Friday, July 27, 2012

Late Night Music Summer Olympics Edition Part 143......."Artist Of Asia"

I seriously just wanted to write this one to show the unknown talent of some of the best Asian artists out there. I think it's unfair in this country that we still put racial stereotypes on everything including musicians. I learned a lot myself in this one, as this is quite possibly the most musically diverse list I've ever done.

In order to be considered in this category, the ENTIRE band or artist had to be of some sort of Asian ancestry. This would disqualify Van Halen. All Asian countries were considered including India, the Middle East, and all Far East countries. Both native artists and American/Canadian artists are featured in this list just to give it more diversity. In a "Late Night Music" rarity, all songs receiving votes were included. At the end, Israel, India, Japan, China, Korea, Phillipines, Indonesia, and Vietnam are all included in this list.

"Goodbye To You"- Michelle Branch. Ok, I promise this is the only reach. Michelle Branch's mother is Indonesian, giving Michelle her edgy Asian look that makes her so beautiful to me. This song from her 2001 album The Spirit Room, and ironically went to #5 on the Indonesian Charts- so maybe it wasn't so much of a reach! The song went to #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is quite different than the album version which is much lighter, something I found out recently courtesy of iTunes. I like this version so much better, and this is easily one of my favorite songs of the 2000's, so I'm glad I found an excuse to include it on here. I know Michelle Branch is super talented, and I'm looking forward to seeing her make another great album with this kind of success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeK_aAWjmfw

"Love Moves In Mysterious Ways"- Nina. I know I featured this one before, but this version from Filipino superstar Nina Girado's smash album Live! is a great surprise from a much forgotten song. This Julia Fordham cover (which also has a spectacular version by Michael English) became Nina's biggest hit going to #1 on the Philliipines Charts for an unprecedented 12 weeks. This album also won numerous awards and is still Nina's biggest selling album to date going to Diamond just in the Phillipines with worldwide sales in the several millions. I love the intimate atmosphere of this video and album, as it was recorded in the famous Metrowalk district of Pasig City, Phillipines at PHI Resto and Bar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWh4eHoRI2o

"Pyramid"- Charice featuring Lyaz. If anyone in the Phillipines could give Nina a run as the biggest act in the country, it would be Charice. You may remember her from her appearance on "Glee" as Sunshine Carazon (I smell a bonus video!). This unreal single from her self-titled first international album went to #56 on the Billboard Hot 100, but went to #1 on the Billboard Dance Tracks Chart. The song also went to #4 in Japan. This album, however reached #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This girl sings like a freaking angel! Oprah Winfrey recently called her "the most talented person on the planet". That must have taken a lot for someone so eat up with themselves to say.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGPG91x5eMY

"A Million Soldiers"- Naya Marie. This super cool track by Canadian diva Naya Marie was filmed in Toronto during a Newmindspace public pillow fight they are so known for. I have to be honest, I love Naya Marie, but the first few times I heard this song I didn't like it, but this track has grown on me so much! Just goes to show that great music and great musicians can really grow on you if you give them the chance. I'm counting down the days that Naya Marie finally makes big worldwide which she so deserves. I also love how all of her videos have a funny message like the dialogue bubble coming from her mouth saying "Subscribe Already!" classic. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq8hyDWbDvk

"Star In My Eyes" - Gowe featuring Erin Kim. Dude this track stays playing on my phone! This is such a great combo track. This Seattle duo included this song on Gowe's newest album We Are Hypergiants. Gowe (Gifted on West East) has a Chinese background, but found out at 18 that he was adopted and has a Korean background. He recently released the single "I Wonder" as a way to search for his mother. I definitely smell a bonus video. We'll also see more of Erin Kim later on in this list. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTPPn9DyDfc

