Ready now for imminent takeover of the worldwide dance club charts is “Dare You”, combining the many talents of Dutch DJ/producer Robbert Hardwell and the always splendid Matthew Koma, who copped two of my Top 10 Songs of 2013 with “1998” and “Parachute”. It’s great to see Matthew’s continued connection to the dance community with such a strong song, which sets out its lyrical intentions early on so you can jump and bounce and do whatever after the first minute or so. Bound to be one of the biggest dance records of the year, I hope it crosses over to pop like Matthew’s work with Zedd.
“Lost Track Of Time” is a breezy slice of pop from Australian trio MTNS (pronounced ‘mountains’) comprising Joseph, Tom, and Robbie. And it’s scenic video might cause you to do just that while you relish the song’s tight melody and fine vocal. It’s not so much about forgetting about time and doing nothing, as it is about moving on to… something. And the video confirms that the day’s events are not over. “Lost Track of Time” is culled from the band’s recent EP called Salvage, available on iTunes.
The last chart of 2013 is also my first chart of 2014, when last year’s favourites start to fade a bit and new ones start to take charge.
The Top 4 are exactly the same as two weeks ago: Bright Light Bright Light’s “An Open Heart” (#11 for 2013) and “What’s Going On” by Monsieur Adi & A*M*E (#17 for 2013) are still too hard to dislodge, with Anton Ewald’s “Can’t Hold Back” (#21 for 2013) about to give way to Travis Garland’s “Easy”.
SIRPAUL busts a move right into the Top 5 with “Every Single Moment” (8-5), which not only can swirl you out onto the dance floor but dazzle you with its excellent lyrics. It’s a grower, but a winner!
I am by no means nowhere near done with Martin Garrix’s “Animals” as it continually lodges itself inside my head. It would have made for some appropriate party music in last night’s festivities. “Animals” moves up 11-6.
“Gold” by UK singer Eurielle vaults into the Top 10 at #7, from her compelling 3 song EP The Incarnation. Watch the tantalizing video above.
“Breathe Me” is a poignant and minimal cover of the Sia song by Portugal’s Carlos Nóbrega, climbing 15-10 and becoming his second Top 10 placing on my chart.
The middle of the chart finds songs still on the rise from Jarell Perry, “Glee”/Adam Lambert, Lady GaGa & R. Kelly and Corey Niles & Dru.
Debuts from the last chart are all taking off smoothly. Bright Light Bright Light’s “In Your Care” is the fastest riser, up 24-16, making this a double whammy week for Rod Thomas who also has the #1 song. Lady GaGa’s “MANiCURE” and Cage The Elephant’s “Come A Little Closer” (coming closer to becoming a pop hit, I think) climb 28-21 and 29-23.
I’ve written about both of our newcomers. It’s no surprise that “Motel Pool” by Travis Garland bows at #22 complete with its damn proper sexy video. Travis’ self-titled album is my go-to when I don’t know what to listen to. The song is also from the new Motel Pool EP available on iTunes. “Talking To The Walls” got a flood of attention right away when I wrote about it in October, but it’s gone a little too quiet. I’ve not forgotten about this hypnotic song from new singer Své. Watch the video below, which has some strange twists and a cameo from “Go For Gold” and former Click Five singer Kyle Patrick. It debuts on my chart at #28.
EXTRAS:
If you thought Neverest might go back to a ballad for their next single, you might not be prepared for the techno/dubsteppy power in “Take Cover”, which was released today as a free download from their Facebook page (you have to “like” it of course)right here. Like “Rewind” (my #13 song of 2013), “Take Cover” is an ambitious and tight record that will slide into their set list rather neatly. Can’t wait to hear it in concert! There’s no link yet for me to provide – just take my word on this one folks!
Juno Award winning Canadian R&B/pop singer Remy Shand has eased back into the music scene this year after being away from it for a decade. He’s very active on Twitter, often providing many links to some great obscure and not-so-obscure songs which obviously shape his styles of music. His new song released today on Bandcamp, “The Best In Me”, starts off with a low vocal register introduction, but doesn’t venture much beyond what he gave us in the past, which is not a bad thing at all. Slick production and some amazing guitar work that rounds out the end of the song make it more than worthwhile. You can hear and purchase the songright here.
Dutch singer Matt Blue keeps issuing fine singles that hopefully one day will make an EP or album. Released on You Tube just before the New Year is “Fireworks”, a bit slighter than past efforts “Can’t Help Myself” and last year’s #32 song “Outta My Mind”, but still in a positive and upbeat vein. And when there’s such a fine voice singing the song you can’t help but be impressed.
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailsweb edition of my chart.
01 01 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light 02 02 WHAT’S GOING ON Monsieur Adi F/ A*M*E 03 03 CAN’T HOLD BACK Anton Ewald 04 04 EASY Travis Garland 08 05 EVERY SINGLE MOMENT SIRPAUL 11 06 ANIMALS Martin Garrix 13 07 GOLD Eurielle 05 08 I HAVE A NAME Osvaldo Supino 07 09 DO I HAVE TO DANCE Simon Curtis 15 10 BREATHE ME Carlos Nóbrega 06 11 WE CAN’T STOP SUMMERTIME SADNESS DATABOY 14 12 4TH OF JULY Jarell Perry 18 13 MARRY THE NIGHT Glee Cast F/ Adam Lambert 09 14 JULIET Lawson 19 15 DO WHAT U WANT Lady Gaga F/ R. Kelly 24 16 IN YOUR CARE Bright Light Bright Light 22 17 ROLLERCOASTER Corey Niles F/ Dru 20 18 KEEP ME RUNNING Andy Suzuki & The Method 21 19 I CAN’T HELP IT Dangerous Muse 10 20 BERLIN WALL Simon Curtis 28 21 MANiCURE Lady Gaga New 22 MOTEL POOL Travis Garland 29 23 COME A LITTLE CLOSER Cage The Elephant 12 24 SOMEBODY LOVES YOU Betty Who 16 25 ADORN Miguel F/ Jessie Ware 17 26 APPLAUSE Lady Gaga 23 27 IMPOSSIBLE Ryan Star New 28 TALKING TO THE WALLS Své 25 29 HEADHUNTER Parralox 26 30 MA RADIO Osvaldo Supino
Songs 20 through 1 put a wrap on the music of 2013 for me. In 2014, I hope to find more time to dedicate to blog writing, as life too often got in the way during the past year. The full pretty web edition of my Top 75 of 2013 is available right here.
