After his major label debut in 2010 with the long-awaited 11:59 album (which got to the Top 40 of the Billboard 200) and long-lasting songs like “Right Now”, “Breathe”, and “Last Train Home”, as well as last year’s “Stay Awhile” on a different label, Ryan Star is back with his new independent release, the EP Animals, due August 5. From that, as reported by Billboard today, “Impossible” will be the first single.
By far, this is one of the best songs from Ryan to date, another empowering set of lyrics reminiscent especially of “Breathe” carried by a live off the floor performance that resonates with honesty and fervour. This is not entirely unexpected from Ryan, who leaves himself on the stage whenever he performs. I’ve seen him twice in concert, in 2010 and last year in my city (when I got to chat with him), and “Impossible” looks to be great start to the 2013 Animals phase for Ryan. You can pre-order Animals on iTunes. Listen and add your comments at Billboard’s Soundcloud link below.
I say that Ryan’s version of “As Long As You Love Me” is the most unexpected cover song of the year for a number of reasons. I mean, how many versions of this Justin Bieber song have you already heard? Most of them just want to copy his style and don’t attempt to make the song their own. Puerto Rican native Ryan Adamés is known mainly in dance circles and is a rising star thanks to his unique collaboration with Parralox on their cover of “Silent Morning” (which resides within my current Top 5 on my chart). So to hear him tackle this song is out of the ordinary, more so because it doesn’t have a peppy dance beat to it. Next, it is stripped down to next to nothing. It shows what a great, pure voice Ryan has in an acoustic setting. The guitar work has a sexy Spanish flavour to it too. Lastly, Ryan transforms the song. It is recognizable as a Bieber cover for sure, after the first few bars, but would you really expect it to turn out so well? I was floored the first time I heard “As Long As You Love Me” and my daughter wanted to know who he was immediately. It draws you in and cozies right up next to you, so yes you can expect to feel warm and fuzzy afterwards.
And Ryan’s video – he directed it – has a loose but simple plot to it that lets us into the studio and choreo warmups in-between until you almost forget about it. Then, that ending… so much was first said about the ending of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”, and then even more was said about Steve Grand’s “All American Boy” video these past few weeks that I think those that connected with the latter will adore this one. Huge props to Ryan and his team – this is one of the songs of summer ’13 for me 🙂
I like to think of today’s music world as a treasure trove of delights waiting to be discovered. I’m fortunate enough to receive previews of songs and albums, and occasionally get my socks knocked off by some terrific performers. Sam Dickinson is a relatively new UK singer whose album The Stories That Occurred is released on Monday.I already wrote about his initial single/video “How It Used To Be”, one of the standouts of the very personal songs on the album. Sam is one of those quintessential UK soul voices that comes along rarely, though guys like Charlie Brown and Daley are good company for him. But The Stories That Occurred is awash in more old school soul – definitely back to the 60’s with Sam & Dave and Aretha, but more noticeably 80’s such as Paul Young and The Style Council, but particularly Simply Red. And just as when you look at Mick Hucknall, you do not expect such a big, resonant, soul-ridden voice to come out of Sam Dickinson.
But it does, and indeed it is the showpiece of the album, as it should be. The Stories That Occurred contains upbeat songs and ballads, and is richly produced to compete with any similar sounding big label guns. His new single “Learn To Wait” is a foot-stomper that leaps out of your stereo speakers with its powerful vocal and big horn arrangement – watch the video below. The other standouts on the record are “Lift Your Head”, which is an inspirational and heartfelt song about cancer awareness, and the ballad “A Million Miles”, which uses Sam’s power and the horn arrangement to different effects.
Sam Dickinson is definitely not a talent you want to miss! Watch for the opportunity to catch his shows if you are in England. The fine work on this album speaks for itself. It should attract pop and R&B/soul fans in droves, and “Learn To Wait” is the single that will help get Sam the attention that this album deserves. Get it on iTunes!
Our first blast of Summer Popervescence takes all kinds of shapes and forms, as you will soon hear… 🙂
LORDE “Royals”
When I’ve been following the online praises about “Royals” by New Zealand singer Lorde, no one mentioned in passing that she was only 16! Yes Ella Yelich-O’Connor has a mature presence both in voice and in songwriting for this debut, which looks like it will crash the Top 40 in time after being playlisted at alt.rock radio. Its idiosyncratic yet memorable melody meshes beautifully with Lorde’s voice, which sounds like the second coming of Natasha Bedingfield but also reminiscent of lesser known singers like Jem. Before the end of the year you can expect that the world will be well-acquainted with Lorde.
