SAM DICKINSON, “When You Left Me” (official video)
One of the most pleasing debut albums I heard last year was Sam Dickinson’s The Stories That Occurred. It’s full of both traditional and 80s/90s soul influences much of which come from the unique sounds of his fellow Brits. It’s almost a year later, and The Stories That Occurred is about to get a reboot. “When You Left Me” is the emotional and energetic trigger, if you will, full of 80s-styled horns and rhythms that will send you back to records by Paul Young, Simply Red, Culture Club, and particularly to me, The Style Council. The video puts Sam back in front of you too, because this reboot involves a reissued 37 song album – with numerous remixes coming – due in August, as well as a number of upcoming opportunities to see Sam perform in and around the north east part of England. “When You Left Me” was just featured on BBC2’s The Graham Norton Show over the past few days, so there’s keen interest in Sam Dickinson and his many talents. You can purchase “When You Left Me” from the standard edition of The Stories That Occurred on iTunes, but watch for all the news to come atSam’s website!
I love it when a singer wants to be a game changer and take risks. UK singer James Poole has set aside his excellent viral cover version choices for an original this time, “The Clocks Of Our Lives”. James has already hinted at taking risks with his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana”, which was a huge score with a decidedly different version of the song.
“The Clocks Of Our Lives” reminds me particularly of 1970’s Elton John, who also took many risks with long, classically-based songs. Here James incorporates Einaudi’s “Nuvole Bianchi” piece into the basis of the melody. So it takes me back to Elton’s best work such as “Tiny Dancer” or “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, but I would say comparisons could also go to Chris de Burgh and his early to mid 80’s works, as well as to Jim Steinman, who wrote such beautiful songs for Meat Loaf.
“The Clocks Of Our Lives” wants the singer to go back in time to start over, but he knows that he has to endure the heartache instead. By the 3 minute mark, when James’ voice soars, it is a heart-wrenching moment. Even though it’s over 5 minutes long, the song never seems that long as its resignation unfolds.
I think James is secretly trying to educate us all on classical music and opera in his music 😉 and he might succeed. This is a brilliant first original, but one that is so bold that I think it might take some time before it could catch on. Nonetheless, it only makes me want to hear more from James Poole and his amazing voice.
My new personal chart this week sees some longer lasting songs peaking with no shortage of great new songs to replace them down below. So while it’s an active chart, movement is slow and steady 😉
The Top 10
Tuesday June 17 is release day for Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour in North America at last!! So I’ve picked that up and will be listening, but in the meantime Sam’s “Stay With Me” gets a second appearance in at the top, while “Not In That Way” climbs to #8.
It’s looking highly like young B.C. native Tristan Thompson could succeed Sam Smith at the top in two weeks with his debut single “Tidal Wave” (below). It moves up significantly, from 5 to 2! I’ve also included a link to the new Boomtang mix radio edit!
Convulsic now has two of his songs in the Top 10, which is amazing for a new performer. “Love Space” still climbs up to #5, while “The Day You Left” enters the Top 10 at #9. Unique and infectious dubstep just waiting for your attention!
FrankMusik’s “Dear Nicole” rises to #6, as the third video from By Nicole is released. Watch “Stabilizher” below – such a well shot video, full of great colour and effects. Plus, it’s a feelgood video, harkening back to “No I.D” or “Do It In The A.M.” Well done to all!
Bounding into the Top 10 at full velocity is the massive cover of Taylor Dayne’s “Tell It To My Heart” by Jason Walker featuring Bimbo Jones. If you want a song to lift you up and make you feel great, Jason’s fierce rendition will do just that!! Below is a video re-edit featuring the Toy Armada and DJ GRIND club mix.
Moving On Up…
They’re from the nearby town to the north-west of me called Orangeville – the DVBBS brothers (with MOTi) are Top 10 bound with the powerful and rollicking “This Is Dirty” at #11.
“Electrify The Night” by the team of House Rockerz, Davis Redfield and singer Carl Man is a song that resonated with me out of the blue. It only has limited availability, but you can listen to it through the link below from Soundcloud. I predict great things coming for the song on the chart in the next few weeks, and it moves 16-12.
The pop culture references and the feel good vibe make Zorro Blakk & Deniz Olivieri’s “Good News (For People Who Love Bad News)” a treat for your ears and feet! The song is from the mysterious Zorro’s debut album The Fairy Tale of Zorro Blakk and climbs 19-15.