20. BETTY WHO Somebody Loves You (PP#3)
“Somebody Loves You” is simply one of the most joyous songs of 2013. It’s akin to having someone wrap you up in a snuggly blanket and mess with you in all fun ways possible. Australian-to-NYC transplant Betty Who has bloggers like me eating out of her hands with songs from her debut free download release The Movement as well as remixes of “Somebody Loves You”. Big things are in store for you, Betty Who, mark my words!
19. LADY GAGA Applause (PP#2)
I was a little worried at the pre-release hype for “Applause” and ARTPOP – that I was going to be let down big time, or that I might just love it all. Well, “Applause” is the grand preview of ARTPOP that ended up being the best song on the record. “Applause” is what it’s all about, it’s what keeps performers like Lady GaGa coming back for more and more. That it’s as powerful it is musically as it is lyrically is a huge win for her. It is a song that makes you stand up and clap, it’s almost impossible not to do so. ARTPOP is a fine if highly uneven effort with many top notch songs (vocally and instrumentally, particularly) mixed with some of GaGa’s worst ones, particularly lots of hard to listen to lyrics. But she is her own machine and having seen her earlier this year in concert, she does what many performers aspire to do quite well, warts and all.
18. GENTLEMEN HALL Sail Into The Sun (PP#3)
Boston sextet Gentlemen Hall tested the waters with us many times this year by revealing new songs on Soundcloud or You Tube for our listening and/or downloading pleasure. It started to change up a big in the Spring with “Sail Into The Sun”. I knew something was up when I was in Austin, TX in March and walked into a Target store. As I slowly made my way back, I began to hear this familiar song….. which became used regularly in Target commercials in the US. Plus, “Sail Into The Sun” also got Samsung’s attention for their smart camera commercials. So it wasn’t long before a record company came-a-courting and Island Records not only released “Sail” but a rework of last year’s “All Our Love” as well. Here’s hoping that all of this continues for Gentlemen Hall into 2014 towards an EP or album – they are more than ready and we are more than anxious!!
17. MONSIEUR ADI featuring A*M*E What’s Going On (PP#2)
One item in my musical rule book is that if a performer is going to tackle a cover version of one of my very favourite songs, it has to be outstanding. After following the oh-so-creative work of French producer/DJ Monsieur Adi these last four years, I was pleased that he would be the one to rework Soul II Soul & Caron Wheeler’s 1989 classic “Back To Life” as “What’s Going On”. I had heard of British vocalist A*M*E through various dance collaborations such as with MNEK, but I had never thought she might be a substitute for Caron Wheeler’s amazing vocal. But boy does this record deliver, with its slick ‘n smooth production which also allows A*M*E to take complete ownership over the vocal. Plus we get to actually see le Monsieur on camera! 🙂 It was one of the few moments in 2013 where I was so excited about a record that I jumped all over it and charted it months before its official release in November (I withdrew it from my chart allowing it to re-enter in the Top 5). So if you’re going to think about covering one of my personal faves, folks, this is the way to do it 😀
16. DAFT PUNK featuring NILE RODGERS & PHARRELL WILLIAMS Get Lucky (PP#2)
Though Random Access Memories was a conceptual hot mess, full of great weird things happening that never gel, there was no better time to revive the Chic model of funky disco and Daft Punk did just that with “Get Lucky”. That sinewy Nile Rodgers guitar riff and an outstanding vocal from Pharrell gave a lot of people happy feet throughout 2013. It seemed a bit tame after the almost experimental Daft Punk dance music from the last decade, but the success of the French duo in 2013 will allow them to offer us more of their unusual creativity in the years to come. And if Nile Rodgers wants to lend his funky riffing and expertise to anyone’s projects – oh please do let him!
15. WILLY MOON Yeah Yeah (PP#2)
One performer to keep an ear out for in 2014 – he is recording a follow up album – is New Zealand-to-London transplant Willy Moon. You first heard “Yeah Yeah” in a colourful commercial for the iPod.This is one 24 year old who seems to know exactly what he wants, borrowing musical elements from across the decades, mashing it up with contemporary and sometimes experimental-sounding production, led by bold vocals that sound different on every song yet recognizable as Willy Moon. He’s a dapper enigma with fashion and enjoys his billiards and gin. I got to hear one of his SXSW performances standing outside of a club in Austin at midnight while I was full of pneumonia. He’s the real deal who’s going to happen in a big way. Willy also scored in 2013 with “My Girl” at #43 on my list, with both songs from his debut album Here’s Willy Moon, one of a handful of albums I would recommend highly from this past year.
14. RYAN ADAMES As Long As You Love Me (PP#2)
Another item in my musical rule book is that if a performer chooses to tackle a song that I don’t like, it has to be outstanding. So forgive me for being dubious about yet another cover version of Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me”. But because L.A. based singer Ryan Adamés was already on my radar with his vocal contribution to Parralox’s “Silent Morning”, I decided to put aside my reservations. And boy does this young man deliver! The song narrowly missed out at #1 on my chart. It’s a slight-sounding acoustic version that is filled not only with depth but lots of emotional warmth, that brings out everything good about the song (its warm and fuzzy video also helped). I figure that if Ryan can possess this kind of vocal prowess (which took a backseat on some of his earlier dance records), he is one to watch. So what does he record next? An acoustic cover of Britney Spears’ “Work Bitch”. It doesn’t work as well, but it did make me look forward to hearing Ryan Adamés’ new songs that are forthcoming in 2014.
13. NEVEREST Rewind (PP#1)
Toronto quartet Neverest had an interesting year, losing two members early on, and recruiting two new ones (drummer Mikey Thomas and guitarist Greg Keyes, joining bassist Paul Loduca and vocalist/guitarist Spee Chalkiotis) who fit like well warn shoes. It was appropriate because the sound of Neverest is evolving, from Backstreet Boys-inspired balladeers to tight rockers. And “Rewind” was the ticket to get it started this past summer, followed by an engaging video full of intrigue. The song itself lyrically is a departure for Neverest allowing them to explore slightly darker material. So this one single has us all wanting more from Neverest in 2014. These are four great musicians, extremely nice guys to boot (after seeing their shows – with Lawson – and meeting them twice), and nice guys always deserve to finish first.
12. ANTON EWALD Begging (PP#2)
Sweden’s Melodifestivalen is always a great source for new talent, I’ve seen stellar starmaking performances on that show from Mans Zelmerlow and Eric Saade over the years. Joining them this year is Anton Ewald’s absolutely infectious performance of “Begging”, which garnered second place at the festival and rose to #2 on the Swedish pop charts. Anton is one of those young ladies’ men, loaded with big smile, personality and talent (he sings, he dances, he choreographs!). At 20 he has it in spades; I just wish his music would be better promoted outside of the Nordic countries as “Begging” could have been a huge worldwide hit.
11. BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT An Open Heart (PP#1)
One of the things I absolutely needed to do in 2013 was to see Bright Light Bright Light in concert. When I found out that Rod Thomas was performing a show while I was going to be in NYC in October, I scored one of the last tickets. The small club setting was perfect, it was like being in Rod’s own private disco where his slew of hits which have often graced the top of my chart were all played. “An Open Heart” is the lead off single to BLx2’s EP In Your Care. Rod’s carefully crafted and emotional lyrics blend beautifully with the high register synths which make the song glow. Even though it officially ranks #11 for 2013, count it as an honourary part of my Top 10 for the year.
10. ZEDD featuring FOXES Clarity (PP#2)
No song from the early part of 2013 resonated with me lyrically more than “Clarity”. Led by a stunner of a vocal from new UK singer Foxes (who got her own record deal as a result), and a great follow up to Zedd’s collaboration with Matthew Koma on 2012’s “Spectrum”, it’s that unforgettable chorus that anchors the song:
‘Cause you are the piece of me I wish I didn’t need Chasing relentlessly, still fight and I don’t know why
If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy? If our love’s insanity, why are you my clarity?
9. KWIK FIKS & BONGIOVANNI Lifted (PP#1)
I was already very aware of Danny Voicu (aka Kwik Fiks) from his remix work with Toronto’s River Tiber, but when his collaboration with fellow Montrealer Victor Bongiovanni came to my attention I had no idea what I was getting into. “Lifted” is in fact a most excellent slice of deep house which is a rework of Baby Bash & Frankie J’s 2003 hit “Suga Suga”. It simply takes the chorus of “Suga Suga” and loops it with a deep bass rhythm, to hypnotic effect. It captured the top of my chart for 6 weeks early in 2013.
8. MATTHEW KOMA Parachute (PP#1)
At the end of 2012, I could not get enough of Matthew Koma’s EP Parachute after being tantalized by his vocals on various dance hits in 2012, most notably of course Zedd’s “Spectrum”. “Parachute” is a lovely, carefree, and romantic slice of life, with perfect emphasis on Matthew’s high notes. It was the first of back to back #1’s for Matthew on my chart where he basically owned January 2013.
Cut me loose, my parachute won’t let me fly I’ll survive cuz we got love
7. RIVER TIBER The City (PP#1)
If there’s any local performer for whom I have the greatest hope for some success in the next few years, it’s River Tiber. Spearheaded by multi-instrumentalist and producer Tommy Paxton-Beasley, River Tiber is both a studio effort, focusing most recently on many things electronic, while it is also a tight functioning live band. The start of 2013 kicked off with a free download of an album called Synapses, which no longer appears to be available, in favour of what is likely to come in early 2014, which seemed to have been kickstarted by a feature in SPIN magazine in late summer. The year ended with the release of a new EP called The Star Falls, featuring songs such as the experimental “What Are You Afraid Of” (#57 on this list), the title song, and “The City”, all of which appeared on Synapses, plus two new songs. “The City” isn’t a classic song meant for radio or anything. It’s a beautifully moody piece of music, which is supported by the video, which shows all of the forlorn emptiness in a nice big city like Toronto. The music of performers like River Tiber is what helps keep me writing 🙂
6. TRAVIS GARLAND Blue Electric Roses (PP#1)
It started late last year when I found out that Travis Garland was releasing new music for free download in the form of two EP’s, Fashionably Late and Fashionably Late II. These were the records that shaped his debut self-titled album, which is one of my most played records of the year. The second EP outdid the first for its songwriting and vocals, and I’m so glad “Blue Electric Roses” – one of the most romantic songs of this or any recent year – made the cut for the album. It didn’t take long for the song to find itself at the top of my chart for a month. I had bought a ticket to see Travis perform in my city in November but was too ill to go. There will be a next time!!
5. MATTHEW KOMA 1998 (PP#1)
Sometimes EP’s are better showcases for albums because they can display the versatility of a performer over the course of 5 or 6 songs. Matthew Koma had already conquered the dance world, and so his Parachute EP was more of an outlet for his pop/rock. “1998” is the grittiest of all of his songs, drawing from a lot of late 70’s and early 80’s influences like Elvis Costello. I’m still not sure what “1998” is all about – Matthew would have been much too young to be part of what he’s writing at the time (as was Bryan Adams for “Summer of ’69”). But it’s a whole lot of fun and impossible not to join in and sing. Hopefully 2014 will see the release of Matthew’s long-awaited album, which was to be titled Arcadia.
Time to walk on candle wax / The smell of her perfume takes me back / To all the crooked tracks we’ve laid / Locked in 1998
4. MIGUEL featuring JESSIE WARE Adorn (PP#1)
Although I had probably heard it well before Miguel’s performance at this year’s Grammy Awards, I never connected with “Adorn” until I saw that performance. It was magnetic and Miguel won the Best R&B Song Grammy. A lot of people of pooh-poohed the song for being a knock off of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”, but even if that was inspiration, it took a whole lot more to shape “Adorn”, including Miguel’s excellent vocal. Because I was such a latehead on the song, it missed appearing on my chart early in the year, and it wasn’t until a rework intended to help it chart in the UK featuring outstanding singer Jessie Ware that it landed at the top of my chart late in the year. Always better late than not at all! Miguel’s album Kaleidoscope Dream is also a gem!
3. FRANKMUSIK Map (PP#1)
FrankMusik scored his third #1 song on my chart with the bitter yet danceable “Map”. It’s about making a decision to do something about a relationship and then follow through, which is extremely important, and sometimes that means striking that person ‘off your map’. Again, I admire Vincent Frank for taking heartbreaking lyrics and setting them to complex, electronic rhythms. For those of you who have been through significant breakups, this is one song you must hear for all of these reasons. And if you’re bold enough, head over to FrankMusik’s acoustic Between Us album where you will hear “Map” stripped away to just its lyrics and emotions. It’s incredibly touching, with a supurb vocal from Vince, but can be a hard listen. FrankMusik’s 2013 chapter is now closed – onward and upward!
