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Tuned-On! Top 30 #334 – August 30/10

As the end of summer approaches, another season of music begins, and I’m pleased that it includes the artists of my top two songs.

I was fortunate enough to see Brandon Flowers in concert on Wednesday, August 25 at the Mod Club in Toronto. It was a good – but not great – 50 minute show to focus on his upcoming solo debut Flamingo (picture of deluxe version cover above), which drops on September 14. There are definitely some solid songs which I’m looking forward to hearing on my stereo – Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts, Playing With Fire, Magdalena. Brandon was in good voice but his Killers band members were sorely missed. In any event, “Crossfire” is still the best song of the bunch thus far, and it retains its #1 status on my personal chart this week. At the bottom of this post are some pics from the concert 🙂

Rod Thomas aka Bright Light Bright Light (or Bright Light x 2) is one of 2010’s pop music treats, and I can’t wait enough for a full album. Former #1 “A New Word To Say” holds tight at #2, while “Cry At Films”, the B-side of the forthcoming “Love Part II” single, arrives on the chart at #25. For me, the ‘B-side’ no longer has the same meaning as the halcyon days of 45 vinyl singles. Rather than filler, sometimes the B-side is better than the track being promoted. And while that’s not the case – as you’ll find out in two weeks, when “Love Part II” is released and debuts on my chart 😉 – it’s easy to revel in the soft, emotional, and danceable qualities that Rod brings on “Cry At Films”.

The Top 10 has a change-up that still allows Two Door Cinema Club’s “Something Good Can Work” – one of the more chipper songs of the year – to advance to #3. British duo Bim – whose lush and emotional album Scatterheart you must check out – score in the Top 5 with “Head Over Heels”, and L.A.’s Adam Tyler’s “Friction” is contagious enough in its Ricardo Autobahn edit to become the Fastest Riser on the chart, up from 14 to 7. Toronto’s Roz Bell is one of Canada’s most interesting and underrated talents, whose third effort Songs For Leaving will be well worth the wait when it arrives. In the meantime, bask in “Endless Summer Night”, which climbs to #8.

I expect a chart housecleaning in two weeks, which will get rid of a log jam of wonderful songs stuck behind each other in the Top 20. I’m eyeing songs by Chris Mann, Elouise, Ryan Star, and perhaps Hanson to bust out and eventually they all may land in the Top 10, pending competition. And Billy Franks’ “The Beautiful Game”, now at #17, keeps reminding me that humility and a great tune will do wonders with each listen. Maroon 5’s fun “Misery” lands at #20… which feels somewhat underwhelming for such a good band, but there are indeed many stronger songs out there, and we’ll have to see how powerful the other songs are on the forthcoming Hands All Over album.

“Dear Dictator” by Saint Motel continues to get stuck in my head and advances to #21, with The Script’s “For The First Time” not behind at #23. The other new songs this week arrive in a revisit to Lady GaGa’s The Fame Monster album, allowing “Dance In The Dark” to bow at #24. And at #26 is a new Detroit-raised singer who comes via L.A. with a great summer song. Christian TV’s flirty and maybe a tad naughty “When She Turns 18” is a grower and may yet become a hit going into the Fall months. Check out the video below.

Despite the lack of blogs within the last two weeks I have been listening to a lot of music, and expect to update you all on some of the better ones over the next few days. Enjoy!

10-bit Q&A with Simon Curtis

In the coming months, we will witness the further evolution of our favourite boy robot, LA-based singer/songwriter Simon Curtis. Simon’s been busy working on new songs for an upcoming mixtape/album, which, like the wonderful 8-bit Heart (which is the best ‘unsigned’ record of 2010 thus far), should be available for free online later this year. To further add to the evolution, Simon is performing his first all-acoustic show on Thursday July 29 at The Mint in L.A.

In among all of these crazy preparations, Simon took some time to answer some questions for us in this ’10-bit’ Q&A:

1. For an independent artist, your fan base exceeds amazing. I know you recognize and respond to this support, including the videos and artwork that your fans have done, and the message boards that they’ve created. Can you tell us something that you would love to say to your fans outside of the U.S.A. who only know you through your music, You Tube videos , Facebook , and Twitter ?

