A project that seems to be sliding under the radar, though receiving raves particularly from Franz Ferdinand fans, is FFS’ self-titled album, released earlier this year. I wrote about the partnership between Franz Ferdinand and the classic brothers Sparks earlier this year for the first single “Johnny Delusional”. Digging deeper into the album, a new video for “Call Girl” has surfaced. And while “Johnny Delusional” may have seemed more inspired by Sparks, “Call Girl” is classic Franz Ferdinand melody and video-wise. But the collaboration has this uniquely weird and inspired synergy between both lead singers and the results are definitely on-point. Give it a watch above.
Despite a bit of a busy spell which meant much less blog posts than usual since the last chart, I hope to make up for that during the next two weeks! The chart continues to be busy with a new #1 and four debuts. So without further adieu…
The Top 10
“Let You Go”, the R&B-infused single from River Tiber’s When The Time Is Right EP, garners the pole position. It’s River Tiber’s third jaunt at #1, following 2012’s “Someday” and 2013’s “The City”. But Tommy Paxton-Beesley is definitely on the right track with his new songs; River Tiber’s recent performance at Adelaide Hall in Toronto to me was a personal best! Folks, be sure to check out When The Time Is Right on iTunes.
Zipping all the way to #6 we go for a new Top 10 entry from Brooklyn’s Great Good Fine OK, who also reside with The Chainsmokers at #3 with the other “Let You Go”. “Something To Believe In” is the compelling duet with St. Lucia full of gorgeous vocals and instrumentation. It’s from GGFO’s EP 2M2H.
Vancouver’s Tyler Shaw is on point with his current single “Dizzy” from his debut album Yesterday. You can hear it all across Canada on the radio (all the more reason for international readers to find this out with online radio links). “Dizzy” climbs to #7.
Venturing into my city for a concert with a serious of guest singers is Disclosure, who with Sam Smith glide up to #8 with “Omen”. It’s their third Top Tenner following last year’s #1 “Latch” (with Sam) and #10 “F For You” (with Mary J. Blige).
Also new in the Top 10, following that infectious seductive piece of business called “Guilty As Sin” (which peaked at #3, and falls off the chart) is a soft and sinewy number called “My Religion” by Toronto’s Dan Talevski, climbing 18-9. Canadians continue to boom in the Top 10, with River Tiber, Tyler Shaw, and Dan all aboard (Dan also co-wrote Tyler’s previous single “House of Cards”).
Sugar can get stuck easily but with a little persuasion it can be moved. After holding at #13, “Sugar” by Robin Schulz and Francesco Yates continues to advance up to #11, with its amusing slapsticky video well worth watching.
While Brandyn Burnette’s #1 “I Wanna Be (Free)” had a deservedly phenomenal ride on this chart for the last 20 weeks, it moves down to #2 and will depart the chart, leaving room for the heartfelt and catchy “Life’s A Beach” to continue to rise. It leaps 22-12. A reminder – it’s available for free from Brandyn’s website as part of The Bright Side Mixtape.
Dance clubs totally get it and the so song is headed for the Top 20 on Billboard’s Dance Club Play chart. Matthew Koma’s “So F**kin’ Romantic” moves up 17-14 – more Matthew to come!
Can you say DNCE?? Well if you like to DNCE then you can say it 😛 Joe Jonas’ new project is well on its way with the carefree “Cake By The Ocean” climbing 25-17. Check out the new video above, which is light years away from The Jonas Brothers.
Like Brandyn Burnette and Great Good Fine OK, Sam Smith has two entries in the chart, the latest being the theme from the upcoming James Bond movie “SPECTRE”, “Writing’s On The Wall”, which moves up 23-19.
“Bow Tie” by Diego Gomes (another Canadian!) gets far too easily stuck between your ears thanks to a snappy vocal and clever lyrics. It rises 27-21.
Premiering
Leading the debuts is “I Wish (My Taylor Swift)”, a special pairing off DJ/producers The Knocks and singer Matthew Koma at #24. Despite its title and subject matter, it’s a really clever song with a laid back, dreamy melody. It’s the second appearance for The Knocks on this chart, following their 2013 cover of M83’s “Midnight City” with Mandy Lee (#8).
