I take this pause in reviewing songs, albums and videos to rave about River Tiber’s concert in Toronto last night in anticipation of their new album Synapses due January 1.
As regular readers know, I have been touting multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Tommy Paxton-Beesley and his band since first hearing their From Now On album at the top of this year. I’ve now seen three shows by them, heard the Remixes and Massachusetts EP’s, as well as two songs from the upcoming album, “What Are You Afraid Of” (video below, created and directed by Tommy) and “I’m Not Here” (also listen below). By far, last night’s experience epitomizes why I go out to club shows to see new performers as well as my favourites. You end up seeing a show that you were glad not to miss.
The set mainly focuses on untried new material, book-ended by “Someday” at the top and “These Are Centuries” (which both landed up my chart earlier in the year, at #1 and #13 respectively) at the end. The rest of the show – which included “What Are You Afraid Of” – introduced a new River Tiber, incorporating ace guitar, bass, and drums/percussion work, as well as Tommy’s striking Jeff Buckley-esque vocals (hope you won’t get tired of that comparison ’cause it’s true 🙂 )which gave me chills of the best kind, along with very layered keyboard sounds and drum effects which might not sound out of place next to songs by the Chemical Brothers or Gorillaz. The club (Silver Dollar Room) where it was held is noted for showcasing Blues, Jazz and Folk performers, and regulars to this club might have seemed like fish out of water last night, but it was clear from the attention being paid to the show that River Tiber totally won them over.
Watch my Twitter feed for more River Tiber news, including upcoming shows – if you’re in Toronto in early January for the next one, which will be a CD release show, you won’t want to miss it.
I think we should be seeing some new blood invading the chart soon. In the meantime…
“Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia & John Martin holds at #1, while “Parachute” from Matthew Koma’s EP of the same name is now at #2 and looks to follow his pairing with Zedd on “Spectrum” (#10) to the top spot. “Music Makes Me Lose Control” by Carlos Nóbrega hangs tough at #3, while the understated (and unfortunately underperforming) “Between The Raindrops” by Lifehouse & Natasha Bedingfield zips up to #4. Lifehouse’s Almeria will be on release before the next chart on December 17. And Bright Light Bright Light gets yet another Top 5er with “Feel It”. Do go to this link for BLx2’s musical Christmas Advent calendar of mashups – today he meshed his own “Moves” with “Your Loving Arms”, the classic 90’s club hit by Billie Ray Martin (listen and download below).
In the ‘movin’ on up’ category, we find a contender for the top bounding up to #6 – “Yeah Yeah” by Willy Moon (stylish video up top), who performs two gigs in New York City this week. “Evolved” by Vague-à-bonde continues to impress by rising to #7, and “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” by Jane Badler (who is in Sweden, for fans of “V” – video below) moves to #8. “Let’s Go” by Matt & Kim becomes their third Top Tenner on this chart at #9.
You can view the full chart 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
Not to be outdone, “Skyfall” by Adele is no slouch at #12, while the fastest riser on the chart is the infectious controversy-generating “Play The Girl” by The Netherlands’ Tao Hypah, vaulting 21-13. It’s just one of those songs that has a message which is totally secondary to its engaging melody and chorus. “Good Girlfriend” by Kid Massive & DATABOY and “Must Be the Love” by Arty, Nadia Ali & BT continue to follow each other’s dance steps up the chart at #14 and #15 respectively. Bim’s “Burn” continues to sear its way up at #17, with last week’s pop parade of “Time Bomb (Walk Away)” by Chris Wallace and “1998” by Matthew Koma” in tow at #18 and #19, as well as Daniel Bedingfield’s “O.V.E.R. U.” at #21.
The three debuts have already been written about in these pages so absolutely no surprise that they land on the chart. “Fast As I Can” bows at #25 and is the first independently released single by FrankMusik from his upcoming album You Are here, due at end of January. As good as the song is, this one revels in a powerful, soulful Vincent Frank vocal. Vince also posted a most beautiful demo of a ballad recently called “Shores” – do give a listen below. Matt & Kim score entry #2 from their Lightning album with “Now” at #27 (live clip below). After the duo take a well-deserved break from touring, they will be back at it with Passion Pit in the new year.
