French producer/DJ/performer Monsieur Adi is back, somewhat inauspiciously after his remix of Years & Years’ “Desire” earlier this year, with an original song called “All My Life” featuring powerhouse R&B vocalist Tyson. Monsieur Adi, about whom I’ve written many times, you will recall, opened for many dates for Beyoncé on her Mrs. Carter tour in the UK in 2014 (he had previously remixed her “Grown Woman” to much acclaim). And how is it exactly that you beat that? You don’t – you sequester yourself away for a while and work on your next project, which in this case is his upcoming album After Hours. “All My Life” is definitely much more of a personal record than Monsieur Adi has recorded before. It has the same universal effect as K-Ci and JoJo’s 90’s hit of the same name, except with a fierce Tina Turner-esque vocal, but the rhythm is going to get you here. I hear the music in “All My Life” as the most immediate tribute musically to Prince, and if so, not entirely coincidental since Monsieur Adi bases himself in Minneapolis when stateside and I couldn’t imagine the effect of being nearby after his loss. “All My Life” is a great introduction to the next phase of Monsieur Adi songs, and you’ll simply want to hear more.
I’m loving the previews from Brandyn Burnette’s upcoming EP State I’m In. Preview #3 is “Karma”, in which Brandyn continues to posit his older-than-his-years-wisdom through song. What I also enjoy about “Karma” is an arrangement that switches it up several times and keeps you guessing as to where it might be heading. What starts as what might seem like a fairly straight forward pop song segues into an electronic backdrop with subsequent additions of some streetwise R&B vocals from Brandyn, and ultimately ends with a slight synthpop flourish. The flavours and vibes are all here folks, keeping you entertained as you chill. Even if you have your own definition of “Karma” you’ll definitely appreciate how Brandyn can make you relate. While State I’m In is not long to arrive, you can pick up “Karma” right now on iTunes.
Just when I’m not quite yet getting enough of Kat Krazy’s recent collab with Johnny Stimson called “Run Run” then along comes his remix of Tom Odell’s “Magnetised” from Tom’s upcoming second album Wrong Crowd. The challenge here is not to take anything away from the UK singer’s pensive songwriting which has won him heaps of praise over the last few years. The result here is Coldplay-meets-The 1975 but with an awe-inspiring bass synth drop hook that you’ll feel deep in your gut when played really loud. And that’s always a good thing because club DJ’s know what parts of a song will work their crowd. Plus it’s quite refreshing to hear Tom’s voice in a dance music setting. Pick this one up on iTunes as a part of the three song single of “Magnetised”.
The prolific production/remix/performing duo of Matt and Eli, aka Two Friends, offers a warm and summery interpretation of the recently released Spinnin’ Records hit “Bright Side” by Dutch producer/DJ’s Vicetone in a collaboration with Cosmos & Creature (who are Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore). These kinds of musical pairings are sheer bliss. While I’m still caught up in the shiny synth hook of the original (#9 on the latest BILLCS Top 30), which always makes me feel good, Two Friends replace it with house rhythms perfect for a beach party theme, with or without the beach 😛 This remix is already #1 all over Hype Machine’s charts and I’m happy to add to the mix 🙂 It’s one of three remixes on the “Bright Side” single, now available on all platforms.
ROBYN, “Dancing On My Own” (You&Me Remix) [B-side]
NYC duo You&Me have given me the esteemed pleasure of giving you the world premiere of their second remix of “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn. I was happy to bring you the ebullient progressive house“A-side” remix a few weeks ago. The “B-side” shows You&Me’s keen interest in the darker side of trance music – the first thing you’ll wonder about is the vocal and it is indeed Robyn!! The guys essential build the EDM equivalent of a dub version of “Dancing On My Own” around the key chorus turns a peppy pop/dance anthem into a slick mirror image that will click with alternative dance clubs. Open-minded Robyn fans and DJ’s will totally get it. As much as you can spin the “A-side” remix and fill a dance floor, the “B-side” remix will also generate some positive reaction and commentary. What’s your flavour, “A-side” or “B-side”? Let the revival continue 🙂 Listen to the “B-side” at the link above.
Following up from last year’s release For You is “Turnin'”, ahead of Frankmusik’s upcoming new album, which will be his seventh since 2011. After a series of deeply personal and wildly creative records, Frankmusik steps back into some familiar and fun territory with “Turnin'”. It reminds me of the carefree storytelling of By Nicole’s “These Streets” while paired with the synthpop of his earlier “Confusion Girl”, yet somehow all married to classic 80’s electronica of Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, and other innovators. This can only be a good thing as the synth melody he uses in “Turnin'” will stand out with cool appeal in clubs and even perhaps on radio. Frankmusik’s vocal floats admirably in his high register most of the time instead of flexing his back-and-forth that we have appreciated on so many songs to date. Frankmusik always draws you into his songs because you never know what to expect – and in the case of “Turnin'” from its first notes – which makes listening an ever-intriguing ride. Watch the video above.
It’s been a while since I’ve written about Italy’s super nice but ever bold Osvaldo Supino, but continuing with single releases from his most recent album Behind The Curtain is “Infinity”. The song itself is saucy and spicy with only every naughty intention in mind, and is a must for dance clubs to embrace with another direct Osvaldo vocal that I can only compare to SIRPAUL. Accompanying the single release is the above video where Osvaldo gets it on and more with his hunky co-star, with lots of body contact for those of you who enjoy that. It’s quite the travelogue, with an ever-familiar looking Miami backdrop, only spoiled a smidge by 15 seconds which seem to be tacked on to provide an ending that was hardly necessary. No matter, Osvaldo has enough going on in the song itself to keep listeners overflowing with far too many sexy thoughts 🙂
Molly Moore’s EP from last year, Shadow Of The Sun, had so many strong originals (such as “Blood. Sweat. Tears.”) that I sometimes forget that she also included her own enticing alternative pop version of Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” in that release. New Virginia duo New Immunity (aka Tyler and Garret) have recognized “Come Fly”‘s special qualities and chose to add their own flourishes in a remix that is even three or four shades of different from Molly’s version. Alternately symphonic and lush, and ear-popping and psychedelic, New Immunity shows that even a classic like this can be reconfigured and electrified. Yet it takes nothing away from the intent of Frank’s original or Molly’s rework. I’m very big on enhancing and reinventing and New Immunity does it in style. Download it from the link above.
