BILLCS Chart #385 – August 13, 2012 – Might Be My Favourite Top 4 of ’12!

Here’s the list of my current Top 30 favourites, published bi-weekly in these pages, but currently subject to a bit of technical difficulty as I move to new software for formatting purposes.  EDIT:  The prettier web version of the chart is available by clicking right here 🙂

01 01 DREAMS ARE GOLD DATABOY
02 02 REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND) Chris Wallace
07 03 SPECTRUM (Calvin Harris remix) Florence & The Machine
04 04 TIME BOMB Kylie Minogue
06 05 HOLLYWOOD RAC F/ Penguin Prison
08 06 LOTION DATABOY
09 07 COLLECTING SUNLIGHT Andreas Moe
11 08 MOVES Bright Light Bright Light
14 09 GO FOR GOLD Kyle Patrick
03 10 ONE KISS Jeronimo
12 11 ANGEL Darren Hayes
05 12 SECRET FEAR Daniel Bedingfield
15 13 HUNTER Baiyu
19 14 TURN IT UP Carlos Nóbrega
23 15 HOUDINI (Green Children remix) Foster The People
16 16 CHASING THE SUN The Wanted
17 17 TURN UP YOUR RADIO Monti Montañez
10 18 ALL OUR LOVE Gentlemen Hall
20 19 WHEN SHE WAS MINE Lawson
24 20 WE DANCE 4 REASON Markus Riva F/ Ralph (PER)
New 21 SPECTRUM Zedd F/ Matthew Koma
26 22 HIGH FOR THIS Ellie Goulding
New 23 GENIUS DATABOY
New 24 LONG TIME John De Sohn F/ Andreas Moe
New 25 BENNY GOODMAN Saint Motel
28 26 EMERGENCY Audio Playground F/ Snoop Dogg
13 27 THESE ARE CENTURIES River Tiber
18 28 WAITING FOR THE FEELING Bright Light Bright Light
21 29 NOTICE ME Vincent Did It F/ Quigley
25 30 CELEB Tao Hypah

My current Top 4 songs are going to be hard to dislodge.  This could in fact be my favourite Top 4 of ’12, and only a few other songs released earlier in the year – including Rune RK & DATABOY’S “Memorize Me”, Eric Saade & Dev’s “Hotter Than Fire”, and “Someday” by River Tiber – would be in the mix with them!  What’s going to be interesting is to see who gets a turn at #1, which could happen as early as two weeks from now!  Stay tuned 🙂  PS Chris Wallace’s debut album Push Rewind will be out September 4 as “Remember When” starts to crack radio airplay!!

Fleshing out the Top 10 are some joyous tunes by RAC & Penguin Prison, DATABOY (making it two out of three), former #1 Jeronimo, and Andreas “he’s everywhere (including elsewhere on the chart)” Moe, with new Top Tenners not surprisingly from Bright Light Bright Light (currently kicking it in France – so jealous!) and Kyle Patrick (coping with massive Singapore love).

Special mentions outside of the Top 10  must go to Baiyu, with the title song of her Hunter mixtape resting at #13, as she appears on The CW Network’s new show “The Next” starting Thursday.  Best of luck, love 😀  Then there’s the ever-so-busy Carlos Nóbrega, whose powerful dancefloor filler “Turn It Up” climbs to #14 as he releases yet another new song, “Music Makes You Lose Control”.  This one is Carlos at his best, fun and dramatic at the same time!  Listen to the snippet below – you won’t want to miss out on the full song, so get it on iTunes!  

Foster The People’s Green Children remix of “Houdini” magically becomes the fastest riser, leaping 23-15 while singer Mark journeys through India.  Also on the rise are Darren Hayes’ delightful take on Madonna’s “Angel”, “When She Was Mine” by rising UK quartet Lawson, and “We Dance 4 Reason” by Latvian star and radio DJ Markus Riva.  You won’t be able to go anywhere soon without hearing Ellie Goulding’s magnificent new “Anything Could Happen”, as I wrote about on the weekend, but in the meantime her rendition of The Weeknd’s “High For This” is up to #22.

A common theme throughout 2012 has been a series of unique voices.  One such young man, who, like Andreas Moe, is popping up everywhere especially in dance music circles, is Matthew Koma (ab0ve), who hails from Long Island and was once in a group called Bandcamp.  One of the brightest songs of ’12 and a current Top 5 Dance Club Play hit is the second song in the chart called “Spectrum” by German DJ Zedd, featuring Matthew’s ear-catching vocals that sound like nothing this year has had to offer, as well as some dreamy lyrics (“breathing you in when I want you out…”).  He’s also featured in Alesso’s latest club hit “Years”, and will be touring some upcoming dates with Owl City.  You can hear both songs below plus excerpts of Matthew’s EP Parachute, available on iTunes.

