Donkeyboy - Lost

Donkeyboy are taking their sweet time with that elusive third album, and making the wait even worse as they continue to release brilliant singles in the interim. Their sound has remained very consistent, augmented slightly each time to make it sound new and noteworthy. The common denominator is always those breezy, otherworldly vocals and lush synth-scapes. Lost gives off a vibe that's a little more minimalistic, with the focus mostly on the track's slick beat. It marks a more club-friendly detour for the group, but manages to avoid the generic pit most "club" tracks fall into these days. Honestly, they're one of the few acts in western music that I'm still into these days.

Donkeyboy - Downtown

Ever since Donkeyboy burst onto the scene with the now-classic Ambitions, they've been one of the most reliably great pop bands in the world. Honestly, my only frustration about them comes from the fact that they don't release nearly as much music as they should. Even though they've released some brilliant singles pretty recently, their last actual album was more than three years ago. I'm hoping that Downtown kicks off a new prolific era for them. The song follows what you'd expect from Donkeyboy, with a spunky hook and polished, synth-heavy production. I can't say I like it as much as their past three singles, but even 'alright' Donkeyboy is better than most pop music out there.

Donkeyboy - Hero

"There will be nothing we can't take on"

As soon as I heard those thundering drums that open this song, I knew I was in love. Actually, that's not entirely accurate. I kinda knew I was in love before I even heard the song, because since their debut with the modern classic Ambitions, Norwegian band Donkeyboy haven't put a foot wrong. Hero is catchy enough with its choral hook and melodic verses, but then two and a half minutes in, the production switches up and the track becomes a deliriously fun bit of electro dance. It's like a bonus surprise remix at the end of the song. An even greater surprise would be the debut of this long-awaited third album. We're three excellent singles in at this point, and my mouth is watering for a new full-length. Come on, guys! We can't wait much longer! At least give us a release date...



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy their music here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Donkeyboy - Crazy Something Normal

"We don't need advice"

I'm a little behind on this one, but I'm so happy that the best band with the worst name is back for another excellent single. Their last album, Silver Moon, was surprisingly amazing, so I am eagerly awaiting the follow-up (which better be released soon). Their new single Crazy Something Normal presents everything I love about this band. Their music has such a wistful, almost alien sound to it, but at its core lives a beating heart of pure pop. Much of this has to do with frontman Cato Sundberg's androgynous, hypnotic vocals. Simply put, his inimitable tone is an incredibly unique, gorgeous instrument. This track layers on a children's choir in the chorus, which just puts it over the top. Fantastic.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Donkeyboy - Triggerfinger

"Ashes turn to ember"

I was initially taken aback that Donkeyboy (still terrible band name, btw) made their return with a slower song. That skepticism lasted about halfway through the first listen, because after that I was absolutely in love with the sound of Triggerfinger. The band's last album, Silver Moon, was a ridiculously underrated pop masterpiece, which makes me so excited for the next one. A lot of the excitement comes down to singer Cato Sundberg's vocals, which are so unique and interesting. He, along with guest vocalist Kiesza, steal this track. In particular, Cato reminds me of Darren Hayes when he was still in Savage Garden. This would fit right in on the second half of SG's Affirmation. And that is a very good thing.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Top 20 Albums Of 2012: 6-5

6. Fun. - Some Nights



Probably the album that grew on me the most this year. I was initially unimpressed (save for a few tracks) when it was released back in February, but as the band surged in popularity, I kept returning to it and finding that it's an indie pop/rock album with a lot of the hallmarks that I find desperately needed in today's music. The heart-on-their-sleeve theatricality goes a long way, even in the less memorable songs.

5. Donkeyboy - Silver Moon



A criminally overlooked Scandinavian pop album, and honestly the best full-length that the region produced this year. I love it when bands experiment, and Donkeyboy definitely took a risk by giving their sound an added dance-pop oomph. The results were an unqualified success, as this is basically Big Pop Song after Big Pop Song without a weak link in the bunch.

Top 50 Singles Of 2012: 30-26

30. One Direction - Little Things



It's the classic boyband ballad for 2012, and one with a deceptively simple--yet effective--melodic hook.

29. Jesper Nohrstedt - Take Our Hearts



An ultra-melodic, semi-dance track that should've went on to represent Denmark in Eurovision.

28. Loreen - Crying Out Your Name



An epic piece of electronic-fueled balladry, delivered by 2012's best vocalist.

