In their second collaboration together, German producer ZEROBADDAYS (also known as Mr. Stan Sax from the duo Saxity) and New York-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry have concocted a smooth and silky retrotastic R&B ballad with the original “Starlight”. This one has many shades of 80’s R&B/pop present recalling songs like Smokey Robinson’s “Just To See Her” and Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love”. Perhaps “Starlight” is a sign of a mini-revival of those delightful songs, which in turn were succeeded by the styles of Toni Braxton and Mary J. Blige, and many other less popular singers in the 90’s. I could go on naming names, but Victor’s golden voice hanging on to every note under the lovely lyrics is so suited to the sparse arrangement with ZEROBADDAYS’ saxophone of course holding court. Create your own private quiet storm with “Starlight”.
DANNY TOEMAN, “Give It All Up (Mr. Showtime)” and “She’s Got Something About Her” (video)
Offering up old-school styled soul with in a vibrant and fresh way, UK singer Danny Toeman brings you two new songs for your immediate attention! First up is “Give It All Up (Mr. Showtime)” (above), where the singer’s voice recalls the tones of Al Green via Bobby Womack with a theatrical side that likely comes out loud and clear in concert. You can easily get lost in the song through his performance which just doesn’t let up. Next up is another original, “She’s Got Something About Her”, and in the video (below), Danny courts a trio of lovely ladies only to meet his comeuppance at the end. The song is fresh and funky and will appeal to those who like Danny’s larger than life vocal with Sly Stone and Prince-ly undertones. Music like Danny Toeman’s never goes out of style, and he will only build on these and other releases to tap into the audience at large that will be taken by his songs.
While there are many performers finding an interesting path with mixes of hip hop and electronic music, there are only a few that cut their way through a lot of similar-sounding songs and create some tantalizing fresh vibes. Such is the case with “Wow” by NYC-based producer Neil Jackson and hip hop artist The Kid Daytona, which I must admit takes a few listens to appreciate where the song is heading. Just when you think it’s getting comfortable in a contemporary hip hop style at the start, Neil turns the song almost sideways with big bass beats and synths while The Kid Daytona’s flow gets amped up and wraps itself tight around the electronic rhythms. By the time the song reaches just under the 2 minute mark, there is no turning back, the groove is secured, and the convincing is over. Bass house is one sub-genre you don’t usually find locking horns with hip hop but Neil Jackson and The Kid Daytona definitely have a winning combination that will appeal to fans of both styles.
When you think of slick classic house, music from Chicago in the late 80’s and early 90’s comes easily to mind. Autograf return to follow up their EP Love and Retrograde in this fashion with “Ain’t Deep Enough”. I’ve seen Autograf perform a few times in Miami. Now a duo of Mikul and Louis, with a forthcoming album called The Ace Of You, they certainly deliver in their DJ sets, of which “Ain’t Deep Enough” is going to become a standard highlight. Contributing immensely to the success of this song is the effortless vocal of L.A.’s Jared Lee, fresh off his fine work with Midnight Kids on “Those Were The Days” (which got to #5 on my personal chart). The talents all mesh seamlessly and are worth repeating on another couple of songs, if you ask me! In a great year for Armada, which has released this record, “Ain’t Deep Enough” delivers uncomplicated house music with a lot of class.
“Dirty Mirrors” positively sizzles with all kinds of energy and chemistry, courtesy of Scotland’s Ben Davidson and England’s Sean Smith, both of whom you’ve read about a number of times in this blog. It’s actually featured on Ben’s 2018 album No One Knows, but has graduated to its own EP release featuring remixes by Matt Pop and Tmac. It is in fact the Matt Pop edit (above) that to me takes the song to the next level with a euphoric tropical vibe that is so suited to the song, and it warrants being promoted to dance clubs. Both singers show off their versatile voices and how well they go together. In fact, you can check out the guys singing in live performance in the video below, with Ben ever the low key charmer while Sean works up the song with the audience.
Call it revenge of a different shade – Michael Christofi returns with the solid original dance track “Break You”. The song’s theme is a bit of a fantasy – the uncredited female vocalist sings about a guy she knows but with whom she hasn’t hooked up. He’s a bit of a jerk, so should she go mess with him and ultimately break up with him? It’s definitely an idea that gives pause for thought for both genders. Christofi’s production has requisite appealing funky edges which often feature in his songs, but the vibe is totally light-hearted and would appeal to fans of other producers that I’ve featured in these blog pages such as Two Friends, The Disco Fries, and Young Bombs.
Having grown up in what is now the classic rock era of pop music, it’s always refreshing to hear performers who still know how to get it all right, and keep the songs original compositions too. Rhode Island’s Chris Capaldi definitely has the goods on his EP Frequency. It contains 4 solid songs of varied influences and are led by outstanding guitar work whether it’s electric or acoustic. The stunner is “Thin White Line”, straight out of the 70’s Eric Clapton-meets-Bruce Springsteen-meets-Fleetwood-Mac songwriting book, right down to the female vocal harmonies. That trend also continues on “Make It Out”, my second favourite on the EP. “Too Late” takes a slightly different direction with vocals in a slightly higher key which sound a lot like Mike Scott of The Waterboys. And “Fade” is the acoustic entry which shows another side of Chris, heavier on country music influence (don’t ask me to pick who) with more Clapton leanings that recall his late 70’s work. All in all Frequency is a tight, enjoyable package that flies by. Rock music done completely right is always worth hearing!
