Lists on BILLCS Music Blog – Page 4

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!

Tuned-On! Top 30 #353 – May 23/11

It finished in third place at Eurovision but that’s still enough to keep a big buzz worldwide for Eric Saade’s “Popular” as it remains at the top of my personal chart handily for a third appearance (6 weeks). The Adele machine slows a bit, but not enough to prevent Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” from breaking a chart record as it remains on the chart for an 11th consecutive appearance. Will it go for a 12th or disappear from the chart? It will have to fend off Adele’s own “Someone Like You” at #3 and the smart summery vibe of “Do It In The A.M.” by Frankmusik featuring Far East Movement, which ascends to #4. Kyle Brylin’s sexy, eerie but addictive “Everything I’m Missing” rounds out the Top 5 in advance of his upcoming appearance this week on the Ballroom Remixed album with a song called “I’m A Man (Not A Piece Of Meat)”…

Next to Adele’s 21, Jamie Woon’s Mirrorwriting is the album I’m listening to most in full. “Lady Luck” is definitely on his side – though I want him to make up his cancelled Toronto show sometime soon – and climbs to #6, but the album is deep with multi-layered enjoyable songs. Databoy’s “Stupid” rises to #7, and I can’t wait for the fun music this duo has to offer up this summer. “Another Dimension” by Dutch talents Bass Robbers featuring Matt Blue enters the Top 10. Talented Mr. Blue releases his first major label single “Can’t Help Myself” in the near future! But the big news within the Top 10 of course is the debut of Simon Curtis’ “Superhero” at #9. Simon’s not content to put this pop anthem on iTunes for your purchasing pleasure, a second single is on its way from his forthcoming album R∆. And another song from the aforementioned Ballroom Remixed project by Simon is “The Puppet Who Gave Himself Strings”. You can hear the original version of “Superhero” at the top of this page, and the trancey remix below.

Simon Curtis “Superhero (The Remix)”

While Lady GaGa’s original slides to #8, Elouise’s pensive live cover of “Born This Way” inches up to #11, but the Fastest Riser on the chart is her sensational and original take on “Tainted Love”, which climbs to #15. The Top 20 is otherwise filled with rising songs by Shawn Desman, Britney Spears, Nelson Clemente (listen to the Australian talent’s “No Protection” in the Brian Canham – remember “Funky Town” by Pseudo Echo? – mix version below), Ro Danishei, and Richard Barone.

Nelson Clemente “No Protection (BC mix)”

Debuting at #19 is a song that continues to display the versatility of singer Christian TV. We’ve already experienced two pop-to-die-for releases in the form of #1 “Love 2 Baby” and #5 “When She Turns 18”, as well as an urban flipside in the form of the mixtape Who The Fuck Is Christian TV? Now Christian conquers eurodance with the effervescent “I’m In Love”, which arrives at #19. The song is a giddy ode to being uncontrollably in love, with a high pitched keyboard hook that you’ll find in the best Swedish dance hits. It’s destined to join the other two songs as Top 5 entries in this chart 🙂 Listen to to the song below.

While “Cinema” by Benny Benassi & Gary Go and “Linda” by Andrea Lewis don’t end up in the Top 20 this week, it’s because of fierce competition so watch them to move up in the coming weeks. There are four additional songs debuting on the chart this week. Adele’s “Rumour Has It” at #24 is a slick and seductive track that would be amazing in a dance remix. I’m not sure what will follow up “Someone Like You” as a single but “Rumour” has my vote. Then at #25 is a return to fun pure pop dance form for Lady GaGa with “The Edge Of Glory”. Next at #26 is the UK Eurovision entry by Blue, “I Can”. I never really cared much for these four lads in their early 00’s heyday outside of a few songs, but I love the uplifting vibe of this song as well as the vocal arrangement. They could find an audience that they never had with this song, particularly if released in North America (hear the song below). Lastly, it’s a complete turnaround for Chris Brown but his teaming with Benny Benassi for “Beautiful People” at #27 has landed him at #1 on Billboard’s dance club play chart as well as in the Top 10 on charts around the world. North America decided to go with the urban “Look At Me Now” as a single from F.A.M.E. instead but this one could do equally well at radio. It’s Brown’s first appearance on this chart since 2008’s #5 “Forever”.