GOLDFRAPP, “Drew”
Did anyone see this coming? Suddenly the much revered band led by Alison Goldfrapp has a 6th album coming out in September called Tales Of Us, which apparently will be a return to form for a lot of fans who have followed them these 12 years or so, moving away from the more commercial but successful dance/pop of 2010’s Head First. “Drew” is one mysterious duck of a preview song and video to the album, beautifully sung and striking, but it’s definitely moody and will make your spine feel like it does when watching something like “Twin Peaks”.
JOEE, “Bizarre Love Triangle”
It seems as if Toronto dance/pop singer Joée DeSimone took a long break from the music scene after a series of successes from the mid-90’s cover of Cutting Crew’s “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” with his group Intonation through to late 90’s and early 2000’s domestic hits such as “Angel”, “Arriba”, and “Sunshine” (all of which by the way were Top 10 on my personal chart). He’s back and sounding like he’s never missed a step with a contemporary and faithful cover of New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle”. So this is definitely a promising big welcome back to that distinctive voice of his, and I’m sure looking forward to more new songs from Joée.
BLAKE McGRATH, “Heaven (Follow Me)”
It looks like Toronto master choreographer/dancer/singer Blake McGrath could have his biggest success yet with “Heaven (Follow Me)”, an uplifting and joyous song supported by a colourful and inspiring video which (according to my daughter anyway) also includes some dancers who were part of Blake’s So You Think You Can Dance Canada days as a judge/choreographer. Blake’s voice has also improved through his previous releases so it’s great to see him continue to spread his talents through both song and dance. So I’m calling this one a bit of a sleeper hit well worthy of your attention 🙂
OSVALDO SUPINO, “Ma Radio”
Italian singer Osvaldo Supino is someone who continues to be on the bubble for international success. “Ma Radio” is likely is best shot yet. In its original form it’s a crunchy dance floor thumper that will not only find its way under your skin, it will crawl right down to your feet. As you will tell from the video above, wherever Osvaldo goes with his boombox suddenly becomes party central. While we know a more seductive and racy style of Osvaldo from songs on his Exposed album like “Pornographic” and “Get Laid” as well as past hit “When I Think About Sex”, “Ma Radio” (which also has an engaging Stormby remix) shows the good natured party animal that lurks beneath that slim bright-eyed body. You can find Exposed and “Ma Radio” on iTunes.
CHLOE MORGAN, “Do You Even Think Of Me”
The luminous voice of Chloe Morgan defines how we use the word chanteuse in English. It’s big and dramatic, but controlled, which could have otherwise have sent an emotional song like “Do You Even Think Of Me” into histrionics. But no, this is one beauty of a record from her recent EP Piano Forté. Chloe is from England but based in Vancouver, and was at one time part of the UK Popstars band Clea. But she clearly had her sights set on grander things and “Do You Even Think Of Me” is the best and sweetest kind of adult pop around. Pair her with fellow British singer Elouise and let her loose. Her video, featuring Chloe all made up in a beautiful gown in the dark at a beach, is most suitable and reminds me of Jane Badler’svideo for “Yesterday’s Tomorrows”(the song graced my Top 10 last year).
Pardon me while my comments about Electric by Pet Shop Boys take over the top of the chart’s blog post.
Now approaching a 30 year partnership, PSB’s Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe have returned to a variation on the disco/dance sound that made them famous, on their latest album, and one of their best yet, Electric. Their second lead-in to the album, “Vocal”, has scored #1 on my personal chart again for a second appearance, and doesn’t look like it will be yielding that to another song any time soon. I’ve already mentioned in weeks past that I think it’s one of their best songs in the last 20 years… a fact that is almost replicated several times over in Electric. What’s back that has been missing from more recent PSB projects are the witty lyrics, sparkling melodies, and droll vocal, as well as the sheer fun amid the adrenaline rush of most of the songs which are matter-of-factly designed to smash the dancefloor. And while the songs bring back 80’s and 90’s memories, they are all quite rightly spot-on fresh for 2013. Besides “Vocal”, you can revel in “Fluorescent”, “Thursday”, and the most one-of-a-kind song within that is simply winning PSB, “Love Is A Bourgeois Construct”. Electric is one of the year’s best records – I’m so happy to say that about a PSB album too!! Listen to the entire album right here via Rdio.com– PSB and dance/disco renaissance are here 🙂
Returning to the chart, young Anton Ewald has to settle for second place behind PSB with his contagious European hit “Begging”. Expect it to be lodged here for a while.