The next debut is of course more from DATABOY, whose Dreams Are Gold album is the full length release that is resonating with me most throughout the year.  Its emotional content, smart stories, and of course amazing beats and rhythms put smiles on my face each time I hear it.  I’ve grown a bit attached to opening song “Genius” – it’s simply a fun song to listen to in the car, and it definitely throws people for a loop the first time they hear it.  I humbly suggest you keep in mind the TV show The Big Bang Theory and a certain animated self-proclaimed genius when listening 🙂 But you’ll have to give it a preview on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Genius/dp/B008F9FV7U and buy it there or on iTunes!

At #24 is “Long Time” by John De Sohn, featuring Sweden’s Andreas Moe, and currently in the Billboard Top 25 of the Dance Club Play chart.  I had some comments about it in a recent blog post.  The full length version appears on Tiësto’s Club Life Volume 2: Miami compilation.  You’ll hear a lot more from Andreas before the year is out!

Lastly at #25 is the quirky “Benny Goodman” by L.A.’s Saint Motel, currently touring their album Voyeur, which I wrote about recently.  Below is a video of the band jazzing up the song and swinging along in a studio performance.  They also released an equally quirky video for “1997”, which you can also check out below.  The band has this neat way of making you watch… 😉

Ellie Goulding’s New Smash, and Songs from ZACPOOR, Pet Shop Boys, The Presets, Bim, and a K-Pop hit from Psy

Ellie Goulding “Anything Could Happen”

Clearly, the song of the week, and possibly for the next several months, until the arrival of her new album Halcyon, is Ellie Goulding’s “Anything Could Happen”.  Right from its first bar, it bridges the gap nicely between alt.pop fans of Kate Bush and the massively successful sound for those who enjoy Adele.  Its tidy, sparse sound will resonate from stereos and radios and draw people in instantly.  I enjoyed Ellie’s last record, preferring songs like “Starry Eyed” and her free download of The Weeknd’s “High For This” over the growing radio success of “Lights”.  “Anything Could Happen” also to me contains her best vocal – especially at the soulful acapella part.  It will be absolutely everywhere in the Fall, so be prepared!

ZACPOOR “Skyscraper” and “Lego House”

Now you must know that I won’t bring you a cover version (or two) unless I think it’s special.  L.A. singer ZACPOOR first came to my attention a couple of years ago with a fine mid-tempo ballad called “She’ll Be Breaking Hearts”.  Since then, all kinds of good has happened to him, connecting with hot producer MDL.  As advance notice of ZACPOOR’s upcoming full release, we have a taste of the collaboration with covers of Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper” and Ed Sheeran’s “Lego House”.  Yes, I know covers of both songs have been viral in volume since their releases.  But it’s ZACPOOR’s voice, which has progressed so much since I first heard him, that makes both cover versions much bigger than life.  “Skyscraper” (a free download, no less!), in fact, blows Demi’s original right out of the water, it’s such a goddamn hard song to sing anyway, and ZACPOOR completely nails it.  His version of “Lego House” has a strong element of class about it that isn’t present in the original.  Both songs are for those who truly appreciate interpretations of songs that turn out so unique.  Absolutely can’t wait till ZACPOOR’s album is upon us!  Listen to both below.

Pet Shop Boys “A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi”

Unlike the much-too-low key “Winner”, ” A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi”, from the EP of “Winner”, which is due in Canada on August 28, is classic PSB, in good company with their equally charming songs such as “What Have I Done To Deserve This?”, “Love, Etc.”, and “I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind Of Thing”, with a Neil Tennant vocal at its finest and a great rhythm and melody for summer driving.  Listen (and of course dance to it) below.

The Presets “Ghosts”

While I’m still digging the initial release of “Youth In Trouble” from their upcoming album Pacifica, Aussie duo The Presets have released the official first single, “Ghosts”.   As with “Youth” and many of their most popular songs like “My People”, “Ghosts” has incredible atmosphere with Julian’s commanding and anthemic vocal – why do I envision him on a pirate ship? 😉 Sure to fill the dance floors everywhere, look for Pacifica to be The Presets’ best and most successful effort yet.  The three years between albums will be well worth the wait.

Bim “Lights Out”

Following the very different sounding but entertaining “Scream” from this past Spring, UK male/female duo Bim are back with “Lights Out”, available to you as a free download in anticipation of their next full album following 2010’s gorgeous Scatterheart.  “Lights Out”, like “Scream”, is a lot more forceful and urgent than the songs on the downside of love which we heard from Bim on Scatterheart.  Bigger choruses, and more alternating vocals between the singers, go hand in hand with their talent of making songs with stunning climactic moments.  Listen closely and revel in this one – more great songs coming from this talented pair.  Watch the video below.