I am so incredibly grateful for the fanbase I’ve been fortunate enough to start creating, I love them all dearly. I feel truly honored to have people gravitating toward it so much!

2. Suddenly there are a number of solo young indie male pop singers on the rise like you – Mike Posner (now signed to J/Sony), Adam Tyler, Sam Taylor, to name three – and you all have your own diverse takes on pop music. I think it’s more than a case of being the guys’ turn, and it may have actually started with a record like Jesse McCartney’s Departure album in 2008. Though women still dominate the charts, do you think the focus might be shifting, and if so, why?

Well I think that for a long time women have dominated pop music because it’s so easily acceptable for a woman to make pop music. It tends to seem that a lot of people don’t quite take men seriously when it comes to music of the pop persuasion, but I think the recent influx of boys pursuing it like I am myself is indication that it’s not just a game for girls. I definitely think the world is ready for a strong male pop perspective.

oldstyleboyrobot — The Old Style Boy Robot

3. Your ‘boy robot’ persona and the nerd glasses have definitely struck a chord with fans, along with the hopeful stories in 8-bit Heart that talk about loneliness and wanting to find love. Can you give us a little more perspective about this character and what you hoped to accomplish with him through your songs?

Well the character created in making the album was essentially me in my most raw, musical form. I needed an image to associate with the music, and the neo-futuristic Buddy Holly look just fit right in with it, totally complimented the simple yearnings for love that I was expressing in the album with a look associated with an era of innocence. It all just seemed to come together rather well.

4. I’m sure you have to be budget conscious, knowing where to draw the line to spend more money on something, such as an elaborate video, that might not really help you out in the long run. So many people were impressed with the acapella black and white video for “8-bit Heart” – how well do you think that video served its purpose?

The 8Bit Heart Acapella Tyler Shields video portrait was just supposed to be a teaser. I was in early talks with a record label at the time of my first show, and afterward they wanted to hear “more of my voice”… so I went the next day and made that to prove to them that I could really, truly sing. I’m incredibly proud of that video.

Download 8-bit Heart at http://www.simon-curtis.net if you already haven't!!

5. Looking at 8-bit Heart as a whole, what are a couple of things that totally exceeded your expectations, and what are a couple of things you would do differently on your next record?

I honestly am still blown away by the reaction it elicited from the collective internet. I mean, it’s opened so many doors for me I can’t even comprehend it. I am really looking forward to working with a proper budget on my albums. I want to make videos, etc. and it’s just so hard when you’re completely independent and starting all of this on your own. I am a hard worker though, and quite up for the challenge 😉

Beware of feline conspiracy theories...

6. You have a few references in 8-bit Heart to conspiracy theories and other matters of intrigue. Fans know that you’re an avid reader, but how did you become interested in them and decide to incorporate them into your music?

Well, I’ve always been a little cerebral when it comes to writing music. I don’t think I could ever write a song about dancing at the club, etc. without having some sort of deeper layer beneath it, some sort of commentary, something. I am obsessed with fantasy and science fiction, and I think it’s just a natural reflex for me to insert it into my music. I am in love with pop music, it’s one of my biggest passions, and that love translates right into the music that I make myself. The idea of creating commercial pop with a broad appeal that is laced with hidden-meanings and subtle references just elates me to the core.

7. A lot of fans would love a sequel to 8-bit Heart and are hungry for more story-songs and conceptual themes. But I think you’ve probably got a few other things in mind! Can you speak a bit about your next record?

Well, as it is right now I can only say that the overarching theme of the next album is a very militant one. The first album was an introduction, this one is me taking my flag and thrusting it into the ground and staking my claim. The songs on this album are dealing with my struggle to achieve, the deep-rooted yearning within me. Despite the fact that I tend to write in themes and use a lot of references, I still write very much from the heart. Everything I’ve written is something I have most certainly felt. With that said, there’s a lot dealing with betrayal on this record as well. It’s turning out to be a bit heavier than 8Bit was.