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 I will be replacing the My Space links on the chart with You Tube links to the song or video in the near future…

Tuned-On! Top 30 #352 – May 9/11

Sitting atop the new Tuned-On! Top 30 of course is “Popular” by Eric Saade, an amazingly feel-good song that shows no sign of leaving the summit any time soon. There is competition below but it will have to wait!!

This leaves two songs by Adele to tread behind “Popular”, either of which could be number one if there was no “Popular”. Most interestingly, “Rolling In The Deep” has rebounded to the runner-up spot, which is also a new peak for that song. There is a dilemma however. “Rolling In The Deep” is in its 10th appearance (20th week) on my chart. On every occasion during the nearly 13 years that I’ve published this chart online, such a song leaves the chart as long as it’s in a holding position or descending. This helps keep the chart fresh and full of great songs that otherwise may not get as much attention. No song has been in an upward rise in its 10th appearance until now. If “Rolling In The Deep” continues to be in second place in two weeks – and I think it may – it will break a chart rule and have 11 consecutive appearances. It couldn’t happen to a nicer song. And “Someone Like You” is right behind to keep it company – an outstanding Top 3!

New to the Top 5, and still pretty fresh to my ears, is “Born This Way” by Lady GaGa, despite a new single being released tomorrow called “The Edge Of Glory”, in anticipation of the Born This Way album. Kyle Brylin’s “Everything I’m Missing” follows suit right up to #6, along with soulful dubstep vibe of Jamie Woon’s “Lady Luck” coincidentally at lucky #7. At #8, and the fastest riser on the chart, moving from #25 two weeks ago, is the first, and possibly definitive, summer jam of ’11 – “Do It In The A.M.” by Frankmusik featuring Far East Movement. After such great music this year with my #1 “The Fear Inside” and #2 “Hurt You Again”, I felt a little underwhelmed with this track on the first few listens… but after that it simply becomes a highly contagious summer driving song. You can view the video at the top of this page. Another seemingly ridiculous song but similarly irresistible is “Stupid” by Databoy, which soars into the Top 10 at #9.

The middle of the chart continues to be busy, with Bass Robbers & Matt Blue almost in Top TenLand with “Another Dimension”, and other big moves from songs by Britney Spears (looks to be my all time favourite from her), Nelson Clemente, Ro Danishei, and Richard Barone’s “Sanctified”, which you can hear at the bottom of the page in a video of a photoshoot of Richard.

The highest debut on the chart at #24 quite deservedly goes to “Tainted Love” by Elouise, the retooling of the song best known by Soft Cell, which you can hear in my previous entry a few weeks back. And the song sparked an entire investigation about cover songs on my chart, and that discussion will follow this paragraph. Then at #27 you’ll find “Cinema” by Benny Benassi featuring Gary Go, which was discussed in these pages last week. Finally, in anticipation of next week’s show in London, England with Simon Curtis and Ro Danishei, I go 4 songs deep into Andrea Lewis’ fine 54321 album with “Linda” bowing at #28. Her duet with Simon, “Talk To Me” got to #4, with “Voodoo” and “Robot” reaching #10 and #11 respectively. Before the last paragraph you can listen to her gorgeous live rendition from a show I attended in Toronto in January.

So with Elouise reaching my chart with no less than 3 cover versions in 6 months, and with me never being one enamoured with cover versions, I investigated how many cover songs have actually appeared in my chart since I began publishing it online in late 1997. Counting Elouise’s three winners, there is a grand total of 41 cover versions out of over 1,415 chart entries – a very small percentage indeed! I will publish a list of the entire 41 later in the week, but for now here are the Top 10 placing cover versions in my chart’s history.