New to the top five at #5 is a rendition of the 80’s freestyle hit “Silent Morning” (below) that will grow on you more and more, as recorded by Parralox with Ryan Adamés, both of whom respectively have a new album and new songs due imminently.
And new to the top ten we have the smashing duet by Dan Black and Kelis on “Hearts” at #8, fastest riser and worldwide #1 “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke, T.I. & Pharrell Williams at #9, and Bongiovanni’s deep house Quebec dance floor delight “I Think I Love You” (a rework of a song by rapper Dwele) at #10.
You can view the full Top 30 using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can clickright here. You can hear all of the songs on the chart or watch their videos by clicking on the pics on the chart page. Any free downloads that are identified are sanctioned by the performer. There’s always a tiny place at the bottom of the blog post with tags and the statement “Leave A Comment” – please feel free to do so
In the past few weeks we’ve seen an explicit video for “Tunnel Vision” appear from Justin Timberlake, and then that was quickly followed by the spiffy 70’s throwback “Take Back The Night”, from his upcoming album The 20/20 Experience Part II (ab0ve), which might be better than any song on Part I. In the meantime, the funky “Let The Groove Get In” arrives at #11, which was the peak for “Suit & Tie” earlier this year.
FrankMusik recently completed his USA Between States tour, and is preparing to release an acoustic version of his album Between called Between Us. His current single “Chasing Shadows” lands at #12, followed by punchy album track “Life (Is My Revenge)” at #17.
Lawson saw their fifth single, “Brokenhearted”, featuring B.o.B., released at last, and quite fitting it arrived at #6 in the UK singles chart. And on my chart, it moves up 21-16 (video below).
If the phrase ‘indie darling’ could apply to one song right now, it’s the irresistible “Remix My Love” by Killian Wells featuring Kristinia DeBarge, which jumps 26-19 on the chart.
I’d really love it if my talented fellow Smith, he being cabaret/electropop singer Kim Smith, would post “Shooting Star” for all to hear online. The song moves up 28-21.
Don’t blame Amelia if your summer gets colder, and if you get wiser or bolder. As sung by Color Theory (aka Brian Hazard), “Colder” by Amelia’s Fault jumps 27-23. Fans of Depeche Mode and other mid-80’s electronica performers are most likely to be overjoyed at the sound of this song, which certainly gets under your skin quite easily.
New to the chart:
L.A. based singer Travis Garland just announced a small tour of central/west cities which you can find listed on his Instagram page. After the well-deserved #1 peak of “Blue Electric Roses”, I’ve delved deeper into his Fashionably Late Part II EP for the most unique-sounding song within. The intriguing “Homewrecker” bows on the chart at #24.
To me, last year’s “Timebomb” was the start of a great new phase for Kylie Minogue, and she continues that aggressive dance sound with “Skirt”, only currently available on Beatport, but arriving at #26. You can also listen to remixes on Soundcloud via her new label Rising Music, including the Cut Snake remix, available for free download below.
Lastly at #28 is “Winning Ground” by Eric Saade, which has been issued as a separate single worldwide to Eric’s Coming Home EP. It’s the best song of the lot with the potential to be a huge anthem, and you can enjoy watching Eric sing solo decked out in slick denims on the soccer field in the official video below to support women’s soccer in Sweden.
Because of technology and social media, there is so much well done indie music out there just dying to be taken to the next level. That means someone has to generally invest in it so that tours, merch, radio play, etc. etc. all happen. Unfortunately, in the music industry there is just no middle class, as Jay-Z has so aptly displayed recently!! So that leaves it to us bloggers and music fans to spread the word because Jay-Z doesn’t need our help… I bring you Indievescence!!
