JMSN’s album †Priscilla†

†Priscilla† is the latest project by JMSN, aka Christian Berishaj (formerly known as Christian TV). It’s compelling alternative R&B/pop, full of ruminations about loss, heartbreak, loneliness, self-doubt, self-realization, and what if’s that are awash in layered landscapes of synths, drums/percussion, and of course JMSN’s wide-ranging vocals. I would wager there’s a classical music basis to some of the songs, which also prominently feature strings. While †Priscilla† commands your attention, it’s far from an easy listen, but I always enjoy a challenge. And a lot of the lyrics hit home for me, personally.

†Priscilla† basically takes you through the stages of a relationship gone sour – JMSN’s liner notes acknowledges that there is indeed a Priscilla. Some of the songs as well as tracks under 2 minutes contain dialogue that tries to give an outside-looking-in perspective on what went wrong. So there’s a cathartic approach to all of this, which seems sincere.

I included “Something” in my most recent Winter Popervescence post and I think it’s the best song within. JMSN’s high register sings “There’s something there inside me and it won’t go away”. There’s a lot of truth in that – because ‘it’ never goes away. The song has a deliberate flow but endures its 6 minute length. Other songs like “Fallin”, “Let U Go”, “Fire” (with some powerful additional vocals from Terrence “Stonewall” Jackson), plus previous singles “Hotel”, “Alone”, and “Girl I Used To Know” (featuring Boldy James) all shape †Priscilla† to give it plenty of atmosphere that adjusts to each mood – the latter song was a particularly good choice with its mid-tempo soulful rhythm to break up the pace a bit. JMSN is allowed to showcase his terrific voice much more than in the major label dance pop of Christian TV. It definitely helps make †Priscilla† a personal affair that many people will understand.

On the flip side of the album of course are the videos and visuals and you can subscribe to the videos on JMSN’s You Tube channel. JMSN’s team here is going for something that will take you on a different trip than the aural one of †Priscilla†. Striking videos have already been released for “Hotel”, “Alone”, and “Something”. They are not for everyone. Some people may only want to watch them once. But if you love a good mystery like me that contains lots of variables and possibilities, then you’ll go along for the ride and stay in touch with JMSN’s Tumblr site where the singer basically lays out what it all means. Go there to find out why the video for “Something” is graphic and makes you squirm. Take a look at the other photos for what would look like more videos to continue the story.

JMSN’s †Priscilla† is a highly ambitious project, both aurally and visually, and I admire all of the effort that has gone into making it. It’s a very creative start to 2012 for JMSN and I look forward to the forthcoming experiences. Be sure to get it on iTunes.

Sidebar note: I tweeted the other night about a performer in my last blog who used 90s pop/dance singer/songwriter Cathy Dennis on a song. JMSN himself confirmed back to me that it is indeed Cathy who sings additional vocals in “Love & Pain”. Always read album liner notes!!!

Winter Popervescence #1 – The Return of Tyler Hilton, plus Jon McLaughlin & Sara Bareilles, Le Kid, Danny Fernandes & friends, Armin Van Buuren, and JMSN

Well you had to have seen it coming. We’re technically not even a month into Winter, so our seasonal Popervescence returns with a number of single platter delights.

Tyler Hilton “Loaded Gun”

I put “The Return of Tyler Hilton” in the heading for the blog with tongue a bit in cheek. For Tyler has never really left the music scene at all, it just seems like a long while since the L.A. based singer/songwriter released a more electric kind of pop/rock record.

We’ve been treated to acoustic EP’s, fine and dandy, a spot-on rendition of John Waite’s “Missing You” from one of the One Tree Hill soundtracks (Tyler, of course, is also Chris Keller on OTH), and a few singles, including a Christmas song. Nothing has quite captured my attention in the same way as his 2004 album The Tracks Of Tyler Hilton, which generated must-play tunes for me in the forms of “When It Comes”, “Rollin’ Home”, and my favourite, the whimsical “The Letter Song”.

So it’s great that Tyler’s first single from his upcoming album Forget The Storm is “Loaded Gun”, because it smokes from the first lick of that crackling guitar. So those of us trapped in a warm-ish kind of winter can transfer our thoughts to driving down the California coast and headed to a bar for a good ol’ rockin’ time. The song was co-written with Deana Carter whom Country music buffs will know for massive hits like “Strawberry Wine”. Absolutely no surprise – if you’ve heard Tyler’s other songs there is always a heavy Country influence running through them.

But “Loaded Gun” has that stadium rock potential that makes you think more of John Mellencamp than Johnny Cash. Be sure to download “Loaded Gun” for free right here.

Jon McLaughlin featuring Sara Bareilles

“Summer Is Over”

If you’re heard Jon’s (now unavailable) recent album Forever If Ever, then you already know “Summer Is Over”. But now that Jon has signed a new record deal with Razor & Tie and has another album coming in May called Promising Promises (named after my favourite song from Forever too, currently on my personal chart 🙂 ), he’s had the chance to rerecord the song as a duet with noneother than Sara Bareilles, most noted of course for “Love Song” and “King Of Anything”. Their voices are a natural fit together, and having two voices on the record reinforces the feeling of longing and fond memories so very well conveyed by the song. Listen for it on the radio and buy it on iTunes.

Le Kid “Human Behaviour”

Oh Swedish pop of the 2010’s how I adore thee. Taking its cue from the best years of Swedish pop (aka the early 90s) and one Madonna Ciccone, female vocal duo Le Kid tantalizes us with the sprite pop sounds of “Human Behaviour”. As much as I’ve raved about the harder hitting recent electronic songs by Eric Saade and Agnes (producers/songwriters Felix Persson and Märta Grauers wrote Agnes’ smash “Release Me”, while third partner Anton Malmberg Hård af Segerstad has written for Mr. Saade), this is music that audiences would associate more with Robyn. And like other music from Sweden lately, it has enormous international potential – with a few remixes it can find its way into worldwide clubland too. Listen to “Human Behaviour” below and don’t say you aren’t doing some kind of little happy dance afterwards. Listen to it by clicking on the link below.

http://soundcloud.com/hansifriberg/human-behaviour-le-kid/s-RUf12

Danny Fernandes featuring Josh Ramsay and Belly

“Hit Me Up”

26 year old Canadian singer Danny Fernandes first came to my attention back in 2007 with his first singles such as “Curious” (featuring Juelz Santana) which got to #13 on my personal chart. Since then he’s had some significant domestic success with his gritty blend of pop and rap in songs like “Fantasy”, “Private Dancer” (also featuring rapper Belly), and “Automatic”. With his recent album Automatic Luv we find what is sure to be his biggest hit to date, “Hit Me Up”, which has grabbed my attention whenever I’ve heard it on the radio, probably because it’s more electronic and slams harder than his past records. While the song more than holds its own, it’s abetted to the max with the guest appearance of Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay in the chorus. Watch the video above – you’ll have to get past the so-so storyline and the strange editing near the end which makes it seem like there was much, much more to the video than made the final cut. Focus on the song – it’s a foot-stomper 🙂

Armin van Buuren featuring Adam Young, “Youtopia”

Dutch DJ/producer Armin van Buuren always has a few gems up his sleeve. I came upon this one quite by accident but I’m glad I did. Featuring none other than Mr. Owl City (“Fireflies”) himself, Adam Young, on vocals, the video above beautifully captures the wistful and emotional quality of this song, which is clearly about permanently lost love. “Youtopia” rings true, tugging at your heart while making you sway.