MECK F/ LEO SAYER (2006)	Thunder In My Heart Again
MICHAEL BUBLE (2004)	Sway
TYLER HILTON & BETHANY JOY LENZ (2005)	When The Stars Go Blue
BLUE MAN GROUP featuring VENUS HUM (2003)	I Feel Love
ENUR F/ NATASJA (2007)	Calabria
RUFUS, MARTHA & LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, AND KATE MCGARRIGLE (1998)	What’ll I Do
KATE RYAN (2003)	Desenchantee
ORGY (1998)	Blue Monday
FREEMASONS F/ SYLVIA MASON-JAMES (2006)	Nothing But A Heartache
LOST BROTHERS featuring G TOM MAC (2004)	Cry Little Sister

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

Tuned-On! Top 30 #351 – April 25/11

I’m going out on a limb, but I think “Popular” by Sweden’s Eric Saade could be the first worldwide smasheroo arising out of the Eurovision contest in years. The theme is so universal that I think it can conquer all shores in time. That having been said, of course it sits atop of my personal chart this week and looks to reside there for a long stay. And I love the “Beat It” inspired choreography in the video above! With all focus on the title track from his upcoming album Do It In The A.M., which debuts at #25 this week (and you can follow the promotion of it at Cherrytree Records’ site), that leaves the previously free download of “Hurt You Again” at #2 – I’m hoping the song will appear on the album… it’s too good not to make the cut!

The Top 10 is just loaded with great songs. Adele’s “Someone Like You” rises to #4 while the 2011 anthem “Rolling In The Deep” slips to #6. That other anthem, “Born This Way” by Lady GaGa climbs to #7, while the simple spot-on alternate rendition by Elouise moves up 21-15. Kyle Brylin’s hypnotic “Everything I’m Missing” joins the Top 10 by moving 12-8, along with Mirrorwriting’s second single from Jamie Woon called “Lady Luck” (14-9), and “The City” by Patrick Wolf (#10) from the upcoming long-awaited Lupercalia.

Catchy, irresistible, infectious… there are so many songs out right now that fit that bill as we head into warmer weather where I live. You must get by at least two or three listens for “Stupid” by Databoy to sink in. This is what smart fun is all about, and the song is the fastest riser on the chart this week, soaring 25-16. Right below is Toronto-based Shawn Desman’s latest, “Electric”, which climbs 22-17. Nelson Clemente’s dark and sexy “No Protection” moves up 28-23 and makes a good mix with “Everything I’m Missing”. Nelson’s”You’re A Star” will also see release on iTunes within the next few weeks. And if you didn’t get to hear the Nicki Minaj/Kesha remix of Britney Spears’ “Till The World Ends”, you can find it below courtesy of Jon Ali’s blog. It becomes her biggest hit on my chart moving 30-22.

Our other two debuts include the #20 premiere for “Another Dimension” by Bass Robbers featuring Matt Blue, which I blogged about on the weekend. Matt’s voice is so powerful it goes right through you on this track! Our last debut comes from Ro Danishei, who will be performing at the Electroqueer showcase in London along with Andrea Lewis and Simon Curtis (with whom I hear she may have a duet on Simon’s upcoming R∆ release). This is another song from her release End of The Rainbow, which is available entirely as a free download right here. This one hasn’t had as much attention as Simon’s or Andrea’s albums, and is very deserving. Take a listen to “Drunk Txt” below.

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

No Frills Late Chart Blog: Tuned-On! Top 30 #350 – April 11, 2011

It’s not often that the chart is posted late, but between dealing with personal staff and getting ready to head to Grand Ol’ Opry land for five days then good things have to wait a bit.