2. KADEN Black Light (Stormby’s mix) (PP#1)
Sometimes being predisposed to a song that you really like, not knowing if it will actually see release, can be a little unnerving (and you can imagine how the performer, writers, and producers feel too!). I have a handful of songs in my library that I play regularly that never saw release. One that took a little while longer than usual is “Black Light” by L.A. based singer Kaden James, which finally did see release in the summer, complete with all kinds of colourful remixes. But it’s the mysterious and dramatic Stormby’s mix that is the winner, upping the dance rhythm to make it fit in with anything that clubs are playing, all in a tidy 3 minute mix. Kaden’s boy-next-door vocals add to the intrigue put forth by the same ace songwriting team that gave us Osvaldo Supino’s #38 “I Have A Name” (Charlie Mason/Daniel Volpe/Thomas Lipp). “Black Light” takes you to that invisible quiet place that we all know where we can truly be ourselves. It looks like we will see a full release from Kaden on January 14 as he is publicizing it through his Facebook page.
1. PET SHOP BOYS Vocal (PP#1)
I’ve always had a keen interest in the music of Pet Shop Boys since their classic 80’s period when I was fortunate enough to meet and interview them. But that was long ago now, and there was no way that I anticipated that they would have my #1 song of 2013. Leaving Parlophone/EMI seemed to be the best thing for Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, who gave us their best album in 20 years with Electric after perhaps their weakest one, Elysium. Electric is a dance floor killer, brimming with so many classic PSB melodies and some of their best lyrics ever on songs like “Love Is A Bourgeois Construct”, “Thursday”, and “Fluorescent”. But it’s “Vocal” that trumps them all. This is really a tip of the hat to the fans who love their music and go to their concerts for the experience. But to me it’s also general enough to stretch to any music fan who loves their particular style of music. Not only does the 6 minute album version strike a chord with me with its triumphant danceable melody, it hits an emotional nerve with these specific lyrics, and they get to me every time I listen to the song:
And everything about tonight feels right and so young And anything I wanna say out loud will be sung This is my kind of music They play it all night long
Long may the Pet Shop Boys continue to make records like Electric and “Vocal” because fans like me will always be there to listen to them 🙂
My year end countdown continues with songs #40 through 21 🙂
40. DATABOY We Can’t Stop Summertime Sadness (PP #6)
Among their many projects amid preparations for their sophomore album, Austin TX duo DATABOY (aka Cameron Maxwell and Adam Bailey) dropped one of the biggest surprises of 2013 – not just a mashup of Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” and “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey, but one that pretty much stands alone as a song itself. It’s a supurb end of summer song, combining the invincibility of “We Can’t Stop” and the defeat of “Summertime Sadness”. Plus, as is the theme of this year’s songs, the guys gave one of their best ever vocals, and showed themselves at last in the accompanying video. Available for free download too.
39. THE WALLFLOWERS featuring MICK JONES Reboot The Mission (PP #6)
“Reboot The Mission” served as a classy homage to The Clash, what with reference to “the mighty Joe Strummer” in the lyrics as well as supporting vocal from Clash member Mick Jones. It’s probably one of The Wallflowers’ funkiest numbers too, a real throwback to how The Clash incorporated funk and R&B into their songs like “This Is Radio Clash”, “Rock The Casbah”, and “The Magnificent Seven”. Jakob Dylan also has never sounded so fine, an enthusiastic yet sultry vocal.
38. OSVALDO SUPINO I Have A Name (PP #5)
“I Have A Name” became the standout song from the blissful dance compilation This Beat Is… Poptronik Volume 2 as the year went on. It’s as different from Italian singer Osvaldo Supino’s more outrageous songs as it is from his other charting song (the incredibly playful “Ma Radio” at #67). His vocal here is extremely touching and the beautiful lyrics – the song was written by ace team Charlie Mason, Daniel Volpe, and Thomas Lipp – to me could also serve as a theme of sorts against bullying.
37. ROBIN THICKE featuring T.I. & PHARRELL WILLIAMS Blurred Lines (PP #4)
There is no denying that “Blurred Lines” is one of the catchiest pieces of business that 2013 offered. I’m not about to debate the lyrics; to me this is all just fun and other songs have been targeted in the past for their words, yet it didn’t stop radio from playing them either. Robin Thicke is no stranger to making songs about sex, they comprise pretty much most of his repertoire (and he’s been married for over 20 years too). It’s great to have him back with some friendly rivalry, he last appeared on my Best of 2008 with “Magic” (in duet form with Mary J. Blige) after first appearing on my chart back in 2002 with his “A Fifth Of Beethoven” mashup, “When I Get You Alone” (billed under his last name only).
36. DAVIS REDFIELD A World Apart (PP #4)
Davis Redfield is a German DJ/producer who appears to be well-established in Europe. His song “A World Apart” came to my attention through its impeccable songwriting pedigree (Charlie Mason/Mans Ek/Johan Aberg and Redfield). It also has a bit of bizarre history to itself as the fantastic (and hitherto unknown) session vocalist bailed from the project after it was recorded, and that’s not her in the accompanying video. Nevertheless it’s one of the year’s very best dance recordings that should not be disregarded! 🙂
35. BONGIOVANNI I Think I Love You (Kwik Fiks & Bongiovanni remix) (PP #6)
It’s Montrealer Victor Bongiovanni’s second entry (the other is much higher up!) on this list, a deep house rework of rapper Dwele’s song that emphasizes over the full song an irresistibly oversized bass sound and atmosphere featuring minimal vocals. Eventually the full lyrics come along about half way through but by then you are sold entirely. I heard no other song that was quite like this one in 2013, and look forward to Bongiovanni’s upcoming projects (usually with partner-in-crime Kwik Fiks).
34. ARMIN VAN BUUREN featuring TREVOR GUTHRIE This Is What It Feels Like (PP #6)
Dutch DJ/producer has been no stranger to my chart over the past 10 years and in fact has scored two #1’s, 2003’s “Yet Another Day” and 2008’s “Going Wrong”. This time though, “This Is What It Feels Like” crossed over to pop radio around the world thanks to inclusion of the instantly recognizable voice of former soulDecision vocalist, Canadian singer Trevor Guthrie. It’s garnered the pair a deserving Grammy nod for Best Dance Recording amid a lot of competition.
33. PARRALOX featuring RYAN ADAMES Silent Morning (PP #5)
It literally took months for me to buy into this song – a return of the Freestyle sound amid so much techno and dubstep through a cover of Noel’s seminal 80’s hit “Silent Morning”?? And the first recorded version of “Silent Morning” by the Australian duo led by John von Ahlen, simply featuring former member Amii Jackson on vocal duty, was just fine. Then came the brilliant idea of adding rising L.A.-based singer/actor/dancer Ryan Adamés to the mix, and suddenly the record was transformed into something immediately more contemporary, with a video showcasing Amii and Ryan that added a little intrigue to the story. Many mixes followed, including a rock-inflected one by Cherry Cherry Boom Boom which still turns my head. “Silent Morning” is also one of the showcase songs from This Beat Is…Poptronik Volume 2. Parralox also features at #59 with their out-of-the-blue cover of Front 242’s “Headhunter”, sung by John, from their ambitious album of cover songs, Recovery.
