electronica – Page 189 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

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

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

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

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

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

You can view the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can click right here. You can hear all of the songs on the chart or watch their videos by clicking on the pics on the chart page. Any free downloads that are identified are sanctioned by the performer. There’s always a tiny place at the bottom of the blog post with tags and the statement “Leave A Comment” – please feel free to do so

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Green Day, “Oh Love”

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

Matthew Kurz, “Titanium”

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

Kylie Minogue featuring Kyle Brylin, “Timebomb”

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

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

It’s as easy as 1…..2…..3…..

1…..

2…..

3……

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kyle Patrick “Go For Gold”

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

Ryan Silverman, “Come On Down To My House”

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

Frank Ocean, “Sweet Life”

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

Ian Lee, “So Nice To Meet You”

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

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

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

Jeronimo “Some Other Way”

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

Sky Santos featuring Carlos Nóbrega “I Miss You”

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

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

Stone Walters “World Keeps Turning”

Adaku “Or You Can”

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

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

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

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

World Keeps Turning:

Or You Can:

Maskerade “Come To Me”

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

Jon McLaughlin “Promising Promises” (acoustic video)

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

Tone Damli featuring Eric Saade “Imagine”

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

BILLCS Chart #382

The Top 4 songs on the chart stay the same, while six new entries dance onto the chart. They’re led by “Remember When (Push Rewind)”, the song that simply won’t leave my head by ex-White Tie Affair singer Chris Wallace. It will be one of a handful of songs that will be remembered in tandem with Summer ’12! Watch the impressive video below again, if you didn’t see my most recent blog post 🙂

Meanwhile, back at the top of the chart, “Waiting For The Feeling” by Bright Light Bright Light latches to #1 for another chart, but assuredly will be succeeded by “One Kiss” by Jeronimo, which holds at #2. Both performers’ full length albums are treats, so be sure to buy them on iTunes. Watch live clips of both performers below, with Bright Light Bright Light performing “Moves” and Jeronimo singing “Unheard”.

Moving quickly up the chart of course to #5 is “Dreams Are Gold”, the title track from DATABOY’s new album, which you can also read about right here. Poptronik sensation Markus Riva climbs to #7 with “How It Feels To Be A Man”, while Boston sextet Gentlemen Hall (recently voted the best act in that city by the Boston Phoenix) move up to #8 with “All Our Love”, and Daniel Bedingfield’s intense “Secret Fear” is at #9 and his first Top Tenner on this chart since 2005. Watch for club dates for Gentlemen Hall in Boston and for Daniel in L.A.

The fastest riser on the chart this week is “Hollywood” by RAC featuring Penguin Prison, moving 23-13. If you enjoyed PP’s “The Worse It Gets”, it’s much in that vein – sunny, California-sounding pop that should get kick-started in clubs. Listen to the exceptional remix by The Magician below.

Other songs on the move include those by Andreas Moe, DATABOY (their second song “Lotion” is at #15), River Tiber, and Darren Hayes’ reverent cover of Madonna’s “Angel” at #22 (listen below).

In among the rest of the five debuts we have a double shot of Baiyu, the New York singer who I wrote about right here and has released a new mixtape for free download called Hunter. The magnetic dance club geared title song bows at #24, while the sexy and heartfelt R&B duet with Rotimi, “Invisible”, enters at #30.

While my 12 year old daughter is firmly planted in the One Direction camp, I’m more partial to the songs from The Wanted, who seem to be geared less towards teens and more towards a varied audience. As “Glad You Came” (which got to #4) departs, it is replaced by “Chasing The Sun” which debuts at #27. Lawson are a British quartet who I’ve already written about that write their own songs and play their own instruments. It’s taken a little while but “When She Was Mine” seems geared for the summer months and premieres on the chart at #28. Watch videos for both songs below.

The last debut is Kylie Minogue’s finest hour in recent years, so I’m not understanding the mixed public reaction to “Timebomb”. It enters my chart at #29, and if anything it will high-tail it to the top of the dance charts in North America. Watch below.

DATABOY’s Dreams Are Gold album, plus new songs by Chris Wallace, Matt & Kim, The Presets, and Mika

DATABOY – Dreams Are Gold

Dreams Are Gold, the debut full pop electronica album from Texas duo DATABOY, is everything that I hoped it would be and more. For the uninitiated, the album features both of their past singles – the irrepressible “Stupid” and the massive summer anthem “Just Once” – as well as the new songs from their recent Summer Now EP, “8Ball”, “Lotion”, and the blink-and-it’s-done “Sweat (Part 1)”.

