culpriit is a new project brought to you by American singer Colin Dieden (also of The Mowglis) and British producer/songwriter Rob Ellmore. Their debut single “Driveway” is essentially about kicking back and with nothing to do and nowhere to go on a lazy weekend, except perhaps reflecting on some good times which might just involve making out in a cool car. Ahhh the stories of our youth… and “Driveway” is set to a carefree rhythm that goes for a killer bounce just before the 1:30 mark that reels you in, and is carried by a familiar, melodic vocal chorus. Ready-set-go: “Driveway” will get stuck in your head for days and make you revel in the art of doing nothing. With quality like this, we’ll be hearing more from culpriit soon. Check out “Driveway” at the link below.
“CYFI” by the Boston duo of Brandon and Josh who call themselves VOVIII (that’s actually 5-0-8) is one hard-hitting dose of trap/electronica that you won’t want to miss. The main chorus of the song, featuring a powerful female R&B vocal, sounds like a sample from a soul hit of yesteryear – and maybe it isn’t – but it trades off with whirling synths, bright percussion sounds, and big bold beats. This makes “CYFI” a must for fans of tougher EDM who like their music to leave them breathless. After receiving support from folks you know like NGHTMRE and Borgeous, VOVIII are off to a wild start through powerhouses like Spinnin’ and MMXVAC which only makes you want to hear more. You can get “CYFI” for free at the link up top.
“Time Of The Season” is an atmospheric slice of psychedelic pop from 1969 courtesy of British group The Zombies (who are still out there performing in one shape or another). You may also recall Canadian and Grammy winning R&B singer Melanie Fiona using the musical hook as the basis for her 2008 hit “Give It To Me Right”. The [esq]ape eyewear and apparel company have partnered with the L.A. music community and Lowly Palace in a cool and unique marketing approach to make songs complimentary to their brand. This rendition of “Time” latches onto the memorable, eerie vibe and manages not only to update the song but shake it up a bit with a new bassy, disco-inspired groove. Once you recognize the song, the core is exceptionally produced with well-placed effects, drops and breaks to keep the best dancers happy. The vocals are in the right element, giving major props to the original. The beginning and ending are the weakest parts of the song but once you dive into the deepest parts of the song you will be sold. Check out “Time Of The Season” – and maybe get yourself some slick [esq]ape eyewear too! – at the above link.
Following up his lush and romantic EP Stardust, should we expect anything less than a song about “Infinite Summers” from Chicago-based producer/DJ Aash Mehta? Working once again with Lydia Kelly (you’ll remember last year’s “FriendZone”), “Infinite Summers” is one of those songs for a last dance on the beach at the end of summer, knowing that those kinds of moments will always be in our thoughts if not in real time. So there’s a mix of emotions as a result, happy but forlorn, and even the synthesized horn sounds have a warm appeal about them. So give the summer another whirl for now and forever, and check out “Infinite Summers” above while you’re at it 🙂
“Break It Down” is one of those songs where you just need to clear your mind, and let your body flow with the music to have some fun. It’s deep house Italian-style courtesy of the collaboration of duo WhiteLow and DJ Mirko B through Balmung Recordings. The song has this comical kind of rhythm in its chorus which starts the song that would allow it to be set well against clips of black and white silent comedy slapstick. But there’s a big slamming build up midway that is also perfect as a soundtrack to sports events. The song doesn’t quite sustain over 3 minutes but is definitely a blast while it lasts. Check it out at the Spotify link above.
Some of my favourite songs of the year continue to appear on this latest chart, which makes ranking them – which is totally subjective here, there’s no formula! – very difficult. As a result some may end up ranking higher on the year end chart than other songs which peak at the same position. Enough chart geekery, it’s another busy chart with four debuts!
The Top 10
“New York Pretty” by Bright Light Bright Light currently has an incredibly tight lock on #1 – may have to wait for another chart to see who might be coming next!
With that in mind, Toronto’s Loud Luxury and Nikki’s Wives make a strong case for #1 as “Show Me” is the fastest riser two charts in a row. Loud Luxury were already up top earlier this year with Ryan Shepherd on their amazing redux of Craig David’s “Fill Me In”, so is a second consecutive #1 in order? 🙂
I second all of the emotions in CVBZ’s lyrical “Be Like You”, which in its Sean Turk ‘bedroom bass’ remix climbs 6-3.
Dan Talevski acquires his 4th Top 10 hit on this chart with the fun and contagious “Birthday Suit”, which rises 11-9. Dan has just wrapped an EP which is coming soon!
He’s at the top of the chart but also at #10 – Bright Light Bright Light’s latest Top 40 Billboard Dance Club Play hit is “Into The Night”, and with its companion video to “New York Pretty” moves up 15-10.
Movin’ On Up
A song called “I Like Me Better” has all the potential for being cloying and annoying, but singer/songwriter Lauv has managed to make it cool and clever all at once, which is why is climbs 18-12. Why American radio is not all over this song yet is totally beyond me!! I’ve given up asking about things like this and radio.
Iowa’s Kid Froopy has landed the opening act slot on Terror Jr.’s upcoming tour and most dates are already sold out. The Kid also has an EP in the works, but for now you can indulge in his delightfully quirky and immensely appealing single “Drive Slow”, rising 20-14.