27. Donkeyboy - City Boy



The first peek at the band's new, dance-oriented sound. It's like a cool version of Eiffel 65.

26. G-Dragon - One Of A Kind 



The year's most cocky hype track. But this isn't just empty boasting. The production and playfulness of the hook register long after the track ends.

Top 50 Singles Of 2012: 50-46

50. Donkeyboy - Pull Of The Eye



An enticing blend of Europop, old-school techno and delicious melody. The Summer song that was released a few months too early.

49. Carly Rae Jepsen & Owl City - Good Time



It achieved the impossible. It made Owl City tolerable! You can thank Carly for that.

48. Reece Mastin - Shout It Out



The song that proved Reece was more than one X-Factor-assisted hit. A fantastic blend of pop and rock.

47. Rihanna - Where Have You Been



Not quite We Found Love, but an excellent follow-up that extends the sound, while dirtying it up a little.

46. Straight Up! - Family 



Indie release from Swedish popstars in the making. This has one of the most addictively propulsive choruses of the year.

Donkeyboy - Silver Moon (Bassflow Remake)

"This must be another fairytale"

Throughout the months, I've shamefully forgotten how much I love the newest Donkeyboy album. It came out so early in the year that it seems like ages ago, but it definitely remains one of the best pop releases of 2012. This track, a remix by one of my favorite producers (production teams?) Bassflow, reignites interest in not only this single, but the album overall. It doesn't change Silver Moon too drastically from what it was originally, but adds enough oomph to make it shine as a more club-ready version. Here's to Bassflow producing the next album!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Track-by-Track: Donkeyboy - Silver Moon

It's rare when a band is willing to experiment so much on a second album. With the success of Ambitions, Donkeyboy could have easily crafted a record full of clones, hoping to replicate success. Instead, they've taken influence from the excellent Bassflow mix of that same single and upped the tempo and electronic influence. It's exactly what I'd hoped they'd come back with.

1. Silver Moon - Opens the album in a swinging fashion, with a simple refrain and uptempo electronic beat. It's a great, straightforward pop song that would do well as a single. 9/10

2. City Boy - The first single, and one of the tracks that's just instantly catchy. The warped vocals of the chorus show up quite a lot throughout the rest of the album, but they're used so well. This has already been a big hit, and sounds like Summer (though it was released in Fall). 10/10

3. Drive - This borrows a bit of that squiggly instrumental breakdown from LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem (I know that sounds unlikely, but it's the best comparison I can make). Another really strong dance track. 9/10

4. Get Up - The first midtempo, and this is where the band's gift for melody really comes into play. That lush, beautiful chorus uses the female vocals (provided by frequent collaborator/practically 6th member Linnea Dale, I'm assuming) to brilliant effect. Definitely a future single. 10/10

5. Out Of Control - This is a huge surprise. It's far funkier and dance-pop influenced than anything they've done. In fact, it reminds me a little of fantastic Danish band Private, especially in its blatant 80's influences. I love this. 9/10

6. No More Movies - This feels a little like Ambitions with a higher tempo. It's one of the best tracks on the album because it melds the band's gift for soaring melody with their new-found dancefloor aesthetic. Pure pop bliss. 10/10

7. Pull Of The Eye - The second single, and an excellent choice. This might actually be my favorite song on the album. The vocoder-ized chorus is reminiscent of Eiffel 65, but in the best way possible. That hook is SO catchy. 10/10

8. On Fire - Back to the 80's influence. This is a good counterpart to Out Of Control, but it's not as strong melodically. I still love it, but it feels the closest to filler that this album gets, even though the production is stunning. 8/10

9. All Up To You - In a sharp right turn, this acoustic ballad hearkens back to their debut. Because it's so different from the rest of the album, it really stands out. Luckily, the melody's strong and it's a great break from all the intense production going on before and after it. 9/10

10. Darkest Night - A late album highlight. This is very Pet Shop Boys, but better than anything they've done in years. Immaculately produced, this has a driving beat that starts strong and never lets up. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. 10/10

11. We Can Be Friends - From Pet Shop Boys to something that sounds a little like Roxette, these guys have taken influence from some of the pop greats. This could easily be another hit single for them. 10/10

12. Stay - An anthemic pop song to close the album. They certainly don't go out with a whimper. I feel like I'm repeating myself, but this is yet another potential hit. This album is remarkably consistent. 10/10