8. Could you name one other current singer and one other current songwriter that you would like to collaborate with, and say why?

There are so many it’s ridiculous. I’ve been able to strike up a bit of a friendship with Rod Thomas (BrightLightBrightLight) and I absolutely love him and what he does. Darren Hayes is an idol of mine, so working with him in any capacity would truly be a dream come true. I’ve always been obsessed with Bloodshy and Avant, and of course Max Martin has essentially been my Jesus since I was 13.

plus

equals

??????

(hint: Cherrytree/Interscope should

put them together and find out!)

9. Could you identify a pop song and a pop album that, for you, recently made a significant change or impact, and how? Basically, records that say ‘OK music as we know it now is different’.

Gaga’s Fame Monster was a huge turning point in music. It showed everyone that pop, pure pop, was back. I applauded that record so much for what it did for pop music. I mean, Gaga has single-handedly brought the world back to pop, and that made me incredibly happy.

10. Some talented fans tell you that they would like to do the same thing that you’re doing – what kind of advice would you give them on how to handle the demands that the entertainment biz can offer?

The entertainment business is a hard, hard world to navigate, you have to know precisely who you are and what you want and pursue it relentlessly for years and years. Be smart, know your talents, and know that it is first and foremost a job. A job that you must work incredibly hard at!

Thank you Simon! We’re all happy to stay along for the ride and look forward to the follow-up to 8-bit Heart.

A Half Hour Dance Mix For You!

It goes all the way back to the disco days of the 1970’s when I did dance mixes using vinyl. I’ve done them all through the subsequent years, but they always end up being a mix of pop, dance, rock, and R&B – not like the beat-matching disco of the 70’s or the beat-matching electro of today.

So while you might not consider this one to be a dance mix in its true sense, it’s a good sampling of some of my current favourites – 18 of them – all in 32 minutes! For some songs you get a minute or so, for others close to 3 minutes. I’m proud of some of the mixes – couldn’t likely do some of them with turntables – others, well, will at least catch your attention 😉

Here’s the rundown of the 18 songs. Your comments would be welcome, particularly if you would like to see more of this kind of blogpost in future 🙂

Download it right here and go to the file “Half Hour Dance Mix 2010.mp3”

PLAYLIST

Intro…

Crystal Method f/ Emily Haines “Come Back Clean”

Tiga “What You Need”

Dan Black “Pass That Head Noize”

Gorillaz f/ Mos Def & Bobby Womack “Stylo” (see video below)

Massive Attack f/ Horace Andy “Girl I Love You”

Florence & The Machine “Dog Days Are Over”

Metric “Gold Guns Girls”

Mika “Rain”

Blake Lewis “Heartbreak on Vinyl”

Matt Morris “Don’t You Dare”

Fabio Lendrum “Trouble”

Javi “Situation”

Ellie Goulding “Starry Eyed”

SSSHHH IT’S A SECRET (bloggers please do not reveal!!)

Lady GaGa “Teeth”

Penguin Prison “Something I’m Not”

Annie “Don’t Stop”

Mike Posner “Cooler Than Me”

Tuned-On! Top 30 #322 – Mar 15/10

The Ides of March are upon us tomorrow, and Daylight Savings Time has hit. Spring is, well, springing in advance in Toronto, and my work schedule is lightening up a bit to take a few days off this week. That usually means I get to play a lot of music and get caught up with new releases.

So while this edition of my personal chart (link also to the right under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART***) is chock full of stuff, the chart activity is pretty minimal. But we do have a new #1! Lady GaGa gets her first chart topper here with “Teeth”, which I think is just an incredibly wonderful and fun song. It will be competing with Penguin Prison’s quirky and amazing free download “Something I’m Not”, which moves from its debut position of 11 to 6 this week. (NOTE: Simon Curtis fans fear not – though “Delusional” will leave the chart after this one, since it’s lasted the maximum 10 chart appearances, new music from Simon is coming soon 🙂 )

A lot of the activity in the chart takes place outside of the Top 10, where there’s a passel of songs battling it out among each other. The more I listen to “Hallelujah” by Justin Timberlake, Matt Morris, and Charlie Sexton, the more I appreciate the careful harmonies and how close it comes to Jeff Buckley’s definitive version – especially given recent renditions of the song which I’ve heard in the past few weeks. Jason Derulo’s “In My Head” is an almost-singalong carried by a great melody. Dan Black’s pastiche that is “Pass That Head Noize” keeps winning creativity points from me, while “Don’t Stop” by Annie is pop/dance at its most adorable.

