Bill Nye debuts a new science web series and disco queen Donna Summer is remixed by some of the biggest DJs.
I share the hottest in under the radar entertainment!
Follow the link to watch the video:
http://on.aol.ca/video/revamps-for-science-guy-bill-nye-and-disco-diva-donna-summer-518032010
Wednesday, 8 January 2014
Sunday, 22 December 2013
The Next Big Thing -- First Episode!
Hey everybody -- I recently launched a new video series for The Canadian Press news wire looking at movies, music and other entertainment that are flying under the radar.
It's called The Next Big Thing, and a new edition is released every Friday.
Here's the first one, let me know what you think.
I talk about RAC, Matthew McConaughey and the Crackle action series Chosen.
It's called The Next Big Thing, and a new edition is released every Friday.
Here's the first one, let me know what you think.
I talk about RAC, Matthew McConaughey and the Crackle action series Chosen.
Most Played Songs of 2012 // The Top 10
While most people focus on their favourite tracks of the year, I am willing to admit that sometimes the "best" songs of the year aren't the ones I repeat over and over on my playlist. So, I'm coming clean and presenting you with the Top 10 songs that I played most often in 2012.
I'm sure there are a few you'll enjoy...
10. The Young Professionals – Video Games
It's no secret that Lana Del Rey annoys me, but it's more her smokey vocal delivery than anything else that I dislike. Proof comes in the Young Professionals' cover of Video Games, which reworks the overdramatic track into an electronic pop song that builds its foundation on pizazz. If you couldn't stand Del Rey's version, you'll probbaly take a shine to a different take that doesn't feel like it's trying so hard.
9. Karmin – Brokenhearted
There are few YouTube senstaions that catch my ear, and Karmin has left me with mixed feelings overall. They're just too cutesy and I don't buy their romantic relationship. Whatever the case, the first time I heart Brokenhearted I was sold. It was pure radio pop at its best -- catchy, peppy, danceable and a real celebration.
8. Solange – Losing You
While her sister garners all the attention, I have to say Solange fascinates more far more. She's been battered by the labels and emerged with this new indie image that's probably less honest that I'd like to hope. Losing You is the first single she released and it screams from the rooftops even though it's downbeat. Solange has left and impression and I think she'll be leaving her mark in the coming years.
7. Katy Perry – Wide Awake
Yeesh, did I really like this song that much? Wide Awake is certainly one of Perry's best singles, but it still stings to see her rank so high. If only I could believe that her vocal abilities actually live up to the studio version of this song. The songwriting actually helps this track overcome some of the obstacles.
6. Icona Pop – Good for You
These two young ladies are going to be huge, but it probably won't be the track Good For You that takes them there. Instead, I'm sure people will be screaming "I Love It" from the top of their lungs in a few months, it's already a hit in Europe. Good For You is another track from Icona Pop's debut EP, and this one channels Ace of Base, scratch that, it practically mimics them. It works.
5. St. Lucia – All Eyes on You
Few artists have shaken my world as strongly with an EP as St. Lucia did earlier this year. It was pure, enthusiastic, and had both knowledge of past pop music history but also an entirely different spin on the sound. Jean-Philip Grobler is a vocal powerhouse, and he will be recognized whenever this band releases their debut album. For now, consider St. Lucia bubbling under the surface.
4. Hoodie Allen – No Faith in Brooklyn (feat. Jhameel)
me>
While Hoodie Allen hasn't received all of the credit he deserves, this rapper soared into the Billboard Top 10 earlier this year without a label release. That's exceptional in itself, but it certainly was helped by a quality album that included such tracks as this one, No Faith in Brooklyn, a great hip-hop song laced with soothing vocals by another indie singer, Jahmeel. This should've been a hit single, but without a label that's an entirely different feat to achieve. Baby steps...
3. Tooji – Stay
Eurovision guarantees a few guilty pleasures every year, and Tooji exemplifies that to some astronomical degree. He's corny, he's a little sloppy but he's got charm. Unfortunately that charm started to wear thin in the weeks leading up to Eurovision finals, so his performance managed to rank as one of the lowest of the competition. It's a shame, especially because I have to explain why he's so high on my most-played list.
2. Nick Curly – Underground (Dennis Ferrer Remix)
Simply club perfection. I've seen people who never heard this song just tear it up in a club. The beat is infection and the genius that Ferrer brings to the table is astounding, especially because the original Nick Curly track is quite dull.
