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.
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