Evan Taubenfeld’s “Starbucks Girl” is gonna keep moving up my chart until I tire of it, even though it’s only available now on YouTube (I can still hope for a bonus live version on his upcoming CD, can’t I?). Example’s “Won’t Go Quietly” puts me in a good mood (which I’ve needed these past few weeks) and climbs 25-17, the Fastest Riser on the chart. Justin Nozuka’s “My Heart Is Yours” is right behind moving 27-20, an emotional ballad whose closest companion on the chart is “Hallelujah”. BT & Christian Burns’ “Suddenly” gets stuck in the middle but should find its way out of it in two weeks. Other debuts from last week by Pink, Javi, Ellie Goulding, and Vampire Weekend should also strut their stuff in the coming weeks.

Right now I can’t get enough of the energy from songs from Clayton Senne’s Wonderland CD, so the title track debuts at #24. I had this fascination with Massive Attack back in 1994 when they released the splendid Protection CD. After that they remained interesting to me but dropped off my radar. Now reduced to a duo, they seem to be back in the same form as 15 years ago with their new CD Heligoland, from which comes the murky, foreboding sound of “Girl I Love You”, featuring vocalist Horace Andy, at #25.

My final debut is timely. This song has been popping up on my iTouch shuffle in my car a lot lately. I saw the band open for The Midway State in Toronto last summer and was impressed at how tight they are and how lead singer Shaun Frank wins over the audience. Toronto’s The Envy signed this week to Gene Simmons’ record label, so expect to hear more from them soon. “Don’t Let Go” debuts at #29 and is available to you for free by subscribing to their newsletter at their MySpace site. Below’s a video of a recent live performance of the song. Enjoy 🙂

Show Us Your Teeth: Tuned-On! Top 30 #320 – March 1/10

Could Lady GaGa get her first #1 on this chart? While Mika’s “Rain” reigns steadily with former #1 “Delusional” by Simon Curtis right in tow, “Teeth” by Lady GaGa charges 12-3 to become her biggest hit on this chart, surpassing the #4 peak of “Bad Romance” and the current #4 position of “Speechless”. It’s really hard to say what’s my favourite song from The Fame Monster, I could pick and choose between the three and be very happy. Not to take away anything from “Teeth” (whose King5kat remix is outstanding) or even “Bad Romance”, but there are other challengers that could get to #1 too…

Also new to the Top 10 besides “Teeth” are Blake Lewis’ retro happiness of “Heartbreak On Vinyl” and “Pick Up The Phone”, the plea from the dancefloor by Dragonette. But just outside of the Top 10 is our first debut, and it’s the highest one in quite some time.

I lumped Penguin Prison’s “Something I’m Not” in with last week’s highlighted songs, but the tune has grown immensely on me during the last week to make it one of this year’s must have records, and it debuts on the chart at a huge #11! And the great part of it all is that it’s a free download! Chris Glover has a massive talent up his sleeve, and it’s too bad Interscope Records didn’t take him up on it as cited in this excellent story about him. I’m not sure if “Something I’m Not” can get to #1 next week, but it will give it the old college try! Do check it out – you will miss something special from this talented singer/producer/remixer otherwise!

Next, I have to comment about Evan Taubenfeld’s terrific track “Starbucks Girl”. Because of its connection to Starbucks, and Evan’s fans’ reaction to his use of autotune, the song has been pulled from the Welcome To The Blacklist Club CD and is no longer available as a free download. And that’s a damn shame. As is, “Starbucks Girl” has immense appeal, and the excellent, simple video expands on that appeal. Sure, I said that I’d like a version without the autotune too, but to no longer make the original version available is a mystery to me. Watch the video yourself and decide! The song still moves up 25-20 on the chart!!