Arriving for the first time since 2005’s “Krafty” (#5) on this chart is enduring UK quintet New Order, one of my favourite bands of all time who have recorded many must-have’s in my book – “Blue Monday”, “The Perfect Kiss”, “Fine Time”, the list goes on and on. Their latest album and first for Mute Records is Music Complete – their best IMO since 1989’s Technique. “Plastic” is the second single, which bows at #25. It’s New Order creating dance music at its best, drawing from numerous influences through the 70’s to their own music and perhaps even Bernard Sumner’s 90’s side project Electronic. Turn it up loud and move those feet!
Bowing at #28 is a duet between 17 year old Swedish star Zara Larsson and new UK sensation MNEK with “Never Forget You”. The pairing is just dynamite, and I predict great things for both song and singers. Readers of this blog know that I’ve written about MNEK several times since 2012, when the talented singer/writer/producer – who recently co-wrote and sang on Madonna’s “Living For Love” (!) – was also just 17. He’s since been similarly behind the scenes for UK #1’s by Oliver Heldens, Little Mix, and Duke Dumont, too.
Rounding out the chart at #29 is the latest single from Years & Years’ still-stunning debut album Communion. The gorgeous ballad “Eyes Shut” debuts as long-lasting #1 “Shine” leaves the chart. It’s the group’s fourth chart entry also following “King” (#1) and “Desire” (#7).
You can hear me online onhttp://www.planetradio.ca every Monday after 10:00 pm EST counting down a Toronto Top 10 chart from yesteryear!
Last week was one of those weeks when one song came out of nowhere and floored me, and that is “Black Water” by Chicago-based singer/songwriter Lucien Dante from his album Our Of We. It debuted on my chart at #21 with its expressive vocal, engaging charm, and gorgeous arrangement. While it remains my favourite from the album, Our Of We is full of other delights which will keep you thinking as you’re listening. Lucien’s influences seem to come from all over – I hear pop, classical, folk, EDM, and R&B/soul at various times – and he doesn’t sound like anyone in particular. Most of his songs seem to be delivered with a shy-sounding vocal that gives perspective from a viewpoint of wonder, discovery, and keen interest. But when he breaks away from a minimalist sound and heads toward a powerful bridge or chorus, the confidence in his craft really comes out. Most of the songs are produced by TKANG! who obviously has a good read on what the singer is trying to convey. I’ll admit the songs aren’t really for everyone but Lucien is very persuasive. So do yourself a favour and check out the club-worthy “Ivory Toast”, “Spark”, “Light, Love & Chaos” and the hip-hop flavoured “Love Me Lessons (Imma Be)” (nothing to do with the Black Eyed Peas 😉 ) as starting points. This is a great start from a singer/songwriter who consistently delivers, making Our Of We a personal, sincere, and enlightening experience! Listen to the album above (and do download “Black Water” for free on Lucien’s Soundcloud page) and pick it up on iTunes.
After the impressive and haunting “Miracle” from last year, British multi-instrumentalist (piano and drums!) E-Mute (aka Theo Mak) returns with a new EP called I Can Pay For It, featuring the rocking “Say What You Want To Say”. It’s full-tilt aggressive rock featuring a thoughtful story about a soldier going to war characterized as an exercise of futility, which echoes many sentiments of those of us in the Western world. Not only does E-Mute craft an interesting set of lyrics but backs it all up with effortless-sounding instrumentation and a vocal that at times reminds me of British singer Edwyn Collins. Check out the song above and pick up I Can Pay For It (also featuring a new mix of “Miracle”, which got to #12 on my personal chart last year). on iTunes.
It’s Fall in North America and new music is plentiful! Old favourites exit to make room for six FAB new tunes this week! And there’s a surprise for you at the top…
The Top 10
Brandyn Burnette returns to the top for a 5th non-consecutive appearance (10th week) with “I Wanna Be (Free)”. This is the first time that a song has spent longer than one chart appearance (2 weeks) to return to the top – and after Years & Years held court for 3 appearances (6 weeks) with “Shine”. It’s also the first time a song has held #1 for 5 appearances since Darren Hayes did it (and twice in one year!) with “How To Build A Time Machine” at the end of 2007. Listen and watch for a different take on “I Wanna Be (Free)” featuring rapper Nevelle. It just goes to show how diverse and open to interpretation the song is – which is a great thing for Brandyn Burnette and his songwriting!
