Ten years ago, Kevin Lyttle had a smash summer hit with the soca ballad "Turn Me On." I remember that song for oh so many reasons. For starters, it's not every beat that can get this guy (points to self) moving at bars or clubs. I should never dance. Period. I also remember it well because it was played repeatedly during my Caribbean honeymoon, and not once did I get tired of hearing it. Why am I bringing up my terrible dance skills and wedded-bliss trip? It's simple -- the Nico & Vinz track "Am I Wrong," which is on track to being the song of the summer, evokes the same positive vibes for me. Maybe I'm off base, but that's OK. It just feels the same way for me. But, I'm not saying Nico & Vinz's track is a copy of that "wining on me" song. It's not. Far from it actually. With inspiring, uplifting lyrics and beats and hooks that won't quit, the song has been unstoppable this season, and rightfully so. To put it simply, the song makes you want to dance, sing-a-long with it, and drink pina coladas on the beach while pumping it loud - perhaps all of the above should be done simultaneously. To throw out some stats: "Am I Wrong" just reached platinum status here in the states and is a worldwide smash, and the Africa-shot music video has well over 20 million views.
Late last month in Chelsea's McKittrick hotel, the Afro-Norwegian dynamic duo Nico Sereba and Vincent Dery offered a sneak peek of tunes off their upcoming debut Black Star Elephant. They were kind enough to let A-Sides film their live cut of their unstoppable hit, and sat down for a chat immediately afterwards. Watch it all (filmed by Yale Goodman) below, and pour me a drink.
A-Sides "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its Top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve"based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week NO MATTER WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED (think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks, and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls, and - most importantly - the songs my two-year-old son gravitates toward by stomping his feet in approval. Yeah, you read that right. This weeks follows below (LW= last week's rank).
12. "Get Hurt" (debut) - Gaslight Anthem
11. "Rent I Pay" (debut) - Spoon
10. "Now Hear In" (LW-6) - Cloud Nothings
9. "Habits" (LW-7) - Tove Lo
8. "Am I Wrong" (LW-8) - Nico & Vinz
7. "Shadow" (LW-10) - Bleachers
6. "Chandelier" (LW-4) - Sia
5. "Let it Burn" (LW-5) - The Orwells
4. "Would You Fight For My Love?" (LW-2) - Jack White
3 "Seasons (Waiting On You) - (LW-11) - Future Islands
2. "Glory" (LW-1) - Wye Oak
1. "Stolen Dance" (LW-3) - Milky Chance
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About A-Sides Music
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series was established in August 2011 and usually features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing. Artists have included: fun, Courtney Love, Air Supply, Birdy, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Pharrell Williams, American Authors, Imagine Dragons, Gary Clark Jr., and more! A-Sides theme written and performed by Blondfire.