I'll Be There"- Taeyang. I've shown a few others of his videos, but this member of Korean boy band Big Bang took his solo career to another level with this surprisingly dark track from his debut album Solar. This track went to #16 on the Korean Charts while the album went to #1 on the Korean Album Charts and showed how talented this guy really is. This horror-movie/goth/Call of Duty Black Ops Zombie-esque video is actually pretty cool and is a very solid track. I love how Korean artists sing in English just throwing in Korean in certain areas. Considering how English is more than likely not his first language, his translation and pronunciation are pretty on point. As I said on facebook earlier this week about Taeyang, he's better in Korean than Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Jason Derulo, Trey Songz, and Lyfe Jennings are in English. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yDhql20TSU

"Irony"- Seriously. This Los Angeles based band of Korean/Vietnamese Americans are so seriously awesome. What a great sound! This single is from their new self-titled EP. For more on Seriously, check out www.seriouslytheband.com or follow them on twitter @seriously_music. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9np5Vd74XUE

"Try With Me"- Nicole Scherzinger. I didn't reach on this one! This former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls is half filipino and one-fourth Hawaiian. I'm counting it. This fifth and final single from her debut solo album Killer Love was released in Europe and the single peaked at #18 on the British Single Chart. I love how people say Nicole Scherzinger isn't a good musician, when she plays the piano on this track. And yes, she might not be a great songwriter, but she's an amazing singer. She's also one of the top 10 hottest women alive in my opinion. This woman is absolutely hypnotizing to me. She is definitely one of the few celebrities I'd be star struck around. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7sYiTyBjTY

"New Soul"- Yael Naim. This one is interesting. Yael Naim was born in France to parents who had immigrated from Israel to Tunisia, thus making her Israeli- and Asian. This single from her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album shot to fame in the United States while being featured on the Apple MacBook commercials, where it would eventually peak at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. I've thought about it, and I seriously can't think of any other artist who can compare to Yael Naim, quite possibly because I can't think of any other artists from Israel. Can you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgEfYGzojcA

"Down"- Jay Sean featuring Lil' Wayne. Jay Sean made history in 2009 when this song from his international debut album All Or Nothing went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 making him the first ever artist of Indian decent to have a #1 single in the United States. The song also went to #1 in the United Kingdom, where Sean lives. Extremely popular in the Indian community, Jay Sean has stayed in the spotlight, but hasn't even touched the popularity of this awesome song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUbpGmR1-QM

"Rewrite"- Asian Kung Fu Generation. What a cool band name! I really wish I knew what these guys were saying because this song is freaking awesome! This awesome track from Japanese band Asian Kung-Fu Generation was included on their 2004 album Sol-Fa and peaked at #4 on the Oricon Japanese Singles Chart. This song was also the theme song for the very popular Japanese Anime Series "The Fullmetal Alchemist". I would much rather listen to this band than most of the crap in the United States. Why can't we get music like this in America? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF_YC1-hsqg

"Wherever You Are"- One Ok Rock. What a phenomenal power ballad! This awesome track was featured on Japanese band's 2010 album Niche Syndrome and is featured here in a phenomenal live performance. I admit I laughed when I saw that the band's name is actually a play on the phrase "One O' Clock". How funny is it when people can make fun of themselves? Again, I love when Asian bands sing half in English and half in Japanese.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yMtJZ4HI4I

"So Today"- F T Island. This Korean band's name is actually short for "Five Treasure Island". This single from their self-titled album is actually sung in Japanese, and this album went to #1 on the Japanese Album Charts. This single, went to #8 in Korea and #4 in Japan. I guess this song is kinda like European and Latin American artists coming to the United States and recording in English. Interesting analogy huh? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWlFKr5eaTA

"Blue"- Big Bang. Big Bang is probably the biggest act in Asia right now. Unlike American boy bands, they can record solo albums and still be together- maybe N'Sync should take some notes! Anyway, this single from their latest album "Alive" was released in both Japanese and Korean, with this being (at least I think so) the Korean version. This song, as they've done 12 other times, went to #1 on the Korean charts, with the album also going to #1 in Korea and #6 in Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GRP1rkE4O0