JMSN, “Something”

Lastly I leave you with a preview of my next blog, which will be about the new album by JMSN called †Priscilla†, released on iTunes earlier in the week. Its release was accompanied by a third single, “Something”, which follows previous singles and videos for “Hotel” and “Alone”.

The singer formerly known as Christian TV is stretching boundaries big time with his new identity as JMSN. “Something” is highly personal, full of atmosphere (particularly with exquisite percussion and drums) which reels you in, only to find that you’re not exactly sure of where you are and how you’ll feel when you’re done. So yes it’s a head-scratcher but JMSN’s excellent high register vocals stay in your head, giving this song a much longer lasting quality than other songs.

To seal the deal, watch the video above. You may only want to watch it once, given some imagery that will make you squirm right from the first frame. But I commented in an earlier blog about how much the previous videos seemed very similar to visuals from the mind of someone like David Lynch, the creator of “Twin Peaks” among other weird and wonderful forms of entertainment. So you may get the creeps, but it makes you think. Now if I’ve scared you away from the video, then take a listen to the song below. More to come…

Enjoy the Sexy Sizzle of “X Games” by Nick Hagelin

2012 is off to a brilliant start with the upcoming release of “X Games” by Nick Hagelin. As you’ve read in these pages over the last year, Nick has covered a diverse number of songs through entertaining You Tube videos – including Bruno Mars’ “Marry You”, Taylor Swift’s “The Story of Us”, and especially Eric Benet’s “Sometimes I Cry”. He also released a coolsexycute EP called Take Off, which featured one of my favourites from last year, the silky ballad “Metaphor”.

Well reading between the lines it seems that there’s a major label offering in the works with “X Games”. An Atlanta radio station has already jumped on it, which is a great thing for hometown boy Nick. The song itself has enough soulful steaminess to woo the ladies and enough swagger to capture the guys’ attention. It gets away from some of Nick’s lighter pop/dance fare in favour of deep down home R&B… makes sense, our boy is rooted in soul. Line it up against songs from R. Kelly, Robin Thicke, Terence Trent D’Arby, Usher… you get the picture.

Big things are poised to happen… listen to it yourself below and don’t say you aren’t impressed 🙂 More news is imminent in the coming days…

New for 2012: Vincent Did It, Jason Mraz, Marianas Trench… and a couple of neat remixes

Vincent Did It “Dynamo”

Vincent Frank laid his Frankmusik moniker to rest in December and took a break from Twitter. As of today, he’s back as Vincent Did It with his first free download of the year, “Dynamo”. On one hand musically it’s unlike anything that he’s ever done, and on the other contains the thoughtful lyrics he’s been known for over the past few years. 2012 needs someone to push the envelope and Vincent Did It is just the guy. I’ll look forward to whatever Vince releases this year because of all of the work he puts into everything. This is the second time in a year he’s had to put a positive spin on a turn of events, and this is the way to do it – in style. Hopefully he’ll continue with the uStream studio visits he started in December too!

Download “Dynamo” for free below, courtesy of Flop of the Pops blog.

Also be sure to check out Vince’s pre-Christmas take on dubstep called “Fathom”, available for free download below.

Jason Mraz, “I Won’t Give Up”

It took me till after the first minute with the chorus, but Jason Mraz’s new single “I Won’t Give Up” will help keep you warm and fuzzy during the first part of winter. The song just gets better as it goes along, bridging nicely the quiet, relaxing style that won him Grammys with “I’m Yours” a few years back, as well as the lyricism that made his first two albums such winners. The song simply exudes happiness, and we all need songs like this to turn to when we need to tune out of life for 3 minutes. Can’t wait for the rest of his upcoming fourth album. “I Won’t Give Up” is a return to what made me enjoy Jason Mraz on record and in concert. Get it on iTunes.

Marianas Trench’s album “Ever After”

It was released back in November, so my comments about the Trench’s third album Ever After are a little overdue. However the Vancouver quartet may have just released its best single yet in the form of “Fallout”, which sits at the centre of the album and pretty much anchors it.

The album has a winning story about a quest for happiness, and definitely contains some of their best lyrics yet, though I still greatly cherish those in sophomore album Masterpiece Theatre. Singer Josh Ramsay produced and wrote the entire record, which is a major accomplishment.

Ever After leaves behind some of the subtleties of Masterpiece Theatre in favour of a more radio-friendly pop sound, but to the contrary of what I’ve heard from some fans, it does not abandon its rock origins – the instrumentation from guitarist Matt Webb, bassist Mike Ayley, and drummer Ian Casselman (Josh and Matt also play piano) comes off as quite versatile – if anything it flaunts them.

Overall, Ever After sounds like a variation of Roy Thomas Baker-produced albums of the 70’s and 80’s, particularly Queen’s A Night At The Opera and Jazz or The Cars’ debut. Most of those albums were sequenced with little or no gap between songs, and so Ever After sounds seamless like them. Other key songs include “By Now” (a bit similar to “Right Beside You” from Masterpiece Theatre), “Desperate Measures” (listen below), “Porcelain”, “B Team”, and the finale (of course) “No Place Like Home”.

Ever After could be the record to break the very deserving Trench internationally – they already have many American followers.

REEEEEEMIXES!

I love remixes when they’re done right, and a couple have put their spins on some recent songs.

Rihanna “Where Have You Been” (Jadion Missing Persons remix)

I’m one of the few people who seems to be on the fence about Rihanna’s Talk That Talk album. I have failed to get into the first two singles, “We Found Love” and especially the awful “You Da One”, and I think I like Rihanna best when she’s sassy (like in “S&M”) or captured by a club vibe (‘Don’t Stop The Music”, “S.O.S.”). Jadion, known for his innovative production of records by Simon Curtis and Ro Danishei, has managed to de-Dr. Luke-ify “Where Have You Been” in favour of a tribal, dubsteppy bounce – this remix does not give an inch and sustains all four and a half minutes. Download it for free right here and mix it in with your post-New Year’s party music for 2012!

Sky Felix featuring Adam Tyler, “Taking Back My Love” (remix)

Producer/writer Sky Felix is one of the contributing creative forces amid Adam Tyler’s Shattered Ice album, which has already drawn two hits on my personal chart, “I Won’t Let You Go” and “Pull The Trigger”. Adam’s about to release a video for the currently charting “Like A Drug” (tantalizing snap from the video shoot above), and in the meantime Sky has put a crisp, bright, and snazzy retro house spin on “Taking Back My Love” that’s too good to pass by (note: download link will return!). Be sure to get Adam’s Shattered Ice on iTunes and watch for the video in the coming weeks!