Most likely to succeed “I Wanna Be (Free)” at the top now is last week’s high flying debut “Let You Go” by Toronto’s River Tiber, which soars 10-3. Maybe we will see River Tiber (aka Tommy Paxton-Beesley) in the Top 10 national charts one day with Drake and The Weeknd too, given this week’s Canadian domination of the Billboard Top 10. “Let You Go”, one of those strange, paradoxical love stories, is culled from River Tiber’s latest and best record to date, When The Time Is Right.
Right behind “Let You Go” is our other “Let You Go” – the free download by The Chainsmokers featuring hot R&B/pop band Great Good Fine OK at #4. Wait for that Tiesto rave up to get going and then it’s non-stop party!
Advancing to #5 is “Pain Told Love” by Tribe Society featuring Kiesza. If you pay close enough attention to this one, you will need a few tissues handy. It’s a beautiful, idiosyncratic perspective on our opposite sentiments and how they sometimes need to come together to prevent us from losing grip on everything that is good about living.
Finally in the Billboard Dance Club Play Top 10 – NERVO/Kylie/Jake/Nile and “The Other Boys” – climbing up to #6.
New to the Top 10 at #10 for his first appearance on this chart is the impressive “Dizzy” by British Columbia native – and former MUCHMusic Covers winner – Tyler Shaw!
Movin’ On Up
Jane Badler’s dark and slinky “Dead Eyes” (Eel Eye Club Mix) from her latest album Opus is on a roll, rising 18-15. Could it become her third Top 10 on this chart, following “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” and “Losing You”?
While I’m also loving Matthew Koma’s whimsical collaboration with The Knocks on “I Wish (My Taylor Swift)”, his own “So F**kin’ Romantic” continues to climb up 19-17 as we await his new solo album.
The remaining debuts from last week are all off to fantastic starts and they follow each other up the chart 6 places – “My Religion” by Toronto pop/soul singer Dan Talevski at #18, “Wildstar” by Giorgio Moroder featuring a vibrant Foxes vocal at #19, and at #20 Adam Lambert’s dance rave-up “The Light”, though his record company has opted to release “Another Lonely Night” as the next single from The Original High.
At #22 is a song that’s been around for a while (I wrote about it in September 2014), but now also available for free as a download from Brandyn Burnette’s website as a part of The Bright Side mixtape. Check out “Life’s A Beach” and revisit the warm-hearted video. It will help us bide our time till new Brandyn music when his EP Made Of Dreams is released.
Sam Smith has managed to claim the latest James Bond movie theme all to himself – and “Writing’s On The Wall” (#23) is every bit as good as Adele’s “Skyfall”, and managed to get to #1 in the UK, which “Skyfall” did not. Next stop: Oscar? Grammy? Who knows. Sam’s been to #1 four times here with “Stay With Me”, “Money On My Mind”, “I’m Not The Only One”, and his collaboration with Disclosure on “Latch”. And of course he is at #11 with Disclosure with “Omen”.
Joe Jonas is large and in charge with the vibrant “Cake By The Ocean” by his new band DNCE, so the song bows at #25. Joe has had three previous solo entries on the chart: “Make You Mine” (#3), “Not Right Now” (#6), and “Just In Love” (#13).
I’ve enjoyed every Marianas Trench album since Fix Me bowed in late 2006 for the British Columbia based band. They’re back with album four called Astoria, also released Stateside by Cherrytree/Interscope, and the latest single from that is a softer song for them that shows off Josh Ramsay’s restraint and range, “One Love”, which arrives at #26. Of their 9 chart appearances, he Trench’s best showing on this chart to date has been with “Masterpiece Theatre Part 1”, which reached #4 in 2009.