"Nobody"- Wonder Girls. This Korean girl band made their American debut in 2008 with this English song that actually peaked at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100 in becoming the first ever group from South Korea to ever have a song on the chart. The song was actually the third version of the song, with the first two being in Korean and Japanese and were both huge in Asia. This video is pretty hilarious, but I kinda wish it had a different theme because it's hard to really see what the band looks like out of costume.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA7fdSkp8ds

"Xin Anh Dung"- Emily and Lil' Knight featuring Justatee. Ok, I seriously couldn't find anything concrete on this one. I did find that Justatee is a Vietnamese rapper, so I'm gonna guess that this is either a Vietnamese of Chinese video, but I seriously love this song. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGLSKswAIc8

"By My Side"- David Choi. David Choi is so awesome! This title track to this 2010 album for this Los Angeles based singer is a seriously unreal track. The video also features notable blogger Jenny Ong as the female interest, and a good one to have I might add. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swWYvpsLr4o

"Why Don't We Fall In Love?"- Amerie. Most people forget that Amerie is half Korean. This awesome track from her 2002 debut album All I Have went to #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was used to promote the soap opera "The Young And The Restless". When Amerie asks me this question, I have to say why not- look at those eyes- would you say no? I love how this video got away from the 90's-esque soul videos which featured stupid kissing situations, kids running around for no reasons, and usually someone breaking up a wedding. This song really helped usher in 2000's R & B and ushered a new kind of R & B video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sELR5SLXABI

"We All Try"- Erin Kim featuring New Heights. This Frank Ocean cover is put on another level by Erin Kim here with fellow Seattle band New Heights. Erin Kim shows how soulful she really is in this song, and I promise you that you would have no idea they were Korean if you listened to this song without watching the video. I like Erin Kim in her duet with Gowe, but this style is so much more suited for her! I could listen to this woman sing all night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_xky-CuITs

"Hand In Hand"- Various Chinese Artists. Sorry, I couldn't resist. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcLw2LTfh2s

BONUS VIDEOS- "Listen"- Charice as Sunshine Corazon. From her critically-acclaimed appearance on "Glee".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH8ecTrYHP0

"Liar"- One Ok Rock. Another great track from One Ok Rock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osr0JxHm9nY

"I Need A Girl"- Taeyang featuring G-Dragon. Taeyang's super big single with Big Bang bandmate G-Dragon. 16 million freaking youtube views!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuuiBjL09KY

"Siren"- Asian Kung-Fu Generation. Another single from AKFG's 2004 album Sol-Fa. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTkZPHNGwuY

"Lady Gaga Acapella Medley"- Naya Marie. I seriously can't get enough of this one. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGKErn2Zr88

"I Wonder"- Gowe featuring Erin Kim. Gowe's song in search of his birth mother. Very interesting track and video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXcblBDTAoQ

Asian Kung Fu Generation

Gowe and Erin Kim

Big Bang

One Ok Rock

Naya Marie

Oh that's what they look like!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Late Night Music MLB All-Star Game Edition Part 142........"Eight Days A Week"

While I was sitting here watching the All-Star Game this one came to me. Don't ask me why.

In order to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to feature a day of the week. This would disqualify bands Hey Monday, Thursday, Til' Tuesday, Beautiful Tuesday, and Long Wednesday. Also receiving votes in this category were "Sunday Best" by Washington, "Raining On A Sunday" by Keith Urban, "Drive-In Saturday" by David Bowie, "Blue Monday" by Orgy. I wanted to include "Friday" by Ice Cube, but that song is just too stupid.

"Monday, Monday"- The Mamas and the Papas. This 1966 song from If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears would go on to become The Mamas and the Papas only Billboard Hot 100 #1 song and would earn them a Grammy nod in 1967. I also think it's their best song, despite it probably not being their most popular. This song also has one of the best false endings in music history. I'd also like to point out, that I realize it was the 60's, but we never knew how fat Mama Cass really was just because she always wore those swallow me and make it look like I'm wearing a garbage bag dresses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcBUbq6-hDc