32. MATT BLUE Outta My Mind (PP #3)
He doesn’t do it very often, but when 21 year old Dutch singer Matt Blue releases something, it’s generally pretty ear-catching and danceable. Such is the case with “Outta My Mind”, guaranteed to make you smile and give you happy feet, in follow up to his late 2011 #1 on my chart “Can’t Help Myself”. He’s just released a new song called “Fireworks” and I’m sure I’ll have something to say about it very soon! But I’m selfishly looking forward to a full EP or album from the talented Mr. Blue.
31. LAWSON Learn To Love Again (PP #5)
UK quartet Lawson was one of my bands of the year, even though they haven’t released more than two singles in North America. I saw them twice in concert this year (along with Canadians Neverest), and they put on a stadium-worthy show for a smallish (350-400) club audience. Almost all of their songs (ironically except “Learn To Love Again”) have garnered Top 10 status in the UK, and their albums Chapman Square and Chapman Square Part II, have also sold well. North America has to be their next destination, right Universal Music?? 🙂 “Learn To Love Again” is one of those emotional pop songs that instantly sticks in your head, and it was followed this year by the rocking duet with B.o.B. “Brokenhearted” (#52) and the Bruno Mars-ish ska-inflected “Juliet” (#60).
30. TRAVIS GARLAND Homewrecker (PP #6)
L.A. based, Texas-bred singer Travis Garland ultimately recorded my favourite album of 2013, his self-titled debut. Produced along with The Stereotypes, the album offers a diverse R&B/pop sound like no other (no, not even close to Justin Timberlake or Robin Thicke). Its songs ranged from out-and-out dance, through to sexy balladeering, and then to something as offbeat as “Homewrecker”, a dark tale with production effects that would not have sounded out of place on JMSN’s 2012 album Priscilla. Nonetheless it’s a captivating song that shows Travis Garland’s versatility and deservedly ranks highly at year’s end. Travis has one more song, much higher up, on this list 🙂
29. BASTILLE Pompeii (PP #6)
After hearing “Pompeii” at the time of its UK release and seeing it soar to #2 for the British band Bastille, I was hooked thanks to its unforgettable refrain:
“And if you close your eyes, Does it almost feel like You’ve been here before? How am I gonna be an optimist about this?”
These are some of the best lyrics of the year. And by year’s end, the rest of the world was catching on as “Pompeii” moved towards the Top 20 in North America.
28. BLAKE LEWIS Your Touch (PP #5)
“Your Touch” is another song with a memorable refrain, combined with an urgent performance by Blake Lewis, which was a most welcome return for the singer/songwriter whose “Heartbreak On Vinyl” was one of the more touching songs of 2009.
“I’m thinking you and I Should roll the dice, get lost in love forever Cause I’m feeling intoxicated I wanna taste the air that you’ve been breathing
So haunt me, and feel me I’ve been waiting for your touch”
We’re still waiting for the album Portrait Of A Chameleon to surface, so I’m hoping it’s not buried in record company tape. “Your Touch” became a Top 40 hit in the UK.
27. KYLIE MINOGUE Skirt (PP #4)
A gal’s just gotta have some fun, right? The Aussies got it, dance clubs got it, but very few others did. “Skirt” is one of Kylie’s more uninhibited numbers (“and then my skirt came down…. down…. down….”), and one of my most favourite, particularly after last year’s glistening “Timebomb”. And while “Skirt” may have been unjustly ignored, Warner Music decided to add her to their roster, so we should have new Kylie to look forward to in 2014.
26. CHRIS WALLACE Time Bomb (Walk Away) (PP#4)
“Time Bomb” is Chris Wallace’s 2nd entry on this list, following #44 (and current single/video “Keep Me Crazy) and of course my last year’s #2 favourite “Remember When (Push Rewind)”. “Time Bomb” is another equally thoughtful and energetic song, which, who knows (and hint, hint) could be the third single from his long-lasting Push Rewind album. Chris has been performing relentlessly across the USA this year, which has resulted in “Keep Me Crazy” receiving enough airplay to rank in the Top 40 radio songs. This is helped by the power of an indie label (Think Say) with one or two strong performers on their roster. More power to Chris and all of them for 2014! Hope Canada’s on your radar for next year!
25. TAO HYPAH Play The Girl (PP#4)
Early 2013 started off with “Play The Girl”, a most danceable and ear-catching song from young Dutch singer Tao Hypah, who graced last year’s list with the memorable “Celeb”. The video is a great piece of eye-candy with some decent choreography. Tao Hypah has the intriguing looks and the voice to match, and was willing to take a risk with a song that could be perceived from its title to be about more than what it actually is. In mid-2013, Tao Hypah auditioned for The Voice of Holland and made it through under his own persona, Darren Van Der Lek (pic below). He got to the first battle round before being eliminated. Tao Hypah/Darren definitely has the voice to be successful however he wants to be, and I look forward to more in 2014.
24. ELI ESCOBAR featuring NOMI RUIZ Somebody To Love Me (PP #4)
I fell in love with “Somebody To Love Me” at first listen, thanks to the breathtaking vocals of Nomi Ruiz from NYC trio Jessica 6, but had no idea that it was a rework/cover. The original was performed by Mark Ronson featuring Boy George and Miike Snow’s Andrew Wyatt back in 2010 from Ronson’s album at the time. I only found this out because I was curious why Nomi was singing the song as if she was a boy and figured it must be a cover. Nonetheless, Eli Escobar fashioned the better version as a showcase for Nomi – probably one of the best dance records of the year that you didn’t hear.
23. FRANKMUSIK Captain (PP #4)
Oh what a year for FrankMusik, who has already placed three other songs (out of 5 – still one more to go!) in my Top 75. I remember him posting a clip of the instrumental track for “Captain” before it was released, and I was wondering how he could possibly write a lyric to overlay on top of such a frenetic melody. But he did, and “Captain” is one of the key songs from the Between album, it is the storm that’s raging while you are in the throes of trying to salvage a relationship. You want someone to steer it for you, but the two of you are the only ones to do that. It’s such a difficult subject, and part of the amazement of hearing the Between and Between Us projects is to live through the painful, sad lyrics with Vince, often set to unbridled and happier-sounding melodies. “Captain” is one crazy story and tune – listen to the bare-bones acoustic version on Between Us for full effect.