I continue to rave about the title song as I did earlier in the month – it’s a heartfelt lyrical song encouraging you to rise above your troubles that bursts into a club rave up (listen again below). “Genius” starts off the record, a playful song that’ll make you flaunt your smarts. Two other new songs, “Shoplift Your Love” and “Unfriend”, both show Cameron and Adam at their most caustic but still remaining extremely thoughtful with their ruminations. “Shoplift” comments on people who treat love as a whole lot less than what it should mean, while “Unfriend” rightly paints our social media as (more often than not) a destroyer of friendships with a click of a button.

Every song (there’s another mainly instrumental quickie called “Like It”) is more than worthy of your attention, whether you’re in the mood for dancing or listening. DATABOY’s Dreams Are Gold is one of 2012’s very best albums and is available on iTunes.

Chris Wallace “Remember When (Push Rewind)”

Chris Wallace’s previous band, The White Tie Affair, had a decent run of almost hits like “Candle (Sick and Tired”) and “You Look Better When I’m Drunk”, opening up for the likes of Lady GaGa in their short career. “Remember When (Push Rewind)”, the Indiana native’s debut solo single, pushes every direct button possible, grasping both your emotion and party moods at the same time – it’s 2012’s graduation and end-of-school song. He’s got a marvelous, unique voice that totally suits the song. The video is wickedly well shot, showing Chris as an engaging lead who carries the video. “Remember When” has everything it takes to be a massive hit. This one will be on your annual summer playlist! Watch below.

Matt & Kim “Let’s Go”

The Brooklyn, New York duo have nary taken a break from touring and their new album Lightning is almost upon us. To preview that record, we now have “Let’s Go”. It’s as enjoyably infectious as their best songs, which means that it’s going to sound fabulous in a concert setting, with all of its ooohs, hand claps, and percussive snaps getting stuck in your head. Watch/listen below.

The Presets “Youth In Trouble”

It’s been more than three years since Julian and Kim bestowed us with their original take on today’s dance music in their last album as well as one of their best singles, the unusually tender “If I Know You”. The Australian duo are back with the new album Pacifica this Fall, and in advance of that we have “Youth In Trouble” with an imaginative and psychedelic video to accompany it. The song itself is percolating 70s disco-influenced electronica – lately (and not just with the passing of Donna Summer) it seems like a whole group of musicians and producers have rediscovered the likes of Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte, Cerrone, and others who created the roots for our current dance music. It’s larger than life dance music that will blow your socks off in a club setting. Can’t wait for the tour! Watch the video below – but it’s sort of impossible not to move to “Youth In Trouble”!

Mika “Make You Happy”

To me Mika’s The Boy Who Knew Too Much was one of those watershed records, where you hope the performer would (selfishly… 😉 ) continue to make more and more of the same. In the spirit of artistic advancement however we know there will be change. While the official first single from the upcoming The Origins Of Love (“Celebrate”, featuring Pharrell Williams) is not gelling with me right now, the song with the first video, “Make You Happy”, certainly is. It continues to show how Mika can touch us by warmly zeroing in on a key phrase – “all I wanna do is make you happy” – to which we can all relate. The scenes in the video only encourage everyone to be as good as possible to each other in this life that you have. Watch below.

Summer Popervescence #1 featuring Baiyu, Jeronimo, Markus Riva, Carlos Nobrega, Killian Wells, and Andreas Moe

Summer looks to be very hot ahead – and I’m only talking about the music! Don’t forget that Make Me Believe in Hope by Bright Light Bright Light drops in the USA on Tuesday. And be sure to check out two new full length releases below, plus two new singles, and a video!

Hunter by Baiyu

Last year, Baiyu’s warm and subdued video for “Together” was my introduction to this talented New Yorker with an impressive set of pipes. Then came the quirky and fun “Take A Number”, which showed another side of her. I’ve already written about her tantalizing video for “Invisible” (featuring duet partner Rotimi), which has led us to Hunter, her latest free download full length mixtape.

Hunter is stellar work all around. Baiyu has diversified even more within and you can feel the heart and soul that went into this record. I’ve already compared her voice to Keri Hilson and more particularly Beyoncé because of her power and range. She does marvellously in songs like “Laws of Attraction”, “Lost and Found”, and “Another Lifetime”, very reminiscent sometimes of Toni Braxton as well. There’s blood on the dance floor waiting in the wings if more startlingly good club songs like the title track are in store for us! It’s my very favourite on Hunter, with a close runner up being her duet “Make Believe”, featuring an equally stunning vocalist, Paul Kim – I want to know more about him 🙂 There are actually four duets with male singers within. Often singers can get left in the dust by their partners, but thanks to Baiyu’s prowess and her production team’s fine work, the showcase is hers.