One of the grittiest songs for the wee hours on the chart is the latest from L.A.’s Mahalo in his pairings with singer Cat Lewis on “Perfect” (above), which jumps 21-15. Yes folks, all of the vocals in the song are by the elusive Mr. Lewis. The duo are also up 22-19 with the soulful club-pleaser “Heaven” (below).
Matthew Koma’s beautiful “Suitcase” – an older song of his which has finally seen release – continues to move up, this time 19-17. It’s one of a few solid songs that is stuck in a bit of a jam which may break loose in two weeks.
“No Love In Brooklyn” could be seen as a song associated with the end of summer relationships with some great, memorable lyrics. It’s brought to you by producers Nick Peters, who hails from France, and American Frank Pierce, along with US singer Scott Vega. It wastes no time charging 25-20.
Bobby Nourmand’s second match-up with vocalists DOC and Goodmorning, following the #1 “D E E P in NY”, is the infectious “MIND” which rises 28-23.
4 Debuts
I’m absolutely loving the collaboration of one of our favourite young Dutchmen, Steve Void, and American duo Syence, in the heartwarming “We Won’t Leave You”. Its universal message of love and support is very welcome, and the guys manage to give the song a choral effect along with the electronics which bring it home. The highest debut, “Leave” bows at #25.
Debuting on the chart is a powerhouse duo from Florida, Grammy-nominated producer Ricky Remedy with compelling new vocalist John.k and “Gold”. This one will dazzle you with its restrained, on-point production and amazingly versatile vocals by John.k. “Gold” arrives at #26.
Carlos Nobrega’s new album The Art Of Making Love has brought over 50,000 – you read that right! – visitors to these blog pages – totally amazing! All of the wait for new music for Carlos was teased out with 4 preceding singles, including “You (It’s All About You)”, which premieres at #27. It’s already at over a million plays on Soundcloud. Carlos has took over this chart before, back in 2012 with “Music Makes You Lose Control (MMYLC)”, which also appears in The Art Of Making Love.
San Diego dubstep producer Convulsic is back after a 3 year absence from this chart with the dirty and dynamic instrumental “Anesthetic”, which debuts at #28. This one will leave you a little more than shaken ‘n stirred! It follows Convulsic’s 2014 Top Tenners here “Love Space” (#5) and “The Day You Left” (#7).
View the full BILLCS Top 30right here, and be sure to click on the photos to hear all of the songs.
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
While he’s working on more songs to follow up his engaging 2016 EP 4AM Nostalgia, New York-based pop/R&B singer Victor Perry has partnered with Birmingham, England producer Ficci (aka Alisdair Mason) for their new project Labrose for PM Recordings. The first song to come from this partnership is “Disguise”, a self-reflective post-breakup ballad that’s well-timed as we head into the Fall months. Victor’s nuanced, expressive vocal beautifully suits the flow and lyrics which might be too understated by someone with a less distinct voice. This makes Ficci’s soft and elegant acoustic-oriented backdrop work even better, allowing you to soak in the emotion of the song quite well by its end. Labrose looks like the start of a worthy undertaking for those who like their pop and R&B subtle and just off the radar. Give it a listen at the Spotify link above.
LOUIS THE CHILD featuring ELOHIM, “Love Is Alive” (Chet Porter remix)
Chicago duo Louis The Child and Toronto’s Chet Porter on the same record, you ask? The styles of these rising stars on the dance music scene fuse perfectly in this remix of “Love Is Alive”. Supporters of the original, featuring on-the-bubble vocalist Elohim, will be pleased as “Love Is Alive” is ‘Chet-ified’ (yaaasss it’s gonna be a thang trust me!). There’s a huge focus on melody and exotic, progressive synth sounds, as might be expected by Chet fans, while keeping the essence and hook of the song intact. The remix is thoughtful, warm and gentle, and will be a floor-filler in clubs at the right time in an evening. With all three acts currently touring, the song will definitely be well-in-hand throughout the Fall. Be sure to catch any or all of them when they come to your city 🙂
I’m always listening for remixers who take the time to totally transform a song, and sometimes it happens even with a big hit like Kyle’s “iSpy” featuring Lil Yachty. It’s even better when it’s a song that never really caught my ear in its original version. Well L.A. duo Ojivolta will have your head spinning with this dirty but highly playful remix. It doesn’t even sound like the original until about halfway through, and even then it’s the equivalent of being doused with hot sauce, making “iSpy” even more full of zing and oomph. Ojivolta know how to work their magic around the vocals very well, leaving your ears a bit exhausted as the song wraps up with a wonky dubsteppy finale. Check out this one at the link above and DJ’s should plan to add it mid-set when the audience will least expect for instant reaction!
Quickly following up his collaboration with Secret Sauce on “Give It All”, MMXVAC’s scrvp. totally nails the pop-flavoured “Would You Ever” by Skrillex and Poo Bear. In his future bass remix, he isolates the catchy chorus and sends it in to high-end-la-la-land and it’s a real ‘wow’ moment in the song. “Would You Ever” is a simple enough retrospective ode to taking risks, but with some kicking funky beats in the mix, scrvp. turns it into a dance party centrepiece. The original is already on the pop charts in some places (like my country 🙂 ) so dance music radio should latch on to this one and wait for the listener reaction. scrvp.’s remix of “Would You Ever” is a marvellous treat! Get it for free at the link above.
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