Oh the joys and sometimes pain of making a chart and being consistent! Be prepared for a bit of a ramble…
Back in November, I got so excited about a song that I put it on my chart right away, anticipating a release. The release, unfortunately got delayed… and delayed… and delayed. So in ways that only chart geekdom will explain I have two rules about my chart: 1) If a song is on the way down the chart or holding, it will be removed from it after 10 appearances (20 weeks); and 2) A song must be officially released and commercially available somewhere, either as a free download or for purchase, it can’t exist strictly on a video that people can’t buy or download legally.
So I was thrilled last week when the official release of “Memorize Me” by Rune RK & Databoy happened!! But it created both a dilemma and strange chart situation. The dilemma: Eric Saade’s “Hotter Than Fire” and “Backseat” ruled the top. Could they make room for “Memorize Me”? The strange chart situation: I removed “Memorize Me” from the chart after three appearances (all in the Top 5) because it wasn’t released. Returning it to the chart would allow a consecutive 10 appearance chart run, like anything else, and it may join Nelson Clemente’s “You Want Me Don’t You” (16 appearances, two chart runs, in 2008 and 2009) and Ryan Star’s “Last Train Home” (the record holder at 17 appearances, two chart runs, also in 2008 and 2009) as one of the three longest running songs on my chart. The longest consecutive run is Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep”, which moved upward in its 11th appearance to peak at #2 last year. In any case, “Memorize Me” manages to re-enter the chart at #1, the only song ever to do so in the chart’s 14 year online history. Another song did re-enter the chart and got to #1, but it didn’t re-enter at the top. That was “Millennium” by Robbie Williams, my #1 song of 1999. ”Memorize Me” is in great company and will certainly rank highly at year’s end!
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.
With all of that chart madness out of the way – it doesn’t happen too often thank goodness – Eric Saade’s “Backseat” holds hard at #2, while “Hotter Than Fire” gives way and lands at #3. ”Make You Mine”, the snappy album track by Joe Jonas, holds tightly at #4. Further into the Top 10, the beautiful soul ballad “Home” by UK singer Stone Walters rises 8-6, with fellow Brits Labrinth and Tinie Tempah up to #7 with the Benny Benassi remix of “Earthquake” (watch the snazzy video below). Jon McLaughlin’s piano-laden “Promising Promises” jumps to #8, with The Midway State’s rocking “Fire!” at #9. Rounding out the Top 10 is “Like A Drug” by Adam Tyler. I posted about the slick video earlier in the week and you can watch once again below.
All of the songs ranked 6 through 17 are movin’ on up. They include songs by Jason Mraz (which alas is slowing down, I thought it would have more staying power), Lady GaGa, Nelson Clemente, Marianas Trench, The Midway State’s “St. Paul and the Wolf”, and Lana Del Rey’s “Born To Die”. In the middle of the chart is the fastest riser, another Eric Saade would-be-smash called “Fingerprints” which climbs 21-15. Also Top 10 bound is Adam Lambert’s latest, “Better Than I Know Myself”, which climbs to #21. ”Summer Is Over” by Jon McLaughlin & Sara Bareilles should move up more in the coming weeks but for now rises 28-24.
There are four debuts this week, and I did warn you previously about another Joe Jonas song from Fastlife making an appearance. ”Not Right Now” bows at #23, and it’s a real hum-dinger… a beautiful and romantic contemporary cha-cha number. I would love to hear a remix of this one for clubs. Hear the song below.
Florence & The Machine’s “No Light, No Light” bows at #27, and the clip below is from the excellent Saturday Night Live performance in December. I’m finding Ceremonials a bit heavier hitting than Lungs at times, it seems fairly relentless, but still marvel at Flo’s Annie Lennox-meets-Sinead O’Connor voice – best of both worlds there.
And after arriving with a big splash in the UK, singer Yasmin has the last debut on the chart with the percolating “Light Up The World”, featuring Shy FX and Ms Dynamite at #28. It gets stuck in your head and keeps your foot tapping away.
Well my Monday certainly kicked off with a blast, with the arrival of the video for Adam Tyler’s “Like A Drug”, and more new music from Vincent Did It (formerly Frankmusik) with “Somebody”. I’ll throw in songs and/or videos from four new faces as well.
Adam Tyler, “Like A Drug”
Adam Tyler has been whetting our appetites for the last while with picture previews of stills from the video for “Like A Drug”. It dropped yesterday and serves as an eyebrow-raising calling card for the talented L.A. based Missouri native. We’ve already seen videos for 2010′s “Friction” and last year’s first single from the Shattered Ice album “I Won’t Let You Go”. This time though it’s an all out assault on our senses, as this well-directed video takes us into a cavernous warehouse where naughty and/or naasty things may happen depending on your temptation.
The video is both persuasive and compelling, not knowing what to expect… But throughout it we see snippets of some dancing, and Adam gets up close and personal with most of the cast as the tension builds. It ultimately leads to the best part of the video – a group dance to some truly magnificent 30 seconds of choreography, which may even stick in your head more than the rest of the video. Then, boom – it’s over. I hope “Like A Drug” opens more doors for Adam. The song had to grow on me more than some of the others in Shattered Ice as I’ve listened to the album for the past five months. The quality in its video has been worth the wait – well done everyone!