Hunter awaits for you to add Baiyu to your summer playlist. It certainly surpassed my expectations, and we will be hearing much, much more from Baiyu. Download Hunter right here and listen to the powerful title song below.

One Kiss by Jeronimo

I’ve finally got to hear the full album release One Kiss by Jeronimo, which confirms that the insanely infectious title song with an undetermined Latin backdrop (currently #2 on my chart) and previous single, the heartwrenching ballad “Somebody Who Loves Me”, are no flukes. This young Dutchman (via Brazil) with the unique voice could definitely find his place in the international music scene – if this record can be released outside of Europe.

The album is full of jaunty pop/dance songs as well as ballads for Jeronimo’s swoonworthy crowd. His playful charm comes off best in “Sacrifice”, “Renaissance Man”, “All I Want Is You To Love Me”, and the genuine spark of “Unheard”, which could be a follow up single. Look to “Firefly”, “Someone New”, and “Hey Hey” for some effective balladry. I would only ask in future that his production team stop messing with our boy’s fine voice by adding technology to alter it, making it stand out in the wrong ways.

But if you haven’t caught on to the title song yet, which is available internationally on iTunes, watch the video below and be slayed. Jeronimo will win lots of new fans with this project 🙂

Poptronik Follow-Up!

Three performers from This Beat Is Poptronik Volume 1 have new songs out for you to hear that are equally as engaging as the ones on the summer’s killer dance compilation which is the soundtrack for the essential electronica beach dance party in Sitges, Spain on September 1 and 2.

“We Dance 4 Reason” by Markus Riva featuring Ralph

The Latvian singer’s “How It Feels To Be A Man” is newly perched in the Top 10 of my chart, and he’s upped the ante a bit with this fun and explosive dance song, whose video shows off some snappy choreography. Markus is in fine voice and the song will definitely help get your groove on. Buy it on iTunes. Watch below.

“Turn It Up” by Carlos Nóbrega

The energy level in “Turn It Up” (co-written by Carlos) must stem from the Portuguese star’s enthusiasm that transforms what initially starts out to be a pretty formulaic dance song into a fiery and urgent dance floor anthem that has grown on me a great deal since I first heard it. Carlos’ voice soars to new heights mid-way which keeps the song on a real high. You can buy “Turn It Up” on iTunes, with an album to follow in the Fall. Listen to the song below. It’s the successor to “Pitiful”, which also shows the many sides of Carlos through an acoustic version which you can hear below.

“It’s Like That” by Killian Wells featuring Nixon

I’m so glad some music videos incorporate comedy and lightheartedness because they are often remembered more for that then those that are deathly serious. And so we have “It’s Like That” by Killian Wells, who previously brought us the bouncy and intense “Psycho”. Stick with this one all the way through for some amusing set pieces and fun interplay between Killian and featured artist Nixon. Recent similar reference points might be “Burnin’ Up” by It Boys and “No I.D.” by FrankMusik featuring Colette Carr. Enjoy below!

“Collecting Sunlight” by Andreas Moe (official video)

While I’ve already posted acoustic performances of talented Andreas which showcase the man and his music, the official video of his single currently in the Top 20 on my chart (and on official release internationally this week) is a delightful animated clip that might be a bit literal but gets across a fine message. Watch below.

BILLCS Chart #381

My new and slightly overdue chart is a busy affair where only one song sits still. That would be the song at the top. I simply can’t get enough of “Waiting For The Feeling” by Bright Light Bright Light or the essential album from which it comes, Make Me Believe In Hope (read my previous post right here). And I’m very anxious to hear Jeronimo’s full album that contains its title song “One Kiss”. I often look for songs that are mood-changers, and “One Kiss” is a breezy, fun ode to new love that moves up to #2 on my chart. Also rising up a place is the first of three featured songs from the amazing electronica dance compilation This Beat Is Poptronik Volume One. Tao Hypah’s “Celeb” moves up to #3. Give a listen to this one, and bop your way into bliss 😉

While his gal Quigley’s “Inkblot Game” continues to climb up to #16 on this chart, FrankMusik (under his Vincent Did It alias) pairs up with his lovely on “Notice Me”. This song is a grower, thanks to Vince’s artistic production and Quigley’s exuberant vocals, and moves up to #4. Listen to this one below.

Also entering the Top 5 is “Only The Horses” by Scissor Sisters, currently touring their Magic Hour album. I’m thinking about checking out their concert next week, so if you’ve seen them let me know what you think to help make my decision 🙂 Watch their performance of “Only The Horses” from The Voice UK at the top of this post.