Saade’s Hotter… with the Highest Debut: BILLCS Chart – January 2, 2012

It’s a new name for the blog and personal chart, but the number one song on the chart looks to remain the same for the next while anyway. Eric Saade & Dev hold at the top with “Hotter Than Fire”, but the 21 year old Swede also has the highest debut in this edition. I love so many of the slamming electropop on Saade Volume Two that it was tough to choose another one… so this will probably be the second in a series of songs to chart from that album. Nonetheless, the most rocking track “Backseat” bows at #11. This song has major international fan appeal. I don’t think it will be the second official single but it shouldn’t be overlooked as one of the best songs on the record.

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.

Some songs didn’t appear in my year end Top 75 Songs list because they carried over into the current year. So “Don’t Fuck With My Money” by Penguin Prison gets cozy at #3, while Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” (Penguin Prison remix preferred) slides into the #5 spot, and “Black Out The Sun” by Darren Hayes lands inside the Top 10 at #8 with “Bloodstained Heart” hanging in at #4. Also new to the Top 10 are the riveting “Make You Mine” by Joe Jonas at #6, fastest riser “Home” by UK soul singer Stone Walters at #10, and “The Stars Are Saying Yes” by Boy Banned at #7. You can listen to the former and watch the latter below. But alas Boy Banned has called it a day, so in the coming weeks you will hear more about the upcoming activities of two of the quartet, Paul (Pob) O’Brien and Ethan Bourne.

The middle of the chart is absolutely crammed with songs vying for the Top 10 by Jon McLaughlin, Joe Jonas (again), Mika, and The Midway State. It’s rather ironic that “Fire!” by The Midway State precedes fast riser “Earthquake” by Lanbrinth featuring Tinie Tempah, which soars 23-16. Other recent tunes by Lady GaGa, Adam Tyler (whose video for “Like A Drug” arrives in a few weeks), and Nelson Clemente all continue to climb.

Four more debuts arrive on the chart. I’ve already blogged about the second entry by Lana Del Rey, whose stunning video for “Born To Die” (#24) arrived a few weeks before the holidays. The gal is one to watch, as she has signed to Interscope for her upcoming album of the same name. Above “Born To Die” is the second single from Marianas Trench’s third album Ever After. I enjoyed first single “Haven’t Had Enough” but other songs prevented it from entering my chart in the Fall. So their second single “Fallout” is that much more unique and is actually the core of the Ever After album. I’m enjoying the album immensely and expect to have a full review of it later in the week. Listen below – an official video for “Fallout” is coming soon!

Frankmusik gave us an enjoyable animated video for “Wrecking Ball” which I blogged about before the holidays, and as “No I.D.” drifts down the chart, “Wrecking Ball” debuts at #26. Just above that, I’ve dug deeper into The Midway State’s Paris Or India album. My impressions of the record keep changing as I listen to it. The group performed “St. Paul & The Wolf” with a local college’s marching band’s members when I saw them in concert on December 17. The song’s storytelling and anthemic sound continues to win me over and arrives at #25. Watch a live clip of the band below performing the song this past summer.

Bill’s Top 75 Songs of 2011

That annual ritual is upon us again. I kicked it off with my previous post “And Visions of 2011 Danced In His Head”, which talked about my favourite 20 performers (and one compilation album) that made 2011 glitter for me. I won’t go into much depth about those performers again, other than those whose songs are in my Top 10. I’ve provided links to some notable videos and/or songs in my list below (click on the relevant song titles), particularly some you may not know, as well as some comments. You can see the web-pretty list using the Best of 2011 list in the sidebar to the right or click right here.

Before we begin, only one performer has more than 4 songs on the list, and that is Simon Curtis, who had my #1 song of 2010 “Beat Drop”. Among 7 entries, he has three duets on the list! Then with four songs is Frankmusik, and with three songs apiece we have Penguin Prison, Elouise, Eric Saade, Ro Danishei, and Kyle Brylin. These are no surprises if you’ve read this blog throughout the year.

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin 🙂

BILL’S TOP 75 SONGS OF 2011

75 TILL THE WORLD ENDS Britney Spears

Unlike much of the pop world, I have never much been a fan of Ms Britney. But this year she recorded the best song of her career thus far which kicks off my year end list. In fact one of the very best reasons for expanding my list to 75 songs this year was to include this song. Well done – more like this please!
74 METAPHOR Nick Hagelin

Watch Nick’s Twitter account for word about his upcoming single “X Games”!
73 JILTED LOVERS & BROKEN HEARTS Brandon Flowers
72 WE DON’T MISS A BEAT Van Go Lion

Portland, Oregon duo Amy Paige and Josh Hoertzel make magical melodies together, and “We Don’t Miss A Beat” is their best yet. Watch for more in 2012.
71 ICE MELTS Matt & Kim
70 ANOTHER DIMENSION Bass Robbers featuring Matt Blue
69 NEVER WILL BE MINE Rye Rye featuring Robyn
68 THE CITY (Richard X emix) Patrick Wolf

It was so grand to hear British singer Patrick Wolf full of positive and happy energy with songs like “The City” from his recent album Lupercalia.
67 TILL IT HURTS (Radio mix) Native Underground

Native Underground and singer Javi Silva (who gave us last year’s tantalizing “Situation”) are part of a New York City new dance/disco undercurrent. Watch for more from them in 2012, including Javi’s other project Chasing The Ghost.
66 CINEMA Benny Benassi featuring Gary Go
65 FALLING Bright Light Bright Light

BrightLightx2 aka Rod Thomas recorded this free download and unique interpretation of the theme from TV’s “Twin Peaks”, originally sung by Julee Cruise.

64 WHITE HORSE Jessica 6
63 MORE (Red One Jimmy Joker remix) Usher
62 STUPID WITH YOU Eric Saade
61 MY FIZZY POP Kyle Brylin
60 THEN I GO TWISTING Erasure
59 ALL YOU NEED IS NOW Duran Duran
58 THE LOVER’S RUMBA Elouise

The first of three contemporized ballroom songs to appear in this list from the fantastic Ballroom Remixed compilation from our favourite UK torch song chanteuse.

57 KEEP YOUR HEAD UP Andy Grammer

One of the most upbeat and carefree songs of the year also had one of the most enjoyable (and interactive) videos!

56 BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE Chris Brown featuring Benny Benassi

I must say I was totally enthralled with Chris Brown’s performance of this song on the Grammy Awards – though it was really a lot of special effects that catch your attention more so than the song, you can imagine how much work went into it. But I was totally puzzled that his record company did not promote this song to pop radio, and instead it became a #1 Dance Club Play hit.

55 TAINTED LOVE Elouise

Another magnificent Steve Anderson production which turns the song best known as the 80’s hit by Soft Cell into a seductive, smoky, and empowering torchy rendition.
54 ALORS ON DANSE Stromae

53 NEVER LOVE A DJ Kyle Brylin

52 THE EDGE OF GLORY Lady GaGa
51 DON’T GO BREAKING MY HEART Agnes
50 SUNLIGHT Bag Raiders featuring Dan Black
49 FAMOUS Audio Playground featuring Kardinal Offishall or Randy Raymond

Canadian dance trio Audio Playground enlisted Kardinal Offishall for this infectious dance song that perked up Canadian radio playlists this Fall.