JARELL PERRY “4th of July”
Earlier this year, LA-based R&B/pop singer Jarell Perry released his album Simple Things for free download. It’s one of the best records of 2013 (a bizarre oversight on my part to my last blog post), and he keeps sending high quality freebies our way. The latest, in time for the US Independence Day holiday, is “4th of July”, which is the scene for a love that has ended, but which the singer still wants to have. Like many of the songs in Simple Things, “4th of July” is an emotional affair, flawlessly sung and produced. If a major label does come along and take Jarell out of indieland one of these days, they will have a huge hitmaker on their hands. Download “4th of July” using the Soundcloud link above.
BAIYU “Fire”
New York singer Baiyu has been releasing one song a month for free since January, and “Fire” is not only one of her most different and haunting songs, but it’s also one of her best. To me, a song like “Fire” takes the balladeer Baiyu to another level, which was sometimes achieved in last year’s Hunter mixtape. It’s got a very low key but dirty synth line that carries the imagery through to the obvious theme of playing with fire. Baiyu can kill a regular ballad with ease, but hearing a song like “Fire” is much more of an adventure. You can download it for free in the You Tube link above.
VANESSA ELISHA, Don’t Go (EP)
In follow up to her single “Home To Me”, beautiful Australian singer Vanessa Elisha has released a five song pop/R&B EP, Don’t Go, which includes that lush song still playing on repeat on my iPod. And if you enjoy the music of the aforementioned Baiyu, then Vanessa Elisha’s songs will resonate with you in a similar way in addition to songs by the likes of Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Jill Scott… a pleasing hybrid of traditional and new. You can download the entire EP for free using the above Soundcloud link. Next best to “Home To Me” would be the memorably understated “Waiting”, though the title song probably features Vanessa’s best vocal. I’d love to hear Baiyu and Vanessa in a duet *hint hint*
GRIDS, Grids (EP)
Today, Toronto quartet Grids officially released their debut self-titled EP. What’s most ear-catching about the music of this guitars-bass-drums outfit is a raw, gritty rock sound that you might associate more with the early 90’s onset of grunge – and in Canada that means early sounds of bands like Sloan, The Doughboys, Econoline Crush, and I Mother Earth – all popular when these early 20’s guys were just kids. You can hear all four of the songs yourself and download them for free through the band’s Bandcamp page. The song that sticks in my head is the tightly played “Bathroom Tiles”, which somehow manages to combine the rawness of 90’s Seattle sound with the flourish of early 80’s post punk, and bassist Sean McKee’s voice has Bono moments reminiscent of U2’s Boy or October albums. Download “Bathroom Tiles” right here. Grids plays Toronto club Double Double Land on Saturday July 13 along with one of my ongoing favourites, fellow Toronto band River Tiber, so if you’re in Toronto it’s a mere $6.00 cover.
DAME, “Holy Moly”
Dame is an L.A. based singer (née Michelle Armstrong) whose voice is just waiting to be heard. Think of a blend of Kelly Clarkson-meets-Sheryl Crow-meets-Pink-meets-Amy Lee and you can get an idea of the kind of power and range she puts forth in “Holy Moly”, from her EP Preventions Of Heartbreak. It’s an interesting juxtaposition to feature a slight kind of phrase like holy moly in a serious song where the singer is looking for her would-be beau to commit to her and not take the relationship for granted through lust – and she’s even willing to wait for him to come around, too. The video (above) through many close-ups brings this across beautifully and the performance pieces show an earnest style which signals that Dame could be well-positioned for some success soon. I’m looking forward to seeing where Dame’s songs take her next. “Holy Moly” is a grower and a keeper. As a side note, Dame is the companion of TV hunk Matt Lauria (Parenthood, Friday Night Lights) 🙂
It’s summer and the best voices soar on a clear sunny day…
BETTY WHO “Somebody Loves You”
Australia has given us another divine new voice in the form of singer Betty Who, who dropped her EP The Distance amid oodles of praise. Add my endorsement – “Somebody Loves You” is a sparkling single that could weave its spell in the same way that Katy Perry’s best singles can overtake you. And while this single just glows, the EP, which is free for the downloading right here, shows much depth that will make her a keeper in the pop world.