Finally, The Presets arrive at #29 with “Youth In Trouble” from their Pacifica album (live clip below). The song was the first video we saw and has resonated much longer than the official single “Ghosts”. The duo will be back in home country Australia in the new year for more dates.
While studying French many years ago, I gained an innate appreciation for French and Quebecois culture, and one thing I adore is the humour. We already had an amusing bilingual single from Ian Lee earlier this year (“So Nice To Meet You”), and he’s back passing his worries away with “Je ne m’en fais pas” (from the EP of the same name, available on iTunes). He’s the straight man in the video just trying to perform his song and get the girl, despite all kinds of wacky antics. Oh and producer John Nathaniel gets in on the acting too (sorry dude your cheekbones are a dead giveaway). Watch below.
In My Coma, “Dreamers”
Their album Magnets & Miracles came out over a year ago, but this three piece band from the Toronto area featuring singer/guitarist Jasper James, bassist LauraDoll, and drummer Mike Paterson, has gained a lot of momentum this year, most recently opening up for Sum 41 in Toronto through a contest that they won. “Dreamers” is the latest video which continues to show off their flare for thoughtful lyrics and progressive rock-oriented melody. I’ll continue touting them but all you really need to do is see them in concert or listen to the album to hear them showcase their 90s-influenced brand of rock that seems to be making a comeback. Watch “Dreamers” below.
Shane Harper, “Dancing in the Rain”
Ever since he started appearing as Spencer in the TV show “Good Luck Charlie” (which I have little choice to watch, having a 12 year old daughter), I’ve been following Shane Harper’s music as he tries to extend beyond his Disney audience. He’s a multi-talent for sure – sings, plays music, acts, dances extremely well – and a song and video like “Dancing In The Rain” seals the deal. It’s a great, joyous showcase for Shane to show his mass appeal and it’s just a matter of time now before he breaks out of the Disney circle. Watch below.
Spencer, “The Quest for Pop (It’s What I Love)”
I’m writing this by actually secondingMy Fizzy Pop’s review from a few weeks back. New UK singer Spencer reminds me a whole lot vocally of American counterpart Chris Wallace, except with “The Quest For Pop” he’s dipped into relatively recent British music history. The song is a paean to the Stock-Aitken-Waterman era of dance pop, and the highly retro approach is extremely appealing. Lord knows what today’s youngins will make of it all, but it definitely strikes an emotional nerve in those of us who are older. I’m quite content to have more of this, please. Watch below.
Daley featuring Jessie J, “Remember Me”
You may recall 23 year old UK blue-eyed soul singer Daley (first name Gareth) from a few years back when he was featured on Gorillaz’s “Doncamatic”, which was a terrific Top 40 UK hit showcase for his far-ranging and unique voice that sometimes sounds like Jay Kay of Jamiroquai. He subsequently released a mixtape grab bag called Those Who Wait, from which his song “Smoking Gun” got some attention. He’s back and poised to make a huge splash with a debut album, and his pairing with Jessie J on “Remember Me” sparkles and keeps you listening and watching all the way through. I loves me that British soul stuff and Daley has the punch and presence to drive it home. Watch below.
Saint Motel, “Benny Goodman”
The L.A. quartet is back with another clever video directed by singer A/J Jackson, this time the most infectious and winning song from their album Voyeur,which I wrote about this summerafter checking out the band in concert. The video is equally compelling, with some great moves from a young dancer who is going to go places fast. He pretty much owns the video thanks to the deliberate non-reaction of the rest of the folks in the video, though it’s enhanced when some lovely ladies get up and join him. The song got to #15 on my chart recently and I’m hoping this video will generate some more notoriety for this talented troup. Watch below.
Usually I don’t write about some of the biggest names in the biz unless they happen to land on my personal chart. But two of my favourites are back and I can’t resist.
Cher, “Woman’s World”
Cher’s music has been a part of my life since I was a wee lad, and I like others of my AM Top 40 era thoroughly enjoyed her solo hits like “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves”, “Dark Lady”, “Half-Breed”, “Train of Thought”, and her disco entry “Take Me Home”. I couldn’t get into her 80’s soft rock, but “Believe” arrived about a year after I had been publishing my chart online and it, along with “The Music’s No Good Without You”, would find their way to my Top 10. The great thing about “Woman’s World” (from her upcoming still-untitled 26th album and first in 11 years) is that it sounds slick without being overproduced to the point that the vocal is over-enhanced. The message of the song will put Cher back up near the top of the charts again with Britney, Christina, Katy, Jessie J, and Pink, which proves these days at 66 you can release a song that’s as solid as for someone much younger. If Cher charts at pop on Billboard, she will be the only artist to chart in six consecutive decades (though she already accomplished it on another chart – the dance club play chart last year with “You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me”. Listen below.