"Pleasant Valley Sunday"- The Monkees. In 1967, the Monkees were America's answer to the Beatles, and were probably the hottest act in the country outside outside of the Rolling Stones and Beatles. Fueled by the inclusion on their television series, "The Monkees", this single from their 1967 album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, and Jones Ltd. went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. I really like the Monkees as they've gone greatly forgotten in years past, but my question was always whether or not they were actually playing instruments? According to the Monkees, this was the first album they actually played their own instruments on and the first time they had any amount of artistic control. Some people have called the formation of the Monkees similar to the forming of the Spice Girls. What do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUzs5dlLrm0

"That's What I Love About Sundays"- Craig Morgan. This great song from Morgan's 2005 album My Kinda Livin' would become his first and only #1 hit on the Billboard Country Charts, and would also go to #51 on the Billboard Hot 100. Morgan himself said that the song was about "the little things in life" and is still a fan favorite, as I had the pleasure of seeing Morgan perform this song live at the Grand Ole Opry in 2009. I like this video, as it's very creative- but doesn't Craig Morgan look like the really bad guy from "Mississippi Burning"?. Anybody?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm3aCyRD3Vg

"Sunday Morning"- Maroon 5. Great cameo for "This Love" at the beginning at the video! I love when bands do that. This video gets awesome points for being filmed at Abbey Road Studios. This single was released as part of Maroon 5's sensational debut album Songs About Jane and went to #31 on the Billboard Hot 100. I have to admit that I used to not like Maroon 5 when they first came out, but they have grown on me in a huge way the last few years. Maybe it was the amount of karaoke in this video. Adam Levine is a great front man, and I guess I just expected Maroon 5 to be something else is why it took me so long to warm up to them. I've never done this song karaoke, but it remains one of my favorite ones to hear done by someone who can really sing well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Cti12XBw4

"Saturday"- Fall Out Boy. Why can I never see Patrick Stump as a lead singer? I just can never picture it. This single from Fall Out Boy's debut album Take This To Your Grave has always been a fan and band favorite that was played to close pretty much every show until the band's recent hiatus despite the song not charting on any major charts. Funny thing is that the first time I heard this song was during a broadcast of Cubs baseball on WGN back when people used to actually still watch. This video is surprisingly dark for such an upbeat song. For some odd reason, it reminds me of an episode of "The Dead Zone".  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEzhlFqtAJk

"Sunday"- Hurts. This is a super cool video and track from British up and coming duo Hurts. This single was featured on their 2010 debut album Happiness and peaked at #57 on the British Singles Chart. This rather strange video was filmed in Romania and according to the band is odd intentionally. The band stated they liked making elaborate complex videos because they like "idea of being in a fantasy world for a few days". I just wish more bands took that same approach to videos. Seems to be more of a theme in the UK rather than here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3BvW56tjB0

"Friday"- Rebecca Black. Just more proof that you need no talent to have a hit record in this country. Quite possibly the worst song ever made. And I'm not trying to be funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfVsfOSbJY0

"Sunday Morning"- No Doubt. This sixth and final single from No Doubt's mega smash 1995 album Tragic Kingdom sounds just like every other No Doubt song. Maybe that's why I can't stand them so much. Gwen Stefani is a talented lead singer, but do all of the songs have to have the same sound and progression? I still never got why they were so popular, and to make it worse, their songs got played so much I almost didn't wanna turn on the radio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiBX-ESFDF0

"American Saturday Night"- Brad Paisley. This great title track to Brad Paisley's 2009 critically acclaimed album originally entered the Billboard Country and Pop charts without being released as a single just due to the overwhelming popularity of the song due to radio airplay. Upon being released a few months later, it peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Billboard Country Charts. I'm always kinda on the fence on a lot of country artists, but Brad Paisley is one guy I'd love to see live, and that guy is one sick guitar player, and the dude just drips with cool. The popularity of this song and album helped Paisley take home the 2010 American Country Award for Best Album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvdoKvHYxcA

"Last Friday Night"- Katy Perry. I hate when I have to admit that annoying artists have a cool song and that they actually have talent. First of all huge LOL at Rebecca Black, Darren Criss, and Kevin McHale (do you recognize him not in the wheelchair?) all having cameos in the studio. Behind the success of this video, this song from her album Teenage Dream actually made Katy Perry only the second artist ever with Michael Jackson to have FIVE Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles on the same album. That's pretty ridiculous. I wonder how much Kenny G actually enjoyed being in this video. Also, as a side note- you know Corey Feldman's career has gone down the tubes when he's in this video referencing his movie "Lost Boys".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlyXNRrsk4A

"Friday Night"- The Darkness. No this isn't an 80's band, but I think they think they are. This promotional video for this British glam rock was actually unreleased as a single, but was included on their smash 2003 debut album Permission To Land which went to #1 on the British Albums Chart, and #36 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. I can't figure out if this is a sequel to the video of "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" because of this video, but with Justin Hawkins weird mind, I wouldn't be surprised either way. Justin Hawkins is a super charismatic front man, but I think his guitar playing ability is lost in his antics, as I can't think of many lead singers as flamboyant as him that can actually hold their own on the guitar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYXZhuXQak

"Rainy Days and Mondays"- The Carpenters. I just lost my man card. Before Barry Manilow and Air Supply, there were the Carpenters. This track from the Carpenters self-titled 1971 album went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the dreaded Adult Contemporary Chart. All jokes aside, Karen Carpenter was surely a rare talent with an unreal voice that hasn't even been close to matched in the years since. I'd like to think that if she was around today, she might not have met her untimely death, as medicine has come far enough to help people with eating disorders. Karen Carpenter was also a pioneer in not only being a very rare drummer/lead singer, she was a female drummer, and drew much criticism from other drummers like John Bonham and Keith Moon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjFoQxjgbrs

"Rainy Monday"- Shiny Toy Guns. Now changing gears just a tad bit. This single was included on the Grammy Nominated debut album We Are Pilots for L.A. alt rock group Shiny Toy Guns. This video kinda confuses me, as if you did not know what the band looked like, you would think they all had black hair, when in actuality none of them do. This is a good song and a pretty good video, but I feel like it just kinda copied "Epic" by Faith No More. This track would peak at #23 on the Billboard Alternative Rock Chart. Also, if I hadn't told you Shiny Toy Guns was from L.A., how many of you would think they were European?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvsoRDvKgi0

"Monday Morning"- Melanie Fiona. Two lists in a row for the Canadian neo-soul starlet. This pretty cool video was released with this single from her very underrated 2009 debut album The Bridge. While seeing much success in her native Canada, and with no release in the United States, this song went to #1 in Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. Melanie Fiona is truly a unique talent, and if you ever wanna hear this song, just walk in the Sprint store any time and you'll hear it about every 30 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG8QgSzY3nI

"Come Monday Night"- God Help The Girl. This debut single and video from Scottish girl band God Help The Girl is very creative and unique. I'd like to see more from this band in the near future. This is one of those songs you aren't sure how to take at first- was it a joke or what? But surprisingly, this song is super catchy and sounds SO retro!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxmrKav8gUM

"Monday Morning"- Fleetwood Mac. This Lindsey Buckingham track led off the famous self-titled 1975 album from Fleetwood Mac which would begin their era of mainstream success that has been matched by very few bands that would include Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, and John and Christine McVie and the always awesome Mick Fleetwood. This live track taken from a performance in Nashville in 1977 shows how great of a live band Fleetwood Mac as well as their musicianship, as I've always thought that their pure music ability has long been greatly underrated. Everyone who bought this album heard a lead track that was the first step to a 5 album run of pure platinum and musical greatness. This song was actually written by Buckingham long before joining Fleetwood Mac as part of his duo Buckingham Nicks with Stevie. The song was never recorded by the group, but was included on the 1975 album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wce-6-66UYA

BONUS VIDEOS-

"Firework"- Katy Perry. Great song and pretty good video. I hate admitting this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw

"Epic"- Faith No More. What do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERTT_sv8sV0

"Silver Springs"- Fleetwood Mac. Just because they're awesome.From their 1997 reunion concert and live album The Dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud2XKt2N8fs