Psy “Gangnam Style”

K-Pop looks to finally break out huge worldwide thanks to Psy’s “Gangnam Style”, and in particular its very flashy and fun video.  I’m not much of a fan of the song, which is an updated knockoff of Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam”, among others.  But the good time delivery by singer as well as its knockout video – especially the choreography in the last minute or so – will mean that you will be hearing it at weddings and other similar events for years to come.

More Summer Popervescence: Baiyu featuring Paul Kim, Jessie Ware, Roz Bell, and Russ Chimes

Baiyu featuring Paul Kim “Make Believe”

It’s arrived so quickly after the initial video of “Invisible” from the Hunter mixtape, but it’s all about the exposure for delightful new talent Baiyu, as she will appear on August 16 on the CW’s new show The Next as a contestant.  Fortunately, “Make Believe”, featuring match-made-in-heaven duet vocals by American Idol 6 contestant Paul Kim, is one of the best songs from Hunter.  The simple video, with use of eye-catching colours and featuring both singers, should help enhance the buzz for Baiyu and ignite some interest for Paul Kim, whose voice just soars.  Watch the video below and mark August 16 on your calendars!

Jessie Ware “Wildest Moments”

Similar to the triumphant breakthrough that was afforded to Lana Del Rey at the end of last year, largely on the basis of online word-of-mouth, we are now introduced to 26 year old UK singer Jessie Ware, whose debut album Devotion will be upon us in the coming weeks.  Aside from an initial single and an appearance with SBTRKT, we now have “Wildest Moments”, which places her potent voice somewhere between Leona Lewis and Florence Welch.  Not a bad place to be at all, with a most unique-sounding single despite somewhat deliberate pacing.  Watch below.

Roz Bell “Ur Place Or Mine”

Toronto singer Roz Bell has so many flavours of pop music up his sleeve that it’s dizzying 😉  We heard from him in the Spring with a Nashville-inspired bluesy hard luck story called “Half A Man Down”.  His latest, “Ur Place Or Mine”, harkens back to a pick-me-up like 2009’s “Endless Summer Night”, with a melody that goes hand-in-hand with the end of summer and featuring some of Roz’s higher register a little more too.  Can’t wait to hear the full album package of what Roz has been recording for the last while too.  Listen to “Ur Place Or Mine” below.

Russ Chimes “Back 2 You”

I’ve been waiting to hear what renown DJ/producer Russ Chimes would come up with after the successful triad of 2010’s “Midnight Club” songs and videos “Never Look Back”, “Tertre Rouge”, and “Targa”, as well as his enjoyable Expressway mixes.  Out on Beatport now, but coming to iTunes in September is “Back 2 You”, in which Russ doesn’t let go of any momentum, building and building the power of the record until its soulful climax.  Listen below via Soundcloud and try to stay still 😉

Long Weekend Playlist: Andreas Moe, Gentlemen Hall, Shawn Desman, plus new faces Devon Pax and Zach Matari

On the Bubble:  Andreas Moe

John DeSohn featuring Andreas Moe “Long Time”

Norman Doray featuring Andreas Moe “Cracks”

Andreas Moe “Long Time (acoustic)”

It seems like only yesterday that Swedish-born London-based singer/songwriter Andreas Moe came to my attention because of his sparkling and understated “Collecting Sunlight”, which currently resides at #9 on my personal chart.  But that song and its accompanying EP seem to be the solo culmination of a lot of work that’s been happening behind the scenes.

For one thing, I learned not long ago that he is also the vocalist on Avicii’s “Fade Into Darkness”, which became a  hit overseas late last year.  It has obviously been overshadowed in North America by the chart success of “Levels” – but not enough to prevent Andreas from being flown to Tokyo last month to sing it in front of a crowd of 5,000!  Another hit overseas is now materializing into a dance club success in North America.  That’s “Long Time” as featured in John De Sohn’s song, which went multi-platinum in Sweden.  Andreas recorded a pensive version of it acoustically for his Collecting Sunlight EP.  Listen to both below.

Just this past week, a song Andreas co-wrote got to #1 in the Netherlands.  That’s “Alles Overwinnen” by Nick & Simon (listen below – even if you don’t know Dutch 🙂 ).  And another song came to my attention, more in the dance vein, which is “Cracks” as featured in the Norman Doray release.  This song has the potential to be a great dance club companion piece to “Long Time”.  Listen below.  There is no doubt in my mind that with all of this activity, Andreas Moe is going to be beyond the bubble in the very near future! 🙂

Gentlemen Hall “Makes Me Feel Alive”

Starting this past week, Gentlemen Hall are posting songs from their upcoming album every month.  After generously offering their fine EP When We All Disappear for free – still on my active playlist after all these months, with “All Our Love” getting to #7 on my personal chart – the sextet is taking its time to get their album just right while soliciting active feedback from their fans about the new songs.  “Makes Me Feel Alive” sounds sparse at some times and then multi-layered at others.  It’s a compelling showcase for all that they can do both musically and vocally.  Every instrument gets its due and the harmonies are wicked.  Give a listen below and watch online for more!