The chart is full of massive activity this week. P!nk’s Grammy performance of “Glitter In The Air” is her best record in more than 6 or 7 years, and debuts at #23. New Yorker Javi, of Puerto Rican and Panamanian background, debuts at #24 with the gorgeous European-sounding Monsieur Adi remix of “Situation” . UK’s Example could give Calvin Harris a run for his money with “Won’t Go Quietly” at #25. This song may seem a little static at first but it really grows on you. Then blog-darling Ellie Goulding arrives at #26 with “Starry Eyed”, which has many remixes (including one by Penguin Prison), but my preference is for the shimmering retro Monarchy remix. Justin Nozuka’s fans light up this blog as his new CD You I Wind Land and Sea gets closer to release. “My Heart Is Yours” bows at #27. And finally, Vampire Weekend enters the chart at #28 with “Cousins”. The indie band scored a #1 Billboard album with Contra a few weeks back.

One last piece of housekeeping: I don’t think I’ve mentioned it since I started this blog last Fall. I have one rule on my personal chart. Songs must leave the chart after 10 appearances (20 weeks). This allows a fresh rotation of songs to occur, but it doesn’t prevent them from re-entering at a later date, though this doesn’t happen very often. Both Mika’s “Blame It On The Girls” and Dan Black’s “Alone” left the chart this week for this reason.

Have a great week and let’s see your comments 🙂

Joyous “Rain” is #1: Tuned-On! Top 30 #320 – Feb 15/10

He finally did it! After reaching #3 with “We Are Golden”, then #2 with “Blame It On The Girls”, British vocalist Mika goes all the way with the joyous “Rain”. It should easily stay atop the chart into March while other songs make headway.

“Rain” knocks Simon Curtis’ “Delusional” to #2 after 4 charts (8 weeks) at the top. Once Simon’s mixtape 8Bit Heart is released though when he gets to 8,000 followers on Twitter – he’s now over 7,500 – watch for an influx of new Simon songs on the chart! The free download of “Delusional” is still available right here (as well as in a link in my chart).

Lifehouse’s “Halfway Gone” moves up to #3, while Pet Shop Boys have their biggest hit on this chart in its 11 1/2 year history – of course the chart would have been generously filled with PSB songs in the 80’s and 90’s – with their cover of “Viva La Vida” mixed with dashes of “Domino Dancing” at #4. Lady GaGa’s set to have her biggest hit on this chart with “Speechless” moving from 10-5, as “Bad Romance” tumbles to #7. Nelson Clemente’s slick and mysterious “90 Days” and Crystal Method/Emily Haines’ “Come Back Clean” each enter the Top 10 for the first time.

Despite mixed public reaction to the Fixin’ To Thrill CD, the blogverse is steadily promoting the CD as Canadian band Dragonette’s latest single “Pick Up The Phone” is picking up believers. The song is the Fastest Riser on the chart this week, up 23-15. Other songs bowing in the last few weeks are no slouches either, such as those by Lady GaGa (check out the bottom heavy King5kat remix of “Teeth”), Blake Lewis (check out the LA Riots radio edit of “Heartbreak on Vinyl”), Justin Timberlake/Matt Morris/Charlie Sexton, John Mayer (oh despite the self-induced bad publicity, his songs will get him through), and Jason Derulo.

I’m not going to re-blog about the many pleasures of Dan Black’s Weird Science mixtape – “Pass That Head Noize” charts at #23 – or Evan Taubenfeld’s “Starbucks Girl” (debuting at #25). After a six year absence from my chart, it’s great to have producer/songwriter extraordinaire BT back on the scene. After a few years of critical acclaim with more experimental offerings such as This Binary Universe, BT is back in 2010 in more accessible dance territory with songs from his latest CD These Hopeful Machines. His first single, including vocals by The Bleach Works singer Christian Burns (also ex-BBMak – you heard Christian a few years back on Tiesto’s “In The Dark”), is “Suddenly”. As much as we like to get caught up in fun, lightweight dance music of the moment, the immaculately detailed layers in BT’s production and the vibrancy of the melody make “Suddenly” more than worthy of your attention.