"Candles"- Hey Monday. Had to include them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC4RSkm2vj0

"Eight Days A Week"- The Beatles. You already know. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs5qsk0pc6Y

Shiny Toy Guns

Melanie Fiona

Fleetwood Mac

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Late Night Music July 4th Edition Part 141........"Pass Me The Puck, I'm A Canuck....Again"


I'm celebrating America's birthday with a tribute to our great friends from the north. I haven't done a Canadian list in exactly 132 entries, so I figured it was time to pay homage to some of the best artists in Canada once again. Any artist appearing on the previous list was automatically disqualified from this one, so don't freak out that Corey Hart and Loverboy aren't on here. I'm not stupid- I know they're Canadian!

Also receiving votes in this category were. "Seasons In The Sun" by Terry Jacks, "Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?" by Shania Twain, "One Thing" by Finger Eleven, "Wasting My Time" by Default, "Ready To Start" by Arcade Fire. NOT RECEIVING VOTES WERE Drake, Nickelback, and Celine Dion for obvious reasons.

"Blanket"- Queen of Hearts. These super hot Toronto starlets released this hot track as their first ever official video and did an awesome job. I've loved Queen of Hearts because they are three beautiful women who look, sing, and grew up differently but come together to make an amazing sound. The cooler thing is that they'd tell you the exact same thing! I'm telling you, it is simply a matter of time before these ladies hit a huge breakthrough! For more on Queen Of Hearts, check out them out www.qohmusic.com.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hg8-MvSWhE

"Down To Earth"- Justin Bieber. This closing clip from his documentary movie Never Say Never and his memorable concert at New York City's Madison Square Garden of his best and most personal song from his mega debut album My World. This song was written by Beibs about the split of his parents while he was a kid in London, Ontario. You can hate on Beiber all you want, but if you can't give the guy credit on his talent, you're an idiot. I'll admit a lot of his songs are bubble gum crap, but this is a real ballad written better than most ballads written by artists twice his age. Although this song was never released as a real single or had a video shot, the song went to #79 on the Billboard Hot 100 simply due to iTunes digital downloads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAXfVPGFJVY

"Haven't Met You Yet"- Michael Buble. This 2009 single from British Columbia's master of Adult Contemporary standards, Michael Buble's album Crazy Love would wind up going to #1 on the Billboard AC Chart and would be his highest Billboard Hot 100 single ever going to #24. This super cool video is a rare look at a more candid laid back Buble and it features his real life wife Luisana Lopilato and gives pays homage to Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Who would have thought this guy would have such a great sense of humor? Just someone please tell me what in the world is going on with his lips? He looks like a freaking corpse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AJmKkU5POA

"4 AM"- Melanie Fiona. Dude this woman can sing! This awesome single from Toronto's Melanie Fiona's album The MF Life released earlier this year only peaked at #81 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was met with much deserved critical acclaim. I love Melanie's look in this video- she kinda reminds me of a cross between Meagan Good and Jazmine Sullivan in this video. This song is a great neo soul song and it seems SO 2000's - almost a retro. I'm telling you, she's only gonna get bigger. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgmHOcPDSso

"Everything I Do (I Do It For You)"- Bryan Adams. This career-making hit for Bryan Adams off of the 1991 Kevin Costner film Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves soundtrack and his 1991 album Waking Up the Neighbors. Despite this song's over-playedness of the summer of 1991, the song went to #1 in SIXTEEN countries including #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is easily Adams' biggest hit. Brandy also did a great version of this song off of her 1998 album Never Say Never. I smell a bonus video.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoWtY_h4xo

"How Did You Get Here?"- Deborah Cox. I've seen a lot of people try this song karaoke, and the lack of success of this song shows that this song is extremely difficult to sing. This Toronto diva stormed the Billboard Hot 100 with this song at #2, but saw it climb to the top of the R & B chart in 1998 accompanying her album One Wish. The song is actually has the dubious record for fourth most weeks spent at #2 without going to #1 in the chart's history. The success of this song and her heavenly voice helped propel Cox into a career which would go on to be the leading lady in the Broadway smash Aida taking the place of the legendary Heather Headley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoWtY_h4xo