Prince, “Rock And Roll Love Affair”
After premiering the song on the Jimmy Kimmel show this past week, it looks like eternally young 54 year old Prince is back in classic 80s/90s form with “Rock And Roll Love Affair”. Highlighting his always wicked guitar work, the otherwise stripped down sound is highly reminiscent of songs from Around The World In A Day or Diamonds & Pearls. What can you say – this is probably his best song in about 15 years, though I know there are many fans of his Grammy-winning 2004 album Musicology as well as 2006’s 3121. Watch below.
FrankMusik, “Fast As I Can”
Things are looking much brighter for FrankMusik (aka Vincent Frank), who is poised to release his third solo album independently early next year, titled You Are Here. He posted the track listing on Twitter, which will include one of my absolute faves by him, the 2011 ballad “Hurt You Again”. It also includes his latest single “Fast As I Can”, which features a gruffer voiced Vince which gives the song a more soulful feel than usual. The lyrics tell about a needed escape from a relationship, and the video shows Vince all dressed up as he heads on to better times down at the beach. As usual his inventive production keeps “Fast As You Can” stuck in your head. Watch below.
River Tiber, “I’m Not Here”
I can’t wait for River Tiber’s new album Synapses to see release. An Edge 102 new music showcase at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto almost two weeks ago apparently went well, and the Toronto band is playing again at the Silver Dollar on December 7. If I can get to that gig I hope to hear more. First we had the experimental “What Are You Afraid Of”, and now you can hear “I’m Not Here” below. Tommy Paxton-Beesley is the uber-talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist behind this project, and the jazz-inflected quiet behind “I’m Not Here” explodes with his startlingly Jeff Buckley-infused vocal around the 2:15 mark which not only gives shivers up your spine but brings the loneliness and isolation in the lyrics all the way home.
Monti Montanez, “En El Oscuridad”
Monti’s song “Turn Up The Radio” was one of the more pop-flavoured highlights of the must-have EDM compilation from this past Spring, This Beat Is… Poptronik Volume 1 (and yes, Volume 2 is coming next year!), featuring his guy-next-door vocal and a couple of neat hooks to make the song a tidy under three minute listen. He’s back with a busy and fun dance record this time all in Spanish called “En El Oscuridad”, which is more designed to get your attention the way that “On The Floor” did for Jennifer Lopez. Could he be the next Enrique Iglesias? “En El Oscuridad” is a game effort. Watch below.
Bear with me with this bare-bones write up of the songs on my latest personal chart. Aside from a few new videos, of course you can view the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can click right 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
Swedish House Mafia & John Martin get their turn at the top with the memorable “Don’t You Worry Child”, which displaces another fave of mine, “Music Makes You Lose Control” by Carlos Nóbrega, which should hang around in the Top 10.
But aside from the turnover at #1, the chart seems to be about one name. The name is Koma. Matthew Koma. Not only does his collaboration with Zedd on “Spectrum” stay in the Top 5 at #3, but the title track of his EP Parachute vaults 17-4, which could result in a shorter stay at #1 for the Mafia. The New Yorker also debuts at #26 with “1998”, which definitely shows his edgier rock style, definitely recalling post-punk folks like Elvis Costello and XTC. His album Propaganda will be out in early ’13 – woo!
It puts a smile on my face every time I play Bright Light Bright Light’s mashup of his hit “Feel It” with Scissor Sisters’ “Let’s Have A Kiki”. “Feel It” moves up to #6 this week, and the Lifehouse/Natasha Bedingfield collaboration on “Between The Raindrops” is slowly finding favour, rising 10-7. Watch the video below – too bad there aren’t any scenes with Jason and Natasha together.