Dance music has always been present on my chart but seems to arrive in waves but also in droves. There is so much great dance music out there, probably as much as there was around 2002-04 when worldwide flavours became more prominent thanks to online exposure. So in edition #483, there are SIX debuts (about which I’ve already written), all in the EDM/dance vein, remixed or not!
The Top 10
“Care For Me” by Toronto’s Dzeko & Torres (currently touring in Europe) and Sweden’s Hellberg, and the emotional Young Bombs remix of “Lost” by B.C.’s Connor Phillips still lead the chart neck-and-neck. Both songs are two of my most favourites of 2016 thus far.
Manse’s “Freeze Time”, featuring fellow Swede Alice Berg on vocals, may have come out in 2015, but MaxR’s progressive remix (available for free download above) has kept it much alive in 2016, as it climbs 6-4.
If this were almost any other year, “The Pop Kids” by Pet Shop Boys (7-5) would be #1 on this chart. But the songs above are preventing that from happening so a lower placing will happen, though it’s one of their best songs in years. PSB tour North America later this year, and chances are that tickets are already gone for most of those shows (I’m going 🙂 last time I saw the lads perform was in 1991!).
Win & Woo and Kiso created such a warm and charming remix of Brandyn Burnette’s “Made Of Dreams” that it continues to climb 10-7. It’s all in anticipation of more music from Brandyn’s upcoming EP State I’m In.
Miguel is touring with label-mate Sia on her upcoming tour to a city near you, and “Waves” lands in the Top 10 this week, rising 12-10.
Movin’ On Up
The fastest riser on the chart this week is Elephante’s stunning original “Closer” which grows with each listen thanks to a compelling vocal by Portland, Oregon’s Bishøp. It vaults 21-14. Listen to the busy, futuristic remix above for free download by Virtu!
Dan Talevski’s “Knock Me Off My Feet” is one of those songs that just stands out when it’s played on the radio, so I hope that movement spreads to the U.S. It climbs 23-18.
It’s one of the most engaging pieces of storytelling of the year, so you’d be best to download “You Fucked Up” by Toronto-based singer/songwriter Joël LeMay before it disappears! It rises 26-20.
It’s as much of an EDM anthem as “Roses”, and not surprisingly “Don’t Let Me Down” (featuring Daya) is cleaning up the pop charts for the ever-busy Chainsmokers. It moves up 28-22.
SIX DEBUTS
Brandon Skeie is a name and voice to watch! “So Bad” is an immediate singalong to which anyone can connect and a cool video for the song has arrived too. Brandon has an amazing voice which will make you smile when he uses his high register. Watch it above and check out the dynamic free remix by EDWYNN x TIKAL and Spirix above too. “So Bad” arrives halfway up the chart at #15!!
Ever since I heard this song last Fall, I was hoping it would see official release (as its singer Camden Cox has reassured me!). And it has so be sure to pick up “Dreamin'” by Britain’s Embody on iTunes and show your support. It’s a perfect song for a summer night on the beach, and it bows at #19.
It’s very reminiscent in some ways of the bigger Everything But The Girl hits of the 90’s but “Sound Of Home” by Montreal’s Sterling Grove and Ellyn Woods in its remix by Chicago’s Snøwmass has its own mysterious qualities that are likely more rooted in jazz. The remix kicks up the original quite a bit and makes it irresistible for clubs. “Sound Of Home” premieres at #21.
There are more and more producer/DJ’s showing their talent as performers and songwriters and I think that’s great. Jenaux’s “Get It On” is totally rooted in 70’s funk and disco via 80’s new wave like Duran Duran and is meant to hit you square between your ears. It arrives at #23.
“Don’t Need You” by Christofi is a gorgeous R&B-influenced house music original at its best, thanks to a fine vocal by L.A.’s J-VEN. It debuts at #26.
It’s been around for a while yet, but “Burn Fast” by Bryce Fox is long-lasting thanks to a spiffy progressive tropical mix by Koni. “Burn Fast” lands on the chart at #27.
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailedweb edition of my chart. Go on, have a look and listen/watch
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After writing about Toronto band River Tiber often these four years, it looks like Tommy Paxton-Beesley and company are about to make their big splash with the upcoming album Indigo. Also featuring last year’s “No Talk”, River Tiber previews the album with the engaging “Acid Test”. It’s a hefty blend of the R&B and hip hop flavourings that Tommy has incorporated into his songs by working recently with the likes of BADBADNOTGOOD, Daniel Caesar, Pusha T, Kaytranada, and producer Frank Dukes., as well as the striking and often dreamy, layered progressive sounds of past songs like “The Stars Fall” or “The City”. Here beats, cello, keyboards, and percussion all have a vivid home, and it all has a kind of surreal,psychedelic effect in the end, while still being quite accessible-sounding and ear-catching with one of Tommy’s most compelling vocals yet (particularly after the 2 minute mark). I can’t wait to hear the rest of Indigo, which you can now pre-order on iTunes, and be sure to put River Tiber on your radar for the summer of 2016.
River Tiber opens for Kaytranada at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on Friday May 20.
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