1. HAERTS – Wings
A late entry on this year's release schedule, the relatively mysterious Haerts quickly rocketed to the top of my most-played tracks with this hauntingly beautiful track. Wings captures harmony in a bottle and creates this heightned emotional intensity laced with an 80s vibe that manages to feel fresh and unique, rather than an imitation. You can literally feel the beat of passion here.
Start at the very beginning of the list with #11-#20 of the Most Played Songs of 2012.
It's no secret that Lana Del Rey annoys me, but it's more her smokey vocal delivery than anything else that I dislike. Proof comes in the Young Professionals' cover of Video Games, which reworks the overdramatic track into an electronic pop song that builds its foundation on pizazz. If you couldn't stand Del Rey's version, you'll probbaly take a shine to a different take that doesn't feel like it's trying so hard.
9. Karmin – Brokenhearted
There are few YouTube senstaions that catch my ear, and Karmin has left me with mixed feelings overall. They're just too cutesy and I don't buy their romantic relationship. Whatever the case, the first time I heart Brokenhearted I was sold. It was pure radio pop at its best -- catchy, peppy, danceable and a real celebration.
8. Solange – Losing You
While her sister garners all the attention, I have to say Solange fascinates more far more. She's been battered by the labels and emerged with this new indie image that's probably less honest that I'd like to hope. Losing You is the first single she released and it screams from the rooftops even though it's downbeat. Solange has left and impression and I think she'll be leaving her mark in the coming years.
7. Katy Perry – Wide Awake
Yeesh, did I really like this song that much? Wide Awake is certainly one of Perry's best singles, but it still stings to see her rank so high. If only I could believe that her vocal abilities actually live up to the studio version of this song. The songwriting actually helps this track overcome some of the obstacles.
6. Icona Pop – Good for You
These two young ladies are going to be huge, but it probably won't be the track Good For You that takes them there. Instead, I'm sure people will be screaming "I Love It" from the top of their lungs in a few months, it's already a hit in Europe. Good For You is another track from Icona Pop's debut EP, and this one channels Ace of Base, scratch that, it practically mimics them. It works.
5. St. Lucia – All Eyes on You
Few artists have shaken my world as strongly with an EP as St. Lucia did earlier this year. It was pure, enthusiastic, and had both knowledge of past pop music history but also an entirely different spin on the sound. Jean-Philip Grobler is a vocal powerhouse, and he will be recognized whenever this band releases their debut album. For now, consider St. Lucia bubbling under the surface.
4. Hoodie Allen – No Faith in Brooklyn (feat. Jhameel)
me>
While Hoodie Allen hasn't received all of the credit he deserves, this rapper soared into the Billboard Top 10 earlier this year without a label release. That's exceptional in itself, but it certainly was helped by a quality album that included such tracks as this one, No Faith in Brooklyn, a great hip-hop song laced with soothing vocals by another indie singer, Jahmeel. This should've been a hit single, but without a label that's an entirely different feat to achieve. Baby steps...
3. Tooji – Stay
Eurovision guarantees a few guilty pleasures every year, and Tooji exemplifies that to some astronomical degree. He's corny, he's a little sloppy but he's got charm. Unfortunately that charm started to wear thin in the weeks leading up to Eurovision finals, so his performance managed to rank as one of the lowest of the competition. It's a shame, especially because I have to explain why he's so high on my most-played list.
2. Nick Curly – Underground (Dennis Ferrer Remix)
Simply club perfection. I've seen people who never heard this song just tear it up in a club. The beat is infection and the genius that Ferrer brings to the table is astounding, especially because the original Nick Curly track is quite dull.
1. HAERTS – Wings
A late entry on this year's release schedule, the relatively mysterious Haerts quickly rocketed to the top of my most-played tracks with this hauntingly beautiful track. Wings captures harmony in a bottle and creates this heightned emotional intensity laced with an 80s vibe that manages to feel fresh and unique, rather than an imitation. You can literally feel the beat of passion here.
Start at the very beginning of the list with #11-#20 of the Most Played Songs of 2012.
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Most Played Songs of 2012 // (from #11 - #20)
Last year I called the latter portion of the most-played list the section of "shame." I don't know if 2012 just marked a good year, whether my music taste shifted or it was just dumb luck, but I have to say I'm pretty darn proud of the lower half this year.
There's a good mix of popular, club, critically acclaimed and a little cheese. Let's get started, shall we?