SIRPAUL smashed it last weekend at Long Island Pride (along with the likes of Debbie Gibson and Robin S!). The singer lays it all out bare 😉 with “Black Leather” rising 22-18 from his album Seventh Star.
The fastest riser belongs to the quartet of brothers who go by their last name of Kongos. The gritty and bassy “Hey I Don’t Know” moves up 25-19.
E-Mute’s “Miracle” gets easily stuck in your head with a compelling vocal and classical piano work. It climbs 24-20.
Debuts
I haven’t been a fan of their past efforts, but even months after its original release “Little Me” by Little Mix has won me over with the swirling carousel of a remix by Steve Smart and Westfunk. It gets down and deep but the keyboard melody and the vocals which build up the chorus are the selling points. Plus the song has a very important and positive message for young women about beauty and image. It debuts at #23.
Next at #24 is another great new female voice and songwriter – Charli XCX. Her song “Boom Clap” from “The Fault In Our Stars” will immediately remind you of a more pop-edged Lorde, but it’s immediately catchy and memorable, and certain to be a huge pop hit as we head into summer, given the singer’s success as appearing on Iggy Azalia’s “Fancy”.
I wrote about this next song recently and now here it is on my chart. Simone Denny was the voice behind great dance hits like Love Inc.’s “Broken Bones” and “You’re A Superstar”, as well as Wide Life’s “All Things (Just Keep Getting Better)”. She’s never been away and is back with something a little more subdued which is perfect for her wide-ranging voice. “Your Love Fades Away” bows at #25 from the upcoming album The Stereo Dynamite Sessions Volume 1.
The last debut belongs to Atlanta-based Nick Hagelin, with another choice song for summer from his free download EP City Lights. “Trust It” scores all the way around – great rhythm, story, and one of Nick’s best straight ahead pop vocals. It arrives at #26.
Extra, Extra… Give ‘Em A Listen (or Five)
HANNIS, “Time Has Come”
The more I hear songs like “Time Has Come”, the more I enjoy the EDM dubstep experience. This song by the Finland native, who got into listening and singing to EDM at the request of her boyfriend, starts off like many great European electro records of the early 2000’s with a soft introduction with Hannis’ inviting voice. And then right before the minute and a half mark, this huge layered wall of dubstep hits and lulls you in like it’s your best friend 🙂 This is truly amazing production work from Alwegs, who hails from Latvia. If his name gets out there, he’s gonna be noticed! “Time Has Come” is a terrific but unassuming start for Hannis, and big things could happen if word of mouth gets out about the song and its unique hybrid EDM style that totally works. You can download the song for free using a link from Hannis’ Soundcloud page.
TANYA THE SAVAGE, “We Were Once Built There”
It’s somewhat of an interesting recording name, but Tanya The Savage records songs which are guaranteed to embed a mark on your listening experience. She’s based out of Miami, and has been performing since she was a child violinist age 8! “We Were Once Built There” is gorgeous, emotional British/European-flavoured EDM that would be much different without her affecting and powerful vocal. It’s another song to hit you square right out of nowhere and then make you want much more. Tanya The Savage is currently recording an album with Grammy-nominated producer Chris Rodriguez. “We Were Once Built There” is available on iTunes.
And Now, The Full Chart 🙂
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.