48 LADY LUCK Jamie Woon
47 ROCKETEER Far East Movement featuring Ryan Tedder
46 BAD DOG Neon Hitch
45 THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL Elouise

From the little belter herself, a live clip of this version of the ABBA hit which shows that Elouise has the goods and you’ll hear much more from her in 2012.

44 SET FIRE TO THE RAIN Adele
43 MOVES LIKE JAGGER Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera
42 MONSTER Kanye West featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver & Nicki Minaj

I will always listen to Kanye West’s music knowing that he can come up with greatness with the help of such friends… and to me Nicki’s outstanding rap in this song is what helped get her on the map.
41 FAIR WARNING (Dirty Vegas remix) Penguin Prison
40 VENOM Long Story Short

A hooky, movie theme-inspired rock song from this duo, who are from Quebec and L.A. Watch for more from Long Story Short in 2012.
39 THE PUPPET WHO GAVE HIMSELF STRINGS Simon Curtis

The most adorable song from Ballroom Remixed which shows a different side of Simon.
38 PREY TO THE BEAT Ro Danishei

Prey To The Beat is the hidden gem in Ro’s End Of The Rainbow album. It can easily slay the dancefloor!
37 BLOCK AFTER BLOCK Matt & Kim

Block After Block is set to one of the best videos of the year – it’s just so much fun, like the duo themselves.

36 PULL THE TRIGGER Adam Tyler
35 MULTI-MILLIONAIRE (Shook remix) Penguin Prison
34 TALK TALK TALK Darren Hayes

33 FIX ME Matthew Kurz

Fix Me is one of the most heart-wrenching ballads of the year by L.A.’s Matthew Kurz, a new singer with an amazing voice. Download his Mixtape featuring Fix Me right here.
32 CINNAMON Matt Webb

Guitarist Matt Webb initially released Cinnamon as a limited free download before appearing on his debut EP Coda and Jacket. It’s one of those perfect summer heartbreak songs that shows another side of this Marianas Trench member.
31 EVERYTHING I’M MISSING Kyle Brylin

As Kyle enters an acoustic phase of his career, his electropop of 2011 leaves its mark especially with this hypnotic song with a video that makes you watch, even reluctantly. And what is it about the eye makeup that helps give this song a bit of a sinister side? 😉

30 SUPERHERO Simon Curtis

Your Superhero arrived in May to stage the arrival of R∆.

29 STUPID (Brad Walsh remix) Databoy

It takes a few listens until you realize what a smart release this is from this Austin TX duo. It’s still available as a free download right here.

28 I WON’T LET YOU GO Adam Tyler

Watch the colourful video from the best song on Adam’s Shattered Ice debut release.

27 MICHELLE Ro Danishei featuring Simon Curtis

Watch Ro and Simon perform this blistering duet from London, the first of two videos from that show in this list!

26 BORN THIS WAY Lady GaGa
25 I’M IN LOVE Christian TV

The first of two pop/dance confections on this list from the Detroit performer who now goes by the moniker JMSN. Watch for more tricks up Christian Berishaj’s sleeve in 2012.
24 PRISONER OF LOVE Jessica 6 featuring Antony Hegarty

Prisoner of Love is just one of those to-die-for duets that happen once in a while. Hopefully this will be the first of many Nomi Ruiz/Antony Hegarty pairings!

23 BLOODSTAINED HEART Darren Hayes

There are few performers who can convey heartbreak so conscientiously as Darren Hayes. The best song on his Secret Codes & Battleships album is also one of his finest vocal performances. Watch the video all the way through.

22 PUMPED UP KICKS (Skeet Skeet Show remix) Foster The People

It’s very clear from their sold out concerts and their praised performances (even on TV’s Saturday Night Live) that Foster The People is not a one-hit pony. Despite the strange subject matter, the song became one of the defining hits of the summer, but my preference is for the frenetic Skeet Skeet Show remix.
21 JACKSONVILLE Brandon Flowers

Held over from 2010, Jacksonville is one of the songs on the deluxe version of Flamingo, an album that could have fared very differently if the excellent deluxe tracks had been the the core of the record. Nonetheless, this is Brandon at his most unique – Jacksonville could have also been kicked up a notch with some dance remixes.
20 DISCO MOMENT Bright Light Bright Light

One of Rod Thomas’ very best songs contains several lyrics that can leave you teary-eyed while you dance: “And I am open, I am open, but I might just close if… /You make it so hard to be around”. The outstanding video will twist your emotions on the spot.

19 OUT WITHOUT YOUR BOYFRIEND Jerry Reid featuring Ben Waters

The best song from the Ballroom Remixed compilation is this contemporary jive number, aided immeasurably by the magic fingers of Ben Waters. Jerry Reid, too, is a new bad boy talent to watch in 2012.
18 TALK TO ME Andrea Lewis featuring Simon Curtis

Toronto’s Andrea Lewis has another hold over from 2010 release 54321, with her 60’s retro sounding duet with Simon Curtis. Watch the exclusive performance by these best friends from London below.

17 HURT YOU AGAIN Frankmusik

Pre-dating the Do It In The AM album by several months, it’s one of the rare tender ballads you will hear from Frankmusik, originally available as a free download.
16 SOMEONE LIKE YOU Adele
15 S&M Rihanna

Rihanna was a non-stop music-making machine in 2011, but S&M to me exceeded all expectations and made the music that followed pale in comparison. She was at the top of her game but is now probably due a break for fear of that other industry-eating event, over-exposure. The song also accompanied an interesting cadre of songs with suggestive topic matter, which all ended up in Billboard’s Top 4 on the Hot 100 earlier in year – the others were “Born This Way” by Lady GaGa, “Fuckin’ Perfect” by Pink, and “Tonight (I’m Fuckin’ You)” by Enrique Iglesias 🙂

14 DO IT IN THE A.M. Frankmusik F/ Far East Movement

13 CAN’T HELP MYSELF (KEEP DANCING) Matt Blue

One of 2011’s must-talents to watch is 19 year old Matt Blue, who hails from the Netherlands. Songs like “Can’t Help Myself” transcend the record industry barriers for official release through their videos.

12 LOVE 2 BABY Christian TV

If there was any song that should’ve been a hit in 2011 it was “Love 2 Baby”, dance pop at its best and somewhat hedonistic video to boot. Watch for the artist now known as JMSN in 2012.

11 NO I.D. Frankmusik featuring Colette Carr

One of the most joyous treats of 2011 was watching this completely unexpected video throwback to “Grease”. Frank and Colette have great chemistry together – hopefully they’ll record again.

10 MADE OF POP Eric Saade

It was never released as a single *hrumpf* but this love letter to Eric’s fans has some of the best lyrics that pop music could offer in 2011: “My kings and queens /Are speaking through me / Got my degree / In the big P-O-P”.