Vincent Did It, “Somebody”
Vincent Frank is back in his element. He may be about to make the best music of his career if recent songs “Dynamo”, “So You’re Alive” (video is below), and “Somebody” are any indication. The singer is in his best voice with some of his best lyrics, not without some humour, as well on “Somebody” as he encourages everyone “don’t let the bastards bring you down”. The singer himself has had to rise above so much himself over the last year and I’m glad that he can release it through his songs. Keep it coming – can’t get enough! And it’s only January!!
MNEK, “If He’s The One”
MNEK is 17 year old British singer Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike, who has already risen to cutting edge prominence with a Top 5 UK hit under his songwriting belt, “All Fired Up” by The Saturdays. He’s remixed for Graffiti 6, Frankmusik, Colette Carr, Tinie Tempah, Olly Murs, and Simon Curtis. And he’s recording his debut album, to be released next year. In the meantime, he’s offered up the cheery and soulful “If He’s The One” with a big voice way beyond his years. Watch out for this talented lad and download “If He’s The One” below for free.
Fallulah “Out Of It”
26 year old Maria Apetri is Fallulah, and hails from Denmark, where “Out Of It” has already topped the charts recently. The singer compares at times to Florence Welch but has a softer quality about her. I’ve been listening to a remix of “Out Of It” for a while now, which brings out the eerie undercurrent of the song better than its original video (above). That’s definitely owing to the talented remixing of Monsieur Adi, who you’ll know this past year from remixing Darren Hayes’ “Bloodstained Heart” as well as producing his own songs as well, such as “Chariot”. Listen to the Adi remix of “Out Of It” below and mix it up with songs like “Ghosts ‘N Stuff” by Deadmau5.
Liquid Diet “Hand Dance”
New York trio Liquid Diet comprises Georgia, Billy, and Jonathan, and with the entertaining video for “Hand Dance” they join in some very good company – Divinyls, Cyndi Lauper, The Vapors, and others – who have all sang hits about the thrills of self-pleasure. Not so guilty pleasure? You bet! Great fun that goes well with a song like Databoy’s “Stupid”. Download it for free below for a limited time.
Chromatone, “One Half”
Chromatone is the performing name for German-born London-based singer/guitarist Philipp Cerny, who has meshed up rock, jazz, funk and soul, for a slick and danceable affair with “One Half”. Like some other recent singers from the UK, Chromatone will remind you of some of the best US and UK soul/pop singers of the last 20 years, like Terence Trent D’Arby, Andrew Roachford, Remy Shand, and Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, with obvious influences from masters like Stevie Wonder. It’s that classic jazzy guitar playing though that makes you notice. Songs like “One Half” signal more energetic delights to come. Download it for free below.
I’m going to talk about the highest debut on the chart now because this song has all the makings of being MASSIVE. I previewed “Memorize Me” by Rune RK & Databoy this past summer, after the song found favour in the Ibiza club circuit, being touted by no less than the legendary Tiësto himself. There are several reasons why this song launches at an impressive #5 on my chart. The pairing of the two DJ teams is impressive. You combine European DJ/producer Rune RK’s flair for creating Ibiza beach party anthems with Austin duo Databoy’s creativity and vocals, along with a seductive lyrical subtext, and voilà – “Memorize Me” is a true original. Revel in each listen or dance your ass off, your choice Way to go – I can’t get enough of this song right now. It will be available imminently as a free download but for now you can listen to it right here.
After a bit of a delay, “Memorize Me” has arrived with the video at the top of the blog. I have never grown tired of the song since I first heard it and am thrilled that it will be released officially on January 23. Like the song, the video is a true original. The juxtaposition of the two young boys heading out for the day and filtering through a gay pride event and then a Rune RK concert is interesting. One wishes that we could all be so carefree, untainted by opinion and bias, or go anywhere, and just have fun, as if we were kids. It’s also interesting that Databoy lads Cameron and Adam appear as kind of onlookers inside of a television. I had this idea of a video for this song that would have been an updated version of a-ha’s “Take On Me” video, using either a computer or TV as a backdrop… but I digress. Be sure to get “Memorize Me” on Monday!! I’ve now got to convince the two Eric Saade songs at the top of my personal chart to make some room in two weeks…
Below is a preview of a most promising duet! It will be your first – but definitely not to be your last – listen to “When I Was Blind” by 18 year old American singer Kaya(featured recently in the Ballroom Remixed project), partnered with none other than UK sensation Pierre Lewis, who recorded one of my favourite ballads of recent years called “Broken” a few years back. Be forewarned – it’s melt-worthy.
OK, Nordic countries, it’s time to share. While it’s a mean feat to cop a release in the UK, the rest of the world awaits. Of course I’m referring to Saade Volumes One and Two, my favourite albums of 2011 by 21 year old Eric Saade. His duet with Dev, “Hotter Than Fire” continues to lead my personal chart at the top. The fastest riser is right behind at #2, none other than (surprise, surprise) “Backseat”, also from Volume Two. No singer has started to dominate my chart this way since Simon Curtis (oh, and they should do a duet – but that’s a whole other story ).
You can view the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can clickright here. You can hear all of the songs on the chart or watch their videos by clicking on the pics on the chart page.