SAM DICKINSON “How It Used To Be”
Sam Dickinson is a new British blue-eyed soul singer based out of Newcastle. Stop. “New British blue-eyed soul singer” is almost always a good sign for me with music, but even with that positive heads up, young Sam has a unique, powerhouse voice that will blow the roof off your local club. Take heavy doses of 80’s Simply Red and Style Council via contemporary dance tunes and add significant inspiration from the Atlantic/Stax era of the late 60’s, and you will hear where Sam Dickinson is coming from in “How It Used To Be”, from his forthcoming album The Stories That Occurred, which is due in two weeks. I will have the scoop on that album for you closer to that time.
LAWSON “Missing”
Just in advance of yesterday’s official UK and Australian release of “Brokenhearted” (featuring B.o.B.) (which I wrote aboutright here), promising UK quartet Lawson treated us to an acoustic performance of Everything But The Girl’s classic 1995 hit “Missing”. This is particularly impressive because the original version of “Missing”, from EBTG’s Amplified Heart album, was acoustic. But all eyes and ears are on singer Andy Brown, who embodies this cover with passion and desperation, very unlike the original. I hope they perform it in concert when I see them again in late August. In fact, the boys can take it as an official request – pretty please 🙂
SIMON CURTIS “Meteor”
Lately, one of our favourite American wunderkinds of this decade, Simon Curtis, has been chatting on Twitter about how one of his songs called “Meteor” was excerpted in a new TV show called “Twisted”. Yesterday, he let on that the song was available on the Internet to hear, for those that could find it! Always up to a challenge, I have indeed located this frenzied bit of arpeggio-laden Swedish-influenced pop, which according to the Soundcloud link was discreetly posted about 10 months ago. Even if it may not receive official release, it’s certainly way beyond a lot of the fluffy Europop that will grace your ears this summer. A very shiny sign of good things to come from Simon’s work-in-progress.
BAC2SSENTIAL featuring CHARLY MAE “Waiting For You”
Though I’m still digging her anthemic “Girls Go Hard”, UK singer Charly Mae has lent her big, big voice for the first time to a deep house club banger courtesy of Bac2ssential called “Waiting For You”. It’s got that familiar, infectious house bounce that is slayed by Charly Mae’s engaging vocal. Dance club DJ’s shouldn’t overlook this one.
MY FAVOURITES OF THE FIRST HALF OF 2013
Songs (in alphabetical order)
BEGGING Anton Ewald
BLUE ELECTRIC ROSES Travis Garland
CAPTAIN FrankMusik
THE CITY River Tiber
CLARITY Zedd featuring Foxes
GET LUCKY Daft Punk featuring Nile Rodgers & Pharrell Williams
LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN Lawson
LIFTED Kwik Fiks & Bongiovanni
MAP FrankMusik
MY GIRL Willy Moon
1998 Matthew Koma
OUTTA MY MIND Matt Blue
PARACHUTE Matthew Koma
PLAY THE GIRL Tao Hypah
SAIL INTO THE SUN Gentlemen Hall
SOMEBODY TO LOVE ME Eli Escobar featuring Nomi Ruiz
VOCAL Pet Shop Boys
A WORLD APART Davis Redfield
YEAH YEAH Willy Moon
YOUR TOUCH Blake Lewis
Albums (alphabetical by performer)
MATT DUSK My Funny Valentine: The Chet Baker Songbook
It’s fitting that the two full months of summer in the western world get started with a blast of dance, plus five new entries on the chart to keep things busy…
You can never be sure with my chart, but last week’s #4 debut has yielded the first number one on my personal chart these last 15 years for Pet Shop Boys with the stunning “Vocal” (ab0ve) from their upcoming album Electric, due in two weeks. Of course PSB would have likely had a gaggle of #1’s on my chart had it existed in their classic heyday. As I’ve mentioned, “Vocal” is their best song in 20 years and paves the way for a PSB (and disco) renaissance!
“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk featuring Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams remains at #2, still one of my favourites of the year, as the year end list will likely reflect 🙂
Travis Garland’s “Blue Electric Roses” slides almost prematurely to #3 after a month at the top, but watch for at least another song from the Fashionably Late Part II EP to land on the chart sometime soon.
Eli Escobar and Jessica 6 singer Nomi Ruiz continue to climb to #4 with the club raveup “Somebody To Love Me”.
“Begging” by Sweden’s Anton Ewald (below) has its eyes on the top of the chart as it vaults 15-5, in a tie for the fastest riser on the chart.
“This Is What It Feels Like” by Armin Van Buuren featuring ex-soulDecision singer Trevor Guthrie gets caught between a lot of movement and holds at #6, so we’ll have to see if it rides into the Top 5 in two weeks.