22. DAN BLACK featuring KELISHearts (PP#3)
After his smashing debut album UN from 2009, and a few guest appearances here and there since, Dan Black quietly resurfaced (after starting a family) with “Hearts” this past Spring. It was accompanied by a very creative video which used time lapse photography having been shot over 24 hours. Incorporated into the mix is an appropriately dry vocal by Kelis that acts as a perfect foil to Dan’s ideas. It’s such a shame that this was all we heard and saw in 2013 and 2014 could use more Dan Black on the music scene 🙂
21. ANTON EWALD Can’t Hold Back (PP#3)
While Sweden’s reigning king of pop, Eric Saade, delved into quieter, personal pop rather than continue with dance-oriented, synth-heavy songs, his young friend Anton Ewald surfaced at Melodifestivalen and won over Swedish audiences with his TV-ready personality and some slick dance moves (he’s also a choreographer). This led to the release of his EP called A, and every song within hits the same places that Eric found with his Saade Volumes 1 & 2 albums. “Can’t Hold Back” should have done better as a second single with its snappy melody and singalong chorus. It’s also strange how his music is released internationally yet we in North America are unable to see some of his videos. I’d love for Eric Saade and Anton Ewald to tour outside of the Nordic countries on a double bill! What exposure! 🙂
More than any other year that I can think of in recent memory, 2013’s best songs were all about terrific vocal performances. Of course, any song with an insanely catchy rhythm can win you over on that alone, with vocals and lyrics coming in distant second and third. I think what I hear is great singers who really should be receiving far more recognition than they are getting. They can’t tour much, have dedicated fan bases, and spend a lot of time cultivating their path online. It’s too expensive for performers to travel great distances to play for 150 people unless they can get a break with the costs involved.
In the commentary that follows, I’m not talking about all of the songs between 75 and 41, particularly those where performers also had songs higher up. So consider what follows to be some highlights of the year 🙂
One performer who set the tone from the beginning to the end of 2013 is FrankMusik. Granted Vincent Frank does have some moderate success behind him, but to do what he achieved in 2013 stretched his resources. And achieve he did – two albums, Between and Between Us, an EP Far From Over, as well as two tours in the US and shows in the UK. I was happy to ride the FrankMusik train in 2013 even though I didn’t get to see him perform this time because you never knew what to expect next. Plus there’s his unbridled enthusiasm in creating his music, which ranged from frenetic to pensive. And the stories he told, mainly so very sad but cathartic at the same time. Two more FrankMusik songs appear higher up on my list. “Chasing Shadows” #72; “Life (Is My Revenge)” #69; “Fast As I Can” #56.
Another performer who had a great year, but with all of the bells and whistles possible, is Justin Timberlake. He hinted that he would release his first album since 2006 at the end of last year, which was quickly followed by his single “Suit & Tie”, featuring Jay-Z (#73). The powerful R&B/pop album The 20/20 Experience arrived soon after, the best selling album of 2013 no less, full of a varied set of songs that averaged in the 7 minute range, kind of risky in itself, but definitely a whole lot of fun when they weren’t too ambitious like the raucous “Let The Groove Get In” (#53). By the time second single “Mirrors” arrived, it was already known that The 20/20 Experience Part II was on deck, and the very 80’s and Michael Jackson-influenced single “Take Back The Night” (#49) was upon us. And with Jay-Z’s Holy Grail album, we were pretty much assured of hearing new Justin Timberlake music every day in 2013. But even with all of the money behind this project, was it a total success? I would say Part I achieved what it should have, and more. I think there were missteps with Part II arriving so soon after Part I even though many of its songs were stronger than those on Part I. But unlike recordings by independent artists, Parts I and II will pay for each other over time. It was great to have Justin Timberlake back though as his voice was in fine, fine form.
Newcomers:
UK soul singer Charlie Brown had been featured on many songs and mixtapes over the last five years, but broke into the UK Top 10 with his uplifting “On My Way” (#75).
17 year old New Zealand singer Lorde topped charts worldwide with her lyrically and melodically clever “Royals” (#68). I couldn’t get enough of it for the first several weeks before it ran its course and peaked at #11.
New York dance duo Ghost Beach arrived on my chart with a unique sound that bridges punk and dance in the Penguin Prison remix of “Too Young”, which is #70 for 2013.
20 year old Florida-born Ariana Grande was already well known to the teen set for her roles on “Victorious” and “Sam and Cat” as Cat Valentine. But her stunning vocal range came to prominence over the last few years, and her debut album Yours Truly saw release in late summer. It was however preceded by a winning single called “The Way”, featuring rapper Mac Miller, which got to #8 on my chart and is #66 for 2013.
UK pop singer James William has established himself with his Olly Murs tribute shows, but is also quite the astute songwriter as well. His bright and shiny “Lay Your Love On Me” ranks #54 for 2013.
Another UK pop singer draws more from classic R&B influences to arrive at a contemporary sound that recalls Simply Red a lot of the time. Sam Dickinson released his debut album The Stories That Occurred and “Learn To Wait”, its second single, is #50 for 2013.
L.A.-based Jarell Perry released one of the most sensational albums for free download in early 2013, Simple Things. It’s full of powerful songs that make a really cohesive listening party as an album as a whole, which is unusual considering most performers are opting for EP’s. The song that stuck with me most throughout 2013 was “9 2 5”, which tells why it’s so important to break out of a regular routine and experience life. “9 2 5” is #45 for 2013. Expect great things from Jarell in 2014, starting with the EP White.
NYC trio Andy Suzuki & The Method built on their existing east coast following (as well as a dedicated one in Brunei!) by releasing a full album, Born Out Of Mischief, which transcends rock, pop, jazz and country styles, led by fine vocals by Andy Suzuki. The impressive “Dirty Floors”, which could be the theme song for any indie musician, got to #7 on my chart and is #42 for 2013.
Continuing from 2012…
UK duo Bim released their Lifelines EP in late 2012, and one of its best and lyrically most powerful songs was turned into a video featuring comic book images. “Burn” is #74 for 2013.
UK teen favourite Conor Maynard paired up with Ne-Yo for the dance hit “Turn Around”, which is #64, while Ne-Yo himself brought some emotionally-charged R&B/dance to charts with “Let Me Love You (Till You Can Learn To Love Yourself)”, which is #61 for the year.