There are more Poptronik performers to be had within the Top 10, with Adam Tyler’s “Music Freak” rising to #6, and “How It Feels To Be A Man”, a quiet kind of anthem of sorts by Latvian singer Markus Riva, moves up to #9. The trifecta of Foster The People’s Mark Foster, DJ A-Trak, and New Zealand’s Kimbra, currently on release with her own album Vows, rounds out the songs on the rise within the Top 10 with the free download of “Warrior”.

I won’t leave the Top 10 without remarking on a very high debut. That of course comes from Texas duo DATABOY, whose “Dreams Are Gold” is my new summer jam and crashes the chart at #8. Read all about it right here. The second highest debut on the chart, at #21, also belongs to these lads, from their free download Summer Now EP. “Lotion” will transport you to a beautiful beach somewhere warm enough where DATABOY won’t let you get sunburned 🙂 Listen to both songs below.

There are five other fast risers on the chart. “All Our Love” by Gentlemen Hall jumps 19-14, while the fastest riser, “Secret Fear” by Daniel Bedingfield is right behind, climbing 22-15. Moving up four places each are “Collecting Sunlight” by Andreas Moe at #19 (official single is out June 26 – watch him perform an acoustic version below), River Tiber’s jazzy “These Are Centuries” at #20, and Poptronik performer Monti Montañez with “Turn Up The Radio” at #22.

There are two other debuts which complete this week’s blog post. RAC stands for Remix Artist Collective, three producer/DJ’s who create their own music and remix that of others, and you can find out more about them at http://www.rac.fm. Penguin Prison has joined up with them for the free download of “Hollywood” which bows at #23. Listen below.

Lastly but hardly least, when Darren Hayes picks a song recorded by someone else to sing, it’s usually a wise choice. I’ve actually owned the vinyl single of “Talk Talk Talk” since last Fall, and I’ve decided to chart his vibrant and faithful cover of Madonna’s “Angel”, the 45’s B-side, after continual play on my iTouch. “Angel”, at #28, accompanies “Stupid Mistake”, which moves up to #11. Listen below – and why shouldn’t pop radio play it?? The song would fit like a glove.

Quick Reeecap: DATABOY’s New Gem, Jane Badler’s High Drama, Sam Sparro’s Dancing Kingpin, and Nick’s High Notes

DATABOY “Dreams Are Gold”

It’s no secret that I can’t get enough of the music that DATABOY is creating right now. The Austin, Texas duo of Cameron Maxwell and Adam Bailey continued to win me over recently when I wrote about their free Summer Now EP, and their song “Lotion” in particular is on repeat in my head as I write. But today they unveiled the title song of their upcoming album Dreams Are Gold. It’s a real gem. These fellas are amazingly clever. They’ve managed to meld a beautiful and often playful melody, crafty house rhythms, ever so soulful vocals (secretly, I think they listen to a lot of R&B), and some truly heartfelt and identifiable lyrics. By design it’s a sincere and joyous invitation to get your ass on the dancefloor and to never, ever stop dreaming. And if the rest of the album is this good, DATABOY will be on many playlists for this summer and beyond. So well done!! Listen below.

Jane Badler, “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” (Stormby’s Drama Mix)

Not too long ago, I wrote about the potential of “Yesterday’s Tomorrows”, by noted actress Jane Badler, who has also had a singing career for a while now, with her latest release an EP called Mistaken Identity. Visions of a grand Broadway play with gorgeous costumes, people, drama, murder, and lust, all filled my head. And then along came Stormby’s drama mix… and now my visions are turned on their head, into a grand Broadway musical, with over the top costumes, lots of make up and colour, drama, and dancing. If a song is going to be transformed, do it in high style like this. Dance clubs, here it comes! Listen below.

Sam Sparro, “I Wish I Never Met You” (video)

“I Wish I Never Met You” is the bold antithesis of a pop/dance hit, but it really works, as I wrote recently. I hadn’t found the video though until now, where we have Sam as a 30’s prohibition kingpin who gambles, dances, and gets his comeuppance – or does he? Watch and find out! I hope to find my way to Sam’s Return To Paradise album soon!

Nick “Human Nature”

It’s been a while since we heard something new from our boy Nick Hagelin (now using only his first name). You see, he’s been kind of busy, making new friends in pretty high places, and finding himself a record deal. And not just any deal. You may have heard of Streamline Records. It’s a subsidy of Interscope. The lead act on the label is one Lady GaGa. And while we had a fling with getting to know “X Games”, from his upcoming album, the song was pulled off the interweb to make you anxious for more. A lot of you are out there because you made my post on “X Games” in January my most read blog post in the three years I’ve been writing! So Nick’s promised to be viral once again, and his return to acoustic covers is with a version of Michael Jackon’s “Human Nature”. Nick’s honest charm, talent, and gorgeous high notes are all on display. Watch below.