Shawn Desman “Nobody Does It Like You”

After some national success last year with songs like “Electric”, Toronto’s Shawn Desman is back with an easy going, funky, sexy vibe in “Nobody Does It Like You”.  The groove just makes you want to sway and dance, or get up close and personal with your love.  Shawn has a slick new look and his vocals are top notch.  He’s come a long way since local dance hit “Don’t Wanna Lose You” back in 1999 and has been no stranger to my chart over the years.  Watch the video below.  Dancing is encouraged.

Devon Pax featuring Jeronimo “The One”

I am just such a sucker for an R&B ballad, but after listening blindfolded it might surprise you that “The One” comes from a young white Dutchman named Devon Pax.  A bonus attraction is a featured vocal from the talented fellow Netherlander Jeronimo, who just recently reached #1 on my personal chart with his jaunty “One Kiss”.  While it suffers a bit from too much studio trickery to accompany such simple lyrics, Devon’s vocal prowess shows through in this lovely song.  Give a listen below.

Zach Matari “What You Are To Me”

R&B songs seem to be finding their way to me lately, and I was particularly impressed by “What You Are To Me” by a 17 year old from New Jersey, Zach Matari.  It’s a sweet song that crushes on Zach’s object of his affection, accompanied by the snazzy video below which shows off many fine shots of New York City.  Zach’s voice has a nice mix of inspiration from the likes of Ne-Yo, Omarion, and other fine singers.  It would hardly surprise me if Zach Matari doesn’t get to the next level with this song.  I’m looking forward to more from him 🙂

BILLCS Chart #384 – DATABOY Score Gold For A Third Time

My bi-weekly chart of favourites is delightfully abuzz of a great bunch of new songs, which is making it increasingly difficult to rank every two weeks.  So the ups and downs of songs look like they will be a bit dramatic during these summer months, and the wait for #1 for some top notch songs may continue longer than it normally would.

DATABOY score their third number one song on the chart with “Dreams Are Gold”, a song that’s awash in as great a melody as it is with lyrics that totally hit home for me with its message.  They’ve already been on top with “Just Once” last summer (also included on their Dreams Are Gold album), as well as with Rune RK for “Memorize Me”, the song that brought sunny Ibiza sounds to my winter months.  Be sure to listen to “Dreams Are Gold” below.

That means that “Remember When (Push Rewind)” by Chris Wallace, which is starting to get national radio play in the U.S., moves up to #2.  It’s surely a contender for #1, but it’s a matter of WHEN it will get there with “Dreams Are Gold” ahead of it.  That also means “One Kiss” by Jeronimo, one of my most played current songs, drops somewhat early to #3 but should hang in and around the Top 10 for a few more weeks.  And did you know that one of Jeronimo’s songs is the Cartoon Network ID for some parts of the world (outside of Europe and North America)??  

The fastest riser on the chart, because I can’t get it out of my head 😉 , is “Timebomb” by Kylie Minogue, which soars 15-4 somewhat in anticipation of what she’ll release next.  All of Kylie’s 5 songs that have got on my chart have reached my Top 10; “Timebomb” surpasses the #5 peak of “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head” to become her biggest chart hit.  Watch her performance from “The Voice” (UK) below.  Daniel Bedingfield has been performing some gigs in L.A., which hopefully bodes well for them to spread to other parts of North America in the near future.  “Secret Fear” jumps to #5, matching the same peak of “Wrap My Words Around You” back in 2005.

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 :)

The rest of the Top 10 moves up, with the exception of “All Our Love” by Gentlemen Hall, which slips to #10.  “Hollywood” by RAC featuring Penguin Prison climbs to #6, and DATABOY’s concurrent Top Tenner “Lotion” moves to #8.  The second new entry to the Top 10 is “Collecting Sunlight” by Andreas Moe, which arrives at #9.

