Anton Ewald around the world. The potential here is truly immense.
PIERRE LEWIS, “Empty”
To coincide with the release of his new album Consciousness yesterday, UK singer Pierre posted “Empty”. Based on the preview to the album which I posted last week, I wasn’t entirely sure of what to expect, and I must admit being a little taken aback by this raw and solemn sounding song. The comparison that came to mind instantly, at least based on atmosphere and effect, was to the equally stark “Darkness” by Darren Hayes. The feelings of hurt and solitude ring loud and clear through Pierre’s versatile voice, and it’s when those high notes hit that the song hits more than one nerve. You can purchase Consciousness on iTunes.
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