In addition to “Hotter” and “Backseat” (which is a really sexy song, if you haven’t already got that), I’ve debuted another song at #21 this week, and that’s the anthemic “Fingerprints”. Despite a little too many effects on Eric’s voice, the song is just too damn catchy for you to miss. Listen below.
This will be a shorter chart blog than usual because I’ve already blogged about the other new songs on the chart. We have Jason Mraz’s tender and hopeful “I Won’t Give Up” bounding onto the chart at #13 and Top 5 bound. Adam Lambert (and it’s hard to believe he’ll be 30 in a few weeks!) makes his premiere appearance here – “Whataya Want From Me” and “If I Had You” came close – with “Better Than I Know Myself” at #26, which sounds like it’s a whole new chapter in the making with such a stunning vocal. Adam’s upcoming sophomore album is called Transmission. And the teaming of Jon McLaughlin and Sara Bareilles couldn’t be better on “Summer Is Over” at #28, from Jon’s upcoming album due in May called Promising Promises – the song of the same name strolls into my Top 10 on this chart
Closer to the top, most noteworthy is “Make You Mine” by Joe Jonas, which climbs handily to #4 (listen below). I can’t say enough how much his album Fastlife is such a joy. While R&B ballad “Just In Love” slides down the chart, you can expect another song from the album to debut in a few weeks. Sounds absolutely great up loud! Other upward moves in the Top 10 come from the late lamented Boy Banned, Darren Hayes’ “Black Out The Sun”, and the stunning soul/pop ballad full of things important and personal, “Home” by UK singer Stone Walters at #8.
The middle of the chart is looking mighty fine with nice moves from songs by Labrinth & Tinie Tempah, The Midway State (both “Fire!” #12 and the increasingly infectious “St. Paul & The Wolf” at #20 - listen to remixes on the band’s Soundcloud page), Lady GaGa, Adam Tyler (just a forthnight away from the video for #15 “Like A Drug”), Nelson Clemente’s cheery “Champagne”, the fine “Fallout” from Marianas Trench, and of course the gothic sound of “Born To Die”, the title track from the upcoming debut album by Lana Del Rey. Lana’s “Blue Jeans”, in its spunky Penguin Prison remix, still resides at #5. Frankmusik is no more in favour of independence for Vincent Did It, but “Wrecking Ball” nonetheless climbs to #22.
I’ve been listening to lots and lots of new music – you should see my Internet bookmarks – so more news on songs you should hear will be coming your way over the next two weeks. Don’t forget to bookmark this blog too please
†Priscilla† is the latest project by JMSN, aka Christian Berishaj (formerly known as Christian TV). It’s compelling alternative R&B/pop, full of ruminations about loss, heartbreak, loneliness, self-doubt, self-realization, and what if’s that are awash in layered landscapes of synths, drums/percussion, and of course JMSN’s wide-ranging vocals. I would wager there’s a classical music basis to some of the songs, which also prominently feature strings. While †Priscilla† commands your attention, it’s far from an easy listen, but I always enjoy a challenge. And a lot of the lyrics hit home for me, personally.
†Priscilla† basically takes you through the stages of a relationship gone sour – JMSN’s liner notes acknowledges that there is indeed a Priscilla. Some of the songs as well as tracks under 2 minutes contain dialogue that tries to give an outside-looking-in perspective on what went wrong. So there’s a cathartic approach to all of this, which seems sincere.
I included “Something” in my most recent Winter Popervescence post and I think it’s the best song within. JMSN’s high register sings “There’s something there inside me and it won’t go away”. There’s a lot of truth in that – because ‘it’ never goes away. The song has a deliberate flow but endures its 6 minute length. Other songs like “Fallin”, “Let U Go”, “Fire” (with some powerful additional vocals from Terrence “Stonewall” Jackson), plus previous singles “Hotel”, “Alone”, and “Girl I Used To Know” (featuring Boldy James) all shape †Priscilla† to give it plenty of atmosphere that adjusts to each mood – the latter song was a particularly good choice with its mid-tempo soulful rhythm to break up the pace a bit. JMSN is allowed to showcase his terrific voice much more than in the major label dance pop of Christian TV. It definitely helps make †Priscilla† a personal affair that many people will understand.
On the flip side of the album of course are the videos and visuals and you can subscribe to the videos on JMSN’s You Tube channel. JMSN’s team here is going for something that will take you on a different trip than the aural one of †Priscilla†. Striking videos have already been released for “Hotel”, “Alone”, and “Something”. They are not for everyone. Some people may only want to watch them once. But if you love a good mystery like me that contains lots of variables and possibilities, then you’ll go along for the ride and stay in touch with JMSN’s Tumblr site where the singer basically lays out what it all means. Go there to find out why the video for “Something” is graphic and makes you squirm. Take a look at the other photos for what would look like more videos to continue the story.
JMSN’s †Priscilla† is a highly ambitious project, both aurally and visually, and I admire all of the effort that has gone into making it. It’s a very creative start to 2012 for JMSN and I look forward to the forthcoming experiences. Be sure to get it on iTunes.