The third newcomer to the Top 10 is the highest debut this week.  The Calvin Harris remix of Florence & The Machine’s “Spectrum (Say My Name)” turns the song into a most colourful and rousing dance hit that is the current UK #1.  It bows on my chart at #7, giving the band their second Top 10 hit following 2009’s “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)”, which got to #2.  I’m glad “Spectrum” got release as a single as something needed to give new life to the Ceremonials album while Florence waits to return to touring after throat problems caused some gigs to be cancelled.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the chart continues to be busy below the Top 10.  “Moves”, the song by Bright Light Bright Light that’s immersed in a late 70’s disco strings arrangement, leaps 21-11, while “Angel” by Darren Hayes (the flip side to the single of “Talk Talk Talk”) is right behind, up 16-12.  “Go For Gold” has certainly arrived right in time for the Olympics, so don’t be surprised if Kyle Patrick’s song (moving 23-14) gets some deserved attention during the many weeks to come.  Kyle has also recently released his self-titled EP on iTunes, while “Go For Gold” continues to be a free download.  Watch the video below.

I’m pleased to report that New York singer Baiyu is a contestant on the new CW show “The Next”, which features Gloria Estefan, Joe Jonas, John Rich, and Nelly as panelist judges.  The show begins on August 16, so be sure to tune in to see how far this talented gal can go.  In the meantime, watch her video for “Invisible” (#22) below.  The club-oriented title song from her Hunter mixtape also climbs to #15.

“Chasing The Sun” by The Wanted charges to #16, while Monti Montañez’s “Turn Up Your Radio” (from This Beat Is… Poptronik Volume One) moves up to #17.  The high dose of summer energy that is “Turn It Up” by Portugal’s all round entertainer (and fellow Poptronik performer) Carlos Nóbrega vaults 26-19 (listen below), while UK foursome Lawson reach #20 with “When She Was Mine”.

I’ve previously written about 3 of our remaining 4 debuts, which you can see/hear below.  Foster The People’s “Houdini” (#23) is a real sleeper that comes alive in the clubby Green Children remix.  Poptronik performer Markus Riva (who is also a DJ on Latvia’s Capital radio) gets his second chart entry with the pulsating “We Dance 4 Reason” at #24.  “High For You” was written and originally recorded by Toronto’s noted The Weeknd and has received some radio play as well in his home city.  Ellie Goulding puts a slow grooving spin on the song, which is also a free download.  While the pop world delights with playing her song “Lights”, “High For This” arrives at #26 on my chart.  Lastly,   as with their Billboard Top 10 Dance Club Play hit, “Famous”, Canadian trio Audio Playground has found that their latest single “Emergency” (featuring Snoop Dogg) has broken out of Quebec.  “Emergency” lands on the chart at #28.

Getting Reacquainted with Saint Motel and New Album ‘Voyeur’

Last I heard Saint Motel, the L.A. quartet had captivated me with the weird and wondrous “Dear Dictator”, reaching #5 on my chart mainly through the spiffy Sam Sparro remix, which was good enough reason to make a second video for the song.  Both videos for “Dear Dictator” are enjoyable in their outlandishness.  The band consists of A/J Jackson (vocals, keyboards, guitars), asharp (guitars, vocals), Dak (bass), and Greg Erwin (drums).

I didn’t get a chance to see the band when they played in Toronto in 2010, but that changed on Monday when they played to a small crowd at the Drake Hotel.  What was particularly noteworthy about this performance was that they probably would have given the same tight performance if they had played to a much larger audience.  I had already been listening to their new album Voyeur online, and the live show allowed the songs to sparkle and their personality to show better than on record.

Voyeur doesn’t strike me as overly unique, but it does draw you in with many influences, which generate a Duran Duran meets Foster The People via grunge kind of overall sound, with some reverence to pop/rock of the 60’s too – the band even performed a fine and unexpected cover of Brenton Wood’s 1967 hit “Gimme Little Sign” in concert.  Five singles from the album have already surfaced on iTunes, and these form the core of Voyeur.  The melodies create rich, layered tunes, with lyrics that take second place until you get to know Saint Motel’s sense of humour and perspective.

There are lots of highlights.  “Puzzle Pieces” (with its interesting video below shot from singer A/J’s point of view and directed by him) swings along with its keyboard lead. “Benny Goodman” takes a clarinet sample in tribute to the title musician but spins off into enjoyably wild directions. “1997” is loaded lyrically and musically with a well-structured mix of guitar, keyboards, and horns.  “Honest Feedback” takes pleasure in receiving something that’s often difficult for people set to a rather carefree melody.  “Balsa Wood Bones” is probably the most serious song, obviously about a gutting breakup that shows that these guys don’t always write fun songs.  And there’s “Daydream/Wetdream/Nightmare”, their mini rock opera which goes places that other attempts have yet to go.

Overall, Saint Motel offer much more than meets the eye and ear.  These guys are definitely out to have a good time, but part of having that good time is going for a great ride.  Voyeur makes for a most intriguing soundtrack to that ride.  A video for “1997” is due imminently; in the meantime, watch “Puzzle Pieces” and listen to “Benny Goodman” below.

