If you thought pairing up New York producer/DJ Chris Malinchak with star-on-the-rise Mikky Ekko for the American funk of “Stranger” was sheer bliss, then how about UK soul wunderkind MNEK? “Happiness” is the best kind of emotional, mid-tempo house music, and it’s an honest and catchy throwback to late 80’s hitmakers like Terence Trent D’Arby, Sydney Youngblood, and Colonel Abrams. Can’t wait to get this one once it’s released but for now, give a listen below.
DJ ESQUILLE featuring JANE BADLER, “My Skin On Your Skin”
“My Skin On Your Skin” is a sensational new dance club floor pleaser by Swedish DJ/producer EsQuille that just happens to feature a vocal by the ever-diverse Jane Badler. It’s a real throwback to some of the songs on the racier side of disco such as Musique’s “In The Bush” or Poussez’s “Come On And Do It”, but with a trendy techno-sounding vibe that gives it 90’s qualities. In any case, it’s a fast listen under 3 minutes, but you can go with the full blown Stonebridge club mixes which are available as a separate single on iTunes. I’ve loved hearing Jane in a dance music setting since the commanding remix of “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” a few years ago, she has just the right voice to help take “My Skin On Your Skin” that much further, so this is a great pairing! Don’t forget also to check out Jane’s new album Opus on iTunes, which features the engaging and dramatic new single “Losing You” which I wrote about recently.
James William is from Brighton, England and he’s a seasoned vocalist who’s been nailing it around Europe in tribute to Olly Murs as Only Olly (check out his superlative rendition of “Troublemaker” below and see why). James’ debut album, Lay Your Love On Me, is currently available overseas and due here on October 6 on iTunes, featuring the bubbly title song which found its way to #8 last year on my personal chart. “Livin’ Out Loud” is a new song that will put you in a great mood if you need one of those pop antidotes that throws you right into a “me” moment and doesn’t let go. Like with “Lay Your Love On Me”, it’s no wonder that James’ songs have received attention from even the One Direction camp. Be sure to listen to “Livin’ Out Loud” and check out some of the other songs from his album on hisSoundcloud page.
Watch out Betty Who and Jessie Ware, a rival is in your midst. And British singer Rosie Lowe puts her own spin on an electronic R&B sound with “Water Came Down”, which is already available on iTunes overseas. The song dabbles in Prince-ly eccentricities at the beginning, which may leave you a tad puzzled, but before you know it we’re into a full fledged big pop sound with a jazzy backdrop, then the rest all makes sense and hits the ball out of the park. “Water Came Down” is grand, pop entertainment with a sultry and knowing vocal that is love at first listen. I can’t wait to hear a full release!
If you lived in Canada in the 1970’s listening to Top 40 radio, then you already know Peter Foldy’s national hits from that era, 1973’s “Bondi Junction” and 1976’s “Roxanne” and “Julie Ann” – simple, catchy and sunny pop songs led by a highly recognizable voice – as well as a self-titled album in 1974. After recording a few more singles in the late 70’s including 1979’s pop/disco “Love City”, Peter, who was born in Hungary, but raised in Canada and Australia, where he chummed with The Bee Gees, returned to his pre-pop love of film and photography, and he wrote or directed a number of major motion pictures featuring Oscar winning stars in the intervening years up to 2000 (check him out onIMDB).
So 40 years after his first album, Peter Foldy has released a brand new one called Nine Lives. Recognizing that there is an audience with the love of 70’s music alive and well online, the songs on Nine Lives nary skip a beat, as if there was a direct path that purposefully led here in the first place. There is an immediate reference to the 70’s with Peter’s redux of “Roxanne”, but it’s a downtempo flip side of the perky original, fully aware of the passage of time and seemingly the other side to the crushing and longing of the original. But the winner on the record is “Carly”, an upbeat and highly contemporary gem full of fine musicianship and a story to which anyone can relate. Peter’s voice is a bit older sounding, but pure and uniquely Peter, there is no one else who could have sung “Carly” and have it stand solidly beside his other hits. So even if you don’t know of Peter Foldy and those early records, you owe it to yourself to hear “Carly” (and watch the lyric video above) because it’s destined to get stuck in your head in the best kind of way.
I was fortunate enough to meet L.A.-based Peter in my college radio days at the time of “Love City”, and thanks to connecting online through my involvement with radio station D-Moos.com, got to do so again when he was in Toronto a few weeks back. Welcome back, Peter! Nine Lives and all of Peter’s hits are available on iTunes.