“Love 2 Baby” triumphs for a second chart appearance at the top for the talented Christian TV. But that feat is pretty much fleeting as Eric Saade’s amazing triumph “Popular” soars 18-2, and looks ready for a hefty stay at the top. Frankmusik’s gorgeous ballad “Hurt You Again” has to settle for third place though in another chart year it would be a chart-topper. Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” appears to have longer legs than I’d imagined but slips to #4, and Adam Tyler gets a second Top 5 hit on my chart with “I Won’t Let You Go”. You can hear one of Adam’s latest projects, “Time Bomb”, right here.

Adele mach #2 on this chart, “Someone Like You”, rises to #8 – slow but steady I promise you. New to the Top 10 besides “Popular” are Andy Grammer’s MTV O video award nominee “Keep Your Head Up” (see the chart for the link) and Lady GaGa’s now ubiquitous “Born This Way”… which has made an impact in another version….

Jumping straight to the debuts, I blogged about Elouise’s live version of “Born This Way” a week ago, and it’s such an impressive redux that it joins GaGa’s version on my chart at #21. Top 10 bound? I think so – which will make it 3/3 for Elouise as recent #6 hit “The Winner Takes It All” leaves the chart. Then at #25 is Databoy, who I enjoyed so much at the Superfraiche show in New York City 10 days ago. The free download of the Brad Walsh remix of “Stupid” bows on the chart. Aussie Nelson Clemente is such an underrated talent. He has a solid EP Love.Feel.Dangerous on release as a free download which I blogged about a while back. The dark but danceable “No Protection” arrives at #28. Richard Barone’s album Glow has been long-lasting on my iTouch in regular rotation since its release in September. An offbeat track “Sanctified” – which takes a cue from late 60’s early 70’s guitar rock despite an acoustic beginning – premieres at #29. The title track from Barone’s album got to #2 last year.

I’m saving an entire paragraph for the song at #30 because I honestly never thought it would appear in my chart. And the performer really does not need any extra promotion. But the song’s infectious club beat – yes I still think an audience for a soccer game will arrive on the scene at any minute – reminds me that performers that I’m not fond of often make good, fun records. So for the first time since 1999, Britney Spears appears in my chart with “Till The World Ends”. Her last song to chart? “(You Drive Me) Crazy” – and it got to #24. Only “And Then We Kiss” (not one of her biggest hits) and “Toxic” could have come close to charting in the intervening years. Looks like “Till The World” could pass that “Crazy”.

The middle of the chart is quite busy, so don’t overlook great songs by Patrick Wolf, Kyle Brylin, Jamie Woon (I look forward to Mirrorwriting’s arrival next week), Bright Light Bright Light, and Brandon Flowers.

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 It’s 350 charts later after 13 years too!

Tuned-On! Top 30 #349 – March 28/11

As much as I can’t resist the laid back and mysterious charm of Jamie Woon’s “Night Air”, the song gives way to the summit of my personal chart after one appearance in favour of the positively infectious, can’t-stand-still hedonism of Christian TV’s “Love 2 Baby”, whose video was featured two weeks ago in these pages. “Love 2 Baby” should by all rights be a must-play this Spring and Summer, so listen for it and get it on iTunes in advance of Christian’s upcoming album.

That leaves Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” holding in third place this week, while Frankmusik’s supurb ballad “Hurt You Again” climbs to #4 – if you thought Mr. Frank was only a remixer and dance artist, this song proves what an amazing voice he has. And the Top 10 is packed with fine vocalists. Adam Tyler’s Euro-inspired pop dance song “I Won’t Let You Go” continues to climb, with Dan Black complementing Aussie producers Bag Raiders on “Sunlight”, and the Red One Jimmy Joker remix of Usher’s “More” right behind. Adele’s current UK chart topper – her 5th week at the top there – “Someone Like You”, is the lone new entry into the Top 10.