Two newcomers join the Top 10, songs that you won’t really find elsewhere! “Evolved” by Vague-à-bonde climbs 11-8 as the singer (Nicole Alicia) prepares a video and more new songs. “Evolved” has one of those immensely likeable qualities – it just sneaks up on you and hits you between the eyes with its chorus. Mesmerizing in a different way is “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” by Jane Badler which rises 12-10 and can be found on Jane’s EP Mistaken Identity which you can buy on iTunes.
Despite many songs tumbling on the chart, there’s still quite a bit of activity. “Yeah Yeah” by New Zealand’s Willy Moon soars 22-11 as the singer tours in the UK. Matt & Kim wrap up their Lightning tour (though they are touring with Passion Pit in 2013) and “Let’s Go” jumps 15-12. Kid Massive & DATABOY make a great pairing as “Good Girlfriend” moves 20-17 (video below). Right behind is the Arty/Nadia Ali/BT collaboration “Must Be The Love” at #18, Adele’s “Skyfall” at #19, “Burn” by Bim at #20, and “Play The Girl” by Tao Hypah at #21.
Joining the chart are two more new entries. I’m hoping it may not be too premature, but since “Remember When” by Chris Wallace exits after a mandatory 10 chart (20 week) run, I’ve installed “Time Bomb (Walk Away)” at #25. To me this is the natural follow up to “Remember When”. Over the past two weeks, Daniel Bedingfield released the provocative video to “Secret Fear”, which got to #5 on my chart this summer. The video is quite a feat, developed and directed by Daniel, and filled with numerous meanings. I’ve also been playing “O.V.E.R. U.” from his free Secret Fear-Stop The Traffik EP for months, and it arrives on the chart at #27. Listen to “Time Bomb” and “O.V.E.R. U.” and watch the video for “Secret Fear” below.
Shorter and more frequent blog posts coming your way soon!!
Each season on The Voice, there’s a singer I truly enjoy and end up buying the songs from iTunes. In season one it was Beverly McClellan, in season two it was Jamar Rogers, and this season it’s Cody Belew. What’s different though about Cody, is that he’s a true underdog that the viewing audience seems to adore.
With good reason. Simply, he is us. Cody comes from kind of a grass roots kind of life growing up in Arkansas. He loves soul and country music (though I bet pop/rock too), and has an infectious sense of humour (he believes he was an old black woman in a previous life). He didn’t have a lot of Facebook or Twitter followers when the show started, unlike several other singers who are no longer on the show. But what made many people start rooting for Cody was his one-of-a-kind blind audition on The Voice.
With a solid rendition of the Otis Redding-penned “Hard To Handle” (done a la Black Crowes), I was staring at the TV egging on the judges to turn their chair for this guy. As Cody starts to wrap up his song, he turns his back to the audience, and then Cee-Lo Green turns his chair with seconds to spare. Cody turns around, and by then we’re all smiling for this guy, as he goes into this stage-shock, and rushes over to his new coach, exclaiming loving profanities, and thereby creating one of the most memorable TV appearances of the year.
Cody is no one-trick pony, his subsequent performances show that he has the goods to continue on successfully in the music business. He channeled his best Beyoncéfor a duet that highlighted his soulfulness on “Telephone”. His taut performance of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” (which starts at 1:25 in the above clip) was story-telling dazzle. But more than ever it was his smooth and smart interpretation of George Michael’s “One More Try” that sealed it for me. And with only one judge behind him at the beginning, he has enough going for him to be in the Top 12. That’s amazing.
Not to put a damper on this story, but I think this year’s season is the sensational 18 year old Trevin Hunte’s to lose. There are several powerhouse vocalists in the Top 12, but also three or four that beat out some better performances in the previous rounds. While the competition might make it unlikely, and I’m not a betting man, just don’t be surprised if we see Cody Belew in the Top 4 at the end. Even if that doesn’t happen, he’s got a flock of new fans that will be more than happy to gather at his concerts. So ‘Bam Bam’ and rock on.
Even though we had a song with a video about an alien love story at the top of the chart two weeks ago, my Hallowe’en party song for 2012 is “Music Makes You Lose Control” by Portugal’s Carlos Nóbrega, which climbs to #1 for this edition of my chart, succeeding “Spectrum” by Zedd & Matthew Koma. Carlos is working on an album and I’ll be one of the first to have news on it as it happens. In the meantime buy “MMYLC” on iTunes and support independent music by doing so!