9 ROLLING IN THE DEEP Adele

Rolling In The Deep is the song that defines 2011 in pop culture. It endured the entire year, became a massive hit beyond expectations, was covered – sometimes magnificently – a gazillion times. More than any other song in the 21 album, it showcases the many broad talents of Adele. Now let’s hope her voice recovers and we hear more magnificence in the next few years.

8 NIGHT AIR Jamie Woon

One of the most mysterious and oddly appealing songs by this new English singer with deep down embedded talents. While the video surely must have had “Twilight” as a source, its quiet is incredibly elegant.

7 THE FEAR INSIDE Frankmusik

The best song from Do It In The AM was Frank’s first single from the album, released about a year ago. Just release yourself to this one.

6 GOLDEN TRAIN Penguin Prison

Penguin Prison held court on my chart at the top of the year for two months with this song, which was made even better when Chris Glover paired it in a stunning mashup with Michael Jackson’s “Workin’ Day And Night”, which you can hear and download in the link in song title.

5 LASER GUNS UP Simon Curtis

It lasted from the first time I heard it in a live clip from a January show throughout the year. Laser Guns Up is still my anthem for 2011. And I still want some LEGO laser guns. “This one’s for the people who’ve been told they’re never good enough / The little girls and boys who dream of what they wanna be / The little girls and boys who grow up into you and me”.
4 JUST ONCE Databoy

I had just heard “Stupid” and had not yet charted it before I was introduced to Databoy at the Superfraiche showcase in New York City in April. And that’s where I heard this song. Instantly, it became my song for the upcoming summer, and when it arrived as a free download there was no other competition. I can’t wait for more Databoy music in 2012.

3 WICKED BABY Ro Danishei featuring Simon Curtis

We had to wait till late Summer for this bonus track from the deluxe edition of Ro Danishei’s End of the Rainbow, but the best was saved for last. This is the child of Ace of Base’s The Sign that you’ve all been waiting for, with a stunning dubsteppy breakdown amid another smoking Ro/Simon duet. And I wasn’t the only one who loved it, check out My Fizzy Pop’s thoughts on the song too!

2 FLESH Simon Curtis

There was no song more unique in 2011 than this second single from Simon’s R∆ album. Totally different from even the songs within R∆, it’s a tour-de-force of sensual imagery carried by fierce production that will simply throttle you. I still want to see it featured in a segment on TV’s “The Vampire Diaries”: “You put your hand upon my neck and feel the pulse beat-beat-beat-beat /It’s like a trigger getting ready to shoot” and “Hold me up against the wall / Give it till I beg, give me some more /Make me bleed, I like it raw / Like it R∆ R∆ R∆”.
1 POPULAR Eric Saade

“Popular” is the best and most captivating song of 2011 to me, which threw Swedish singer Eric Saade even more into the spotlight when the song won the Melodifestivalen contest and came third in Eurovision. It signalled things to come, with Saade’s Volume One and Volume Two albums dropping before year’s end and giving us the year’s most lighthearted, feel good, crunchy electropop, which hopefully will find its way around the world in 2012. Eric Saade and his team have created the template, the rest of the world needs to catch on. And if you’re a male pop singer, all eyes should be on Eric! Watch the star-making performance from Melodiefestivalen again below.

Tuned-On! Top 30 #368 – December 19/11… plus Frankmusik, Adam Lambert, Lana Del Rey and more

Well if you’ve been reading this space these past several weeks, then it’s no surprise that Eric Saade & Dev have dethroned Matt Blue’s “Can’t Help Myself” at the top of my personal chart in this edition. “Hotter Than Fire” is a highly appropriate 2011 finale for this chart, since my next one won’t be posted till January 2 or thereabouts. It looks to have a nice long stay at the top, unless either a long-awaited release of another song I love happens, or unless another Eric Saade song catches hold of me like “Hotter” and sails to the top. Watch the spiffy video above; the camera takes great advantage of Eric…

This won’t be a long blog because the rest of the top stays the same, and while both New Yawkers Penguin Prison’s “Don’t Fuck With My Money” and Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” (in a Penguin Prison remix no less) are on their way to the Top 5, both “Then I Go Twisting” by Erasure and “White Horse” by Jessica 6 sneak into the Top 10 for what look like peak appearances. In the meanwhile, take a gander at the provocative video by Lana Del Rey, “Born To Die”, which is one of the best you will see these days, tragic story and all. Her voice almost has a Rufus Wainwright-like quality to it at times in this song.

Just outside of the Top 10 is another story entirely, for four songs look to storm the Top 10 in two weeks. Keep your eyes on Boy Banned, for “The Stars Are Saying Yes” will getcha when you’re not looking! It climbs 20-11 this week. Right behind is the second entry for Darren Hayes currently on the chart, “Black Out The Sun”. The Fastest Riser on the chart follows, and that’s “Make You Mine”, the big surprise that is within Joe Jonas’ Fastlife album. It soars 24-13. Jon McLaughlin’s “Promising Promises” continues to climb at #14. Rounding out the movers are The Midway State’s “Fire!” at #18, Lady GaGa’s “Marry The Night” which is up to #21, and “Like A Drug” by Adam Tyler jumps 28-24.

I talked about two of the three debuts recently. “Home” by Stone Walters is a stunning but low-key release from the UK soul singer which hits your heart in all of the right places. It’s one to watch and debuts at #20. It’s available for free download right here with an email subscription. “Champagne” by Nelson Clemente is either a great way to end the current year or a great starter for the next year. Its lightheartedness is contagious and premieres at #27. Nelson has already attained a number of Top Tenners on this chart, with “You Want Me Don’t You” (in both its original 2008 release and 2009 Spekr Freks remix) and “90 Days” both cracking the Top 5. Ninthwave Records has made it available as a free download on Soundcloud right here. Lastly, producer/remixer Benny Benassi has made some intoxicating music for the dance floor this year, so he gets a hat-trick of sorts with his remix of Labrinth & Tinie Tempah’s “Earthquake” arriving on my chart at #23. The other two songs to reach the chart? Chris Brown’s “Beautiful People” and Benassi’s “Cinema” (featuring Gary Go) were on the chart concurrently this summer, peaking at #10 and #11 respectively. Listen to his remix of “Earthquake” below. Your body may start moving without you.

A few more tidbits before I wrap up…

Ever the busy guy, Frankmusik recently unveiled a delightful animated video for his Do It In The A.M. track “Wrecking Ball”. Mr. Frank’s full of ideas… watch for more next year. In the meantime, watch “Wrecking Ball” below.

And welcome back, Adam Lambert, though you didn’t seem away for more than a hot second. The most important thing about his upcoming single “Better Than I Know Myself” is that it does away with the dramatic, almost over-the-top high notes of songs like “Whataya Want From Me” in favour of cleaner, richer, and more classic production. But everything you ever liked about Adam is much intact! The new album’s gonna be even better, I think. Listen to “Better Than I Know Myself” streaming from his official website right here.