The feel good vibe of Andy Grammer’s “Keep Your Head Up” is paying off slow and steady as the song’s about to crack my Top 10, with the Richard X remix of Patrick Wolf’s “The City” in tow in anticipation of his upcoming album Lupercalia. “Born This Way” by Lady GaGa hasn’t worn on me and it jumps to #13, while Enrique Iglesias’ party-hardy “Tonight” also rises up to #16.

The song that has grown on me the most these past few weeks is the fastest riser on my chart. Kyle Brylin is a new singer from Wisconsin and his alternately hypnotic and eerie “Everything I’m Missing” soars 24-17. Double back to the video featured a few weeks back while you’re at it. BT’s warm electronica of “The Emergency” cracks the Top 20 along with the softer sound of “How To Make A Heart” by Bright Light Bright Light. I think Brandon Flowers’ fans should convince Island Records to release “Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts” as a single to extend the life of his fine Flamingo album. The song rises to #21 this week.

Our four new entries are led by Sweden’s Eurovision entry – which I think has a great shot at winning the whole deal. I was so glad to see Eric Saade’s “Popular” (arriving at #18) take home the Melodifestivalen award – it could very well be one of the finest songs of the year, and I’m going to say again that it has immense international potential, now all Eric’s handlers have to do is get him on Twitter and use this opportunity to promote the hell out of this song. Check out that starmaking video again from a few weeks back. Next is the second single from Jamie Woon’s upcoming Mirrorwriting album. I wasn’t sure what to make of it right away, but like so many UK soul-inspired records over the years, its understated appeal and the contemporary dubstep rhythm make “Lady Luck” (debuting at #22) unique, and you can view its video at the bottom of this page.

Further down, I’m bucking the singles that have been released from The Script’s sophomore album Science and Faith in favour of an extra song on the North American version of the album. I think the pairing of rapper B.o.B. with the band has given their song “Walk Away” an extra boost, and it arrives on this chart at #26. Listen to the song right here to see what I mean. And last is a singer from the Toronto area who first appeared on this chart in late 1999 with a slice of pop/electronica called “Don’t Wanna Lose You”, and then again in 2002 with “Get Ready”, both of which got to the Top 5. After that I thought a lot of his songs began to sound awfully similar, so I was glad to see a new approach with his latest album Fresh. Shawn Desman is back with the fun “Electric” at #27, and you can view the video mashup with “Night Like This” right here.

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 🙂

Reintroducing This Blog… and the Tuned-On! Top 30 #348 – March 14, 2011

While my new personal chart is hopping with activity, it’s generally been pretty quiet in the music world these past few weeks, and both Canadian Music Week and SXSW are in progress. So for those who are unfamiliar with this blog, allow me to reintroduce it for you.

BillcsIsTuned-On! the blog began in September 2009 as my outlet for selective things good and musical and mainly current that I enjoy and would like to share with others. Like other bloggers, the benefit of others discovering the music that we are talking about – even if we aren’t the first to talk about them – is the reward of writing this blog. The blog also frames the bi-weekly publication of my favourite 30 songs of the moment, the Tuned-On! Top 30, which I have been producing online since late 1997 and is now in its 348th edition. Like everyone, I have my favourite singers and performers. Unlike many bloggers, I have over 30 years of music fandom, college radio and writing experience. I love documenting the history of music and compiling lists, and this forum is one way I can share this kind of information with you as well.

Meanwhile, back on the Top 30 🙂 When I look at the current chart, it makes me wanna be at SXSW so much. I’ve been to Austin TX and enjoy it a whole lot. Combine that ‘weird’ city with artists on my chart who are performing there – Jamie Woon, Frankmusik, Duran Duran, Andy Grammer, Bright Light Bright Light, and Penguin Prison – and I guess I’ll just say that I’m there in spirit.