Zooming to #3 to become a real challenge for the top is “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin, which looks to replicate its UK #1 status in other countries too. The Mafia are playing to huge crowds on what looks to be a final tour for the trio. Below is a live clip of the song. Also joining the Top 5 is “Anything Could Happen” by Ellie Goulding, which still seems to be getting lost in the success of “Lights”. Nonetheless it is one of the more joyous sounding songs of the year.
After coming off of a successful UK tour supporting Scissor Sisters, Bright Light Bright Light continues to rise up the chart to #7 with new single “Feel It”, which features several remixes and a new/old song “Good Times”. Rod Thomas (BLx2) has once again given us a free download of a remix, coupling “Good Times” with Black Box’s “Everybody Everybody” as “Good Body”, below.
Two songs join the Top 10. “Unheard” (#9) by Netherlands singer Jeronimo isn’t a single, but is one of the most enjoyable and irresistible songs from his debut album One Kiss. And “Between The Raindrops” by Lifehouse featuring Natasha Bedingfield is indeed a grower, leaping 18-10, as I look forward to the band’s next album Almeria and perhaps a tour in 2013. Take a look at a live clip of Lifehouse performing the song, below.
You can view the full chart using the link under***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can click right 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
Below the Top 10 is a steady busy stream of great music. “Evolved” by Vague-a-bonde moves to #11 as the singer records a new album. This independent release has a crackling good hook and a soft, winning vocal (listen below). Jane Badler’s “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” is at #12 and is also featured in the Stormby remix on the compilation Kiss My Lipstick Off. Imagine Dragons’ anthem “It’s Time” is now at #14, while Matt & Kim’s rollicking “Let’s Go” climbs to #15. As the release of Lotus approaches, “Your Body” by Christina Aguilera moves up to #16, and Mika’s “Popular Song” (taking its cue from “Popular” from “Wicked”) is up to #18. Kid Massive & DATABOY have a UK club hit with “Good Girlfriend” at #20, while “Must Be The Love” by Arty, Nadia Ali & BT jumps to #21.
As I expected two weeks ago, the chart got a bit of housecleaning and there are five new entries. It’s no surprise that the highest, at #17, is “Parachute” by Matthew Koma, ifyou read my rave about it recently. The one newcomer that I haven’t written about yet is “Yeah Yeah” by Willy Moon at #22. You know it as an iPod commercial song. But on its own, it’s a powerful crowd-pleaser from this 23 year old New Zealand native who is currently touring in the UK and Europe opening for Jack White. Watch the stylish, simple and fun choreography in the video below.
Despite the overhype, Adele’s theme for the new James Bond film “Skyfall” rises above it all, being such a gorgeous piece of drama unto itself, landing at #23 on the chart. At #25 is “Burn” by Bim from their Lifelines EP, which is due for worldwide release this week. This is the opener to the EP but is the core of it, full of intense emotions that could write their own book. The video is intriguing with its comic book theme, and really doesn’t have much to do with the song – watch below. Lastly, “Play The Girl” by another Netherlands singer, Tao Hypah,which I also wrote about recently, debuts at #28 following the #3 success of “Celeb”.
“Parachute” is pure pop as cutting edge as it can be for 2012. Of course it’s no wonder, it’s brought to you by singer/songwriter Matthew Koma, whose unique and wide-ranging voice makes the song soar. The melody is vibrant and inviting – really what more can you ask for? Oh yeah – a truly fun dance mix courtesy of Kat Krazy. Watch the video below and listen to the remix.
Eric Saade, “Marching (In The Name Of Love)” and “Miss Unknown”
After truly dazzling us with two splendid albums in 2011 (and taking me totally aback, especially with “Popular” and two subsequent #1 songs on my chart), Swedish singer Eric Saade uses the same strategy to bring us two new singles before his next album’s release. In these songs he seems to have put aside the frenetic arpeggio-laden electronic dance pop, which may yet emerge on the album. “Marching (In The Name Of Love)” plays more on the R&B/hip hop appeal in Europe for Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Labrinth, and Tinie Tempah. It’s likely to be more of a crowd pleaser than “Miss Unknown”, which reminds me more of a mid-tempo Ne-Yo ballad. Do I think these are his best songs? No but they may be growers, and I think his vocal particularly shines on “Miss Unknown”. Looking forward to the album to see what he will bring us. Watch the lyric videos for both songs below.
