For every dance track that’s full of effects with big drops, there’s a song like “Lost Yourself” by NYC duo The Golden Pony featuring New Jersey singer JT Mak. This one stands out because it’s slick in all the right ways. Unlike a lot of dance records, there’s incredible balance here in the production which marries contemporary deep house with Nile Rodgers-like disco riffs. The Golden Pony know how to bring it up to new heights with JT Mak’s falsetto and bring it back down quieter when he sings in his tenor range. Plus there’s a pause that will keep you hanging! For now, you can pick up “Lost Yourself” for free at the above link.
“Free Spirit” is the new song from Molly Moore’s upcoming second EP, following Shadow Of The Sun. It’s nothing like what you heard on that record. As produced by Craig Dodds of Massive Attack, it definitely recalls the 90’s experimental electronica that made Massive Attack’s early records (particularly Protection) so timeless and memorable. The same principle is applied on “Free Spirit” where Molly’s voice is shaken and shifted amid a unique soundscap, and in this co-write with beau Brandyn Burnette, there is a distinct progressive soul backdrop similar to some songs in his own latest EP State I’m In. But “Free Spirit” is unmistakably Molly doing her own great things with music, and should call attention to fans of Banks, Halsey and Grimes. Pick it up on iTunes.
At first I wasn’t sure if Austin duo Bronze Whale were out to drive me a bit mad with their reshaping of their friend Crywolf’s “Slow Burn”. I think that was because I could relate to the lyrics of the song, which perhaps are so honest and cutting that it slid under my skin too much. But really this remix is a whirlwind, with so much going on in the first two minutes that you may not know which way is up. It represents the crazy feeling when you’ve been in a relationship for so long, as singer/songwriter Justin sings I can still feel your claws in me twisting ’round, Bronze Whale capture the essence of that sentiment perfectly. The mix goes on about a minute longer than the original but is well worth sticking through because it’s inventive with an ending that peters out deliberately just like memories of a now-gone relationship begin to fade. “Slow Burn” is beautifully sung too and this chaotic but bang on remix perfectly suits the vocals. You’re gonna want this one – download it for free at the link above.
“Ready For Us” is one of those delectable anthemic pop/dance confections that is made either for bright sunny days, or to make your day just that bit better. It comes to you courtesy of British performer and producer Draper, who has employed fellow Brits, the trio Sykes, to put the rock pedal-to-the-metal that meshes so well with Draper’s electronic mix. As sung by Sykes’ vocalist Julia with an infectious delivery, “Ready For Us” also doesn’t overwhelm you with an abrasive electronic backdrop. Although it comes from Britain, it has definite American alt.pop flavour and could find itself following up-and-comers on the scene like Powers or Sofi Tukker. Give it a listen above and pick it up at your favourite online music store.
Most people probably became instantly familiar with Boston-born, L.A. based singer/songwriter Stephen Wrabel when he collaborated two years ago with Afrojack on “Ten Feet Tall”, which was heard during Super Bowl. Since then, Wrabel has scored co-writes for Ellie Goulding and Adam Lambert among others, and released an EP called Sideways. Switching labels now to Epic Records, Wrabel continues to impress with “11 Blocks”, an instantly singable song with a soaring melody and vocal that should last through the summer months. If you like Lukas Graham’s “7 Years” or Coldplay’s latest, “11 Blocks” will be of extra delight to you. Wrabel is a formidable talent to watch so it will be interesting to hear what’s next. For now you can watch the lyric video above and then pick up “11 Blocks” in your favourite digital music store.
L.A.-based Elephante continues to blaze his path through the EDM world with his potent progressive remix of fellow California denizen Stephen’s “Crossfire”. It’s many steps away from Elephante’s current pop/dance smash “Closer”, drawing from the energy of Stephen’s passionate and earnest alt.rock original which will appeal to fans of the likes of Hozier or Brandyn Burnette. Basically, in his remix Elephante kicks the impact of the song up to the ceiling. He allows the song to build by relying on Stephen’s compelling introduction. But then the big trap-like drops kick in and the blistering remix absolutely takes no prisoners. It’s amazing to listen when an already great song is intensified and rewired by this kind of a remix. Bravo Elephante and Stephen 🙂 Folks, this is your must-hear song this week. Best of all – download it for free at the link above (and pick up Stephen’s original on iTunes while you’re at it)!
The guys in New Immunity recently got their hands all over Molly Moore’s “Come Fly”, her cover of the classic Sinatra tune, and showed how that song could easily swing with EDM. With Micky Blue’s “Wild Things”, they have a powerhouse indie original which is transformed from a cutting alt.rock ballad, and it’s given not only a big bouncing rhythm but also some scorching rock guitars, which make it impossible to miss in a set. What I like best about this remix is its balance; you can zero in on Micky’s softer vocal parts just as easily as when some vocal effects go arm-in-arm with those guitars. Club DJ’s would be wise to unleash “Wild Things” on a big crowd for one untamed evening ahead. Download it for free at the above link.
All eyes on the top of the chart in this edition as there’s a new #1 and loads of activity. As a result, newer songs make smaller moves, and even the fastest riser on the chart only moves up 5 places. I like a good competition! 🙂
The Top 10
It was only a matter of time, but either in its original version or its love struck-sounding remix by EDWYNN x TIKAL and Spirix, Brandon Skeie’s “So Bad” (above) displaces Connor Phillips’ “Lost” (Young Bombs remix) at #1. With Eli Lieb, Brandon also co-wrote and sang “Pulse” (below) during the past two weeks, a warm and inspiring song written in the aftermath of the Orlando tragedy.