Beyond the Tweets: New Songs by Late Nite Tuff Guy, Florence & The Machine, Foster The People, Green Day, Matthew Kurz, and When Kylie meets Kyle!

Late Nite Tuff Guy “Nobody”, “Boy U Turn Me”, and “Do I Believe In God”

And this is just a sampling of the sounds Australian DJ/Producer Late Nite Tuff Guy is creating by putting new spins on some true classics, as well as some that weren’t such huge hits.  He keeps the original intent of the songs, doesn’t really disturb their cores, and then builds around them, allowing them to flow seamlessly into today’s dance music, through reworks, edits, or remixes.  So don’t be surprised if you hear Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Prince, The Jackson 5, Steve Winwood and others in the midst of more contemporary electronica.  It’s a fantastic way to introduce today’s dance club audiences to classic performers through the essence of some of their classic songs.  So listen below to the recreations of “Ain’t Nobody”, “Upside Down”, and “Controversy” below – I think you’ll be impressed.  With the breakthroughs of Skrillex and Deadmau5 over the last few years, there is room for someone as innovative as Late Nite Tuff Guy.

Florence & The Machine, “Spectrum” (Calvin Harris remix)

With all of the success of Florence Welch and her talented band over the last three years, it was surprising that no song from Ceremonials was utterly massive – until now.  I had always enjoyed “Spectrum” as an album track, but had never thought of it being a breakthrough over songs like “Never Let Me Go” or “What The Water Gave Me”.  “Shake It Out” did well enough as a single, but it is indeed the amazing Calvin Harris remix of “Spectrum” that literally sends the song over the top.  Besides being at the top of the UK charts, “Spectrum” should be the worldwide radio breakthrough and dance club play hit that has eluded Florence & The Machine thus far.  Can’t get it out of my head now!

Foster The People, “Houdini” (Green Children remix)

It’s already been a year since the release of the American trio’s Torches album, and since “Pumped Up Kicks” became a critical soundtrack to Summer ’11, which resulted in two Grammy Award nominations.  The band’s constant touring has kept their music living through the public, and “Houdini”, the third single, with its positive+ lyrics, is no exception.  I’m pretty partial to the free download release of the Green Children remix, which transforms the pop song into a club jam that will keep you jumpin’.  

Green Day, “Oh Love”

After a return to a heavier sound on their last record, Green Day are about to release a trilogy of albums called ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and ¡Tres!, with “Oh Love” being the initial release from the first of the three.  Put this in a similar place as their classic 90’s power pop like “When I Come Around”, which bodes for a good start for the trio after the considerable success of the theatre version of American Idiot, which continues to play across North America.  Get out your 3D glasses if you have ’em!

Matthew Kurz, “Titanium”

In these days of social media, you come across so many cover versions of popular songs of the moment.  Among them, there are gems.  LA singer Matthew Kurz came to my attention last year with the release of his free mixtape, which contained the stunning eye-welling ballad “Fix Me”, which reached #6 on my chart.  He’s been busy creating viral covers and mashups of numerous songs lately, but I must say that his rendition of David Guetta/Sia’s “Titanium” is pretty bloody powerful.  Listen below for this exceptional take, just when you thought overkill was overtaking this song.

Kylie Minogue featuring Kyle Brylin, “Timebomb”

Wisconsin native Kyle Brylin brought us all kinds of electronic popervescence in 2011 with covers like “S&M” and some well chosen originals like the still-hypnotic “Everything I’m Missing” (video below) and “Never Love A DJ”.  He interjects himself into the “Timebomb” proceedings and manages to sound like he was always into Kylie’s business.  How naughty – but in this case very nice indeed, especially with renewed interest in the song happening in the UK.  Download it for free right here.  Looking forward to more originals from Kyle soon.

BILLCS Top 30 #383 – July 16/12 – One, two, three – BOOM!!

It’s as easy as 1…..2…..3…..

1…..

2…..

3……

You’ll know that people aren’t jumping from high places when you suddenly hear several cries of Jeronimo, as the Dutch singer’s utterly delightful “One Kiss” rises to the top of my chart.  But it is immediately being challenged by the glorious words and melodies of DATABOY, whose title song from their album Dreams Are Gold gets 2nd place, while fastest riser “Remember When (Push Rewind)” by Chris Wallace gets 3rd.  These are three of the most eminently likeable songs of 2012, and it would be a shame for you to pass them up!  Get ’em all on iTunes too!

Meanwhile in the lower half of the Top 10, there’s plenty of activity with Daniel Bedingfield’s stellar title song from his EP Secret Fear – Stop The Traffik climbing to #6, with Boston’s Gentlemen Hall in too at #7 with “All Our Love”.  RAC featuring the vocals of Chris Glover from Penguin Prison, is a new entry to the Top 10 with “Hollywood” at #8, and DATABOY’s second song on the chart from Dreams Are Gold is the winning “Lotion” at #10.