Last but by no means least is the fun-tastic “Bow Tie” by Toronto’s 18 year old Diego Gomes which lands at #27. The winner of Canada’s The Next Star back in 2010 is well on his way with a great song like this.
You can hear me online onhttp://www.planetradio.ca every Monday at 10:15 pm EST counting down a Toronto Top 10 chart from yesteryear!
As I’ve already reported most enthusiastically in my posts about lead off songs (and my favourites) “No Talk” and “Let You Go”, you owe it to yourself to buy River Tiber’s 5 song EP When The Time Is Right. It’s a slickly done, smooth-sounding EP full of so much creativity that makes you constantly check yourself because you don’t know where the next song is headed. Multi-instrumentalist Tommy Paxton-Beesley has shifted directions from progressive rock-influenced pop/rock of earlier releases to what is essentially alt.soul full of hip hop blessings. The other songs within are the bass-laden “Waves”, “Lost”, and the thoughtful title song. River Tiber’s new sound has also brought Tommy’s excellent voice front and centre although he continues to use it often as an instrument in some of the songs too. When The Time Is Right is another gem from my city (Toronto) and one of the best records you will hear in 2015. Listen above and buy it on iTunes.
The top of the chart continues to be difficult to dislodge though that will likely change in October. For we have an impressive debut in the Top 10, and a fast riser from one of the last chart’s debuts. Two debuts are also album cuts where I dive deeper into the album hoping for additional singles 🙂
The Top 10
Uno, dos, tres, quatro… Y&Y, Brandyn, Nathan, and PP, once again all comfortably atop the chart.
I thoroughly enjoyed Years & Years in concert last week. They were able to pretty much replicate the songs from Communion, with “Shine” (my current #1), “Real”, “King”, “Memo”, and “Foundation” all standouts, plus a cover of Blu Cantrell’s 2003 UK #1 “Breathe”. Olly Alexander has a genuine and affecting stage presence that will take him far 🙂
A definite contender for the top of the chart is “Pain Told Love” by Tribe Society featuring Kiesza, which climbs 9-6. It definitely marks the transformation of the former pop/rock Gentlemen Hall into the darker and thoughtful alt.rock songs of Tribe Society.
It baffles me why this song isn’t being played in every club everywhere, but “The Other Boys” by NERVO featuring super-friends Kylie Minogue, Jake Shears, and Nile Rodgers, advances 11-8 from the dance production duo’s album Collateral.
Just can’t get enough of songs by The Weeknd right now. My fellow Torontonian is now at superstar heights, with three almost sold out dates in November at Toronto’s own Air Canada Centre. “Can’t Feel My Face” climbs 14-9.
Another Torontonian, Tommy Paxton-Beesley, definitely has created some of his best music for his brand new EP as River Tiber called When The Time Is Right. He’s shifting from progressive alt.rocker to an inventive mix of EDM, rock, soul, and hip hop. No more is that evident on the new River Tiber single “Let You Go” (up top), which bows at #10, following the #2 “No Talk” also included in When The Time Is Right. “Let You Go” is River Tiber’s 8th BILLCS Top 30 entry which includes two previous #1’s “Someday” and “The City”. Simply not to be missed – and a contender for #1 on my chart – get When The Time Is Right on iTunes! 🙂
And now for a bit of BILLCS chart geekery: “Let You Go” arrives in the Top 10 at the same time as “Let You Go” by The Chainsmokers & Great Good Fine OK is at #5. It’s the first time two different songs with the same title have been in the Top 10!
Movin’ on Up
After a wonderful set at his release party last week for his debut album Yesterday, Tyler Shaw makes no hesitation to weigh in as the Fastest Riser on the chart with “Dizzy” soaring 21-11.
While UK brother duo Disclosure continues to unveil new songs from their upcoming album Caracal, their partnership with Sam Smith continues to build with “Omen” rising 18-12.
NYC duo (a five piece band in concert though!) Great Good Fine OK are both Top 5 with The Chainsmokers on “Let You Go”, and Top 15 with their pairing with St. Lucia on “Something To Believe In” from the EP 2M2H. The busy and prolific GGFO premiered their new richly produced song “Take It Or Leave It” on Soundcloud last week (below).