Jamie Woon fortunately is coming to my town (Toronto) on March 25 and I’m hoping to catch his show. “Night Air” climbs to #1 this week a month before his CD Mirrorwriting is due in the U.K. Can’t. Wait. I posted a preview of the video for “Love 2 Baby” by Christian TV a few weeks back. The song scores a very competitive runner-up spot on the chart.The full video debuts on Monday March 14 and I will post that clip once it’s available. EDIT! The video’s below 🙂

Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” climbs easily to #3, while Ro Danishei and Simon Curtis stay at a strong #4 with “Michelle”. There’s double Frankmusik, with “The Fear Inside” slipping from the top to #5 and glorious ballad “Hurt You Again” moving to #6. Far East Movement and Ryan Tedder get stuck at #7 with “Rocketeer”, and three songs make their first appearances in the Top 10.

“I Won’t Let You Go” is one of Adam Tyler’s best songs and it leaps to #8 – I’m so looking forward to his debut album Lullabies for Rattlesnakes. “Sunlight” by Bag Raiders featuring Dan Black will be more effective with Spring around the corner and moves 16-9. “More” by Usher continues to impress me with the singer’s delivery and the production, and it becomes his first Top 10 hit on the chart (his 9th entry) since “Yeah” reached the summit in 2004.

Songs by Andrea Lewis, Andy Grammer, Alphaville, Neverest, and BT all move up, but surround songs that make greater gains. “The City” by Patrick Wolf is Top 10 bound as it jumps 20-14, and “Tonight” by Enrique Iglesias & Ludacris (in whatever version you prefer) moves 26-20. But the song that has captured music fans’ attention the most this Winter is also the fastest riser, and that’s “Born This Way” by Lady GaGa, up 25-17.

Three of the four chart debuts have already been mentioned previously. Don’t get me started on Adele’s “Someone Like You”. The song makes a splashing debut at #12, and continues as the deserved UK #1. It looks to be one of the best songs of the year from the 21 album, which could be the best album of the last several years. Further down at an impressive #23 is “How To Make A Heart” by Bright Light Bright Light – don’t forget to watch the sad but entertaining video. On a danceable but totally different bent is Kyle Brylin’s “Everything I’m Missing” at a smashing #24, a song that I’ve found to be quite contagious over the past few weeks. And yeah check out the video again, while you’re at it, and then pick up the song as a free download right here. Lastly, as “Jacksonville” departs so continues the presence of songs from Brandon Flowers and the enduring Flamingo album on this chart. One of the best songs he performs live in concert is at #27, “Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts” – watch the clip below.

You can view the full chart using the link to the right under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** or just click right here. Enjoy and post your comments 🙂

Heading into Spring Popervescence!

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 🙂

Tuned-On! Top 30 #347 – February 28/11

My newest personal chart is a busy one despite the lack of debuts. Continuing to lead at the summit is the top notch “The Fear Inside” by Frankmusik, while Mr. Frank’s ballad “Hurt You Again” soars into the Top 10 at #8 as the Fastest Riser on the chart. Inching up to runner-up spot is “Night Air” by UK singer Jamie Woon, who has some North American show dates on deck, including SXSW in Austin and one in my town on March 25 🙂 Making the Top 3 songs extremely competitive is the irresistible “Love 2 Baby” by Christian TV, whose video is in the works as you can see in the behind-the-scenes preview at the top of this page. We’ll see who places first in two weeks.

Continuing its impressive rise is the scorching “Michelle” by Ro Danishei featuring Simon Curtis, now entrenched in the Top 5. And joining it is Adele’s soulful “Rolling In The Deep”, from her brand new album 21. Besides “Hurt You Again”, the Top 10 has a change up with three additional debuts. “Rocketeer” by Far East Movement featuring Ryan Tedder (which Frankmusik is performing on tour instead, since the Far East guys are his label-mates) climbs 13-7, while Duran Duran’s “All You Need Is Now” and “Ice Melts” by Matt & Kim (who were recently in Europe) round out the Top 10. Duran Duran are also featured in SXSW next month.