"I'm Like A Bird"- Nelly Furtado. Every time I hear this song's intro I think I'm listening to a commercial. This was actually Furtado's first ever single from her debut album, 2000's Whoa, Nelly! and remains easily her most famous song and peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 that same year. I have to admit that I had no idea Furtado was Canadian until a few minutes ago. She was born to Portugese immigrant parents who relocated to Victoria, British Columbia. This woman has some amazing eyes. Wow. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roPQ_M3yJTA

"Feels Like Home"- Chantal Kreviazuk. Why there is no official video for this song I'll never know. This pride of Winnipeg, Manitoba lends this heavenly song to the soundtrack of Dawon's Creek as well as the movie How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days. The song saw only mild success on the Billboard AC Chart peaking at #12 in 1999, but is at least to me, her best song ever. Chantal is a deceptively beautiful woman and wins the unofficial award for the easiest name to misspell in the history of music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-ouxPhYy7Y

"Call Me Maybe"- Carley Rae Jepsen. I hate when I have a guilty pleasure on these lists that exposes me! This chick from Mission, British Columbia looks, sounds, and acts like she's in high school but is freaking 26! This single from her album Curiosity shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and landed her as the opening act on Justin Bieber's 2012 North American Tour. After watching this video, I don't feel so bad thinking she's hot now that I know she's almost my age. I'm also gonna go ahead and say that the tats on this guy in the video are hideously embarassing and might be the worst ones I've ever seen on a person. Great douche bag turn by him at the end- he did her a favor anyway- I mean what woman would want a guy like that? Just look at him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWNaR-rxAic

"Sometimes When We Touch"- Dan Hill. Talk about another career-making hit. Save for his duet with Vonda Shepard, this is easily Dan Hill's signature song and one hit of his life that turned him into a easy listening punchbag for years to come. In 1978, this single from his album Longer Fuse reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Maybe is Dan Hill cleaned up then like he does now he would have been better. This song was famously covered by Manny Pacquiao in 2011 with Hill singing background vocals. Actually pretty good. Check out bonus videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jPMXzxvdL8

"Building A Mystery"- Sara McLachlan. I love this song! This lead track and lead single from 1997's Surfacing has always been my favorite McLachlan song. I love the story behind the song which McLachlan describes is about people putting fronts to be something completely than they really are. This song peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and set a footprint for other singles on the album to follow, which would gain the album multi-platinum status and lead McLachlan to form the critically acclaimed Lilith Fair Tour the following year. Also, I love Sara, but she just looks like someone from Atlantic Canada right? Actually, her hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWxzM9_gEo0

"Uninvited"- Alanis Morisette. I'm not a huge Alanis fan, but this performance will give you chills. This Ottawa native was already a worldwide star after the success of Jagged Little Pill when this single from the 1998 Nicolas Cage movie City of Angels went to #1 on the Billboard Mainstream 40 Chart and remains one of Alanis Morissette's more well known and popular songs. I also do like how Alanis sounds in concert very similar as the actual track, as this live performance here is almost a spot on match to her studio version. I absolutely love the orchestral arrangement on this track. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjTB6EG3xGo

"Back To You"- Naya Marie. Naya Marie may be Toronto's best kept secret. This original track features some awesome dancing and some of the hottest women in Canada in her tribute to 80's girl pop. I know it's probably pretty easy to do for most people, but the wardrobe change while dancing thing is super cool to me. I also love the contrast in costumes. For more Naya Marie videos, check out her youtube channel at www.youtube.com/nayamarie2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH1n6W3G9PI

"Bad Day"- Daniel Powter. Vernon, British Columbia's Daniel Powter made his career in 2006 with his one hit from his self titled album spent 5 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and even finished at #1 on the year end chart! He was the only artist that year to have a #1 hit without ever being in the top 100 at any other point. Talk about catching lightning in a bottle! Man this video is so bad it's embarassing, sucks that such an awesome song had such a bad video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH476CxJxfg