20. Gotye - Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)
Perhaps what's most shocking is Gotye's massive hit single Somebody That I Used to Know didn't rank higher. After all, it was inescapable by mid-March. But if I've learned anything it's that songs that are overplayed on the radio often have a short shelf life on my playlist. Gotye might be considered a one-hit wonder in many circles, but his album is solid and this live performance video I shot at the Kool Haus in Toronto proves he shouldn't be dismissed.
19. Caro Emerald - Back It Up
Every year I'm a little late to the game on one obscure song, and this year it was Dutch singer Caro Emerald's Back It Up. However, in this case I was really, really late. The song came out in 2009 but it took a batch of remixes released a year ago to bring it to my attention. The thing is, Back It Up is a good enough song that it doesn't need a remix to bring it to life.
18. Infinity Ink - Infinity
I'm a sucker for a song that sounds like a legit early '90s dance track, and Inifinity Ink pulled that off and then some with their sort of self-titled single Infinity. The song even has a gratuitous, meaningless rap section that appears middtrack, with the nameless rapper proclaiming that Infinity Ink "has got the sound." Yes, it's all a little silly, but damn is it a great combination of cool and fun.
17. Loreen - Euphoria
It's no secret that I have a sick obsession with Eurovision, so it's probably no surprise that a couple of tracks from the European pop song competition snuck onto my list. The first comes from Sweden's Loreen who took the contest by storm and nabbed the top prize with Euphoria. After her victory I heard this song pumping out of headphones on commuter buses and at a few clubs in Canada, which is rare considering that Eurovision is basically off of Canadians' radar. Perhaps not for much longer?
16. Amelia Lily - Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got)
I can't really explain how this single from Amelia Lily, the 8th place singer on the UK version of X Factor, snuck onto my "most played" list, especially considering that I only first heard it back in November. But the clumsily titled song Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got) has a pumping sugar pop beat and screaming vocals that encouraged me to sing it a lot and clearly put it on repeat. The rest is shameful history...
15. ZZ Ward - Put the Gun Down
It frustrates me that ZZ Ward's killer pop-blues single Put the Gun Down didn't get more recognition this past summer because it's exactly what should appeal to the Southern Americans with a sense for classic revenge songs. Perhaps the concept of the song was a little too dark. Either way, I hope they bring it to a kareoke club nearby soon because it'd be a great song to sing to a crowd of drunken partiers.
14. Hoodie Allen - No Interruption
Hoodie Allen helped redefine the truly independent musician this year when his debut album jumped into Billboard's Top 10 without any major publicity, and if you haven't heard of him it probably means you're too old. When it came to the pre-teen crowd this guy was edgy and hyped, and when it came to his live conerts, I can tell you I saw young teens doing things there I wish I could unsee. Let's focus on the music, shall we? No Interruption was his first single and its video is a spectable of gritty nerd-cool shot on a shoestring budget.
13. Emeli Sande - Next to Me
The fickle U.S. market paid hardly any attention to Emeli Sande's debut album earlier this year. The Brit scored massive attention and accolades overseas, but in North America she fizzled, even after practically hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. No matter, he label hasn't given up on her yet. In January they will re-release the incredibly catchy Next to Me in the U.S. in hopes that it'll catch fire on the second go 'round. Maybe if they angle her as the new Alicia Keys...
12. St. Lucia - Before the Dive
St. Lucia is my proudest find of this year. They're a consistently good band, they're cool, creative and hark back to the sounds from the '80s that I enjoyed most. Their debut EP was practically perfect so I hope their debut album (due sometime in 2013) will impress me just as much. Before the Dive was a song I fell in love with late this year, after practically skipping it everytime I put on the EP, in favour of other songs.
11. Frank Ocean - Thinkin Bout You
Big surprise (not!) that Frank Ocean made my list, especially considering that he's on practically every critc's list this year. There's no doubt that Channel Orange was the most surprising, consistent and exciting debuts of the year. Ocean poured his soul into that album and you can feel it in every track. Thinkin Bout You isn't the best song on the album (the best song wasn't the single, I think that prize goes to Bad Religion), but it was the first released and therefore takes a high ranking position on my most-played list.
Next up, the Top 10 Most Played Songs of 2012...coming soon.
There's a good mix of popular, club, critically acclaimed and a little cheese. Let's get started, shall we?
