Go on, figure it out: “It’s The Night Of The Long Knives, Charlie Brown” by @Spraypopmusic

SPRAY, “It’s The Night Of The Long Knives, Charlie Brown”

Or maybe, just don’t!  The 80’s-soaked recent album by British europop duo Spray called Enforced Fun is full of lovable, downright eccentric songs that somehow all tie together, but for that explanation you’d have to ask creators Ricardo Autobahn and Jenny McLaren and their collaborators (you’ll also find some Charlie Mason songs present and even Jane Badler!).  So like many an 80’s musical act (think China Crisis, for example), what the songs are all about are secondary to the rhythms, melodies, and the whimsical approach that Spray take in their concept-styled album.  “It’s The Night Of The Long Knives, Charlie Brown” (including that comma in the song title) is worth the price of admission for the title alone, but Jenny’s  knowing vocal tells the tale of something that should be ominous and dangerous, but ends up in legend.  So that’s my take on it folks, you can enjoy all of Enforced Fun by picking it up on most platforms, and watch the lyric video above.

@Wrabel’s “11 Blocks” is a soaring pop tune for summer

WRABEL, “11 Blocks”

Most people probably became instantly familiar with Boston-born, L.A. based singer/songwriter Stephen Wrabel when he collaborated two years ago with Afrojack on “Ten Feet Tall”, which was heard during Super Bowl.  Since then, Wrabel has scored co-writes for Ellie Goulding and Adam Lambert among others, and released an EP called Sideways.  Switching labels now to Epic Records, Wrabel continues to impress with “11 Blocks”, an instantly singable song with a soaring melody and vocal that should last through the summer months.  If you like Lukas Graham’s “7 Years” or Coldplay’s latest, “11 Blocks” will be of extra delight to you.  Wrabel is a formidable talent to watch so it will be interesting to hear what’s next.  For now you can watch the lyric video above and then pick up “11 Blocks” in your favourite digital music store.

Get scorched by this fiery @iamtheElephante remix of “Crossfire” by Stephen (@ithinkimcrashin)

STEPHEN, “Crossfire” (Elephante remix)

L.A.-based Elephante continues to blaze his path through the EDM world with his potent progressive remix of fellow California denizen Stephen’s “Crossfire”.  It’s many steps away from Elephante’s current pop/dance smash “Closer”, drawing from the energy of Stephen’s passionate and earnest alt.rock original which will appeal to fans of the likes of Hozier or Brandyn Burnette.  Basically, in his remix Elephante kicks the impact of the song up to the ceiling.  He allows the song to build by relying on Stephen’s compelling introduction.  But then the big trap-like drops kick in and the blistering remix absolutely takes no prisoners.  It’s amazing to listen when an already great song is intensified and rewired by this kind of a remix.  Bravo Elephante and Stephen 🙂  Folks, this is your must-hear song this week.  Best of all – download it for free at the link above (and pick up Stephen’s original on iTunes while you’re at it)!

Slick progressive house from @Vicetone with “Nevada” (featuring @CoziZuehlsdorff)

VICETONE featuring COZI ZUEHLSDORFF, “Nevada”

After the more melodic efforts from their recent EP Aurora, such as “Bright Side” featuring Cosmos & Creature (Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore), Dutch producers Vicetone return slicker and heavier with “Nevada”.  Featuring an outstanding and gritty vocal from young Cozi Zuehlsdorff, “Nevada” motors right along with some thoughtful lyrics in an overall package that has the same European flavour that brought Alan Walker’s “Faded” to worldwide attention.  Vicetone continue to show their diversity with songs like this as well as why they continue to be much sought after in the dance music community.  Listen to “Nevada” above.  The Monstercat label has another winner with this one.

Not to be tamed: @NewImmunity remix of @MickyBlue’s “Wild Things”

MICKY BLUE, “Wild Things” (New Immunity remix)

The guys in New Immunity recently got their hands all over Molly Moore’s “Come Fly”, her cover of the classic Sinatra tune, and showed how that song could easily swing with EDM.  With Micky Blue’s “Wild Things”, they have a powerhouse indie original which is transformed from a cutting alt.rock ballad, and it’s given not only a big bouncing rhythm but also some scorching rock guitars, which make it impossible to miss in a set.  What I like best about this remix is its balance; you can zero in on Micky’s softer vocal parts just as easily as when some vocal effects go arm-in-arm with those guitars.  Club DJ’s would be wise to unleash “Wild Things” on a big crowd for one untamed evening ahead.  Download it for free at the above link.