Daniel Bedingfield found much online success with his Secret Fear-Stop The Traffik EP and the award-winning video for last year’s “Secret Fear”, which he also directed. More good things are coming from Daniel in 2014! Joining the class of 2013 from that project is “O.V.E.R. U.” at #55.
Cambridge, MA quartet Passion Pit continued with singles from their 2012 album Gossamer, which often seemed to offer emotionally loaded lyrics over slight and bright melodies. “Take A Walk” is a little different and stands out from the rest of the songs on the album. It reached #6 on my chart and is #46 for 2013.
Australian dance duo The Presets offer synth-drenched otherworldly dance music which sounds like nothing else. Their album Pacifica wasn’t always successful but the focal point to me was the intense album track “A.O.” (which stands for ‘adults only’), which is an unmade science fiction movie unto itself. It’s #47 for 2013.
Returning Favourites:
At end of 2012, US quartet One Republic issued the single “If I Lose Myself”, which was eventually included on the band’s first album in 3 years, Native. The single signaled a more synth-led sound than usual which I found to be very appealing, though it wasn’t until later in the year with “Counting Stars” that the group once again achieved massive success, reaching #1 in the UK and Top 5 in the US. “If I Lose Myself” is #71 for 2013 – it may be re-released to follow up “Counting Stars”.
2012 was absent of music from our favourite boy robot, Simon Curtis. So the singer gifted us with an EP of songs written for others, called WWW, full of the expected electronic pop and dance bliss but somewhat different from what we had heard in RA and 8bit Heart previously. But “Berlin Wall” (#63) is an unforgettable singalong anthem paired alongside the likes of “Laser Guns Up”, while “Do I Have To Dance” (#48) is a shattering dance epic as the singer pleads “notice me” but alternately screams “how long do I have to dance?” as if it’s the worst thing in the world. Simon has a new song and dance video funded by fans which will appear in 2014.
Adam Tyler has been busy writing and recording his follow up to 2011’s Shattered Ice album after spending a lot of 2012 touring. He gave us a taste of what he’s working on with the dubstep-influenced “Fade Into The Light” at #58. The song was also featured on the essential dance compilation This Beat Is Poptronik… Volume 2… along with three others on this list!
L.A.-based Semi-Precious Weapons toned down their rowdy rock style a few notches for the anthemic ballad “Aviation High” early in 2013, which also serves as a lead-in to their upcoming release in early 2014. Can’t wait to hear what these boys have to offer us! Of note: Jarell Perry also recorded a spot-on soulful cover of “Aviation High”, proving the song’s instant versatility.
And at #41 for 2013 is the Oscar-winning “Skyfall” from Adele, which got to #7 at the top of the year.
SONGS 75 to 41
The prettier web version should be online by the end of Sunday.
75 CHARLIE BROWN On My Way 74 BIM Burn 73 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE featuring Jay-Z Suit & Tie 72 FRANKMUSIK Chasing Shadows 71 ONE REPUBLIC If I Lose Myself 70 GHOST BEACH Too Young (Penguin Prison Remix) 69 FRANKMUSIK Life (Is My Revenge) 68 LORDE Royals 67 OSVALDO SUPINO Ma Radio 66 ARIANA GRANDE featuring MAC MILLER The Way 65 MATTHEW KOMA One Night 64 CONOR MAYNARD featuring NE-YO Turn Around 63 SIMON CURTIS Berlin Wall 62 SEMI-PRECIOUS WEAPONS Aviation High 61 NE-YO Let Me Love You (Till You Learn To Love Yourself) 60 LAWSON Juliet 59 PARRALOX Headhunter 58 ADAM TYLER Fade Into The Light 57 RIVER TIBER What Are You Afraid Of 56 FRANKMUSIK Fast As I Can 55 DANIEL BEDINGFIELD O.V.E.R. U. 54 JAMES WILLIAM Lay Your Love On Me 53 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE Let The Groove Get In 52 LAWSON featuring B.o.B. Brokenhearted 51 PET SHOP BOYS Love Is A Bourgeois Construct 50 SAM DICKINSON Learn To Wait 49 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE Take Back The Night 48 SIMON CURTIS Do I Have To Dance 47 THE PRESETS A.O. 46 PASSION PIT Take A Walk 45 JARELL PERRY 9 2 5 44 CHRIS WALLACE Keep Me Crazy 43 WILLY MOON My Girl 42 ANDY SUZUKI & THE METHOD Dirty Floors 41 ADELE Skyfall
Edition #420 is my last chart of 2013, and my Best 75 Songs of 2013 will be posted on the weekend of December 28, before the next chart. Any songs that are expected to rise after this chart will appear on next year’s Best Of list.
Much of the top of the chart stays the same as two weeks ago, with locks on 1, 2, and 3, so I’ll focus on movement, debuts, and two ‘extras’ 😀
The Top 10:
Travis Garland is a name you will get to know more in 2014. I wrote about the video to his new EP “Motel Pool” this past weekend. But right now, the classy and rhythmic “Easy” soars 9-4 on my chart. Live clip is above.
“Berlin Wall” by Simon Curtis joins “Do I Have To Dance” in the Top 10 as we anxiously await news of his upcoming video and more new music.
Also debuting in the Top 10, and looking mighty mighty 😉 is “Every Single Moment” by SIRPAUL, which crashes in at #8. Remixes coming soon!
The last debut is Lawson, who’ve had a splendid year in these parts, charting with both “Learn To Love Again” and “Brokenhearted” in my Top 10. “Juliet” makes it a triple play at #9. Top notch live clip is below.
Movin’ On Up:
“Animals” ultimately did get to #1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Play chart after hovering in the Top 10 for a while. Martin Garrix has the fastest riser on this chart as it moves 18-11. More to come from this new whiz kid 🙂
That stunning new singer from England, Eurielle, has some cool stuff brewing in the background which will make 2014 most interesting for her. The seductive and catchy single “Gold” climbs 19-13, from her debut EP The Incarnation.
Mid-chart emotions strike big time with Jarell Perry’s breathtaking “4th of July” at #14, as well as “Breathe Me”, the minimalist cover of the Sia song by Portugal’s Carlos Nóbrega, bounding 21-15. It’s looking to become Carlos’ second Top 10er.
Last week’s premieres all had the number 6 waiting for them, as they each move up 6 places: “Marry The Night”as vocalized by Adam Lambert (#18) via “Glee”; “Do What U Want” right on his monster boot heels by Lady GaGa & R. Kelly (#19); and Corey Niles & Dru with “Rollercoaster” (#22), which is pretty damn difficult to get out of your head.