Sidebar note: I tweeted the other night about a performer in my last blog who used 90s pop/dance singer/songwriter Cathy Dennis on a song. JMSN himself confirmed back to me that it is indeed Cathy who sings additional vocals in “Love & Pain”. Always read album liner notes!!!
Well you had to have seen it coming. We’re technically not even a month into Winter, so our seasonal Popervescence returns with a number of single platter delights.
Tyler Hilton “Loaded Gun”
I put “The Return of Tyler Hilton” in the heading for the blog with tongue a bit in cheek. For Tyler has never really left the music scene at all, it just seems like a long while since the L.A. based singer/songwriter released a more electric kind of pop/rock record.
We’ve been treated to acoustic EP’s, fine and dandy, a spot-on rendition of John Waite’s “Missing You” from one of the One Tree Hill soundtracks (Tyler, of course, is also Chris Keller on OTH), and a few singles, including a Christmas song. Nothing has quite captured my attention in the same way as his 2004 album The Tracks Of Tyler Hilton, which generated must-play tunes for me in the forms of “When It Comes”, “Rollin’ Home”, and my favourite, the whimsical “The Letter Song”.
So it’s great that Tyler’s first single from his upcoming album Forget The Storm is “Loaded Gun”, because it smokes from the first lick of that crackling guitar. So those of us trapped in a warm-ish kind of winter can transfer our thoughts to driving down the California coast and headed to a bar for a good ol’ rockin’ time. The song was co-written with Deana Carter whom Country music buffs will know for massive hits like “Strawberry Wine”. Absolutely no surprise – if you’ve heard Tyler’s other songs there is always a heavy Country influence running through them.
But “Loaded Gun” has that stadium rock potential that makes you think more of John Mellencamp than Johnny Cash. Be sure to download “Loaded Gun”for free right here.
Jon McLaughlin featuring Sara Bareilles
“Summer Is Over”
If you’re heard Jon’s (now unavailable) recent album Forever If Ever, then you already know “Summer Is Over”. But now that Jon has signed a new record deal with Razor & Tie and has another album coming in May called Promising Promises (named after my favourite song from Forever too, currently on my personal chart ), he’s had the chance to rerecord the song as a duet with noneother than Sara Bareilles, most noted of course for “Love Song” and “King Of Anything”. Their voices are a natural fit together, and having two voices on the record reinforces the feeling of longing and fond memories so very well conveyed by the song. Listen for it on the radio and buy it on iTunes.
Le Kid “Human Behaviour”
Oh Swedish pop of the 2010′s how I adore thee. Taking its cue from the best years of Swedish pop (aka the early 90s) and one Madonna Ciccone, female vocal duo Le Kid tantalizes us with the sprite pop sounds of “Human Behaviour”. As much as I’ve raved about the harder hitting recent electronic songs by Eric Saade and Agnes (producers/songwriters Felix Persson and Märta Grauers wrote Agnes’ smash “Release Me”, while third partner Anton Malmberg Hård af Segerstad has written for Mr. Saade), this is music that audiences would associate more with Robyn. And like other music from Sweden lately, it has enormous international potential – with a few remixes it can find its way into worldwide clubland too. Listen to “Human Behaviour” below and don’t say you aren’t doing some kind of little happy dance afterwards. Listen to it by clicking on the link below.
26 year old Canadian singer Danny Fernandes first came to my attention back in 2007 with his first singles such as “Curious” (featuring Juelz Santana) which got to #13 on my personal chart. Since then he’s had some significant domestic success with his gritty blend of pop and rap in songs like “Fantasy”, “Private Dancer” (also featuring rapper Belly), and “Automatic”. With his recent album Automatic Luv we find what is sure to be his biggest hit to date, “Hit Me Up”, which has grabbed my attention whenever I’ve heard it on the radio, probably because it’s more electronic and slams harder than his past records. While the song more than holds its own, it’s abetted to the max with the guest appearance of Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay in the chorus. Watch the video above – you’ll have to get past the so-so storyline and the strange editing near the end which makes it seem like there was much, much more to the video than made the final cut. Focus on the song – it’s a foot-stomper
Armin van Buuren featuring Adam Young, “Youtopia”
Dutch DJ/producer Armin van Buuren always has a few gems up his sleeve. I came upon this one quite by accident but I’m glad I did. Featuring none other than Mr. Owl City (“Fireflies”) himself, Adam Young, on vocals, the video above beautifully captures the wistful and emotional quality of this song, which is clearly about permanently lost love. ”Youtopia” rings true, tugging at your heart while making you sway.
JMSN, “Something”
Lastly I leave you with a preview of my next blog, which will be about the new album by JMSN called †Priscilla†, released on iTunes earlier in the week. Its release was accompanied by a third single, “Something”, which follows previous singles and videos for “Hotel” and “Alone”.
The singer formerly known as Christian TV is stretching boundaries big time with his new identity as JMSN. ”Something” is highly personal, full of atmosphere (particularly with exquisite percussion and drums) which reels you in, only to find that you’re not exactly sure of where you are and how you’ll feel when you’re done. So yes it’s a head-scratcher but JMSN’s excellent high register vocals stay in your head, giving this song a much longer lasting quality than other songs.