"Home"- Three Days Grace. These rockers from Norwood, Ontario released this song off of their 2003 self-titled debut album and despite this very popular video and lots of airplay, only peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 despite the song peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart. Adam Gontier showed on this song his true vocal ability, and is still to me one of the better lead singers in the alt rock genre. I just hate that this video gives me the jeepers so bad. I can't figure out if I'm watching Saw or a bad Marilyn Manson video. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NQ8OCcQ3LA

"Somewhere Out There"- Our Lady Peace. Awesome performance of one of my favorite songs from The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. This single from OLP's fifth album, 2002's Gravity. This popular single went on to be Our Lady Peace's most popular single ever peaking at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100. The cool thing about this song is that it was actually two songs combined- one without a chorus and one without verses. Funny how music can bring things like that together. Big bonus points for Raine Maida's joker-esque smile while singing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKT6AaRD5so

"Full Of Regret"- Danko Jones. These guys are freaking weird! This single from their 2010 album Below The Belt peaked at #34 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts, but still has me scratching my head. These guys keep you watching seriously out of pure morbid curiosity.This video has elements that remind of the Beastie Boys, Blink 182, Beck, and even Cake. Danko Jones just doesn't have the Canadian "look" if there is one. Is it just me, or does the guy with the gun really look like Elijah Wood? Froto!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN82gSo85O4

"Stranger In My House"- Tamia. Dude Tamia is so hot it's unreal. You know Grant Hill talks so much smack- what guy married to her wouldn't? This single from her 2000 album A Nu Day peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming her biggest charting single for the pride of Windsor, Ontario. This video is so super hot I have to watch it a few times before I can stop- that's how she sucks you in. This song is also actually very cleverly written and if you really listen to the lyrics, you'll see it's actually quite clever. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diNyoOyTI5g

"Definitely Maybe"- FM Static. These Christian rockers from Toronto get better and better every time I listen to them. This single was actually their debut single off of their 2003 debut album What Are You Waiting For?  For some reason, the Christian rock genre seems to be going super power pop- I wonder how that happened. Actually, I'll go ahead and say this is the only song by a white group ever that mentions the name Puff Daddy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdfOT9m-n6U

"Live Life Loud"- Hawk Nelson. In 2009, Ontario Christian rockers Hawk Nelson followed up their Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed Hawk Nelson Is My Friend with this title track to their much anticipated album. Despite the song only peaking at #50 on the Billboard Christian Charts. Hawk Nelson is a super fun band, and I'm gonna go ahead and say they are the only Christian band to ever have cheerleaders in their music video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elIh9w4MG0E

"Lost In Your Eyes" - Jeff Healey Band. This awesome Tom Petty- pinned ballad for Toronto's Jeff Healey band's 1992 album Feel This is a great arrangement despite not ever charting or garnering much success only peaking at #93 on the Billboard Hot 100 despite being #15 on the Canadian RPM Chart. I always am amazed when I watch Jeff Healey perform. I am blown away at his talent despite being handicapped. I've seen plenty of blind piano players, but blind guitar players are beyond rare. He was truly a pioneer and a great talent. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsYvgY47D68

"I Think She Likes Me"- The Moffats. Whatever. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swG-MhzhaxU

BONUS VIDEOS- "Love Will Never Do Without You/California Gurls"- Naya Marie and Shannon Alvares. Unreal mash up featuring Naya Marie's Toronto co-diva Shannon Alvares. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG4XFOOKa20

"Sometimes When We Touch"- Manny Pacquiao. Told You. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKuIHs1ELQU

"Everything I Do" - Brandy. Still love this version. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9v7SaxmwoM

"Bad Day"- Alvin and the Chipmunks. Nothing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B4dZyIEiMs

"O, Canada"- Mark Donnelly. Great rendition of the Canadian National Anthem before Game 3 of the 2007 NHL Western Conference Finals between the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Mighty Ducks. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc3OO0IUPjE
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