Cool Summer Vibes in the @iamEauClaire remix of “Sink Like A Stone” by @NaomiPilgrim

NAOMI PILGRIM, “Sink Like A Stone” (Eau Claire remix)

Rising Washington, DC producer/remixer Eau Claire puts a summery spin on “Sink Like A Stone” by Bahamian-Swedish singer Naomi Pilgrim.  Her remix relies on a lot of high end instrumentation, which almost sounds Caribbean-meets-Asian at times, to make it memorable next to Naomi’s vocal, which sometimes recalls Santigold.  There’s an anthemic singalong chorus too, and the song will easily carry across loud speakers at outdoor events.  So be forewarned that Eau Claire’s remix of “Sink Like A Stone” will charm you and go down easy in these summer months.  Give it a listen above.

#BILLCSTop30 #486 – June 27, 2016

All eyes on the top of the chart in this edition as there’s a new #1 and loads of activity.  As a result, newer songs make smaller moves, and even the fastest riser on the chart only moves up 5 places.  I like a good competition! 🙂

The Top 10

  • It was only a matter of time, but either in its original version or its love struck-sounding remix by EDWYNN x TIKAL and Spirix, Brandon Skeie’s “So Bad” (above) displaces Connor Phillips’ “Lost” (Young Bombs remix) at #1.  With Eli Lieb, Brandon also co-wrote and sang “Pulse” (below) during the past two weeks, a warm and inspiring song written in the aftermath of the Orlando tragedy.

  • It’s summer in the western world and no song on the chart suits the summer months better than “Dreamin'” by Embody featuring Camden Cox, which climbs 7-3.
  • Another romance-oriented remix by Speaker Of The House surfaced to show what a great, diverse song Elephante has in “Closer” (featuring Bishøp).  “Closer” really does deserve to be a pop hit.  It moves up 6-4. 

  • Jenaux’s powerfully funky and fresh “Get It On” arrives in the Top 10 at #8.  Got any platform shoes handy? 😉

  • It says something when you get to play a free show in Times Square, and NYC natives The Chainsmokers are doing just that tomorrow (Monday June 27).  If they perform “Don’t Let Me Down” perhaps Daya will be present too.  The song rises 12-9

  • The Knocks and Semi-Precious Weapons singer (and now noted songwriter) Justin Tranter are a great pairing, and “Tied To You” becomes The Knocks’ third song from their album 55 to grace the Top 10, climbing 13-10.

Movin’ On Up

  • Tom Odell’s winning new composition “Magnetised” gets stuck outside of the Top 10 due to fierce competition.  Thanks to a bass-synth driven Kat Krazy remix it continues to get attention in the club scene.  “Magnetised” jumps 15-11.

  • It’s a fantastic, vivid story that will hold your interest throughout – Toronto-bases singer Joël’s “You Fucked Up” rises 14-12.

  • Ariana Grande’s “Into You” is one of her best songs, yet it seems to be still stuck behind many better ones!  We’ll see if she surpasses the #8 peak of “The Way” in the coming weeks.  “Into You” moves up 20-16.

  • The fastest riser on the chart is the gloriously feel good #1 dance anthem “So Happy” by Tony Moran featuring Jason Walker, which jumps 23-18.
  • Hand in hand with Embody’s “Dreamin'”, Rain Man has done exactly what his song says.  “Bring Back The Summer” (featuring Oly) is meant for sunshiny days and moves 24-20.
  • Nik Ernst’s “Stronger” is British deep house at its best, and given a slick edit by Dutchman Steve Void.  It climbs 25-21.

  • Built By Titan’s collaboration with Jesse McCartney on “Dangerous” is definitely turning heads as it bubbles under in the pop and dance genres.  “Dangerous” moves up 26-22.

Debuts

  • “Take Me Apart” is a thoughtful original by producers/remixers LZRD and Spirix featuring the flattering voice of Remmi.  Spirix of course is part of the teenage remix duo who bring us “So Bad” by Brandon Skeie at #1 too.  “Take Me Apart” is one of the most impressive new songs I’ve heard all year, so expect great things to happen for it in the coming weeks.  It arrives at #23 and is a free download – for now!
  • “Open Your Mind” by Chicago producer/remixer Megaphonix follows up his remixes of songs by Zedd, Jack Ü, and others which have got worldwide attention.  “Open Your Mind” is a joyous original slice of house which is perfect for Pride events.  It’s a free download and bows at #25.