Matthew Kurz, “One Night (Damn!)”
After tantalizing us with a series of recent cover versions (most notably a brilliant version of “Titanium”), Matthew Kurz is back with a new original song that draws you in and holds on to you all the way through. What is essentially a ballad takes a hip hop sidestep quickly that gives the song a flavour that compares nicely to some of Bruno Mars’ songs. I like the mix of swag and sweet, and it’s songs like these that will take Matthew far. Give a listen below.
Matt & Kim, “Let’s Go”
I’ve already praised the duo to the hilt recently for their concert and new album Lightning. They have a lot of fun with an entry for the model business in the official video for “Let’s Go” (currently on my personal chart). A great cast of character faces keeps this one moving along with Matt & Kim’s endless appeal. Watch below.
Ryan Silverman, “The Crossing Tree”
While you may already know New York-based Canadian Ryan Silverman from his starring roles on Broadway, he entered the pop world recently with a striking video and cover version of “Come On Down To My House”which I brought to you in July. Now he’s back with an original that he co-wrote, “The Crossing Tree”. The song has a similar jazzy swing to it but changes it up mid-way to become more of a pure pop, storytelling entry about making choices. Ryan is definitely in the same class as Michael Buble, Matt Dusk, and Harry Connick Jr., but this fine entry also will appeal to fans of the likes of Chris Isaak, Neil Diamond or Chris Mann. Watch the video (with some fine NYC shots) below.
Kim Smith, “Zombiez”
Here is your musical Hallowe’en treat. Australian cabaret performer Kim Smith (who has a following in the U.S.) takes a detour into electropop creepiness (from a forthcoming album) with his enthralling “Zombiez”, which is accompanied by an appropriately edited video comprised of scenes from the original “Night Of The Living Dead”. The song would only work with another voice as equally magnetic as Kim’s. Watch below and enjoy the Ricardo Autobahn remix.
Cee-Lo Green & The Muppets, “All I Need Is Love”
And here is your joyful Hallowe’en-meets-Christmas treat. There is no singer better suited to work with The Muppets on a regular basis than “The Voice” judge Cee-Lo Green and his sweet soulful voice. In anticipation of what will likely be a huge video for the song, we have the lyric video below, which will also prove that the original Muppet Show TV theme is way too hard to get out of your head.
I take a sidestep from the new music to fill you in on a special book. I’ve been touting this book long in advance of its recent publication because I am a longtime fan of Billy Franks. Aside from his recent solid self-released solo albums, the UK singer/guitarist/songwriter’s two 80’s albums with The Faith Brothers, “Eventide” and “A Human Sound” (album cover pics at the bottom – get them on iTunes), are two of pop-rock’s best kept secrets – passionate, energetic, and thought-provoking records that fill your head and tickle your fancy. I still play both of these favourites frequently, 25 years later.
A Far Cry From Sunset is the book version of the film “Tribute This!”, in which Billy and three friends decide to live out a search in 2005 for 10 popular singers who would record a tribute album to an unknown singer, that being Billy. Their focus: Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Aaron Neville, Huey Lewis, Steve Earle, Elvis Costello, Bryan Adams, Tom Petty, Bon Jovi, and Bruce Springsteen. That they succeed or not is surely of interest, however the story is the sum of all of its parts, and that is actually of greater interest, at least to me.
There are multiple stories, but two in particular. It’s important that the search/road trip is put into context, and thus Billy’s biography of his life up to the late 80’s is alternately heartbreaking, inspiring, harrowing, heartfelt. Here we get to know the earnest-speaking lad who essentially grew up in poverty with making music with his friends as his dream. To a degree, it comes true, with interesting side steps that led to him forming the Faith Brothers and getting a record deal. But life is more than just that and Billy shares his insights that show what led to his quest, the movie, and ultimately the book.