To seal the deal, watch the video above. You may only want to watch it once, given some imagery that will make you squirm right from the first frame. But I commented in an earlier blog about how much the previous videos seemed very similar to visuals from the mind of someone like David Lynch, the creator of “Twin Peaks” among other weird and wonderful forms of entertainment. So you may get the creeps, but it makes you think. Now if I’ve scared you away from the video, then take a listen to the song below. More to come…
2012 is off to a brilliant start with the upcoming release of “X Games” by Nick Hagelin. As you’ve read in these pages over the last year, Nick has covered a diverse number of songs through entertaining You Tube videos – including Bruno Mars’ “Marry You”, Taylor Swift’s “The Story of Us”, and especially Eric Benet’s “Sometimes I Cry”. He also released a coolsexycute EP called Take Off, which featured one of my favourites from last year, the silky ballad “Metaphor”.
Well reading between the lines it seems that there’s a major label offering in the works with “X Games”. An Atlanta radio station has already jumped on it, which is a great thing for hometown boy Nick. The song itself has enough soulful steaminess to woo the ladies and enough swagger to capture the guys’ attention. It gets away from some of Nick’s lighter pop/dance fare in favour of deep down home R&B… makes sense, our boy is rooted in soul. Line it up against songs from R. Kelly, Robin Thicke, Terence Trent D’Arby, Usher… you get the picture.
Big things are poised to happen… listen to it yourself below and don’t say you aren’t impressed More news is imminent in the coming days…
Vincent Frank laid his Frankmusik moniker to rest in December and took a break from Twitter. As of today, he’s back as Vincent Did It with his first free download of the year, “Dynamo”. On one hand musically it’s unlike anything that he’s ever done, and on the other contains the thoughtful lyrics he’s been known for over the past few years. 2012 needs someone to push the envelope and Vincent Did It is just the guy. I’ll look forward to whatever Vince releases this year because of all of the work he puts into everything. This is the second time in a year he’s had to put a positive spin on a turn of events, and this is the way to do it – in style. Hopefully he’ll continue with the uStream studio visits he started in December too!
Also be sure to check out Vince’s pre-Christmas take on dubstep called “Fathom”, available for free download below.
Jason Mraz, “I Won’t Give Up”
It took me till after the first minute with the chorus, but Jason Mraz’s new single “I Won’t Give Up” will help keep you warm and fuzzy during the first part of winter. The song just gets better as it goes along, bridging nicely the quiet, relaxing style that won him Grammys with “I’m Yours” a few years back, as well as the lyricism that made his first two albums such winners. The song simply exudes happiness, and we all need songs like this to turn to when we need to tune out of life for 3 minutes. Can’t wait for the rest of his upcoming fourth album. ”I Won’t Give Up” is a return to what made me enjoy Jason Mraz on record and in concert. Get it on iTunes.
Marianas Trench’s album “Ever After”
It was released back in November, so my comments about the Trench’s third album Ever After are a little overdue. However the Vancouver quartet may have just released its best single yet in the form of “Fallout”, which sits at the centre of the album and pretty much anchors it.
The album has a winning story about a quest for happiness, and definitely contains some of their best lyrics yet, though I still greatly cherish those in sophomore album Masterpiece Theatre. Singer Josh Ramsay produced and wrote the entire record, which is a major accomplishment.
Ever After leaves behind some of the subtleties of Masterpiece Theatre in favour of a more radio-friendly pop sound, but to the contrary of what I’ve heard from some fans, it does not abandon its rock origins – the instrumentation from guitarist Matt Webb, bassist Mike Ayley, and drummer Ian Casselman (Josh and Matt also play piano) comes off as quite versatile – if anything it flaunts them.
Overall, Ever After sounds like a variation of Roy Thomas Baker-produced albums of the 70′s and 80′s, particularly Queen’s A Night At The Opera and Jazz or The Cars’ debut. Most of those albums were sequenced with little or no gap between songs, and so Ever After sounds seamless like them. Other key songs include “By Now” (a bit similar to “Right Beside You” from Masterpiece Theatre), “Desperate Measures” (listen below), “Porcelain”, “B Team”, and the finale (of course) “No Place Like Home”.
Ever After could be the record to break the very deserving Trench internationally – they already have many American followers.
REEEEEEMIXES!
I love remixes when they’re done right, and a couple have put their spins on some recent songs.
Rihanna “Where Have You Been” (Jadion Missing Persons remix)
I’m one of the few people who seems to be on the fence about Rihanna’s Talk That Talk album. I have failed to get into the first two singles, “We Found Love” and especially the awful “You Da One”, and I think I like Rihanna best when she’s sassy (like in “S&M”) or captured by a club vibe (‘Don’t Stop The Music”, “S.O.S.”). Jadion, known for his innovative production of records by Simon Curtis and Ro Danishei, has managed to de-Dr. Luke-ify “Where Have You Been” in favour of a tribal, dubsteppy bounce – this remix does not give an inch and sustains all four and a half minutes.Download it for free right hereand mix it in with your post-New Year’s party music for 2012!
Sky Felix featuring Adam Tyler, “Taking Back My Love” (remix)
Producer/writer Sky Felix is one of the contributing creative forces amid Adam Tyler’s Shattered Ice album, which has already drawn two hits on my personal chart, “I Won’t Let You Go” and “Pull The Trigger”. Adam’s about to release a video for the currently charting “Like A Drug” (tantalizing snap from the video shoot above), and in the meantime Sky has put a crisp, bright, and snazzy retro house spin on “Taking Back My Love” that’s too good to pass by (note: download link will return!). Be sure to get Adam’s Shattered Ice on iTunes and watch for the video in the coming weeks!