01 01 STAY WITH ME Sam Smith 05 02 TIDAL WAVE Tristan Thompson 02 03 PROXY Martin Garrix 04 04 ME AND MY BROKEN HEART Rixton 06 05 LOVE SPACE Convulsic 07 06 DEAR NICOLE FrankMusik 09 07 SHE LOOKS SO PERFECT 5 Seconds Of Summer 10 08 NOT IN THAT WAY Sam Smith 11 09 THE DAY YOU LEFT Convulsic 13 10 TELL IT TO MY HEART Jason Walker featuring Bimbo Jones 14 11 THIS IS DIRTY DVBBS & MOTi 16 12 ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT House Rockerz featuring Davis Redfield & Carl Man 15 13 BACK HOME Andy Grammer 03 14 ELECTRIC VALENTINE Adam Tyler 19 15 GOOD NEWS (FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS) Zorro Blakk featuring Deniz Olivieri 18 16 BE MINE Kendal Thompson 08 17 FALL INTO LOVE Wrathschild 22 18 BLACK LEATHER SIRPAUL 25 19 HEY I DON’T KNOW Kongos 24 20 MIRACLE E-Mute 23 21 TEENAGER IN LOVE Neon Trees 12 22 LATCH Disclosure featuring Sam Smith New 23 LITTLE ME (Steve Smart & Wildfunk radio edit) Little Mix New 24 BOOM CLAP Charli XCX New 25 YOUR LOVE FADES AWAY Simone Denny New 26 TRUST IT Nick Hagelin 17 27 I WISH WE WERE LEAVING Bright Light Bright Light & Elton John 21 28 FINEST CLOTHES IN TOWN Nick Hagelin 26 29 BACK TO CALIFORNIA Steve Grand 27 30 MONEY ON MY MIND Sam Smith
With this reboot of the almost 3 year old debut album by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Adam Tyler, Adam has shown impressive growth in the new songs, which makes your purchase (particularly if you don’t have the original) all the more worthwhile. He first came to my attention with the riveting single “Friction” in 2010, still one of my favourites from him. I posted about Shattered Ice way back when, and Adam is a frequent visitor to my personal chart. His voice has grown more versatile, and works best on infectious light electropop or darker EDM.
The new single “Knew You Better” (below) is a grower, along the lines of the singer’s “Music Freak” or last year’s “Fade Into The Light” (also included!). Even better is “Criminal”, with a catchy synth line and melody that sends me back to the 80’s, and I can’t wait to see what a video of this might look like. Extremely impressive is the Aron Friedman remix of Shattered Ice’s debut single “I Won’t Let You Go”, which strips away a lot of Adam’s high notes and matches his lower register against a slow house beat. This is a well thought out treat that can stand alone as if it was a brand new song! Single potential all over again!
The other new songs are the Paul Hetherington-produced “Only One” (which I’ve already written about), plus “Magic”, “Paradise”, and “Concrete”. “Music Freak” and “Emergency” see alternate 2.0 versions that are highly complimentary to the originals.
There are 31 songs, mostly produced by pop whiz Sky Felix, including all of the original 11 Shattered Ice tunes, 6 new ones (including “Electric Valentine”, plus the previously released Hetherington-produced “Waiting In Line”) and lots more fun remixes. This deluxe edition is a great strategy to rebrand the timeless songs from the original album, plus provide us with more than an EP’s worth of new ones and more than another EP’s worth of remixes. You will not be disappointed if you pick up Adam Tyler’s Shattered Ice – Deluxe Edition on iTunes, I will guarantee it!
It’s hard to believe that it took to watching the video for “Instinctual” for my initial opinion to change on the latest song by Welsh sisters Kally and Tammy aka Electrovamp. What could have I been thinking? “Instinctual” is a bubbly and incredibly summery romp, trendy animal makeup notwithstanding! In no time it should rival if not surpass the sisters’ success on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart two years ago with internet sensation Keenan Cahill on “Hands Up”. While it’s quite the larger than life slice of EDM, I’d love to hear what some fantastic remixers could do with “Instinctual”. Just remember these are the gals who already brought you songs with titles such as “I Don’t Like The Vibe In The VIP” and “Drinks Taste Better When Their Free”, as well as supporting the EQ Music Blog with their theme song “Electoqueer”. Watch the video for “Instinctual” above and be prepared to have a lasting smile on your face and some bounce in your ounce!