Raynes is an L.A.-based trio consisting of Americans Mat and Joe and UK native Mark. And with “Lemon Drop” they seem to have taken all of the best elements of songs by Coldplay, Bastille and Keane to create the wonderful original “Lemon Drop”. Featuring a memorable chorus which will have you singing, these guys know their way around writing a great song, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they get offers to write for some famous names. The performance is engaging and the vocals are top notch – you can’t ask for more than that in an independent pop release. Well done!!
Edition #575 is the third last chart before the end of 2019, and what a whirlwind of music it has been! To whit, there is a new #1 and four diverse debuts from performers who have all charted previously.
A reminder that the music from my chart and blog will be featured regularly on the new online radio station Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers and listen for songs from the chart too 🙂 Scroll down the station’s main page to listen to lots of variety from across the decades!
It’s definitely “Lights Up”, thumbs up, whatever’s up, for 25 year old Worcestershire, England-born Harry Styles as the first single from his forthcoming album Fine Line grabs #1. His only other previous entry “Sign Of The Times” reached #7. “Lights Up” is proving to me that Harry – controversial opinion forthcoming – has the best voice of all of the One Direction members. His hosting and performing gig on Saturday Night Live on November 16 was excellent – the lad has comedic talent as well! And his second single “Watermelon Sugar” is a lovely one too. Not bad at all considering I never charted a single One Direction song! Check out both songs above.
Just in time to stay at #2 for a third appearance (6 weeks), we have a light and fun video for the OKJAMES remix of “Like Like” by UK indie electronic performer Lostchild. This second video for the catchy song shows off the immense performing appeal of the singer as he makes the most of one lone prop (a bunch of balloons).
“Flicker” by NYC-based producers Anden climbs 9-6. There’s an extended version of the song available which you can hear above, which also appears on their EP.
Both Ryan Shepherd and The Disco Fries acquire their latest Top 10’s with “Who’s Gonna Love U” (11-8, his third) and “Family Affair” (12-9, their second) respectively, while the Galantis-Dolly Parton-Mr. Probz collaboration of “Faith” (13-10) gets each artist their first.
For now, you can check out the lyric video for “Mad” by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Brandon Colbein, which climbs 19-14. But an official video is in the works and is coming soon!
Sam Smith’s spot on cover of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” may not tear it up on radio but dance clubs are loving it. “I Feel Love” rises 22-17.
The fastest riser on the chart belongs to L.A.-based Canadian singer/songwriter and multi-talent Peter Foldy with his optimistic ode to today called “Toxic World”. It soars 27-19 and is a real grower, so best you latch onto it now! Check out the new lyric video above with a rare appearance from the singer himself!
“Will We Talk” is also a great introduction to British alt.rocker Sam Fender from his album Hypersonic Missiles. “Will We Talk” moves up 23-20.
The highest debut on the chart is “Shivohum”, the latest release by Austin producers Tritonal in partnership with Australian producer Henry Dark. It bows at #21 and is a Sanskrit dance mantra for your head and feet, which will kill it at festivals this coming winter. Remember where you read about it! It’s Tritonal’s first chart entry since the #5 “Broken” which featured NYC producer Jenaux and the amazing Adam Lambert, from the Painting With Dreams album.
NYC-based, Slovenia-born producer Gramatik also returns to the chart at #24 with “Don’t Give Up”, featuring singer Ryan Shaw and hip hop artist ProbCause. It’s from his album Re:Coil, PT II, and his last chart entry, “Native Son Prequel” (featuring Leo Napier) was a #1 for me in 2016, appearing on the the chart at the same time as Tritonal’s “Broken”! It was also featured in a Jenaux remix! How coincidental.
Florida-based singer/songwriter John.k returns to the chart with the extremely likeable “if we never met” at #27. He last appeared two years ago with Ricky Remedy on the #8 “Gold”. That was an independent release, and he’s now signed to Epic Records!
The final debut is by France’s RetroVision, who hustled his way onto the chart and got to #3 last year with “Get Down” and its dance-floor filling paean to “Lola’s Theme”. This year he has another fun one for clubs called “Take Off”, which arrives at #28.
View the full BILLCS Top 30right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!
Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify:BILLCS Top 30 Songs
Canadian alt.rock trio Nikki’s Wives have proven them to be a formidable force in concert over the last 18 months, with successful gigs throughout North America. Their tight set of originals at last week’s Indie Music Awards showcased recent singles, at least one new song, and music from the new EP Bloom. The EP does include the singles “Playing with Fire”, “Bones” and “Shaking Hands With The Devil”, which you’ve read about in these pages. There are three new tunes, the emotional but punchy “Keep Breathing”, the heavy-hitting “Wanna Know”, which is like Heart meets Evanescence at times, and my personal fave, the bluesy and gritty “Physical Life”. The latter two are somewhat different from the rest of the songs on Bloom but to me continue to show the growth in their songwriting. I’m predicting great things for Nikki’s Wives in 2020. They have huge potential to deliver that knockout rock song you’re waiting for.
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