Although the lyrics are perfectly serious, SoCal duo Inspired And The Sleep (Max and Bryce) are determined to help us all out with “Getting Through”. Its empowering message compels you to listen, which is countered by a soothing melody carried throughout by a some chipper piano chords, giving it a 1970’s Doobie Brothers kind of vibe (think of songs like “Minute By Minute” or “It Keeps You Runnin'”). Max’s vocal really shines as well, making “Getting Through” likely the best release I’ve heard from them to date. It’s definitely indie alternative, and college radio stations should enjoy this one immensely. But it’s also unique pop music that will stand apart from the rest in a set, not an easy thing to do these days.
It’s been a while since Richard Citroen and Stephanie B. have graced us with new music as Lola Dutronic, but they return with the engaging “Sounds Like An Anthem”. They encourage us to listen to the voices in our heads because they could certainly mean something important to either ourselves or someone else. The duo continue to provide chic 60’s style and sensibility paired with contemporary dance rhythms which seem to be influenced by 80’s artists like Talk Talk or OMD. While I think “Sounds Like An Anthem” is infectious, if a little long, it might benefit from a remix or two which might help it find its way deservedly into clubland where I would hear it as an anthem for the nightlife.
The sound of “Poolside Vibe” is rich and slick, and will transport you into a summer mood regardless of the weather outside. It’s chill, soulful, 70’s influenced west coast fun brought to you by two performers that you know from other work. L.A. singer/songwriter/producer Pretty Sister has had a faithful and engaging cover of Ginuwine’s “Pony” circulating in clubs for the last few years, and you wouldn’t necessarily associate that performance with this one. Pretty Sister – aka Zak Waters – has also produced or co-written songs for Betty Who, VINCINT, Nathan Sykes, and JoJo. And Miami’s Marcus Lomax is actually a member of noted production sextet The Monsters & The Strangerz, who during the last 10 years have not only produced Zedd’s massive “The Middle”, but notable releases by Fifth Harmony, Nick Jonas, Jason Derulo, Jennifer Lopez, Maroon 5, and a slew of others. This time MarcLo offers up his very fine voice (in anticipation of a forthcoming album) and both he and Pretty Sister make the most of this winning collaboration, which bears repeating.
“Raise Your Voice” is a jubilant new anthem that indeed will have you singing along in no time, fists clenched in the air. UK singer Nicki French follows up songs like “On Your Marks, Get Set, Go Away” and “Teardrops On The Disco Floor” (which like “Voice”, is also co-penned by the esteemed Charlie Mason) with another engaging and well-sung release that will happily lead you to the dance floor in various remixes by Matt Pop – the extended club mix – Ricardo Autobahn, and Sakgra for those of you who can’t get enough.
Cue up the late 80’s hip hop rhythm and vibes and you should likely find “Get Funky” in your favourite club DJ’s playlist sometime soon. It’s already supported by just about every big producer/DJ – Hardwell, Cedric Gervais, and the list goes on – which is great news for this collaboration between UK producer Kryder and Chicago’s Fast Eddie. “Get Funky” milks that famous Bobby Byrd and James Brown sample from “It Takes Two” but amps up the pace, which should create some interesting dance moves from club patrons. And at festivals, “Get Funky” will definitely make those big crowds bounce. The song is simply a lot of fun, but with substance and creativity to set it above the average.
It’s short and sweet at only 2:06 but boy does Boston’s Almost Owen cram a lot of detail into such a quick song. “We Out Here” is meant to be played loud, and it’s a raucous and upbeat song about when we are at our most vain and ridiculous – take the “Old Time Rock & Roll” scene from Tom Cruise’s movie “Risky Business” and run with it. You’re in command of your own setting and fun when you’re by yourself or with a good friend, and some of those times create some unique memories. Following up the rocker “One Lucky Man” and the acoustic “One In A Million”, both of which I have written about, Almost Owen continues to impress with “We Out Here” with the best kind of diverse fun.
PETER WILSON, “Don’t Break My Heart Again” (Stormby edit)
Australia’s Peter Wilson is on a roll after last year’s duet of “Verona” with UK singer Sean Smith and this past Spring’s “Like Dynamite” with “Don’t Break My Heart Again”. Perhaps a too straight-forward pop song in its original mix, the song is elevated in a number of remixes particularly by Matt Stormby, who spins and whirls it straight onto the dance floor. Neither the edit nor the club edit send the song over the top, keeping Peter’s urgent vocal front and centre. Its European flavour definitely has 1984-1985 inspiration and the retro appeal is definitely complimentary to its classic overall pop sound, which would fit in very well with EuroVision (just sayin’…).