And lastly…

  • “Worship” by Brandyn Burnette arrives at #28 from the freshly minted State I’m In EP which was released this past Friday.  “Worship” stands out as one of Brandyn’s best compositions, but there are many more to meet the ears in State I’m In which I haven’t yet written about, such as “Inner Child”, “Closer” (with John Lock), in which I keep hearing vocal phrasing from both MGMT’s “Electric Feel” and DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean”, and “Set In Stone”.  State I’m In is another fantastic effort for Brandyn, admirably following up Made Of Dreams.  It’s available to buy on all platforms.

Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart. Go on, have a look and listen/watch :)

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

http://www.planetradio.ca is back!  Listen for my Pick of the Week at 2:20/6:20/10:20 AM/PM EST Monday through Sunday (that’s 42 times in a week!), and my flashbacks to a Toronto Top 10 of yesteryear on Tuesday evening at 9pm EST:)

 

A Taste of NGHT LFE: @MiDisguise x @Rouseofficial with “Her And Him”

midisguise rouse

MI DISGUISE x ROUSE, “Her And Him”

L.A.’s ever-mysterious Mi Disguise is definitely one to watch in my books on the EDM scene with the creative sounds that have been brought your way thus far, including last year’s “East Side Bay”, as well as some of the best unreleased efforts you can hear on Soundcloud, such as the should-be-massive “Years Ago”.  Mi Disguise has teamed up with his buddy Rouse to create their NGHT LFE Vol. 1 mixtape, a varied mix of R&B and EDM that will attract fans of The Weeknd as easily as it will those of European-styled progressive house or US.-flavoured tropical house.  The standout song is “Her And Him” (below), enigmatic lovers of the NGHT LFE that you can find by a fire near their cool car on an L.A. beach.  This one’s as much emotional EDM as it is for NGHT LFE driving.  Other notable songs to check out on NGHT LFE Vol. 1 are “Don’t You Want My Name” and “Ride”.  Can’t wait for Vol. 2!  Pick up NGHT LFE Vol. 1 on iTunes.

@Billie_R_Martin conquers dance clubs once again with “The Glittering Gutter”

BILLIE RAY MARTIN, “The Glittering Gutter” (Dave Audé radio edit)

British pop/dance singer Billie Ray Martin has never been away from making music for very long, though it’s been over 20 years already since “Your Loving Arms” would be heard relentlessly in dance clubs throughout 1995/96 and evermore on 90’s nights.  Billie Ray recently landed once again in the Top 20 of the Billboard Club Play chart with “The Glittering Gutter”, which has an array of dance mixes to choose from.  But it’s the Grammy winning Dave Audé’s radio edit which is the real zinger, accompanied by an odd, slightly creepy video which reminds me a lot of F.W. Murnau’s German expressionist post WWI films.  From her album The Soul Tapes, “The Glittering Gutter” is a return to 90’s styled house music at its best with a dynamic vocal by Billie Ray.  Dance music fans never forget and when a track is so good like “The Glittering Gutter” then that only means demand for more from performers like Billie Ray Martin.  It’s available for purchase on most platforms.

Simply sexy disco music: “Intimate” in the Private Mix single edit by @SIRPAUL

SIRPAUL, “Intimate” (SIRPAUL Private Mix single edit)

Following the many mixes of the single releases from his late 2013 album Seventh Star, SIRPAUL (who now divides his time between NYC and L.A.) returns with more dance music to fill your head with sexy (or more) thoughts with “Intimate”, from his new album Intimate Science.  While the single is off and running, SIRPAUL has also dropped this free “Private Mix” single edit which to me is even better than the original!  It’s a huge throwback to the classic disco days ca. 1977 when similarly naughty dance music was in abundance, such as Musique’s “In The Bush”, Poussez’s “Come On And Do It”, “Follow Me” by Amanda Lear, and many more.  “Intimate” in its “private mix” fits in so well along side both those classics and similar high flying fare, such as the latest singles by Dave Audé and Andy Bell.  Never underestimate the power of a SIRPAUL record, it can instantly get inside your skin!  Download “Intimate” at the link above.