The recent cover of freestyle classic “Silent Morning” (intriguing new official video below) continues to turn heads as Parralox featuring Ryan Adamés climb to #8. And if you like Ryan’s vocal on this song, watch for more from him to catch your immediate attention very soon – I’m sure I will have something to say about it when it’s time! 😀
If competition on the chart wasn’t so fierce, two gems, “9 2 5” by Jarell Perry and “Too Young” (Penguin Prison remix) by Ghost Beach would be higher, but they are only now reaching the Top 10 and hope to stay there in two weeks.
You can view the full Top 30 using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can clickright here. You can hear all of the songs on the chart or watch their videos by clicking on the pics on the chart page. Any free downloads that are identified are sanctioned by the performer. There’s always a tiny place at the bottom of the blog post with tags and the statement “Leave A Comment” – please feel free to do so
Some big moves lead the next 20 songs:
Montreal’s Victor Bongiovanni and pal Kwik Fiks know how to make chilled out deep house music proud, taking rapper Dwele’s “I Think I Love You” and fashioning it accordingly. The song (above) soars 20-12.
The song that’s in a tie for the fastest riser on the chart is “Hearts”, that rhythmic dance feast from Dan Black and Kelis. Definitely headed for the Top 5, it climbs 23-13.
“Dirty Floors” is one of the most earthy and true-to-life songs amid those in Born Out Of Mischief, the full length album by NYC’s Andy Suzuki & The Method. It jumps 26-17.
Our five debuts are led, a little belatedly, by the #1 song in the world, “Blurred Lines” (above) by Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams. Robin Thicke, son of my fellow Canadian, actor Alan Thicke, is no stranger to my chart. “Blurred Lines” in fact is his 9th chart entry since 2002, but first since 2009. His biggest feats have been “Wanna Love U Girl” (also featuring Pharrell, #4) and “Lost Without U” (#5), both from 2005/06. T.I. has had three appearances himself, with Justin Timberlake (“My Love”, “Dead and Gone”) and Rihanna (“Live My Life”) respectively. And Pharrell has seen #1 with his project N.E.R.D. back in 2003 with “Rock Star”, and has been featured on other songs by Mika (“Celebrate”) and Snoop Dogg (“Beautiful”). It will be no surprise if “Blurred Lines” doesn’t make even a bigger presence on the chart in two weeks 🙂
Next up is an album track from Between, the third release from FrankMusik. “Life (Is My Revenge)” is possibly the fiercest song on the album several listens later, it is an anthem about moving forward with life, definitely the best kind of way to say ‘I told you so’! It bows at #24.
I’ve written about the next three independent releases already, and am so glad that they are making quick headway on to the chart 🙂 :
“Remix My Love” by Killian Wells and Kristinia DeBarge (above) is possibly the sunniest sounding song of summer to arrive recently, with a gloriously colourful and fun video. It debuts at #26.
Completely the opposite, “Colder” (below) by Amelia’s Fault featuring a supurb vocal by singer Color Theory is definitely chilly electro to keep you calm and collected (and maybe a tad frosty) during the hot months to come. And if it doesn’t, well then you can just blame Amelia. “Colder” arrives at #27.
Lastly, from the dynamic album Nova comes the thoughtful and energetic “Shooting Star” which takes cabaret pop into electropop courtesy of the very talented Kim David Smith at #28.
A lot of thoughts came to my mind this week with the USA supreme court ruling concerning the magical and often elusive thing that is LOVE. Almost every person has their own definition of what it means to them, and how they behave in loving others and being loved by them. Too many people however allow labels and hatred to get in the way, when it’s really so easy to substitute kindness, peace and happiness in order to move forward.
Two songs also happened to truly resonate with me this week because of this, and while they have significantly different styles, the basis of each song is general enough to be far-reaching.
ARMAND DELUXE featuring SIRPAUL, “One Love”
“One Love” is one beauty of a summer dance anthem by producer/remixer/DJ Armand Deluxe and veteran NYC dance performer SIRPAUL. It really doesn’t say anything new – “one heart, one mind, one love”, asking us to stand up and join hands, and so forth. But these two artists get the message across with a joyful, positive and enthusiastic approach that simply makes you stop what you’re doing to get up and dance and celebrate love. “One Love” is worthy of worldwide attention and I’m hoping the two can create a video for the song. In tandem with this, Armand has started a Facebook page calledThe Global Love Project, where people can post their own stories. It’s an interesting idea and we’ll see where it goes. “One Love” and The Global Love Project can only do the world some good!!