20. Gotye - Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)
Perhaps what's most shocking is Gotye's massive hit single Somebody That I Used to Know didn't rank higher. After all, it was inescapable by mid-March. But if I've learned anything it's that songs that are overplayed on the radio often have a short shelf life on my playlist. Gotye might be considered a one-hit wonder in many circles, but his album is solid and this live performance video I shot at the Kool Haus in Toronto proves he shouldn't be dismissed.
19. Caro Emerald - Back It Up
Every year I'm a little late to the game on one obscure song, and this year it was Dutch singer Caro Emerald's Back It Up. However, in this case I was really, really late. The song came out in 2009 but it took a batch of remixes released a year ago to bring it to my attention. The thing is, Back It Up is a good enough song that it doesn't need a remix to bring it to life.
18. Infinity Ink - Infinity
I'm a sucker for a song that sounds like a legit early '90s dance track, and Inifinity Ink pulled that off and then some with their sort of self-titled single Infinity. The song even has a gratuitous, meaningless rap section that appears middtrack, with the nameless rapper proclaiming that Infinity Ink "has got the sound." Yes, it's all a little silly, but damn is it a great combination of cool and fun.
17. Loreen - Euphoria
It's no secret that I have a sick obsession with Eurovision, so it's probably no surprise that a couple of tracks from the European pop song competition snuck onto my list. The first comes from Sweden's Loreen who took the contest by storm and nabbed the top prize with Euphoria. After her victory I heard this song pumping out of headphones on commuter buses and at a few clubs in Canada, which is rare considering that Eurovision is basically off of Canadians' radar. Perhaps not for much longer?
16. Amelia Lily - Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got)
I can't really explain how this single from Amelia Lily, the 8th place singer on the UK version of X Factor, snuck onto my "most played" list, especially considering that I only first heard it back in November. But the clumsily titled song Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got) has a pumping sugar pop beat and screaming vocals that encouraged me to sing it a lot and clearly put it on repeat. The rest is shameful history...
15. ZZ Ward - Put the Gun Down
It frustrates me that ZZ Ward's killer pop-blues single Put the Gun Down didn't get more recognition this past summer because it's exactly what should appeal to the Southern Americans with a sense for classic revenge songs. Perhaps the concept of the song was a little too dark. Either way, I hope they bring it to a kareoke club nearby soon because it'd be a great song to sing to a crowd of drunken partiers.
14. Hoodie Allen - No Interruption
Hoodie Allen helped redefine the truly independent musician this year when his debut album jumped into Billboard's Top 10 without any major publicity, and if you haven't heard of him it probably means you're too old. When it came to the pre-teen crowd this guy was edgy and hyped, and when it came to his live conerts, I can tell you I saw young teens doing things there I wish I could unsee. Let's focus on the music, shall we? No Interruption was his first single and its video is a spectable of gritty nerd-cool shot on a shoestring budget.
13. Emeli Sande - Next to Me
The fickle U.S. market paid hardly any attention to Emeli Sande's debut album earlier this year. The Brit scored massive attention and accolades overseas, but in North America she fizzled, even after practically hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. No matter, he label hasn't given up on her yet. In January they will re-release the incredibly catchy Next to Me in the U.S. in hopes that it'll catch fire on the second go 'round. Maybe if they angle her as the new Alicia Keys...
12. St. Lucia - Before the Dive
St. Lucia is my proudest find of this year. They're a consistently good band, they're cool, creative and hark back to the sounds from the '80s that I enjoyed most. Their debut EP was practically perfect so I hope their debut album (due sometime in 2013) will impress me just as much. Before the Dive was a song I fell in love with late this year, after practically skipping it everytime I put on the EP, in favour of other songs.
11. Frank Ocean - Thinkin Bout You
Big surprise (not!) that Frank Ocean made my list, especially considering that he's on practically every critc's list this year. There's no doubt that Channel Orange was the most surprising, consistent and exciting debuts of the year. Ocean poured his soul into that album and you can feel it in every track. Thinkin Bout You isn't the best song on the album (the best song wasn't the single, I think that prize goes to Bad Religion), but it was the first released and therefore takes a high ranking position on my most-played list.
Next up, the Top 10 Most Played Songs of 2012...coming soon.
Saturday, 29 September 2012
Club Song of the Day // Infinity Ink - Infinity
Party season is officially over in Ibiza and with it I've decided to recap some of my favourite songs that kept the clubs pumping all summer. I'm going to pick two this year -- one I will post today and the other tomorrow.