New to the Chart:
Catch Bright Light Bright Light on the west coast if you can! The wistful title track from his latest EP In Your Care arrives on the chart at #24.
I like ARTPOP. It’s not the great album that it could have been. It sounds terrific but there are too many songs that I pass on to hear again. Joining “Applause” and “Do What U Want” on the chart is the rocking “MANiCURE” at #28. This is Lady GaGa emulating Annie Lennox circa 1986/87 – think of “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves” and “I Need A Man”. It’s one of the songs that draws me in to ARTPOP every time!
Lastly, “Come A Little Closer” by Cage The Elephant is an uncharacteristic alt.rock entry (#29) – at least lately, my chart was full of it at the turn of the century. Both the concert video and animated one will make you go ‘wow’, I promise!
Extras:
You couldn’t go a blog post from summer 2012 to winter 2013 without me talking about Indiana native Chris Wallace. He’s been touring the States backwards and forwards, and seems to be having such a great time of it all. His #1 on my chart “Remember When (Push Rewind)”, was my #2 song of 2012. He has two songs this year in my year end list, and one is his new single “Keep Me Crazy”. If it might seem a little late to you, remember about momentum and radio play, which have guided this song into the Top 40 radio songs. That great time touring has rubbed off in the video, which is a whole lot of fun, starting off with Oscar nominee Eric Roberts as Chris’ psychiatrist, who makes him dream of crazy situations… or does he? I suppose it would have been nice if Eric’s character could have evolved into Julia Roberts, but the makers are shy of a few million for that 😉 Anyway have a good time with “Keep Me Crazy” below.
My other extra is hot off the presses today, and is so different, you need to give it a watch/listen. I raved about L.A. based singer Ryan Adamés’ acoustic and thoroughly enchanting cover of Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me”, which was #2 for six weeks on my chart and has just exited after a maximum of 10 appearances (20 weeks). He’s back with another acoustic rendition, but this time it’s Britney Spears’ “Work Bitch”, accompanied by singer Todrick Hall. I don’t like the original; so Ryan provides a fine vocal, sometimes in sing-along mode, over the lyrics which for the most part were spoken or shouted by Britney. While you admire how Ryan smolders again in the video, you really have to get to the 3 minute mark for Todrick’s break and after which the vocals harmonize so, so beautifully that you’ve almost forgotten that it’s “Work Bitch”. Mucho points for creativity, excellent harmonies, and for Ryan (as a Britney fan) making the song his own. Watch below and download for free from Ryan’s Facebook page (you must ‘like’ it first).
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailsweb edition of my chart.
Here’s the full BILLCS Top 30
01 01 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light 02 02 WHAT’S GOING ON Monsieur Adi F/ A*M*E 03 03 CAN’T HOLD BACK Anton Ewald 09 04 EASY Travis Garland 05 05 I HAVE A NAME Osvaldo Supino 06 06 WE CAN’T STOP SUMMERTIME SADNESS DATABOY 07 07 DO I HAVE TO DANCE Simon Curtis 13 08 EVERY SINGLE MOMENT SIRPAUL 11 09 JULIET Lawson 12 10 BERLIN WALL Simon Curtis 18 11 ANIMALS Martin Garrix 04 12 SOMEBODY LOVES YOU Betty Who 19 13 GOLD Eurielle 16 14 4TH OF JULY Jarell Perry 21 15 BREATHE ME Carlos Nóbrega 08 16 ADORN Miguel F/ Jessie Ware 10 17 APPLAUSE Lady GaGa 24 18 MARRY THE NIGHT Glee Cast F/ Adam Lambert 25 19 DO WHAT U WANT Lady GaGa F/ R. Kelly 22 20 KEEP ME RUNNING Andy Suzuki & The Method 23 21 I CAN’T HELP IT Dangerous Muse 28 22 ROLLERCOASTER Corey Niles F/ Dru 15 23 IMPOSSIBLE Ryan Star New 24 IN YOUR CARE Bright Light Bright Light 14 25 HEADHUNTER Parralox 17 26 MA RADIO Osvaldo Supino 20 27 REWIND Neverest New 28 MANiCURE Lady GaGa New 29 COME A LITTLE CLOSER Cage The Elephant 27 30 BLACK LIGHT (Stormby remix) Kaden
2013 started the introduction to FrankMusik’s albums Between and Between Us with “Fast As I Can”, so it’s fitting that the next phase of FrankMusik begins in the last month of the year with “Ephemeral Summer”. Like with many songs from the other two albums, it’s highly reflective, not intended to be The Big Hit Single, and I must say that you need to stick with the video (with its huge amount of close-close ups) into its second minute in order to appreciate the song as a whole.
FrankMusik also returned to England this year from L.A., so just about any summer in most of England is indeed short. But to me the title subject is a bit of a metaphor for being home, finding a girl or two to date, being in your comfort zone where you can usually flourish the most. And with the big, big sound of the latter part of the song, leading into whatever he has to offer next, I can only say: Flourish on – I (and many others) just can’t wait for more. “Ephemeral Summer” is from his upcoming fourth album, apparently titled And So It Begins.
“Motel Pool” signals a return to a proper damn sexy music video. It has a great build up, shots of a couple of lovely bodies, and of course romance in the title place of choice, very well directed and edited. “Motel Pool” also solidifies my thoughts from throughout 2013 that Travis Garland is one of the most important unsigned performers to watch. His self-titled album, which includes “Motel Pool” among its diverse selection of R&B/pop, is one of my Top 5 favourites of the year. “Motel Pool” is also from the four song EP of the same name, due December 17, which includes two ‘B-sides’. Watch the video below.
The sophomore album from New York singer Baiyu, is somewhat of a turnabout from her debut release, last year’s Hunter. Ayahuasca (the name of a hallucinogenic herb which is said to have spiritual properties) allows Baiyu to delve inward and project hopes, dreams, and fears into her songs. She released a song a month for free throughout 2013, leading up to this release, and some of those songs are included on the album.
The songs in Ayahuasca are mainly alternatives to pop/R&B songs on the radio, with a few short interludes, though like with Hunter, Baiyu’s strength is to gild her pitch-perfect voice to softer songs which have appealing quiet-power. “Paper” and “Fire” are very different from each other, but likely the two examples of Baiyu at her best. Musically the record is at its most experimental with the title song, and lyrically with “Sandman”. On a whole Ayahuasca is an adventure of the soul – moody, romantic, dreamy. It’s a great example to display the development of an artist, and Baiyu has much, much more to offer.
Download Ayahuasca for free from her websiteright hereand listen to “Paper” below.
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.