I absolutely adore the mystery of a Jane Badler song! Her latest single from Opus, “Dead Eyes”, is dollied up in a well-matched remix from Eel Eye to put the mystery front and centre. “Dead Eyes” climbs 22-18.
Matthew Koma’s delightfully punkish stab at lovelife, “So F**kin’ Romantic”, moves up 24-19. The singer’s new album is finished, can’t wait to hear what’s been in the works now for so long.
The Rest of the Debuts
Three additional songs premiere on the chart.
Following up the sensual intrigue of “Guilty As Sin”, which peaked at #3, Toronto’s Dan Talevski continues his audio seduction with “My Religion”, which in turn is featured in another sexy video. Ain’t nuthin’ wrong with that! And the beautiful Spanish scenery makes a lovely backdrop. “My Religion” bows at #24.
“Wildstar” is a standout song from Giorgio Moroder’s album Déjà Vu featuring a charming vocal from Foxes that in some ways recalls Donna Summer in her heyday from my favourite album by her called I Remember Yesterday. So it’s a no brainer for my chart, whether or not it’s released as a single! “Wildstar” arrives at #25. It’s Foxes’ second appearance on the chart following 2013’s #2 “Clarity” with Zedd. “Wildstar” also follows Giorgio’s chart successes here with the title track featuring Sia peaking at #6, and “Right Here Right Now” with Kylie Minogue landing at #4.
There is no doubt that Adam Lambert’s The Original High is one of my most unexpected favourite albums of 2015 so far, with brilliant production nursing Adam’s wide-ranging voice to excellent effect. It’s so rich in songs yet I don’t see a whole lot of attention being paid to them other than of course “Ghost Town”, which should have done better as a lead off single. Nonetheless in my chart world that song peaked at #4, and “The Light” is a riveting EDM song that would make a perfect follow up! “The Light” debuts at #26.
You can hear me online onhttp://www.planetradio.ca every Monday at 10:15 pm EST counting down a Toronto Top 10 chart from yesteryear!
One of my most played albums of 2013 was the self-titled release by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Travis Garland, whose R&B/soul/hip hop pop style can veer similarly from Robin Thicke to Justin Timberlake to JMSN. Like with songs such as “Homewrecker” from the last record, “Bodies” pushes the envelope stylistically with a savvy mix of rock and hip hop, which serves as a basis for a song that may or may not be a bit of a horror story, both in literal or psychological senses. The video is haunting because it leaves you to draw your own conclusions. As always Travis’ voice seethes and soars when it should, and serves as a fine introduction to his latest free download UPPERS + DOWNERS which I hope to listen to within the next while. I like how Travis is following the same kind of marketing plan with the last album, which was preceded by a couple of free release EP’s and built up a real calling card for his full album. “Bodies” shows signs that the game plan shall unfold similarly! Watch the video for “Bodies” above and download the song for free below.
Toronto’s River Tiber releases the new EP When The Time Is Right on Wednesday September 16. “Let You Go” to me is a defining moment for the inauspiciously talented Tommy Paxton-Beesley after following the multi-instrumentalist’s progress these last 3 years. For “Let You Go” is as soulful as R&B gets. Plunked right down in a time where fellow Canadians Drake and The Weeknd are ruling the charts, “Let You Go” is beautifully languid alt.soul featuring a personal best vocal from Tommy. River Tiber creates complex, layered music which draws you in because you never know what to expect. All I know is that When The Time Is Right should turn even more heads later this week and should be on your must-hear list for the rest of 2015.
River Tiber plays Adelaide Hall in Toronto on Thursday, October 8.
A lot of the songs on the chart two weeks ago were stuck on hold… not a bad thing at all and shows staying power! But the new chart is shaken ‘n stirred but good, with only two debuts, but several favourites finish up their chart run at the lower end of the chart.