Over the summer, my fellow Canadian Mike Tompkins released an original and very contagious single “YOLO (Sorry I’m Not Sorry)”, which was followed by a tour and very enjoyable show, and somewhere amid it all he co-produced a single by Jennifer Hudson with Timbaland, “Walk It Out”, which appears on her latest album JHUD. But Mike returns to the acapella form, his unique anchor for success, with the unlikely mashup of Taylor Swift’s “Take It Off” and Bastille’s “Pompeii”. The mashup does not take away from either song, but like with Mike’s other online works, it almost makes both songs into one new one. And as before, to introduce new listeners and viewers, Mike informs us after the song about how he creates the layered acapella sounds. Watch the fun above and I look forward to new and original music from Mike soon. But I won’t knock these mashups as long as he chooses to create them 🙂
Well Martin Garrix’s dubstep/trap instrumentals may have won over the pop music world during the first part of 2014, but there’s always room for more. How about a huge House banger?? 🙂 Turkish DJ/Producer Deniz Koyu meets the prolific Twoloud on “Goin’ Down”, which will totally unexpectedly simply command your attention from within the first 10 seconds. And it just doesn’t let up because what’s goin’ down indeed is YOU on the dancefloor! “Goin’ Down” is the dance club slayer for the rest of 2014 and will be available on Beatport on October 3. Another Spinnin’ Records dance gem!
Suddenly we move into Fall, and the entire landscape at the top of my chart is changing. Not unexpectedly, the high energy dance experience that we enjoyed for most of the year is shifting to quieter music with top notch vocal power and three songs that will rule the top of my chart for the next while.
The Top 10
The hint from two weeks ago proved to be true. Sam Smith acquires his 4th number one song of the year on my personal chart with “I’m Not The Only One”, moving up 4-1. This is one song that’s grown immeasurably on me from In The Lonely Hour since it was first release. It’s in fine contention to be one of the top songs of 2014, along with “Stay With Me”, “Money On My Mind”, and “Latch”. The relentless worldwide touring must be taking its toll – Sam had to cancel his Toronto stop on his tour.
The fastest riser is right behind, and it’s “Smile” by Mikky Ekko, bounding 17-2, certain to be #1 whenever “I’m Not The Only One” concedes. The singer is touring with Alt-J, which is already seeing sold out shows across the country, including the Toronto stop on November 11.
Harriet’s rich vocal tones send “Afterglow” from 6 to 3. It’s from her fine 3 song EP What’s Mine Is Yours, containing the solid pop song of the same name, plus a cover of Judie Tzuke’s “If (When You Go)”, and they’re all grandly produced by Steve Anderson.
“This Could Be Something” by Anton Ewald & Medina is proving to be enduring, slipping 2-4, just can’t get the ‘oooh oooh’s’ out of my head yet!
Davis Redfield & Carl Man’s “Music Gods” moves up 9-7, ever so eyeing the Top 50 in two weeks amid fierce competition.
It’s Mikky Ekko again at #8, this time as featured voice on Chris Malinchak’s funky club song “Stranger”, rising 11-8.
“Get To Know You” by Corey Niles & Ish is picking up in radio airplay across Canada! The infectious and tightly produced song climbs 12-9.
From the forthcoming album The Couch Surfing Chronicles, Brandyn Burnette’s “Thanks For Nothing” moves 15-10. Brandyn’s one well-grounded old soul kind of guy and his tweets are well worth your perusal! He plays in L.A on Monday September 22 at the Hotel Cafe. Take a look at his “Life’s A Beach” video below – it will make you smile!
On The Way Up
The remix of Adam Tyler’s 2011 single “I Won’t Let You Go” in an Aron Friedman remix is once again on its way to the Top 10, where it previously peaked at #5. Also climbing is the Paul Hetherington-produced “Criminal”, up 23-18. You can preview a new single featuring Adam further down below 🙂
The positive folk/pop of Knoxville, TN based singer Lyonn (aka Tyler Gelrud) continues to flourish as “Just Say Hello” climbs 20-15.
Soon to make an international breakthrough is Graffiti6 singer Jamie Scott with his latest single “Unbreakable”, from his upcoming album My Hurricane. The song jumps 24-16. Watch the new heart-stirring video above.
Slick R&B/pop from Chromatone, with a winning video full of great dancing and choreography, comes in the form of “Play For Me”, which rises 26-21.
Premiering
Like many others, I can’t wait till the release of Jessie Ware’s Tough Love album as well as the UK singer’s North American tour, which brings her to Toronto on October 26 (and I’m going YAY). In the meantime, “Say You Love Me” and its quiet power makes a splash on the chart at #20. Jessie’s only previous appearance on my chart was on a reissue of Miguel’s “Adorn”, which got to #1 last Fall. The Tough Love album also features a 70’s R&B flavoured Miguel composition “Kind Of…Sometimes…Maybe”, which you can hear below.
As his former #1 “Tidal Wave” is about to depart the chart after a maximum 10 appearances (20 weeks), the latest from 16 year old Tristan Thompson arrives on the chart at #22. Watch the video for “Mistaken” below.