As a bunch of Spring favourites are now on their way to departing from the chart, the big question is: Which song will succeed Illenium & Jon Bellion’s “Good Things Fall Apart” at #1? The emotional electronic song of summer nails its 4th appearance (8th week) at the top, making it the longest running song at #1 since A-Trak & Todd Terry’s “DJ’s Gotta Dance More” at the start of the year. And with his tour on deck, Illenium’s released two songs within the last two weeks which warrant your ears – “Takeaway” with The Chainsmokers and Canadian singer Lennon Stella, and “Blood”, with vocalist Foy Vance. Both are below. Illenium’s third album “Ascend” arrives on August 16.
With all songs ranking 4-11 on the rise, there are many current challengers for #1 in two weeks. Most obviously, Timmy Trumpet’s “World At Our Feet” (above) stays at #2, while Halifax’s Famba also remains at #3 with “Swear To God” (below).
“Higher Love”, Kygo’s retake of Whitney Houston’s 1990 cover of the Steve Winwood hit that was not released in most of the world, glides 9-4, as it becomes a UK Top 10 hit as well as a dance club hit in North America.
Then, we go out of order to look at the Fastest Riser on the chart which is very #1 worthy indeed. “Push” by Ukrainian dance music group Kazaky soars 21-8 and will appeal to anyone who enjoyed the dark electronic music of the early 90’s by the likes of Depeche Mode.
Three other songs rise into the Top 10: Eric Sharp & Zhao’s “Monday Blues” (above) climbs 12-7 to match the peak of their song “The Thirst” about two and a half years ago. Manila Killa’s “Atypical” (also above) steps into the #9 spot, while Showtek have their first Top 10 since 2013’s #1 “Cannonball (Earthquake)” with the A-Trak remix of “Listen To Your Momma” (14-10, below), featuring British singer Leon Sherman.
It’s easily relateable to anyone who hears it, and EMAN8’s “Time” breaks through the middle of the chart to climb 18-11, from the multi-talented singer/songwriter’s album Emanate.
Also well on their way toward the Top 10 are Italy’s Eric Zava & DJ Mirko B with singer Daniel Gorash on “Even In Confusion” (above) up 19-13, as well as Sam Dickinson’s winning and thoughtful “All We Are” (also above) climbing 20-14, and Avicii’s “Tough Love” (below), from the posthumous TIM album, rising 27-19 and featuring vocalists Agnes and Vargas & Lagola.
The three debuts are earmarked for much play throughout the rest of the summer.
Canada’s Loud Luxury returns to the chart, this time bringing fun singer Bryce Vine with them, for “I’m Not Alright”, which arrives at #26. It’s the first appearance for Andrew and Joe since their last entry “Body” got to #2 in early 2018, and their 4th entry overall.
L.A.-based Simon Curtis follows up the #6 “Love” with more music for your heart and head, “Graduate”, which bows at #27. It’s Simon’s SEVENTEENTH song to appear on the chart since “Delusional” (which reached #1) arrived at the end of 2009.
And at #28 is the debut entry for both producers/remixers Midnight Kids and vocalist Jared Lee with “Those Were The Days”. Midnight Kids are Kyle Girard and Dylan Lee (son of Tommy Lee and my fellow Canadian, Pamela Anderson).
View the full BILLCS Top 30right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!
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When I heard Anden’s tight DJ set mainly consisting of dark and progressive dance music back in March in Miami, I knew that any upcoming releases would likely be career bests from their output over nearly the last three years. The talented brothers Cuppernull (Pete and Tom) have definitely found a unique niche which will endear them to fans of 90’s and 00’s artists like Delirium and BT, but their influences go back much further. “Flicker” could easily be both a club and festival favourite with its driving rhythm, nuanced uncredited vocal, and bright synth work. Club DJ’s could definitely have fun with their lighting system to jibe with the the tone and of course title of the song. “Escalus” is an even more progressive deep house effort that recalls the late Robert Miles’ 90’s work. It’s also a throwback to the mid-80’s in its use of a sample of a Robert F. Kennedy speech that recalls a similar impact of Paul Hardcastle’s 1985 hit “19”. All in all, “Flicker” and “Escalus” are two of Anden’s more attractive and creative works, and they are best heard in their extended versions up top.
For so many years, Chicago’s Win & Woo (Austin and Nick) have been releasing consistently great dance music that has afforded them to appear at numerous festivals, including this current weekend’s Lollipalooza. Their latest release, the haunting “Here U R”, is a positive step in a slick deep house direction that will wow their fans. Co-written by vocalist Sara Skinner, “Here U R” is a pungent recap of the helplessness you feel when a relationship has gone stagnant. The songs lyrics do not beat around the bush, and are matched by a dark melody with rich synth work, especially the deep base undercurrent that makes the song even more memorable. I’m glad that Armada has released “Here U R” as Win & Woo are now due for some next level attention. Check it out at the link above.
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