Here is my second favourite track of the summer, a wildly dark and different song from UK DJs Infinity Ink, a song that channels a few quirks of '90s house tracks (random rappper for 15 seconds, anyone?), but maintains the attitude of a sexy house track that works best at 4 a.m.
Monday, 24 September 2012
Gorburger launches on The Warner Sound with Tegan and Sara
The Warner Sound, the online media division of Warner Music, launched a wildly unusual YouTube series called Gorburger today. It's a platform for artists signed on the Warner labels, but also serves as an insanely weird mix between My Pet Monster, MTV and Japanese television.
The first episode is a wildly awkward five minutes with Tegan and Sara.
The first episode is a wildly awkward five minutes with Tegan and Sara.
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Song of the Day // Hot Chip - Night and Day
Somehow I forgot to post this sizzling electronic track from Hot Chip, but for most of you, I'm sure the band isn't a revelation, since they've been on the scene for a good decade, with such "on-the-edge-of-mainstream" songs as Over and Over.
Night and Day is only one of the many amazing songs on their latest album, In Our Hands, which hit stores last month. The video is wild and nonsensical, but I decided that it distracts too much from the structure and feel of the song. So here it is in its most basic, audio form.
Night and Day is only one of the many amazing songs on their latest album, In Our Hands, which hit stores last month. The video is wild and nonsensical, but I decided that it distracts too much from the structure and feel of the song. So here it is in its most basic, audio form.
Song of the Day // Tristan Pettyman - My Oh My
A couple months ago I posted a video of Tristan Prettyman singing a song from her upcoming album called Marry You. It was a gut wrenching performance that a lot of you responded to strongly.
Well, that track isn't the first single (no surprise) and the album isn't out yet -- but the upbeat first single is, and its very summery and catchy. Here is My Oh My -- it's a little bit country a little bit pop'n'roll. Hope it perks up your day.
Well, that track isn't the first single (no surprise) and the album isn't out yet -- but the upbeat first single is, and its very summery and catchy. Here is My Oh My -- it's a little bit country a little bit pop'n'roll. Hope it perks up your day.
Song of the Day // Elton John vs Pnau - Sad
If you believe the story, Elton John stumbled across Pnau's music back in 2008 and fell in love with the sounds of the Australian electronic producers. He ultimately signed them to his label, and helped pave the way for a ...
side-project from one of the two members, called Empire of the Sun.
After a world tour with Empire, the producers settled down with John to create their latest album, as well as another album for John that took samples of his mostly lesser known songs and turned them into new tracks. The result is Good Morning to the Night, a project that has shot up the UK charts this week and is likely to take the #1 spot.
Sad is the first single, and the music video is an absolute visual treat.
After a world tour with Empire, the producers settled down with John to create their latest album, as well as another album for John that took samples of his mostly lesser known songs and turned them into new tracks. The result is Good Morning to the Night, a project that has shot up the UK charts this week and is likely to take the #1 spot.
Sad is the first single, and the music video is an absolute visual treat.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Breaking Down Bergman // Introduction
It's rare that I'll post something non-music related on here, but today I'm going to make an exception.
Last November I launched a YouTube series with my friend Sonia Strimban where we pledged to watch all of Swedish director Ingmar Bergman's films from first to last, and analyze each. We've been doing that ever since, quite consistently, for our series called Breaking Down Bergman.
This week our first video crossed the 1,000-view mark, which for most things might not be so impressive, but for a director who has gone relatively unknown by the masses, it's not a bad feat. I'm pretty proud of it, and despite all of the difficulties I'm proud with what we've come out with so far.
If you want to join us in our journey of watching all of Bergman's films -- including the most famous, the Seventh Seal, Wild Strawberries and Persona -- here's the first video. We'd love to have you along for the ride...
Last November I launched a YouTube series with my friend Sonia Strimban where we pledged to watch all of Swedish director Ingmar Bergman's films from first to last, and analyze each. We've been doing that ever since, quite consistently, for our series called Breaking Down Bergman.
This week our first video crossed the 1,000-view mark, which for most things might not be so impressive, but for a director who has gone relatively unknown by the masses, it's not a bad feat. I'm pretty proud of it, and despite all of the difficulties I'm proud with what we've come out with so far.
If you want to join us in our journey of watching all of Bergman's films -- including the most famous, the Seventh Seal, Wild Strawberries and Persona -- here's the first video. We'd love to have you along for the ride...