And then there’s the road trip that took the friends to the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, and Spain. Their dedication and good humour to make it happen just shows the power of friendship. Most of their approaches to try and meet or get the attention of the performers that they’re seeking ended up being unique events unto themselves. It’s not as if Billy hasn’t met or associated with rich and famous folks before (with a very special one on cell phone speed dial 😉 and others who still to today are friends). But even a musician trying to convince those who are more famous to have an interest in his plight is sometimes rough going. The performers seem to know when to have their publicity, management, or security teams step in, without giving the idea a chance to be heard. The one particularly climactic episode will be a bit of a kick in the gut for fans of one of the singers. I always thought this singer to be bigger than the behaviour cited in the book, but it’s hard to deny the report from these four friends and kind of makes me think of what success really does to people, even those who did not have it easy when they started. That Billy and friends spent a lot of money and effort to make it all happen is notable; that they had a great time making it happen in unpredictable ways makes the book a swift and always engaging read.
You can find out how to order A Far Cry From Sunset on Billy’s website. I got my copy through Amazon.
This edition of my personal chart is top heavy with activity, which means only two debuts and a number of songs which will exit the chart in two weeks (including DATABOY’s magnificent #1 “Dreams Are Gold” (#10), which is at its maximum 10 appearances – 20 weeks).
“Spectrum” by Zedd featuring Matthew Koma slides comfortably into #1 as the German producer continues his tour (stopping here in Toronto on November 2) to promote his new album Clarity. But the song will be battling it out in two weeks with the insanely catchy “Music Makes Me Lose Control” by Portugal’s Carlos Nóbrega, which has been itching to bust a move up the chart these past few weeks, and finally does so, vaulting 6 to 2. This leaves “Remember When (Push Rewind)” by Chris Wallace at #3, “Go For Gold” by Kyle Patrick at #4, and the Green Children remix of “Houdini” by Foster The People at #5.
And there’s no shortage of movement in the rest of the Top 10. “Long Time” by Sweden’s John De Sohn featuring Andreas Moe climbs to #6, “Anything Could Happen” by Ellie Goulding (below) jumps 10-7 despite getting lost in the extended success of “Lights”, and “Feel It” by Bright Light Bright Light featuring Mikal Kilgore is the only new addition to the Top 10 at #9.
You can view the full chart 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
There’s a bit of a log jam just outside of the Top 10, with “Unheard” by Jeronimo bumped up to #11, and Bim’s “Lights Out” rising to #12. But then we have the fastest riser, “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin soaring 24-14 and bound to be a contender for #1 in the coming weeks. Jane Badler’s sensational drama of “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” moves to #15, “Evolved” by Vague-à-bonde (below) climbs to #16 – the lady herself is opening for Diamond Rings in Minneapolis soon – with “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons and “Between The Raindrops” by Lifehouse featuring Natasha Bedingfield right behind. Lifehouse announced the title of its new album this week, which is called Almeria.
Last week’s debuts make bountiful moves. “Your Body” by Christina Aguilera zips up to #19, with Mika’s “Popular Song” immediately after, and Matt & Kim’s rollicking “Let’s Go” (official lyrics video below) bounding 30-22.
The two debuts this week are guaranteed to make your feet move. The renown BT has teamed up with young Russian DJ/producer Arty and the always marvelous Nadia Ali for “Must Be The Love” at #24. It’s a dandy hybrid of trance and house made even more conspicuous by Nadia’s signature voice, and resonates in the original 12″ version at the top of this page. Both BT and Nadia Ali are no strangers to my chart. Here are their respective chart histories:
BT
Simply Being Loved (Somnambulist), #1, 2003
Superfabulous (featuring Rose McGowan), #1, 2003
The Force Of Gravity (featuring JC Chasez), #3, 2003
Love Comes Again (with Tiesto), #5, 2004
Break My Fall (with Tiesto), #6, 2007
Suddenly (with Christian Burns), #6, 2010
The Emergency, #17, 2011
Nadia Ali and iio
Rapture (Tastes So Sweet) (iio), #3, 2002
At The End (iio), #2, 2003
Smooth (iio), #5, 2003
Is It Love (iio), #21, 2005
Love Story, #3, 2009
Believe It (with Spencer & Hill), #12, 2012
The remaining debut is “Good Girlfriend” by Danish producer/DJ Kid Massive featuring the one and only DATABOY at #25. This song takes a little time to catch on and will finally be available digitally in the coming two weeks. All kids of remixes abound with Alex Van Alff’s currently available as a free download. Do check out the video at the top of the blog. Not only does the song flow really well with the story, you get to see DATABOY’s Cameron and Adam performing (and you can match up the voices to the guys now ;).
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