View the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or click right here.

Tuned-On! Top 30 #319 – Feb 1/10

As you all know, “Delusional” by Simon Curtis has been monopolizing my chart since before the holidays, and Simon continues a 4th consecutive appearance (that’s 8 weeks!) at the top this week (and just you wait till you hear his upcoming ‘mixtape’ 8Bit Heart!! – more surprises than a barrel of monkeys happy with lots of bananas!). But Mika’s glorious “Rain” moves to #2 and is about to become a worthy successor to “Delusional” in what looks to be a year of Pop Pop Glorious Pop! If Lady GaGa can open up the Grammy Awards telecast and have a duet with Sir Elton John in tow (image below), then 2010 looks to be an unforgettable year in Pop Pop Glorious Pop music!

Speaking of Ms G, “Bad Romance” isn’t budging from the Top 5 yet, while the magnificent “Speechless” hustles its way into the Top 10 and pulling “Teeth” seems no mean feat as the song ties as the Fastest Riser on the chart, moving 24-18.

Lifehouse is in Top 5 territory for the first time in almost 5 years as “Halfway Gone” inches up to – #5! Nelson Clemente’s entry for Microsoft’s Playlist 7 contest ties for Fastest Riser as the many moods of “90 Days” climb 17-11. The Crystal Method’s Grammy nominated CD has yielded the pairing with Metric’s Emily Haines on “Come Back Clean”, while Dragonette’s “Pick Up The Phone” and John Mayer’s “Heartbreak Warfare” are on the upswing.

Not to sound deliberately like Yoda 😉 , but 4 debuts have we this week.

I thought Blake Lewis’ first album Audio Day Dream was unique and showed a lot of promise, but it honestly didn’t grab me much beyond some initial curiosity. I thought the trend was continuing with just-okay songs like “Sad Song” and “How Many Words” arriving to promote sophomore effort Heartbreak On Vinyl. Then comes the title track – and I melt! Perhaps unknowingly, the song speaks volumes for my generation which is just in the process of losing midsize-to-small record stores across North America, allowing us to shed a few deserved tears as testament to the power they once had. This vital song debuts at a strong #21. Good on you, Blake!

Next up, and equally vital in obvious ways, is the stunning performance that is “Hallelujah” by Justin Timberlake and protege Tennman Records signee Matt Morris, along with veteran guitarist Charlie Sexton. The Internet came along too late to chart Jeff Buckley’s essential version of Leonard Cohen’s poetry for me – though I could have in retrospect if I wanted. But this new version fits the moment and shows the diversity that is now Justin Timberlake. I’ve heard some of Morris’ debut release but it’s understated in a Joshua Radin-kind of way, so I think I have to give its songs another few listens because I’m probably missing something I didn’t think of at the time. And Sexton is deservedly upfront after years of behind-the-scenes work – I still have his 1985 debut album, and you don’t have to look past the pop gloss to see the superstar guitarist in the making at age 17.

Then we have Norwegian singer Annie, who’s had some Scandinavian success during the past 10 years. At age 31, she reinvents herself for the world with the Pop Pop Glorious Pop of the danceable “Don’t Stop” (and yes, it rhymes) at #26. Lastly, Jason Derulo proves that autotune does not a sole hit make (there’s that Yoda again…). “Whatcha Say” is nice enough, but “In My Head” delivers the real goods, and this 20 year old bows at #27 on the chart.

And with images of the latter two below, don’t forget to view the entire chart right here or click on the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right.

Stay Tuned… Till Later in the week

Sorry if this blog has seemed to go quiet within the last week. There is a lot currently going on in my life and it’s difficult to write about something that you love when things are not going well. I’ve heard some great music by people like Annie, The Editors, Jason Derulo, and it’s weird how something like a Timbaland/Miley Cyrus combination is one of the best tracks on Shock Value II. My ears are still all on songs by Simon Curtis, Lady GaGa, and Mika… they give me much-needed energy. And my real job – which I don’t really talk about here – will be going more than full-tilt in February.