CARS AND CALORIES, “To The Extreme” and “Runner Up”
Never underestimate the power of Norwegians, especially when a song so riveting like a-ha’s “Take On Me” became the classic it deserved in 1985 and evermore. Other Norwegian acts that come to mind include M2M (featuring Marion Raven, who duetted with Meat Loaf on “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” in 2006), The Caesars (remember the iPod commercial set to “Jerk It Out”?), and Annie. Cars And Calories is a duo which has nothing in common with any of the above other than their native country. In fact upon hearing their songs you’re more apt to compare them to North American groups like Hot Chelle Rae, All Time Low, or Neon Trees, with emphasis on power(ful) synths. Michael Markussen and Jim André Bergsted comprise the duo, who perform “To The Extreme” equivalent to making power pop on the side of a cliff, whereas “Runner Up” (which I somehow didn’t write about last Fall) puts its heart right out on its sleeve still frantically beating. With a marvelous international cadre of help to put the pieces together behind the scenes, Cars And Calories creates music that stands out with full intent on leaving its mark behind. a-ha are in very good company indeed 🙂
From just north of where I live, in the Muskokas (Huntsville to be exact) comes duo Big East consisting of guitarist/vocalist James Jones and pianist/guitarist/vocalist Kip Daynard, supported by other expert musicians. They create passionate, earnest folk/pop on their new album Under Currents. But don’t let that basic description sway you, their influences from R&B, blues and jazz are much more far reaching, resulting in diverse and well-crafted songs. They are beautifully sung and tend to be on the softer side, but the results shine through and will make an impression. Opener “I Can’t Let Go” is easily my favourite and has hit potential for Adult Top 40 radio with its soulful edge. “Every Heart” and “I Die For You” (I’m waiting for the mashup with Jann Arden’s “I Would Die For You” 😉 ) also resonate, as does “Change Your Life” which poses lots of food for thought in its brief lyrics. I would pitch this album to fans who like Train, Five For Fighting, John Legend, Frank Ocean, Ms Arden, Anne Murray, and Neil Young. You can stream the entire album below. Check out all of the detail James and Kip have put into theirBandcamp page, including lyrics and chords! You can purchase the album there or on iTunes. Big East wants to engage and involve you and Under Currents is a great record on which you can get to know them.
RYAN STAR, “Bullet” and “Here Comes Your Man” (acoustic)
Ryan Star continues to promote his album independently released earlier this year called A N G E L S + A N I M A L S, which contains the singles “Stay Awhile” and “Impossible”. Like with his previously released EP America, one of Ryan’s great strengths is to take away the band and bring a song into acoustic form. I’ve seen his concert in full blown electric R&R and acoustic. So you’ll see in the video for “Bullet” (above) that the song trades intensities from the album version to a bare bones honest acoustic guitar version recorded in a park. Not one to hide his many influences, Ryan also strips away the post-new wave trappings of The Pixies’ “Here Comes Your Man” (below) to a more lyrical piano rendition that is capped by a classic Ryan Star powerful vocal moment around the 1:45 mark. Ryan continues to sell out shows in New York City, such as on June 20th at Rockwood Music Hall, but announced a second one at the same venue on July 10. Then he’s hosting and playing acoustic at the “Rockin’ To Save Babies’ Lives” benefit concert on July 23 at the Hammerstein Ballroom alongside A Great Big World, Mary Lambert, and DJ Cassidy (tickets start at $100). Do yourself a huge favour in the meantime and buy A N G E L S + A N I M A L S on iTunes.
A great Canadian voice has decided to step away from her Dance music roots and into smoky R&B ballad territory. The diverse and talented Toronto singer Simone Denny is back. You know her as the lead vocalist on Juno Award-winning #1 Dance records such as Love Inc’s “Broken Bones” (also a Canadian and UK Top 10 hit) and “Astroplane” by BKS, as well as Widelife’s “All Things (Just Keep Getting Better)” – the theme from TV’s Queer Eye For The Straight Guy. With the restrained power in Simone’s voice, you know that the roof is about to be blown off in whatever style she chooses. “Your Love Fades Away” combines heartache with self-realization and there is no question about Simone’s versatility. Because the Dance Club community never lets a great performer go too long without providing a new club hit, I know Simone will have us dancing up a storm again soon. But for now this preview of her upcoming album The Stereo Dynamite Sessions Volume 1 holds a lot of promise. Pick up “Your Love Fades Away” on iTunes!
Back on December 10, 2013, I wrote that Sam Smith’s “Money On My Mind” was the first great song of 2014. It went to #1 in the UK (and on my chart) upon release, and it’s hanging in at #27. Sam’s sung on every major TV talk show plus Saturday Night Live, toured all over the place, sometimes more than once (I caught him in concert in April 🙂 – his subsequent show at a bigger venue here for September sold out in a snap). 2014 is indeed a year of Sam Smith. And his album isn’t even on release yet in North America.
Number One!
It should not be any surprise to find Sam Smith at #1 on my chart for the third time this year, this time with “Stay With Me”, which is another UK #1 and a Top 20 hit thus far in North America. The world cannot get enough Sam Smith right now. “Not In That Way” pulls up to #10 this week, and “Stay With Me” has also been recorded as a duet with none other than Miss Mary J. Blige – and I kind of think that the Disclosure guys had something to do with that!