And I leave you with two more songs for the season. He was Warbler #6 on “Glee” for a time, and recorded a terrific EP about a year ago along with a bang-on cover of George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex”. It’s a pleasure to hear Chris Mann so beautifully sing “Silent Night” below.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you, I said it was coming. Here’s Joshua Desjardins’ heartwarming and humourous video for “Macauley Culkin (Home Alone at Christmas)”. You will have a smile on your face when it’s finished 🙂

And Visions Of 2011 Danced In His Head…

2011 is a special year in many ways for me. Utterly fantastic music was to be heard at every turn, whether it be a Facebook or Twitter link, a video, a concert… we were just a few clicks away from something amazing. I’ve met and made contact with some of the genuinely nicest people who are either performers, writers, songwriters, producers … and are always music fans. For someone like me who has sometimes odd music tastes and often wants to stand up on my seat and root for the underdog, it’s reassuring to know that there are so many of us out there in the world.

In anticipation of my year end Best Songs list – which will be a Top 75 Songs for the first time since around 1992 – I’m going to rave on about 20 performers (and one compilation project) who made 2011 a watershed year, particularly for pop music online (he says after listening to the radio and finding so little of interest on it). So this post is a little longer than usual… they are in no particular order, except for the last five 🙂

The Script

The Irish trio toured around the world and then seemed to do it again, sideways, finally landing a show in my city. Their Science And Faith album proved to be a consistent soft rock entry, spawning long-lasting hits like “For The First Time” and “Nothing”. It’s a record that you can put on at any time and know that you will get something different back in each play every time. The band in concert has an earnest, contagious energy which will serve them well in their rock career.

Jamie Woon

If I hadn’t heard the magical and eerie “Night Air”, well represented by a beautifully-shot video, Jamie Woon’s Mirrorwriting would not have been one of my most played albums of the first quarter of the year. Englander Jamie has one of those deep musical souls, highly evident in gripping R&B/Blues-influenced songs like “Tmrw”, “Street”, “Waterfront” and “Shoulda”. I can’t wait to see where his next album will take him, and us.

The Midway State

The Toronto-based quartet had me a bit puzzled with their sophomore release Paris Or India, but it’s really an album that grows on you with time. First you must get over the hurdle that it’s quite different, and much more produced, than their 2008 debut Holes. But the songs do resonate, particularly “Fire!”, “All Anew”, “Hartley Salter’s Kite”, and “St. Paul And The Wolf”. The band proved how much they’ve grown touring back and forth across Canada and are now a formidably tight unit in concert. Keep them on your radar!

Jon McLaughlin

What’s one to do after leaving your major record label of 6 years? Why, you tour the hell out of North America in support of the album that you couldn’t agree upon, that’s what! So Indiana’s Jon McLaughlin released Forever If Ever on his own, as if to reacquaint us with an increasingly lost image – the singer/songwriter/piano man. I mean, a full blown piano solo in the album’s best song, “Promising Promises”, really? The record is mainly soft rock, but also rocks out on “What I Want” and “These Crazy Times”. And Jon proved himself to be a compelling presence in concert, prepared to bang out that keyboard until it falls apart.

Adam Cohen

I was fortunate enough to win last minute tickets to see Adam Cohen’s show in Toronto in October. And I was treated to a low key, enthusiastic small event to showcase his first English solo album, Like A Man, since 1998, after recording one in French in 2004 and of course having some success with his rock band Low Millions. So Adam has now embraced some of father Leonard’s style and grace on the album. But these are Adam’s songs which tell interesting tales of love, lust, and beauty, as well as a coming of age of sorts. At 39, Adam has decided to continue with a pop music career after nearly talking himself out of it. And so out of that we have Like A Man, one of the best albums of 2011.

Jessica 6

This New York City trio is among a select few who seem to be reinventing the late night dance music of their city. There’s no better example than their See The Light album, full of dark and sensual rhythms carried by the sultry-plus voice of Nomi Ruiz. “Fun Girl”, “White Horse” and especially the knockout duet with Antony Hegarty on “Prisoner Of Love” will serve as benchmarks in this sub-genre which will continue to grow.

Ballroom Remixed

It almost seems like a no-brainer. But with the success of contemporary dance in our pop culture spectrum now, thanks in large part to TV’s So You Think You Can Dance, no one had thought about putting a contemporary spin on traditional ballroom dances until now. Dance choreographer extraordinaire Melanie La Patin executive-produced this fun and diverse compilation, with all songs written and produced by one group of incredible individuals, so it comes off as a dedicated and attractive affair to suit your every dance mood. And the performers who participated? A who’s who of Internet pop from across the globe – Simon Curtis, Kyle Brylin, Gravitonas, Elouise, Lee Latchford Evans, Romy Low, Neo, plus stunning newcomers like Jerry Reid, Joshua Desjardins, and Jeronimo. Putting together such a compilation in these times must have taken massive effort but the results are exceptional, so check it out if you haven’t.

Bright Light Bright Light

Rod Thomas creates sad and romantic electropop with a big heart. And while we haven’t yet seen a full album release, this London-based Welsh singer/producer/DJ continued to dazzle us in 2011 with the heartbreak of “Disco Moment”, “How To Make A Heart”, and a unique interpretation of the “Twin Peaks” theme (originally sung by Julee Cruise) “Falling”. And then there are his numerous dance mixes, often courtesy of his nightclubbing event “Another Night”. Bright Light Bright Light is on my must-listen list.

Adam Tyler, Kyle Brylin, and Nick Hagelin

All of these fine young men didn’t strike me with their first few songs. But 2011 has shown that all are coming into their own, with endless possibilities ahead. All are very prolific, whether engaging us with their own originals/collaborations, or with well-chosen cover versions.

Adam released his debut album Shattered Ice, toured most of the U.S., and also visited England, Sweden and Japan. The well-received electronic album included pre-released single “I Won’t Let You Go”, plus club bangers such as “Like A Drug”, “Pull The Trigger”, and the anthemic “Music Freak”, but also showed Adam’s softer side as well, which truly highlights his voice, very apparent in his non-album free download covers of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” or Adele’s “Turning Tables”.

It seemed that every month saw a new Kyle Brylin release. And I’d be the first to back off a bunch of songs that sound like they were being thrown against a wall to see what stuck. But there is enormous quality to multi-instrumentalist Kyle’s versatile performances, most of which were available as free downloads. The year started with the interesting “Committed”, and quickly got turned upside its head with a visceral version of Rihanna’s “S&M”. “Everything I’m Missing” was hypnotic, his best song yet. He gave us a tongue-in-cheek side with “I’m A Man (Not A Piece of Meat)” from the Ballroom Remixed compilation. More aggressive electronica followed in the form of songs like “Make It So” and “Never Love A DJ”, countered by sweet pop like “Bay” and the joyful “My Fizzy Pop”. The year wrapped up with precursors to an album with the many remixes of “Revenge” along with the The System EP. OK I’m officially out of breath.

For the first while, all I could associate singer/songwriter/guitarist Nick Hagelin with were dancing pandas (from his video of “ICU”). So when the acoustic cover versions of “The Story Of Us”, “Sometimes I Cry”, and “Marry You” all surfaced, along with a beaut of an R&B/Pop EP called Take Off, then I knew Nick would be here to stay, with much to look forward to next year. Take Off is available for free download and features the sultry “Metaphor” and wistful title track.