Also on the rise for a sunny Spring and looking good for Top 10 status soon include Adam Tyler’s europop flavoured “I Won’t Let You Go”, “Sunlight” by Australia’s Bag Raiders featuring Dan Black (video at the bottom of the page – love the use of the word iridescence!), “Keep Your Head Up” which has L.A.’s Andy Grammer (another SXSW performer) accentuating the positive, Alphaville’s update of their 80’s eurodisco with “I Die For You Today”, and the sparkling Richard X mix of “The City” by Patrick Wolf.

The newbies on the chart this week are actually huge hits which I’ve already discussed in previous blogs: Lady GaGa’s forever anthem “Born This Way”, and “Tonight” (in whichever version you want) by Enrique Iglesias and Ludacris.

You can view the full chart using the link to the right under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** or click right here. Please post any comments you might have – thanks for reading 🙂

Shhh It’s Frankmusik’s Year: Tuned-On! Top 30 #346 – Feb 14/11

I had actually thought about a week ago that another song would be on top of my personal chart in this edition. But I got excited all over again at the prospect of hearing the new Frankmusik album Do It In The A.M. sometime in the Spring. And Mr. Frank made available all of the songs he’s been posting one by one on his site http://freefrankmusik.com as parts one and two of the EP Long Live Frankmusik (more on that later). So after waiting patiently for Penguin Prison’s “Golden Train” to leave the top, Frankmusik’s “The Fear Inside” ascends to the summit as the preview of that long-awaited album (and I love that artwork above!).

Rihanna has to settle for second place alas, with “S&M” becoming her biggest hit on my chart to date. The link to the naughty video is right here courtesy of Just Jared’s blog. Then rising 9-3 we have one of 2011’s most promising new talents, UK singer Jamie Woon with the magical “Night Air” closing in quickly on #1. Another worthy potential chart-topper is “Michelle”, the fierce duet by L.A. singers Ro Danishei and Simon Curtis, rising up to #5.

The two new additions to the Top 10 are nothing short of stunning. Adele’s amazing “Rolling In The Deep” climbs to #8, while the fastest riser on the chart belongs to one of those simple and infinitely infectious songs that comes along only once in a while. “Love 2 Baby” just tells it straight up and Christian TV has his second Top Tenner, following last summer’s “When She Turns 18”, all from his forthcoming debut solo album. Just can’t wait for that! But “Love 2 Baby” drops on iTunes on Tuesday (February 15) too!

There’s plenty of upward movement in this chart edition, including “Rocketeer” by Far East Movement & Ryan Tedder (video at the bottom of this blog), the latest very European-styled single from Adam Tyler, “I Won’t Let You Go”, and “Keep Your Head Up”, which is a great song to brighten your bad day courtesy of Andy Grammer. “Ice Melts” by Matt & Kim and Duran Duran’s “All You Need Is Now” look like sure bets for the Top 10 in two weeks.

But we’re back to Frankmusik for the highest debut on the chart. I’ve heard rumours that this song won’t be on Do It In The A.M., which seems almost unfathomable given the elegant and beautiful lyrics and performance. So for now “Hurt You Again” is a free download so be sure to get it (go to my personal chart for the link)! It crashes the chart at #19 to help bridge the gap between “The Fear Inside” and the release of Do It In The A.M.

Then we have two songs that I raved about in an earlier blog. Australian duo Bag Raiders are on release worldwide with their self-titled album, and they’ve given us their collaboration with Dan Black (that fab UK musical mad scientist) “Sunlight” as a free download. It arrives at #23. And just below it is the return to less dark and alternative dance music for Patrick Wolf with the Richard X remix of “The City”, also a free download, at #24. It’s from Patrick’s forthcoming album Lupercalia. Links to the free downloads also appear inside my chart.

You can view the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right or by clicking right here. Please post any comments you might have!

This briefer-than-usual blog has been brought to you courtesy of competition with the Grammy Awards 😉