It’s summer in the western world and no song on the chart suits the summer months better than “Dreamin'” by Embody featuring Camden Cox, which climbs 7-3.
Another romance-oriented remix by Speaker Of The House surfaced to show what a great, diverse song Elephante has in “Closer” (featuring Bishøp). “Closer” really does deserve to be a pop hit. It moves up 6-4.
Jenaux’s powerfully funky and fresh “Get It On” arrives in the Top 10 at #8. Got any platform shoes handy? 😉
It says something when you get to play a free show in Times Square, and NYC natives The Chainsmokers are doing just that tomorrow (Monday June 27). If they perform “Don’t Let Me Down” perhaps Daya will be present too. The song rises 12-9
The Knocks and Semi-Precious Weapons singer (and now noted songwriter) Justin Tranter are a great pairing, and “Tied To You” becomes The Knocks’ third song from their album 55 to grace the Top 10, climbing 13-10.
Movin’ On Up
Tom Odell’s winning new composition “Magnetised” gets stuck outside of the Top 10 due to fierce competition. Thanks to a bass-synth driven Kat Krazy remix it continues to get attention in the club scene. “Magnetised” jumps 15-11.
It’s a fantastic, vivid story that will hold your interest throughout – Toronto-bases singer Joël’s “You Fucked Up” rises 14-12.
Ariana Grande’s “Into You” is one of her best songs, yet it seems to be still stuck behind many better ones! We’ll see if she surpasses the #8 peak of “The Way” in the coming weeks. “Into You” moves up 20-16.
The fastest riser on the chart is the gloriously feel good #1 dance anthem “So Happy” by Tony Moran featuring Jason Walker, which jumps 23-18.
Hand in hand with Embody’s “Dreamin'”, Rain Man has done exactly what his song says. “Bring Back The Summer” (featuring Oly) is meant for sunshiny days and moves 24-20.
Nik Ernst’s “Stronger” is British deep house at its best, and given a slick edit by Dutchman Steve Void. It climbs 25-21.
Built By Titan’s collaboration with Jesse McCartney on “Dangerous” is definitely turning heads as it bubbles under in the pop and dance genres. “Dangerous” moves up 26-22.
Debuts
“Take Me Apart” is a thoughtful original by producers/remixers LZRD and Spirix featuring the flattering voice of Remmi. Spirix of course is part of the teenage remix duo who bring us “So Bad” by Brandon Skeie at #1 too. “Take Me Apart” is one of the most impressive new songs I’ve heard all year, so expect great things to happen for it in the coming weeks. It arrives at #23 and is a free download – for now!
“Open Your Mind” by Chicago producer/remixer Megaphonix follows up his remixes of songs by Zedd, Jack Ü, and others which have got worldwide attention. “Open Your Mind” is a joyous original slice of house which is perfect for Pride events. It’s a free download and bows at #25.
And lastly…
“Worship” by Brandyn Burnette arrives at #28 from the freshly minted State I’m In EP which was released this past Friday. “Worship” stands out as one of Brandyn’s best compositions, but there are many more to meet the ears in State I’m In which I haven’t yet written about, such as “Inner Child”, “Closer” (with John Lock), in which I keep hearing vocal phrasing from both MGMT’s “Electric Feel” and DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean”, and “Set In Stone”. State I’m In is another fantastic effort for Brandyn, admirably following up Made Of Dreams. It’s available to buy on all platforms.
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailedweb edition of my chart. Go on, have a look and listen/watch
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Canada’s Ian Thomas is noted for one 1974 smash south of the border and in parts of the world, and that is the classic Top 40 hit “Painted Ladies”. But after that, and very much like another Canadian who only struck once in the U.S., Jann Arden (“Insensitive”), Ian maintained a steady career in Canada both as a solo rock performer up to the mid-80’s and in the 90’s as a member of the much-praised band The Boomers. In the 2000’s Ian has been recording and performing off and on in Lunch At Allen’s with Murray McLauchlan, Marc Jordan, and Cindy Church. He returned to solo work after almost 20 years in 2012, and is back now with an album recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra called A Life In Song. “The Runner” is put forward as the featured song. It’s the title song from his 1981 album, and also became a massive North American hit as recorded by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (with vocals by Chris Thompson) in 1984. Ian’s redux recalls the Manfred Mann version more than his own and is married with the majestic sound of the Philharmonic. It’s definitely a stylish reinvention that captures the sweeping intent of the original song. Ian Thomas fans will also want to hear hits like “Painted Ladies”, “Right Before Your Eyes”, and “Pilot” given the same treatment. This all very much reminds me of how EDM trio Above & Beyond recently recorded (and performed live) in their Acoustic II album. “The Runner” is definitely back to pass on the flame again in 2016.
18 year old Tennessee native Jacob Whitesides first came to our attention as a newly minted teen on “X Factor”, and has since acquired a worldwide following on social media while being a mainstay on Radio Disney. Jacob is definitely looking towards a more refined sound with “Lovesick”, which is more apt to recall Michael Bublé or Matt Dusk than Shawn Mendes. It’s definitely a big step up to the plate and it works beautifully thanks to Jacob’s easy fit into a jazzy pop style that will keep your toes tapping long after its over. The playful video is eye-catching with Jacob and his cohorts all in stylish suits. Check it out above and pick up “Lovesick” on iTunes.
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