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 🙂

The rest of the chart is pretty busy.  There is no shortage of great music out there and every song seems to fight not only for highest placement but longevity (to the maximum of 10 appearances, natch) as well.  “Collecting Sunlight” by Andreas Moe, who has recently been in Tokyo performing to large crowds, is Top 10 bound at #11, and River Tiber’s jazzy “These Are Centuries” climbs to #13.  If “Remember When” by Chris Wallace hadn’t soared 17 places, then the fastest rise would have been the 14 place move up for Kylie Minogue’s “Timebomb”, whose chorus is presently stuck in my head, now at #15.  Right behind is Darren Hayes’ lovely rendition of Madonna’s “Angel” at #16, while Baiyu’s percolating title song from her mixtape Hunter is now at #17, and “Chasing The Sun”, which got to #1 on Billboard’s Dance/Club Play chart for The Wanted, jumps to #19.  Down a bit further but rising steadily are “When She Was Mine” by UK foursome Lawson at #22, and the second entry from Baiyu, a sultry ballad featuring Rotimi called “Invisible”, is at #24.

Three new entries to the chart should be of no surprise to you.  While “Waiting For The Feeling” gives up #1 after four appearances (eight weeks), I’m still waiting to hear about a next single release from Bright Light Bright Light’s album Make Me Believe In Hope, which is one of the year’s finest releases.  The magnificent emotional disco throwback that is “Moves” is the highest premiere on the chart at #21.  Watch BLx2 perform the song below in London, followed by one of last year’s best singles, “Disco Moment”.

I know I only wrote about this one yesterday, but it’s effect on my chart is instantaneous!  “Go For Gold” by the Click Five’s Kyle Patrick bows at #23.  Another feel good, high energy song to keep you happy during the summer 🙂

Lastly at #26, high energy in more of a club vibe kind of way comes from “Turn It Up”, the latest single from Poptronik artist Carlos Nóbrega.  Carlos joins fellow Poptronik album performers Tao Hypah, Markus Riva, and Monti Montañez, who continues to rise up the chart with “Turn On Your Radio” at #18.

Weekend Roll Call: Kyle Patrick, Ryan Silverman, Frank Ocean, and Ian Lee

Kyle Patrick “Go For Gold”

I really didn’t know that members of the Click Five (noted for 2005’s “Just The Girl”) were still active until Kyle’s new song came to my attention, but they appear to still have had quite a following in Japan, at least up to the end of 2011, and I can’t find any more recent information about them.  The Boston band reminded me a lot of the fictious group The Wonders from the film “That Thing You Do!” with their 60’s suit ‘n tie fashions and sweet pop/rock harmonies.  If they’re no longer together, then Kyle Patrick certainly has a future if his free download of “Go For Gold” is any indication.  This is feel-good, inspirational, energetic, eurodanceable-ish pop at its best.  The accompanying eye-catching video below is great summer fare along with some other songs like “Remember When (Push Rewind)” by Chris Wallace, and the theme of  the song goes hand in hand with what I’m hoping will be the third North American single by The Wanted (also below).

Ryan Silverman, “Come On Down To My House”

Watch out Michael Bublé and Matt Dusk, Ryan Silverman is in the house.  The Alberta native has made a name for himself on Broadway in “The Phantom Of the Opera” (he was in the cast when I saw the show in New York in 2010 but was not performing at the time), “Mamma Mia”, and others.  But the pop world will definitely welcome his slick razzle dazzle dashing which is the focus in the video for “Come On Down To My House”, which is a contemporary jazz-tinged spin on the classic Rosemary Clooney song.  Guys and girls alike will adore Ryan Silverman.  So all I can say is WOW – more, please 🙂  Ryan will next grace Broadway this Fall in “Rebecca” (one of my favourite mystery stories and Alfred Hitchcock films).

Frank Ocean, “Sweet Life”

The social media buzz for Frank Ocean during the last few months has been pretty intense, in advance of the release of his album channel ORANGE.  The 24 year old New Orleans native has already collaborated with Kanye West and Jay-Z, and written songs for Beyoncé, Brandy, and Justin Bieber.  “Sweet Life” is an excellent preview of the new album, and available for free download.  Like some other songs I’ve written about lately, it goes back to an earlier time in R&B/soul history when softer, jazz-inflected songs were the name of the game.  So I’ll be looking forward to hearing more from this talented singer as his fame shoots through the roof.