It’s a new name for the blog and personal chart, but the number one song on the chart looks to remain the same for the next while anyway. Eric Saade & Dev hold at the top with “Hotter Than Fire”, but the 21 year old Swede also has the highest debut in this edition. I love so many of the slamming electropop on Saade Volume Two that it was tough to choose another one… so this will probably be the second in a series of songs to chart from that album. Nonetheless, the most rocking track “Backseat” bows at #11. This song has major international fan appeal. I don’t think it will be the second official single but it shouldn’t be overlooked as one of the best songs on the record.
You can view the full chart using the link under ***BILL’S PERSONAL CHART*** to the right, or you can clickright here. You can hear all of the songs on the chart or watch their videos by clicking on the pics on the chart page.
Some songs didn’t appear in my year end Top 75 Songs list because they carried over into the current year. So “Don’t Fuck With My Money” by Penguin Prison gets cozy at #3, while Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” (Penguin Prison remix preferred) slides into the #5 spot, and “Black Out The Sun” by Darren Hayes lands inside the Top 10 at #8 with “Bloodstained Heart” hanging in at #4. Also new to the Top 10 are the riveting “Make You Mine” by Joe Jonas at #6, fastest riser “Home” by UK soul singer Stone Walters at #10, and “The Stars Are Saying Yes” by Boy Banned at #7. You can listen to the former and watch the latter below. But alas Boy Banned has called it a day, so in the coming weeks you will hear more about the upcoming activities of two of the quartet, Paul (Pob) O’Brien and Ethan Bourne.
The middle of the chart is absolutely crammed with songs vying for the Top 10 by Jon McLaughlin, Joe Jonas (again), Mika, and The Midway State. It’s rather ironic that “Fire!” by The Midway State precedes fast riser “Earthquake” by Lanbrinth featuring Tinie Tempah, which soars 23-16. Other recent tunes by Lady GaGa, Adam Tyler (whose video for “Like A Drug” arrives in a few weeks), and Nelson Clemente all continue to climb.
Four more debuts arrive on the chart. I’ve already blogged about the second entry by Lana Del Rey, whose stunning video for “Born To Die” (#24) arrived a few weeks before the holidays. The gal is one to watch, as she has signed to Interscope for her upcoming album of the same name. Above “Born To Die” is the second single from Marianas Trench’s third album Ever After. I enjoyed first single “Haven’t Had Enough” but other songs prevented it from entering my chart in the Fall. So their second single “Fallout” is that much more unique and is actually the core of the Ever After album. I’m enjoying the album immensely and expect to have a full review of it later in the week. Listen below – an official video for “Fallout” is coming soon!
Frankmusik gave us an enjoyable animated video for “Wrecking Ball”which I blogged about before the holidays, and as “No I.D.” drifts down the chart, “Wrecking Ball” debuts at #26. Just above that, I’ve dug deeper into The Midway State’s Paris Or India album. My impressions of the record keep changing as I listen to it. The group performed “St. Paul & The Wolf” with a local college’s marching band’s members when I saw them in concert on December 17. The song’s storytelling and anthemic sound continues to win me over and arrives at #25. Watch a live clip of the band below performing the song this past summer.
That annual ritual is upon us again. I kicked it off with my previous post “And Visions of 2011 Danced In His Head”, which talked about my favourite 20 performers (and one compilation album) that made 2011 glitter for me. I won’t go into much depth about those performers again, other than those whose songs are in my Top 10. I’ve provided links to some notable videos and/or songs in my list below (click on the relevant song titles), particularly some you may not know, as well as some comments. You can see the web-pretty list using the Best of 2011 list in the sidebar to the right or click right here.
Before we begin, only one performer has more than 4 songs on the list, and that is Simon Curtis, who had my #1 song of 2010 “Beat Drop”. Among 7 entries, he has three duets on the list! Then with four songs is Frankmusik, and with three songs apiece we have Penguin Prison, Elouise, Eric Saade, Ro Danishei, and Kyle Brylin. These are no surprises if you’ve read this blog throughout the year.
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin
BILL’S TOP 75 SONGS OF 2011
75 TILL THE WORLD ENDS Britney Spears
Unlike much of the pop world, I have never much been a fan of Ms Britney. But this year she recorded the best song of her career thus far which kicks off my year end list. In fact one of the very best reasons for expanding my list to 75 songs this year was to include this song. Well done – more like this please! 74 METAPHOR Nick Hagelin
Portland, Oregon duo Amy Paige and Josh Hoertzel make magical melodies together, and “We Don’t Miss A Beat” is their best yet. Watch for more in 2012. 71 ICE MELTS Matt & Kim 70 ANOTHER DIMENSION Bass Robbers featuring Matt Blue 69 NEVER WILL BE MINE Rye Rye featuring Robyn 68 THE CITY (Richard X emix) Patrick Wolf
It was so grand to hear British singer Patrick Wolf full of positive and happy energy with songs like “The City” from his recent album Lupercalia. 67TILL IT HURTS (Radio mix) Native Underground
Native Underground and singer Javi Silva (who gave us last year’s tantalizing “Situation”) are part of a New York City new dance/disco undercurrent. Watch for more from them in 2012, including Javi’s other project Chasing The Ghost. 66 CINEMA Benny Benassi featuring Gary Go 65 FALLING Bright Light Bright Light
BrightLightx2 aka Rod Thomas recorded this free download and unique interpretation of the theme from TV’s “Twin Peaks”, originally sung by Julee Cruise.