Random Chris Brown music review
On one level, it's worth a laugh. On another, it's a sign of protest. Then on another, it makes me wonder if Chris Brown will ever overcome his reputation at this point -- one that has not only been tarnished by his past actions, but also by his refusal to honest own up to them.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Song of the Day // Jessie Ware - Wildest Moments
Wildest Moments is one of those songs that strikes an inexplicable level of truth that, even if it doesn't speak directly to your experiences, has a universal truth. Ware's debut album, Devotion, drops in the UK next month, and perhaps that's when she'll convince the masses that she has the goods.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Song of the Day // Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Stronger
Admit it, with a name like "Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs" you're at least a bit curious about Brit electronic producer Orlando Higginbottom. The story behind it was his goal to simply come up with a stage name that transcended the trendy pseudonyms of most DJs.
He said he wanted: "Something that couldn't be cool, couldn't be put into some kind of scene that gets hip for six months and then falls out of fashion."
I posted the ultra-amazing Dream On last year, and while his debut album Trouble doesn't include that track, Stronger is its own original concoction that's a force to be reckoned with.
By the way, he's playing Toronto on Aug. 10 and the tickets are $15.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Club Song of the Day // Florence & The Machine - Spectrum (Say My Name) (Calvin Harris Extended Remix)
The downside of Song of the Day is that there are just too many songs and not enough days! This has been on my playlist for weeks, but I haven't shared it here yet.
I'm not a huge fan of Florence + the Machine's music, and I've certainly favoured remixes of their tracks over the originals. Spectrum is a perfect example: a relatively dull and pretentous original track (don't hit me!) that's amped up a new level of dramatics with the hands of Calvin Harris. Pure dance magic!
Friday, 13 July 2012
Song of the Day // Isaac Tichauer - Doing What I Got
The lover of 90's R&B in me -- namely Brandy -- really got me hooked on one of the latest Australian dance producers to sweep the global scene. Isaac Tichauer takes the music world by storm from his homebase in Sydney, and once he starts "sittin' on top of the world" in this track, you'll understand why this certainly won't be the last we hear from him.
Check out the free download of "Doing What I Got" on SoundCloud and his Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/
Thursday, 12 July 2012
North By Northeast // The Wrap-up
Alright! I admit it! I failed you all!
It's true, I promised a more extensive outline of the North By Northeast music festival, but I just blew it. There were videos I took and they ended up on YouTube, but not on here. But, I will make it up to you by posting them now.
I also have additional footage I have yet to put online. It's coming, I promise. But, for now, enjoy these couple of videos because they're all fantastic performances.
Friends - Ideas on Ghosts
A song written about and dedicated to Samantha Urbani's deceased brother.
Oberhaufer - Haus
The indie darlings deliver one of many epic performances from the festival.
The Lumineers - Ain't Nobody's Problem But My Own
Perhaps the most infectious song I heard all festival. Dare to get that twang out of your head.
It's true, I promised a more extensive outline of the North By Northeast music festival, but I just blew it. There were videos I took and they ended up on YouTube, but not on here. But, I will make it up to you by posting them now.
I also have additional footage I have yet to put online. It's coming, I promise. But, for now, enjoy these couple of videos because they're all fantastic performances.
Friends - Ideas on Ghosts
A song written about and dedicated to Samantha Urbani's deceased brother.
Oberhaufer - Haus
The indie darlings deliver one of many epic performances from the festival.
The Lumineers - Ain't Nobody's Problem But My Own
Perhaps the most infectious song I heard all festival. Dare to get that twang out of your head.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
North By Northeast // Day One
Don't take this as some sort of commitment to covering the festival in its entirely, but I do promise I will post a handful of videos captured at this year's North By Northeast music festival in Toronto.
Last night I unexpectedly spent most of the evening at the Tracks on Tracks showcase held at the Gladstone. The event specifically focused on Canadian bands from the West. All of them had travelled to the show as part of a cross-country tour on a VIA Rail train. While in transit they performed for passengers, and then the grand finale was this evening.
While I didn't stick around for the entire night, I can tell you that both the Matinee and Maurice were entertaining alternative rock performers, while I hear that the Topless Gay Love Tekno Party got the glitter flowing -- literally -- all over the floor.
I managed to capture one performance (I lost the others due to technical difficulties) from solo singer Adaline, whose songs have been featured on Grey's Anatomy. I really dig Rebels of Love, which is her new single.