Erasure

September brought me back to an always pleasant experience – my fifth Erasure concert (I saw them first back in 1986!) – but this year’s event focused on both their greatest hits and music from their album Tomorrow’s World, produced by their opening act, Frankmusik. The album itself stands as unique among all of the Erasure albums because it updated the duo’s sound, which attracted many new listeners, more than evident in the audience at the concert. And the concert showed that Andy Bell and Vince Clarke are still very fine performers indeed – and just count all of those hits they played.

Ro Danishei

The L.A. based singer/songwriter released the first album of 2011 online for free, and in a year of such high profile women singers, Ro Danishei held her own with End Of The Rainbow. It’s a collection of songs that would best resemble what a de-layered Kesha might sound like, but with much more focus on deeper lyrical content and solid production (courtesy of Jeff “Jadion” Wells) than image or novelty. Her duets with Simon Curtis on the blistering “Michelle” and the child of Ace Of Base that is “Wicked Baby”, as well as solo efforts like “Baby Doll”, “Drunk Txt”, and “Blackout” put Ro Danishei on her own platform, waiting to be heard more in 2012.

Lady GaGa

Despite naysayers, Born This Way as an album (but more particularly as a song) is a triumph. Every generation has its excesses, whether they be by Elton John, David Bowie, or Madonna. Lady GaGa has her own invention of excess, but with all of her talent, and her ability to get right down to a fan’s level, she still comes across as a multi-layered and unique person. And there’s no denying the variety in Born This Way, from the humorous “Government Hooker” and “Scheiɮe”, through to the more dramatic “Marry The Night” and “Judas”, and the anthemic “Hair” and “The Edge Of Glory”.

Adele

21 is the most stunningly beautiful best-selling album of many recent years. Who would have thought a year ago that the New Artist Grammy winner from 2009 had created a record with songs that will serve as bellwether performances for years to come. The honest emotion in “Rolling In The Deep”, “Someone Like You”, and “Set Fire To The Rain” transcended the year, and will continue into 2012. 21 is certainly a dream come true, a vocal tour-de-force with stunning arrangements.

Darren Hayes

Secret Codes and Battleships is Darren’s first album since the magnificence that is 2007’s This Delicate Thing We’ve Made. It’s a softer and very personal affair, full of emotion and positive energy. “Talk Talk Talk” was the danceable introduction to the album, followed by the intense “Bloodstained Heart” and feverish “Black Out The Sun”. There’s no shortage of fine songs, with “Don’t Give Up” and “Roses” continuing to show the quality and beauty that Darren and his team put into their music. What’s best though about this record – Darren’s finest vocals throughout. Can’t wait for the North American concert dates.

Here now are the five quintessential performers in 2011 who require your attention in 2012 and beyond!

Elouise

England’s “Little Belter” certainly captured my attention last year with her knockout Stardust EP, which showcased her powerful voice on “Pretender”. This year we saw Elouise take up a residency at Madame JoJo’s in London for several sequined-dress laden Little Belter shows, including “Santa’s Little Belter” at year’s end, which promoted her same-name EP of a trio of Christmas songs, including the lost disco gem “Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas)”. She also released another three song EP Stardust Melodies (as with the others, lovingly produced by Steve Anderson), featuring a warm and spot-on cover of ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All”. Plus she dared to cover “Born This Way” while Lady GaGa’s Grammy performance was still fresh in our minds (releasing it as a free download), as well as a sexy and sultry version of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love”. Then we found her contemporized on the Ballroom Remixed compilation with “The Lover’s Rumba”. It was a great year for Elouise, and it will only get better from here. A tour of England first; the rest of the world awaits!

Penguin Prison

Chris Glover and his band were everywhere in 2011. The year started off with the single “Golden Train”, which Penguin Prison then mashed up with Michael Jackson’s “Workin’ Day and Night”. Then came the Prince-worthy “Multi-Millionaire” and an older single “Fair Warning”, in numerous different remixes. Chris also entertained us with various remixes and mixtapes throughout the year, until the self-titled Penguin Prison album dropped, first in England, and then in North America in October. The album was more than worth the wait, with the crunchy and ribald “Don’t Fuck With My Money” scoring the lead-off track role. But there’s more to Penguin Prison than making an outstanding fusion of dance past and present, as “Desert Cold” and “In The Way” will inform you upon listening. Despite their relentless touring throughout 2011, I hope to see a Penguin Prison show again in 2012.

Simon Curtis

Our Boy Robot from last year’s 8bit Heart free download release threw his hat into the official release game with R∆ pretty much taking over my Twitter timeline for the month of June. He also performed a few shows throughout the year, including the Superfraiche showcase in New York City which I saw in April. R∆ is a hard-hitting and emotionally heart-felt triumph which is not always an easy listen. In fact it’s better to be broken up into several parts.

The song that stands apart from the rest in R∆ is second single “Flesh”, Simon’s most unique offering to date that wraps you up and doesn’t let you go, with its impressive vocals, all of its sexy and sensual imagery, and whirlwind production from Jeff “Jadion” Wells. Then we have the anthems – first single “Superhero”, concert fave “Laser Guns Up”, love letter to the fans “Get In Line”. Then smouldering dance/pop courtesy of “Soul 4 Sale”, “Don’t Dance”, and “Enemy”. Lastly, the intensely raw songs like “How To Start A War”, “I Hate U”, “Pit of Vipers”, and “Joshua” – I for one would not want to be the subject of any of these songs for fear of having to crawl under a rock somewhere.

Despite its flaws, R∆ proves that Simon Curtis can take his music to the next level and beyond… I’m gonna have to be extremely patient waiting to see what’s in store next.

Frankmusik

Frankmusik left me breathless in 2011 after what seemed to be a simple start with the release of the infectious “The Fear Inside” at the top of the year. But then the rollercoaster effect started, with the online free release of fine songs that didn’t end up on his September album release Do It In The A.M. One of those songs is “Hurt You Again”, one of my favourite ballads of the year with a tender vocal which we hadn’t yet heard from talented Vince Turner.

In the midst of it all, Frankmusik produced Erasure’s album Tomorrow’s World, from which he also gave us a raw cover of the band’s single “When I Start (To Break It All Down)”, and then opened up for them on their North America and England tours. And in the midst of all that, songs from Do It In The A.M. were leaked months in advance of the album’s release, prompting Frankmusik to release several more songs for free download, including a song about London’s summer riots “Living In The Mayhem”.

But back to the album – flat out and edgy dance pop, featuring collaborations with Far East Movement, Natalia Kills, and Colette Carr, all Cherrytree labelmates. The music from the record shaped my playlists for late Summer and Fall, with the swinging title track, the jaunty “No I.D.” (with a fantastic “Grease” inspired video), and dance floor fillers like “Wrecking Ball”, “Ludicrous”, “We Collide”, and “Struck By Lightning”.