Album Grade: 9.5/10

Donkeyboy - Pull Of The Eye

"You could be someone"

I really need this new Donkeyboy album in my life. Though I loved their first one, it appears that they've done exactly what I'd hoped they would for the follow-up. The tempo's ratcheted up, the synths are more prominent, and the band sound like they're having fun. After the brilliant City Boy, this is their newest single. It retains the excellent melodic skill found in their biggest hits, but adds a bouncy, summery beat and an earworm hook (does it remind anyone else of Eiffel 65?). If the rest of the record's half this good, we're in for a very big treat. Luckily, we don't have to wait long to find out. It's released at midnight (Scandinavian time)!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Top 50 Singles of 2011: 35-31

35. The Sounds - Something To Die For



A late-career highlight. Sometimes all it takes is a well written pop song, and this definitely fits the bill.

34. Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (TGIF)



Katy Perry's chart run continued unabated this year, and this track reignited interest in her brand of young, glossy pop.

33. Donkeyboy - City Boy



Foregoing their usual, more wistful sound for something more electronic, this is something of a revelation for the band.

32. Cher Lloyd - With Ur Love (ft. Mike Posner)



The X-Factor finalist's best single, and a perfect representation of what a Cher Lloyd album should sound like.

31. Salem Al Fakir - Split My Personality (Bassflow Remix)



Pair one of the best producers with one of Sweden's quirkiest pop artists and you have a cross-genre masterpiece like this.

Donkeyboy - City Boy

"Underneath this doubt there's an ego"

I've established that Donkeyboy have one of the worst band name in pop music a long time ago, but that doesn't really matter because boy they're excellent. And they're back! City Boy is the first teaser from their upcoming album and, from the sound of it, they're going a little more electronic. While this might not be as lush as their past singles, I'm pleased that it's more uptempo. At first, the processed vocals irritated me, but I've grown to really love them--especially with the overall sound of the record. It will be interesting to see how this band develops. Their first (fantastic) album was a big hit in Scandinavia but couldn't find much traction anywhere else. I'm not sure if this is the song to break them out of cult status, but it's definitely a step in an interesting direction. I'm really loving it, especially the trippy music video.

Donkeyboy - City Boy by MrFavo

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the first album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Skyship Academy: The Music - Day Three

Day Three is upon us! Today, I'll focus on Avery, the "unattainable" (as he puts it) girl of Jesse's dreams:

AVERY WICKSEN

Who: seventeen-year-old post-grad transferred to Skyship Academy several years ago ** works in the ship's library after failing to attain Pearl agent-status ** known for sneaking around the ship, looking for trouble

Songs:

Pacific! - Break Your Social System
Avery's selections are more laid-back and downtempo to reflect her personality. Her "whatever" attitude to life is the opposite of Jesse's more worried approach. She's also very much the rebel on Skyship Academy, refusing to blindly follow the rules and regulations. The Academy is home to many dark nooks and crannies, perfect for sneaking around. She takes full advantage, sometimes to her and Jesse's detriment. This track highlights that rebellious personality.



Donkeyboy - Sometimes
There's also a darker side to Avery. She's haunted by her past -- a past Jesse knows very little about. This is what initiates their friendship. As pitiful as Jesse can be sometimes, he's the only one on the Academy that can make her laugh. The lyrics in the chorus of this song, especially, describe the essence of this relationship (a relationship Jesse wishes would go further - Avery is a little more vague about her own wishes).



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Top 50 Singles of 2009: 21-16

20. La Roux - Bulletproof



The catchiest moment on her album, this is the single that cemented La Roux as an artist with staying power.

19. Melody Club - Where Do I Belong



A single that was never given the push it deserved, this is a classic Melody Club pop song with shimmering synths and a melody that refuses to leave your head.

18. Johan Krafman - Disarmed



The type of song Ola Svensson would have easily taken to the top of the charts, this was yet another example of why the Nilsson/Bassflow combo is unstoppable.

17. Linda Sundblad - 2 All My Girls



Max Martin’s best output in a year full of amazing songwriting, it took frenetic to another level. The Hammer dancing in the video is forever scarred in my retina.

16. Donkeyboy - Ambitions



A soaring, surprise Summer smash (how’s that for alliteration?), these Norwegians came out of nowhere and took their home country by storm.