The Rest of the Top 10
This leaves fun songs like former #1 “Proxy” by Martin Garrix and “Electric Valentine” by Adam Tyler surrendering to our Sam. Just a reminder though that Adam’s deluxe version of Shattered Ice sees release on Tuesday, June 10! 31 songs!!
Rixton have just launched their tour of North America at what appear to be small-ish sized venues, so tickets will go fast! “Me and My Broken Heart” climbs to #4.
The fastest riser on the chart is Canadian 16 year old Tristan Thompson with “Tidal Wave”, a real throwback in styles in so many ways. Now I keep hearing late 70’s early 80’s L.A. pop/soul. It soars 15-5! Stream Tristan’s album Here For Youright here.
The official video for “Love Space” by Convulsic (below) has arrived as the song holds at #6. It’s an interesting trip for sure 🙂 And the dubstep performer’s other entry “The Day You Left” moves up to #11 too.
“Dear Nicole” by FrankMusik continues to stay in my head constantly after several months due to the singer’s fine vocal, which grows from storyteller mode to full throttle. From his latest album By Nicole, the song rises 9-7.
The third new entry to the Top 10 is from a group whose performance was a highlight of the Billboard Music Awards. 5 Seconds Of Summer are more than meets the underwear, and “She Looks So Perfect” climbs 14-9.
Moving Up… and One Debut
Last week’s two dance floor scorching debuts burn up the chart again as well. Jason Walker’s ultra-splendid Hi-NRG-styled Billboard Dance Club Play Top 10 remake of Taylor Dayne’s “Tell It To My Heart” jumps 20-13, while the triad of House Rockerz, Davis Redfield and singer Carl Man bound 22-16 with “Electrify The Night”.
Toronto-based vocalist Kendal Thompson has an ear-catching pop tune with “Be Mine”, which continues to move up the chart at #18.
“Good News (For People Who Love Bad News)” by Zorro Blakk & Deniz Olivieri is up to #19 and is also my Pick of the Week heard every three hours during the coming week on http://www.d-moos.com Canada’s National Internet Radio Station.
SIRPAUL’s steamy “Black Leather” is in control at #22, followed by “Teenager In Love” and poignant alt.pop from Neon Trees at #23, and bass-laden rock from those Kongos boys lands at #25 with “Hey I Don’t Know.
After last chart’s massive seven debuts, we’re back to a solitary one this time with “Miracle” by E-Mute at #24. It’s one of the more haunting alt.rock songs you will hear lately on which singer Theo Mak is both pianist and drummer.
The Full Chart
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.
04 01 STAY WITH ME Sam Smith 01 02 PROXY Martin Garrix 03 03 ELECTRIC VALENTINE Adam Tyler 05 04 ME AND MY BROKEN HEART Rixton 15 05 TIDAL WAVE Tristan Thompson 06 06 LOVE SPACE Convulsic 09 07 DEAR NICOLE FrankMusik 08 08 FALL INTO LOVE Wrathschild 14 09 SHE LOOKS SO PERFECT 5 Seconds Of Summer 11 10 NOT IN THAT WAY Sam Smith 12 11 THE DAY YOU LEFT Convulsic 02 12 LATCH Disclosure featuring Sam Smith 20 13 TELL IT TO MY HEART Jason Walker featuring Bimbo Jones 16 14 THIS IS DIRTY DVBBS & MOTi 17 15 BACK HOME Andy Grammer 22 16 ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT House Rockerz featuring Davis Redfield & Carl Man 10 17 I WISH WE WERE LEAVING Bright Light Bright Light & Elton John 21 18 BE MINE Kendal Thompson 25 19 GOOD NEWS (FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS) Zorro Blakk featuring Deniz Olivieri 07 20 CANNONBALL (EARTHQUAKE) Showtek & Justin Prime featuring Matthew Koma 13 21 FINEST CLOTHES IN TOWN Nick Hagelin 28 22 BLACK LEATHER SIRPAUL 29 23 TEENAGER IN LOVE Neon Trees New 24 MIRACLE E-Mute 30 25 HEY I DON’T KNOW Kongos 19 26 BACK TO CALIFORNIA Steve Grand 23 27 MONEY ON MY MIND Sam Smith 24 28 HORNY Lonnie Gordon 18 29 FIND YOU Zedd featuring Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant 27 30 ADDICTED TO YOU Avicii featuring Audra Mae
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