Last night I unexpectedly spent most of the evening at the Tracks on Tracks showcase held at the Gladstone. The event specifically focused on Canadian bands from the West. All of them had travelled to the show as part of a cross-country tour on a VIA Rail train. While in transit they performed for passengers, and then the grand finale was this evening.
While I didn't stick around for the entire night, I can tell you that both the Matinee and Maurice were entertaining alternative rock performers, while I hear that the Topless Gay Love Tekno Party got the glitter flowing -- literally -- all over the floor.
I managed to capture one performance (I lost the others due to technical difficulties) from solo singer Adaline, whose songs have been featured on Grey's Anatomy. I really dig Rebels of Love, which is her new single.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Club Song of the Day // Nelly Furtado - Big Hoops (Bigger The Better) (Sultan & Ned Shepard Remix)
One of the best new club tracks this season comes from Nelly Furtado's flop first single from her upcoming album. Sultan & Ned Shepard completely spin the track around and make an entirely new sound from it. The song has captured the attention of top DJs, including Tiesto.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Song of the Day // Graffiti6 - Free
Graffiti6's track Free has been floating around the Internet for months, once being a free song of the week on iTunes, but it was more of a grower for me than an instant hit.
So, I present it to you today in case you haven't heard it before. The duo is comprised of British producer TommyD, who is best known for the guy who made Right Said Fred's I'm Too Sexy (I'm not kidding!) and singer Jamie Scott. Free is a soulful throwback track that'll reel you in over time.
Friday, 25 May 2012
Eurovision 2012 // My Top Picks - The Top 5
It all comes down to this -- my Top 5 choices for this year's Eurovision contest which comes to its epic finale on Saturday May 26 in Baku, Azerbaijan. If you missed my picks for the bottom half of the Top 10 then head over to the first post.
The top picks I chose are, I think, diverse, interesting, creative and all worthy of attention.
May the best one win!
5. Anggun - Echo (You and I)
France's entry from Anggun was another prequalifier which makes it difficult to gauge how well she will do at the finals. She's a veteran of the music industry having spent the past 25 years as a charting performer, and she has the chops to impress, while the quality of the song also gives her the potential to rank high. In interviews she expressed her disappointment with the rehearsals, so perhaps she'll step up her performance on game night.
4. Soluna Samay - Should've Known Better
As I've said previously, Soluna's entry for Denmark is probably the best song from this year's competition. I could see it being a hit on North American radio stations, and it reminds me of the Lilith Fair era of music that defined the late '90s. Unfortunately, her stage presence is a little underwhelming and it'll cost her a top position. Really, the main problem is that this song doesn't deserve to be in Eurovision. To put it lightly, it's better than this contest. Eurovision is more about being showy and over the top to a perfection, if not just plain silly. Soluna has a competent track that isn't improved by her silly military uniform.
3. Tooji - Stay
A couple months ago I was rooting for Tooji to take the top prize. The song was shut out of Sweden and wound up migrating over to represent Norway. In its infancy, Stay was an energetic, pulsing club track that Tooji took to the stage with wide-eyed wonder and a surprising amount of precision. When he performed it again earlier this week at the semi-finals his vocals were flat, he looked like he'd overpracticed and the whole performance had lost its spark. I wish he was still my number one pick, but he's slid, and slid fast.
2. Roman Lob - Standing Still
This isn't one of my favourite songs in the competition, but it gets a higher rank because I understand just how strong the entry is, and that its exactly the kind of song that could sneak a win. Roman Lob is cute, he has a presence and the track goes down smooth. Standing Still is the kind of song that would have a home on American Idol or any other singing contest show. All of these factors could play into him scoring high or taking the top spot for Germany. Unfortunately it's a little hard to say in advance because he was another prequalifier so we haven't seen his full live performance.
1. Loreen - Euphoria
Sweden has a stunning opportunity to come out as the winner with this powerful track from Loreen who showed real potential early in the game, but has emerged as a force to be reckoned with this past week in the semifinals. The dance track could've been written for Celine Dion if she went the direction of dance diva, but Loreen owns it quite well with a geisha-inspired dance sequence. If she can flutter around, lessen that slurred speech and keep a tune, I think she'll take this one home.
So what do you think? What are your Top 5 picks?
Don't forget to log onto the Eurovision website at 3 p.m. EST (9 p.m. CET) on Saturday to stream the show live. And have fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)