64 WHITE HORSE Jessica 6 63 MORE (Red One Jimmy Joker remix) Usher 62 STUPID WITH YOU Eric Saade 61MY FIZZY POP Kyle Brylin 60 THEN I GO TWISTING Erasure 59 ALL YOU NEED IS NOW Duran Duran 58THE LOVER’S RUMBA Elouise
The first of three contemporized ballroom songs to appear in this list from the fantastic Ballroom Remixed compilation from our favourite UK torch song chanteuse.
I must say I was totally enthralled with Chris Brown’s performance of this song on the Grammy Awards – though it was really a lot of special effects that catch your attention more so than the song, you can imagine how much work went into it. But I was totally puzzled that his record company did not promote this song to pop radio, and instead it became a #1 Dance Club Play hit.
Another magnificent Steve Anderson production which turns the song best known as the 80′s hit by Soft Cell into a seductive, smoky, and empowering torchy rendition. 54 ALORS ON DANSE Stromae
52 THE EDGE OF GLORY Lady GaGa 51DON’T GO BREAKING MY HEART Agnes 50 SUNLIGHT Bag Raiders featuring Dan Black 49 FAMOUS Audio Playground featuring Kardinal Offishall orRandy Raymond
Canadian dance trio Audio Playground enlisted Kardinal Offishall for this infectious dance song that perked up Canadian radio playlists this Fall.
48 LADY LUCK Jamie Woon 47 ROCKETEER Far East Movement featuring Ryan Tedder 46 BAD DOG Neon Hitch 45 THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL Elouise
From the little belter herself, a live clip of this version of the ABBA hit which shows that Elouise has the goods and you’ll hear much more from her in 2012.
44 SET FIRE TO THE RAIN Adele 43 MOVES LIKE JAGGER Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera 42 MONSTER Kanye West featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver & Nicki Minaj
I will always listen to Kanye West’s music knowing that he can come up with greatness with the help of such friends… and to me Nicki’s outstanding rap in this song is what helped get her on the map. 41 FAIR WARNING (Dirty Vegas remix) Penguin Prison 40VENOM Long Story Short
Guitarist Matt Webb initially released Cinnamon as a limited free download before appearing on his debut EP Coda and Jacket. It’s one of those perfect summer heartbreak songs that shows another side of this Marianas Trench member. 31 EVERYTHING I’M MISSING Kyle Brylin
As Kyle enters an acoustic phase of his career, his electropop of 2011 leaves its mark especially with this hypnotic song with a video that makes you watch, even reluctantly. And what is it about the eye makeup that helps give this song a bit of a sinister side?
30 SUPERHERO Simon Curtis
Your Superhero arrived in May to stage the arrival of R∆.
The first of two pop/dance confections on this list from the Detroit performer who now goes by the moniker JMSN. Watch for more tricks up Christian Berishaj’s sleeve in 2012. 24 PRISONER OF LOVE Jessica 6 featuring Antony Hegarty
Prisoner of Love is just one of those to-die-for duets that happen once in a while. Hopefully this will be the first of many Nomi Ruiz/Antony Hegarty pairings!
23 BLOODSTAINED HEART Darren Hayes
There are few performers who can convey heartbreak so conscientiously as Darren Hayes. The best song on his Secret Codes & Battleships album is also one of his finest vocal performances. Watch the video all the way through.
22 PUMPED UP KICKS (Skeet Skeet Show remix) Foster The People
It’s very clear from their sold out concerts and their praised performances (even on TV’s Saturday Night Live) that Foster The People is not a one-hit pony. Despite the strange subject matter, the song became one of the defining hits of the summer, but my preference is for the frenetic Skeet Skeet Show remix. 21JACKSONVILLE Brandon Flowers
Held over from 2010, Jacksonville is one of the songs on the deluxe version of Flamingo, an album that could have fared very differently if the excellent deluxe tracks had been the the core of the record. Nonetheless, this is Brandon at his most unique – Jacksonville could have also been kicked up a notch with some dance remixes. 20 DISCO MOMENT Bright Light Bright Light
One of Rod Thomas’ very best songs contains several lyrics that can leave you teary-eyed while you dance: ”And I am open, I am open, but I might just close if… /You make it so hard to be around”. The outstanding video will twist your emotions on the spot.
The best song from the Ballroom Remixed compilation is this contemporary jive number, aided immeasurably by the magic fingers of Ben Waters. Jerry Reid, too, is a new bad boy talent to watch in 2012. 18 TALK TO ME Andrea Lewis featuring Simon Curtis
Toronto’s Andrea Lewis has another hold over from 2010 release 54321, with her 60′s retro sounding duet with Simon Curtis. Watch the exclusive performance by these best friends from London below.