The Top 10
It appears that nothing is about to dislodge Years & Years and Brandyn Burnette from the top spots. “Shine” continues at #1, while former #1 “I Wanna Be (Free)” (which will soon have a hip hop flavoured remix) stays at #2. The songs in the rest of the year to come are going to need to be pretty special to beat out these two at year end. Oh, and next week I get to see Years & Years in concert in Toronto. Just cannot wait to hear the gorgeous songs on Communion in live performance!
Both Nathan Sykes’ “Kiss Me Quick” and “Show Me The Way” by Penguin Prison advance a notch to #3 and #4 respectively, but are the #1 and #2 songs going to keep them from moving up further? You’ll find out in two weeks! Again, both are very strong songs in 2015 against fierce competition.
Formidable NYC producer/DJ’s The Chainsmokers are touring (they play in Toronto on November 7) with a fun cast of performers depending on what city you’re in. The guys’ collab with Great Good Fine OK in a rollicking Tiesto remix on “Let You Go” climbs 9 to 6. Oh, and it’s a free download 🙂
Yeah it is all about that sample from the 60’s TV show The Munsters, but “Uma Thurman” by Fall Out Boy also has a wicked, fun vocal by Patrick Stump to carry it home. The song rises 11 to 8.
I have my fingers crossed that Island Records will recognize the emotional power of the fastest riser on the chart this week and release it to radio and as a single. The gorgeous heartbreak of “Pain Told Love” by Tribe Society (formerly Gentlemen Hall) featuring a stunning turn by Kiesza burns up the chart, soaring 25-9.
Movin’ On Up
It’s still a mystery to me why “The Other Boys” by NERVO featuring Kylie Minogue, Jake Shears, and Nile Rodgers isn’t all over the dance clubs. It’s a smash waiting to happen no matter how long it takes! It climbs 20-11!
Eric Saade’s “Girl From Sweden” and Janet Jackson’s “No Sleeep” have been unlikely bookend for the past few weeks, and it continues as they both rise to #12 and #13 respectively. Janet plays in Toronto on September 15 and I look forward to hearing more from her upcoming Unbreakable album!
With The Weeknd’s superlative Beauty Behind The Madness set to debut at #1 this week, it’s fitting that “Can’t Feel My Face” climbs 22-14, eventhough it’s been #1 everywhere. Abel (who is from my part of Toronto) is unstoppable right now!
“Natural Disaster” by Molly Moore is one true grower, many folks that I’ve played it for have enjoyed it or asked about it, in its original form or delightful Win & Woo remix. The song moves up 19-15.
It’s taking its time to breakout, but I feel that about to happen… the title song from Robin Schulz’s album Sugar, featuring my talented fellow Canuck Francesco Yates, advances 23-16 (Francesco’s own “Better To Be Loved” peaked out at #6 two weeks ago).
Nerds, ravers, and dance music lovers unite and support this quirky and fun song! Quebec producer/DJ’s J-Mi and Midi-D move up 21-17 with their Avril Lavigne-meets-Vengaboys single “So Much For That”.
And speaking once again about NYC R&B/pop/dance act Great Good Fine OK, they play in my city at The Drake Hotel once again on September 10, and undoubtedly will perform “Something To Believe In”, their recorded duet with fellow dance act St. Lucia. From the EP 2M2H, the song climbs 26-19.
Premiering
It’s his best single yet, and is culled from his freshly released debut album Yesterday. British Columbian Tyler Shaw has a real winner with the zippy “Dizzy”, which arrives at #21. Not to be underestimated, this one! Tyler’s album release party takes place in Toronto on September 10 at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club.
Matthew Koma has blended the best of both of his worlds – EDM and pop with a punk attitude – on his humorous latest solo single “So F**kin’ Romantic”, which bows at #24. Matthew is a most welcome veteran on my chart – “Romantic” is his 4th solo entry (including two #1’s “Parachute” and “1998”) and he also is featured on 4 others (including #1’s “Spectrum” with Zedd and “Cannonball Earthquake” with Showtek & Justin Prime). Now he needs to play his own gig in Toronto – soon! 😀
The Full Chart
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart. Go on, have a look and listen/watch 🙂
You can hear me online onhttp://www.planetradio.ca every Monday at 10:00 pm EST counting down a Toronto Top 10 chart from yesteryear!
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