Ian Lee, “So Nice To Meet You”

I don’t know much about Ian Lee, other than that he’s a new singer/guitarist from Quebec.  His latest single “So Nice To Meet You” was produced by the award-winning pedigree of John Nathaniel, which is cause enough for some attention.  Put this carefree song in the same grab bag as “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer, and watch the jaunty video below.  You won’t know it from the title, but all lyrics but the title are en français 😉

Mid-Summer’s Mix featuring Jeronimo, Carlos Nobrega, Stone Walters, Adaku, Maskerade, Jon McLaughlin, Tone Damli & Eric Saade

There will be more blog posts to come this weekend as I get caught up after a bit of an unintended hiatus.

Jeronimo “Some Other Way”

Jeronimo’s debut album One Kiss is one enjoyable pop ride through thoughtful but generally positive ballads and amazingly infectious dance songs, such as the title track confection currently near the top of my chart.  I didn’t think we’d see another song/video from the album so soon after “One Kiss”, but “Some Other Way” shows the singer in soft pensive mode in a deserted room full of covered objects hiding memories, all sure to acquire more fans in the process.  Jeronimo’s charm is in his unique voice, and his production and songwriting teams knows how to match him up with the words and the flow that makes “Some Other Way” work so well.

Sky Santos featuring Carlos Nóbrega “I Miss You”

It’s only a snippet right now, but “I Miss You” will be released next week by Portuguese DJ Sky Santos, featuring none other than Poptronik artist Carlos Nóbrega, about whose songs “Pitiful” and “Turn It Up” I’ve recently written.  I’ve had the pleasure of hearing the extended mix of “I Miss You”, and being a sucker for Eurodisco and House music of just about any shape and form, I can say that this is a slamming track that would attract attention in the middle of a stomping DJ mix.  Starting with a rather simple percussive beginning and building from there, the song would sound great played outdoors (think Ibiza) and is enhanced by a spoken word break in the middle that allows the song to soar even more right after.

And it wasn’t originally posted when I wrote about it, so I’m posting the full version of Carlos’ “Turn It Up” a second time.  The absolutely contagious positive energy of this song has the potential for a dance smash – I’m waiting for the remixes!!

Stone Walters “World Keeps Turning”

Adaku “Or You Can”

Two new softer R&B songs bring a quiet old school charm to the usual dance-laden proceedings on my stereo.  I can’t get enough of R&B that takes me back to my younger days of the heartfelt sounds of Motown, Stax, Atlantic, and the list goes on.  

You already know UK singer Stone Walters from the beautiful ballad that will turn you into a puddle called “Home”, which flew to #4 on my chart earlier this year.  Stone is in the process of recording his album and has unleashed “World Keeps Turning”, another genuine but slightly more uptempo original which highlights the singer’s classic dulcet tones.  You can help Stone build his album by clicking right here.

Adaku is a new singer based in the US who is originally from Nigeria.  This gal’s got not only got the talent but the brains to go along with it in the form of a Master’s degree in electrical engineering.  Like Stone Walters, I’m really pleased to hear a return to styles of yore, and Adaku takes the best of people like Anita Baker and Janet Jackson (when she sings ballads) to find a happy mid-point.  “Or You Can” is jazzy gentleness incarnate, persuading you to “lay your head on my big ass ‘fro”, but she throws in a few solid high range notes for good measure, and of course makes you want more.

Listen to “World Keeps Turning” (download it with an email subscription) and “Or You Can” below.  

World Keeps Turning:

Or You Can:

Maskerade “Come To Me”

Maskerade is a relatively new R&B singer from California who has released a few acclaimed independent records already.  Literally hot off the presses, “Come To Me” is a sultry mid-tempo love song that will appeal to fans of Usher and Ne-Yo with Maskerade’s colourful vocals.  Consisting of a timeless melody and a familiar theme of longing concocted by songwriter JBreathless, “Come To Me” has punch provided by producer Ray Taylor which makes it instantly memorable.  Listen below.

Jon McLaughlin “Promising Promises” (acoustic video)

I’ve throughly enjoyed “Promising Promises” since I first heard it last Fall on Jon’s album Forever, If Ever.  With a positive reaction to the album’s re-release, you’ll watch the newly christened title track gets a fantastic acoustic workout by this wicked piano man by viewing this video – proof enough that you should get out to see Jon on his next go ’round the country.

Tone Damli featuring Eric Saade “Imagine”

Has it been a hot minute since I wrote about Mr. Saade and the wonderful songs from Saade Volumes 1 & 2 which till recently graced my chart?  In case you haven’t heard, he teamed up with lovely Norwegian singer Tone Damli and promptly went to Spain with her.  At least to shoot the fine, sexy video below, which greatly enhances the song’s appeal.  You can get “Imagine”, already a Top 10 hit in Norway, on iTunes everywhere – still unlike the rest of Eric’s songs, which seem to be mainly limited to Europe.  Hopefully that changes soon.