CASEY STRATTON, “Love Is Love”
Prolific and very reliable Michigan-based singer Casey Stratton recently dropped his latest album Sea Into Sky. And as I was listening to the album this week, before any of the activity in the US started to come to a head, the second song on the album “Love Is Love” struck me perhaps as Casey’s best song in a while. It immediately stays in your head with its quiet and lyrical start which builds to a powerful and emotional crescendo after the three minute mark. Fans of Loreena McKennitt, Kate Bush, Tori Amos and others should flock to this, but for others like me Casey has written simple yet powerful lyrics that have arrived with fortuitous timing. As always, Casey’s elegant voice and musicianship is striking, making “Love Is Love” one complete package you need to hear that will warm your heart, soul and mind. You can buy “Love Is Love” and Sea Into Sky throughCasey’s store.
Three splendid cover versions have caught my attention recently by some familiar names you know well from this blog 🙂
NICK, “Get Lucky”
It’s getting closer to that time when a single from Nick Hagelin’s upcoming Streamline/Interscope album is due for release. So with his cover of Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”, we have a more produced effort but boy does it ever pack a punch. I love the song as is (currently #2 on my chart), but I love this version too!! Nick’s vocals positively rule this song, he changes up the approach with a gentle and sexy vocal that allows his falsetto to seep in. The guys look like they are having a blast, and I hope Nick’s album can show off a lot of these qualities that you often don’t find in major label releases.
ADAM TYLER, “The A Team”
Given all of the You Tube versions of Ed Sheeran’s worldwide hit, you’d think that one more might just get caught in the blur. But it doesn’t. LA-based singer Adam Tyler, currently on my chart with his EDM hit “Fade Into The Light”, strips the song down to basics as he has done before with other covers like “Torn” and ‘Turning Tables”, and sings a brilliantly heartfelt rendition that breaks loose the numbness after hearing the original so many times now. This bodes well for our Adam as he strides forward to create a follow up of originals to his winning 2011 album Shattered Ice.
MATTHEW KOMA, “Clarity”
Now that Zedd & Foxes’ original of “Clarity” looks like it will crack the Pop Top 10, it’s highly appropriate for Zedd’s pal Matthew Koma (who sang on the #1 dance hit of 2012 “Spectrum”) to interpret his friend’s huge hit. This is an acoustic version recorded live at the Cherrytree House where Matthew does not strive to copy Foxes’ vocal range and instead adapts the song beautifully to his lower register.
You may recall my mini-raves for two initial tasty treats from Australian-born New York-based cabaret charmer Kim Smith, “Jealous” and “Never Ever”. Well the full deal is available for you in iTunes as a part of Mr. Smith’s electropop album Nova.
The album is a thorough delight all of the way through. It’s hard not to find the lyrics and melodies resonating with you, for they are of the highest calibre courtesy of a cast of many: lyricist Charlie Mason, Måns Ek, Dirty Dasmo, Crush Boys (Daniel Volpe and Thomas Lipp), Erik Gold, Dirk Homuth, Johan Emmoth, Erik Lidbom, Richard Hymas, Ricardo Autobahn, Anders Lystell, Linda Stenmark, Florian Buba and Neele Ternes (officially out of breath now). And the songs in turn are enlivened by Kim’s rich and spot-on vocals, perfectly suited for each flavour within, whether he’s singing about having the “Radio” on, the quieter and pensive “These Tiny Little Things”, or even songs that require a very successfully campy approach, namely the haunting “Tarantula” and “Zombiez”. Best of all to me is the song that blazes like the album title, and that is the emotional affair that is “Shooting Star”.
In the meantime, reacquaint yourself with the video for “Jealous” and the Chameleon Musique Glitter Ball disco-influenced remix of “Never Ever”. If you reside in or will be visiting New York City this summer, do try to catch a Kim Smith show for me 🙂 I will settle for a live performance video 😉 Nova is one of the year’s most unexpected treasures from a classic talent who will be as enjoyed in the pop world as with his cabaret shows!
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