So as they say in radio… stay tuned for more 🙂

Tuned-On! Top 30 #318 – January 18/10

January is usually a quite month for music, basically a time to play catch-up on stuff that I’ve heard during the last six weeks while keeping up with newer songs as well.

The release date for Simon Curtis’ ‘mixtape’ 8Bit Heart is getting closer and believe me Simon has some interesting songs in store for you. For now it will have to suffice that “Delusional” (available for a free download right here) maintains its grip on #1 for a third consecutive pair of weeks. It’s hard to get this song out of my head with its very happy home on my iTouch but a new challenger has arisen these past few weeks.

With the gift of Mika’s The Boy Who Knew Too Much over the holidays, I blogged this week about the massive appeal of “Rain”, which debuted two weeks ago on the chart. It outdoes previous singles “We Are Golden” and “Blame It On The Girls” (still at #5!) by bounding right into the Top 5, moving 19-3 as the Fastest Riser on the chart. It will be a close call in two weeks for the top spot!

All of this activity leaves Lady GaGa’s “Bad Romance” stranded at #4, and has stalled the movement of “Halfway Gone” by Lifehouse, “Black & Blue” by Miike Snow, and Mitchell Hunter’s “Someone Else’s”. Pet Shop Boys however make really good on their redux of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” as that song in a medley with a few lines from PSB’s “Domino Dancing” lands at #8. Michael Buble’s dramatic cover of “Cry Me A River” ascends into the Top 10.

The biggest moves outside of the Top 10 come from two of last week’s debuts. The Crystal Method’s track with Metric’s Emily Haines, “Come Back Clean” climbs 27-19 to match the peak of 1998’s “Comin’ Back”. And I am one of many fans of The Fame Monster going GaGa for “Speechless”. That song is quite a change of pace for her away from the upbeat territory of “Bad Romance” and “Just Dance”, so we’ll see if it gets promoted to pop radio. Nonetheless, “Speechless” climbs 21-13.

The four new entries on the chart belong to Nelson Clemente’s “90 Days”, internationally known Canadian dance/rock band Dragonette with “Pick Up The Phone”, the title track from John Mayer’s “Heartbreak Warfare”, and more GaGa, this time with “Teeth” – try to check out the King Skat remix if you can.

View the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right or click right here.

Tuned-On! Top 30 #317 – Jan 4/10

We return now to our usual blogging, after all of the Best of 2009 and Decade lists, to find that Simon Curtis’ “Delusional” continues to have a tight grip on my bi-weekly list of favourites. It’s one of five songs available on my chart for free download, and you can download “Delusional” right here.

I was given bothMika’s “The Boy Who Knew Too Much” and Lady GaGa’s “The Fame Monster” as gifts during the holidays, and they are both truly splendid records. So while both artists have songs in my Top 5, they both also debut with outstanding tracks that could bound closer to the top of the chart in a few weeks. Mika’s glorious “Rain” debuts at #19 while GaGa’s sensational “Speechless” bows at #21.

Fast risers on the chart include Pet Shop Boys’ “Viva La Vida/Domino Dancing” moving up the most, followed by great songs by Miike Snow, Michael Buble, Timbaland and Friends, and Joshua Radin.

Also new to the chart we find British theatre singer with a rocked up version of the song she sang on Broadway and in London. Kerry Ellis’ “Defying Gravity”, from “Wicked” and produced by Queen’s Brian May arrives at #25, while The Crystal Method indeed come back after an over 11 year absence from my chart. Having Metric singer Emily Haines in tow for “Come Back Clean (Kaskade radio edit)” is a huge plus – her own effort “Doctor Blind” was one of my favourites of the last decade and was on this chart exactly 3 years ago, where it eventually rose to the summit. The Crystal Method’s last song to appear was “Comin’ Back” (featuring vocalist Kirsty Thirsk) (peak #19).

You can view the full chart at the link on the right side bar under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** or right here. I’d appreciate any comments you have to share! 🙂