Lastly, it’s a great reason to fall in love with a song you enjoyed the first time around. Penguin Prison has put a disco spin on his cover of Sade’s first single “Hang On To Your Love”. It’s available to you as a free download in anticipation of PP’s sophomore album, and bows on the chart at #25. PP has a great track record on my chart – “Hang On” is his 7th entry, plus he’s been featured on one other Top 5 song (RAC’s “Hollywood”) and remixed four songs (by Jamiroquai, The Temper Trap’s #1 “Resurrection”, Ghost Beach, and Lana Del Rey).
Extra! Extra!
Here’s what Adam Tyler’s up to in his spare time. His 19 year old producer friend Mi Disguise has featured him on the exuberant “Alive”, which has loads of dance club potential. You can preview this new song below. Enjoy!
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailedweb edition of my chart.
04 01 I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE Sam Smith 17 02 SMILE Mikky Ekko 06 03 AFTERGLOW Harriet 02 04 THIS COULD BE SOMETHING Anton Ewald featuring Medina 05 05 NO FUN The Presets 01 06 I BELIEVE Bright Light Bright Light 09 07 MUSIC GODS Davis Redfield featuring Carl Man 11 08 STRANGER Chris Malinchak featuring Mikky Ekko 12 09 GET TO KNOW YOU Corey Niles featuring Ish 15 10 THANKS FOR NOTHING Brandyn Burnette 03 11 TIME HAS COME Hannis 08 12 TEN FEET TALL Afrojack featuring Wrabel 19 13 I WON’T LET YOU GO (Aron Friedman remix) Adam Tyler 16 14 ZEPPELIN Eli Lieb 20 15 JUST SAY HELLO Lyonn 24 16 UNBREAKABLE Jamie Scott 21 17 AMNESIA 5 Seconds Of Summer 23 18 CRIMINAL Adam Tyler 07 19 WHEN YOU LEFT ME Sam Dickinson New 20 SAY YOU LOVE ME Jessie Ware 26 21 PLAY FOR ME Chromatone New 22 MISTAKEN Tristan Thompson 28 23 KILLER WHALES Smallpools 10 24 BIG CITY GIRLS (DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH SMALL TOWN BOYS) Zorro Blakk New 25 HANG ON TO YOUR LOVE Penguin Prison 13 26 ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT House Rockerz featuring Davis Redfield & Carl Man 14 27 TIDAL WAVE Tristan Thompson 18 28 BOOM CLAP Charli XCX 22 29 KNEW YOU BETTER Adam Tyler 25 30 LITTLE ME (Steve Smart & Wildfunk radio edit) Little Mix
Listen for My New Music Pick Of The Week onD-Moos.com!
As many of you are already aware, after many years away from the microphone, I am now pleased to be back as a voice onD-Moos.com Canada’s National Internet Radio Station, which mainly plays a selection of oldies, mostly from the 50’s to the 90’s, with soon to be more intrusions from the 2000’s and other new music.
Do listen in for my New Music Pick of the Week feature onD-Moos.com8 times per day starting at 2:05 AM EST on Mondays, and while the station is only live in the evenings from 9:00 pm to midnight (with my long-time musical partner in crime “The Musicman” James Rogers), you can hear my voice at other odd times, particularly if you’re an oldies loving night owl on the weekend overnights 🙂
British singer James Poole does have an EP release in the works, as he releases a third new treasure in advance for your listening pleasure, “Runaway”. The piano backdrop is very quiet as James sings about a guy who tries to win back his former love by wanting to have her stay, fix her, and then run away with her. Alas the story is well past its end by the time fixing her is raised, so “Runaway” is a retrospective story of could-have-been, possession, and regret. James’ high register gets a workout throughout committed to the heartache that the song conveys. But whether his voice is high or low, loud or soft – and his low register often has this gruff, recognizable sound to it – it carries “Runaway” through to a thoughtful piano break a minute before the end. Quiet power in British pop is definitely ‘in’, not only with big names like Sam Smith and Adele, but others who you find in my posts such as Harriet and Eurielle. As you know from past posts in these pages, James Poole’s stunning voice leads the way in 2014. Watch the lyric video above. Top notch artwork too, really reflects the mood of the song.
Wanna brighten your day? Maybe it’s time to take a little trip and slip away to wherever you want with the person you adore. Those are the sentiments that come across in the latest from New Jersey-based singer/actor Val Emmich with “Hey Hey Hey”. I like when songwriters can get right down to the basics and write an uncomplicated song that seals the deal in 3 minutes. And Val does just that, with a help from a fine vocal assist from fellow New Jersey performer Christina Alessi. Val’s no stranger to my personal chart as songs from his 2008 release Little Daggers reached the Top 10 (“Get On With It”, #3, and “Down”, #10). “Hey Hey Hey” comes from Val’s upcoming EP Pack Your Bags, Pack Your Heart.You’ll find from this linkthat you can download “Hey Hey Hey” for free, but also that you can only purchase the EP by buying a ticket to Val’s Stage It show on Tuesday September 30. Enjoy!
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