Pre-dating the Do It In The AM album by several months, it’s one of the rare tender ballads you will hear from Frankmusik, originally available as a free download. 16 SOMEONE LIKE YOU Adele 15S&M Rihanna
Rihanna was a non-stop music-making machine in 2011, but S&M to me exceeded all expectations and made the music that followed pale in comparison. She was at the top of her game but is now probably due a break for fear of that other industry-eating event, over-exposure. The song also accompanied an interesting cadre of songs with suggestive topic matter, which all ended up in Billboard’s Top 4 on the Hot 100 earlier in year – the others were “Born This Way” by Lady GaGa, “Fuckin’ Perfect” by Pink, and “Tonight (I’m Fuckin’ You)” by Enrique Iglesias
14 DO IT IN THE A.M. Frankmusik F/ Far East Movement
13 CAN’T HELP MYSELF (KEEP DANCING) Matt Blue
One of 2011′s must-talents to watch is 19 year old Matt Blue, who hails from the Netherlands. Songs like “Can’t Help Myself” transcend the record industry barriers for official release through their videos.
12 LOVE 2 BABY Christian TV
If there was any song that should’ve been a hit in 2011 it was “Love 2 Baby”, dance pop at its best and somewhat hedonistic video to boot. Watch for the artist now known as JMSN in 2012.
11 NO I.D. Frankmusik featuring Colette Carr
One of the most joyous treats of 2011 was watching this completely unexpected video throwback to “Grease”. Frank and Colette have great chemistry together – hopefully they’ll record again.
It was never released as a single *hrumpf* but this love letter to Eric’s fans has some of the best lyrics that pop music could offer in 2011: ”My kings and queens /Are speaking through me / Got my degree / In the big P-O-P”.
9 ROLLING IN THE DEEP Adele
Rolling In The Deep is the song that defines 2011 in pop culture. It endured the entire year, became a massive hit beyond expectations, was covered – sometimes magnificently – a gazillion times. More than any other song in the 21 album, it showcases the many broad talents of Adele. Now let’s hope her voice recovers and we hear more magnificence in the next few years.
8 NIGHT AIR Jamie Woon
One of the most mysterious and oddly appealing songs by this new English singer with deep down embedded talents. While the video surely must have had “Twilight” as a source, its quiet is incredibly elegant.
7 THE FEAR INSIDE Frankmusik
The best song from Do It In The AM was Frank’s first single from the album, released about a year ago. Just release yourself to this one.
Penguin Prison held court on my chart at the top of the year for two months with this song, which was made even better when Chris Glover paired it in a stunning mashup with Michael Jackson’s “Workin’ Day And Night”, which you can hear and download in the link in song title.
It lasted from the first time I heard it in a live clip from a January show throughout the year. Laser Guns Up is still my anthem for 2011. And I still want some LEGO laser guns. ”This one’s for the people who’ve been told they’re never good enough / The little girls and boys who dream of what they wanna be / The little girls and boys who grow up into you and me”.
4 JUST ONCE Databoy
I had just heard “Stupid” and had not yet charted it before I was introduced to Databoy at the Superfraiche showcase in New York City in April. And that’s where I heard this song. Instantly, it became my song for the upcoming summer, and when it arrived as a free downloadthere was no other competition. I can’t wait for more Databoy music in 2012.
3 WICKED BABY Ro Danishei featuring Simon Curtis
We had to wait till late Summer for this bonus track from the deluxe edition of Ro Danishei’s End of the Rainbow, but the best was saved for last. This is the child of Ace of Base’s The Sign that you’ve all been waiting for, with a stunning dubsteppy breakdown amid another smoking Ro/Simon duet. And I wasn’t the only one who loved it, check outMy Fizzy Pop’s thoughtson the song too!
There was no song more unique in 2011 than this second single from Simon’s R∆ album. Totally different from even the songs within R∆, it’s a tour-de-force of sensual imagery carried by fierce production that will simply throttle you. I still want to see it featured in a segment on TV’s “The Vampire Diaries”: ”You put your hand upon my neck and feel the pulse beat-beat-beat-beat /It’s like a trigger getting ready to shoot” and “Hold me up against the wall / Give it till I beg, give me some more /Make me bleed, I like it raw / Like it R∆ R∆ R∆”. 1 POPULAR Eric Saade
“Popular” is the best and most captivating song of 2011 to me, which threw Swedish singer Eric Saade even more into the spotlight when the song won the Melodifestivalen contest and came third in Eurovision. It signalled things to come, with Saade’s Volume One and Volume Two albums dropping before year’s end and giving us the year’s most lighthearted, feel good, crunchy electropop, which hopefully will find its way around the world in 2012. Eric Saade and his team have created the template, the rest of the world needs to catch on. And if you’re a male pop singer, all eyes should be on Eric! Watch the star-making performance from Melodiefestivalen again below.
I have two rules about my chart: 1) If a song is on the way down the chart or holding, it will be removed from it after 10 appearances (20 weeks); and 2) A song must be officially released and commercially available somewhere, either as a free download or for purchase, it can’t exist strictly on a video that people can’t buy or download legally.
Way to go – I can’t get enough of this song right now. It will be available imminently as a free download but for now 