Frankmusik now occasionally broadcasts on uStream from his studio and says he’ll be releasing his next album for free online. But I’m sure this busy fellow will have more up his sleeve and should not be underestimated in this strange world of pop music.

Eric Saade

I’m so glad I keep an open mind about music or else I may not have returned to listen to Eric Saade’s records this year. His previous releases, huge hits in the Scandinavian countries, didn’t connect with me.

And then this year’s Melodifestivalen contest happened in Sweden, with Eric’s “Popular” one of the contenders. Like with Mans Zelmerlow in 2009, the show extracted a stunning live performance by Eric. I was converted and “Popular” is the defining song for me of 2011, followed in the summer by a full album, Saade Volume One. This isn’t just Swedish electropop, it sets the standard for the way contemporary electropop should be. Eric and his fine team of songwriters and producers covered the entire pop spectrum, from the caring and personal “Me and My Radio”, “Stupid with You” and “Timeless”, through to his own anthem for his fans “Made of Pop”, and the brilliantly bizarre “Killed By A Cop”.

In November, Volume One was followed fearlessly by Volume Two, an even harder hitting, forceful collection of grittier arpeggio-laden electropop, led by a stunning first single featuring Dev, “Hotter Than Fire”. But there are comparable songs within such as “Fingerprints”, “Love Is Calling”, “Explosive Love”, and “Crashed On The Dancefloor”. Put Eric on a double bill tour with Swedish legend Robyn in 2012 along with a few other noteable performers and we will have Electropop Heaven.

Not only does Eric Saade create electropop done so right that makes you feel so good, but he leads the way in which a male performer can rightly find his place in such a female performer-driven business these days. If there’s any guy who should break into the worldwide pop marketplace in the next few years, it’s Eric Saade. With Volumes One and Two, he’s created the template. So other male pop performers, your challenge is here: The Glove Is Now On.

Fall Popervescence Too: Nick Hagelin, Adam Tyler, and Introducing: Stone Walters, The Slakadeliqs, and SoSo

Yes, please, we will be delighted to have more Nick Hagelin in 2012. And judging from what’s seen and heard in the above preview, 2012 could be a breakout year for the Georgia resident who has charmed us with acoustic covers of “Marry You”, “The Story Of Us”, and especially “Sometimes I Cry”, plus the soul-pop in his debut EP Take Off.

Stone Walters “Home”

Sometimes there are songs that are so special they move you to tears. And that’s what “Home” by UK singer Stone Walters did to me. It strikes an important chord for not only me but many others, especially at this time of year. Of course it helps that Stone has a to-die-for voice heavily influenced by the likes of Al Green and Stevie Wonder, but he really has the quiet power of someone like Marvin Gaye or Seal to me. What seals the deal for me with this song is the simple melody, with soulful high notes preceding some classic piano chord changes. It’s a little bit of magnificence in 2:41! Stone had a song called “Trouble” played on the BBC2 in 2009, and is now-financing his album project from believers through the Indiegogo site. In the meantime, you can get “Home” for free through an email subscription from his website. Stone Walters is a name to watch for and a voice to hear.

The Slakadeliqs featuring Justin Nozuka “Love Controls The Sun”

“Love Controls The Sun” is a soulful and jazzy preview of The Slakadeliqs’ upcoming free album due January 17 called The Other Side of Tomorrow. The Slakadeliqs is the latest project from Toronto’s Byram Joseph, aka Slakah The Beatchild, who was previously a member of Art of Fresh and won a Juno Award for producing Divine Brown’s Love Chronicles album in 2009. Add the multi-talented Justin Nozuka into the mix and you have a breezy and carefree song to help get you through the day. You can download “Love Controls The Sun” for free right here.

SoSo “Who’s Gonna Love Me”

There’s more to Sweden than dance pop! SoSo is Sophia Somajo, who has put together “Who’s Gonna Love Me” entirely on her own, incorporating a rich instrumentation into a more alternative pop setting. She’s got a splendid voice that makes “Who’s Gonna Love Me” stay in your head and want more. You can download “Who’s Gonna Love Me” at the link above.

And the Christmas songs keep coming:

Adam Tyler’s favourite Christmas song is “O Holy Night”, which also happens to be one of mine too. And he absolutely nails it. Be sure to download it for free on Adam’s Soundcloud page below.

Setting the Bar for P.O.P.: Saade Volume Two

If there’s anyone who has set the bar for P.O.P. and how to do it so right in 2011, it’s Eric Saade. And to think, a few years back, I wasn’t really impressed with the songs I heard by him. But growth in music happens so fast, and when put together with the right team, the results can be astonishing. And I can’t believe that most of the world hasn’t heard him yet. But that will change!

So 2011 started off with Eric competing in Sweden’s Melodifestivalen contest with “Popular” – and he won it, with a couple of starmaking performances of that song as well that led to a third place finish at Eurovision.

Then he announced that he would release two albums in 2011, highly ambitious by any standards. So in July, Saade Volume One appeared to stellar reaction and of course phenomenal sales in Scandinavia. Volume One showed Eric’s diversity, from airy pop like “Timeless” and “Stupid with You” through to bang-on dance tracks like “Popular” and “Made of Pop”, and even an appealing lyrical oddity that is “Killed By A Cop”. As I mentioned in my last blog, Saade Volume One is the album that I constantly return to if I want to feel really good!

Not even a half year later, and Saade Volume Two arrives as promised, with the stunner lead off single “Hotter Than Fire” (featuring Dev) preparing for more goods back in November (watch the impressive ‘one take’ video above, featuring some snazzy Saade moves). That song itself has grown on me, but I really wasn’t prepared for this second edition, which goes full throttle into hard electropop after the first few songs. And you can hear Eric’s enthusiasm for the songs gleaming through each one.

J’son is back on another duet to kick it off with “Sky Falls Down”, a much better song than “Hearts In The Air” to me. “Rocket Science” made me wonder where the album was going, the only song that doesn’t grab me on the record. After “Hotter Than Fire” we have “Love Is Callin'”, which like “Hotter” has a killer hook (“Bring my heart beat back…”). That leads to the core of Volume Two, with “Crashed On The Dance Floor”, which starts off like it might be a lyrical track but after the first two minutes the song sets the clubby vibe of the album into place.

Right up there with “Hotter Than Fire” as one of the best songs is “Explosive Love”, which takes its initial cue from the synth hook from Calvin Harris’ “I’m Not Alone” but runs away from that base with an irresistibly slamming rhythm. “Backseat” is a love letter to the ladies that will set hearts a flutter. Not only that but the rhythm once again hits hard and there is a major sexual subtext here that isn’t in his other songs. “Feel Alive” percolates along while the album closer “Fingerprints” doesn’t let the record wind down, another strong song that could end up being a single. Eric has found a huge niche, his voice perfectly suits the songs, and his team has done a stellar job.

My wishlist for 2012 would include a North American concert/promo tour with Robyn, Eric, and perhaps some other electropop performers. The accomplishments of Saade Volumes One and Two in such a short time show that Eric Saade is Made of P.O.P. and I for one cannot get enough of it.