While I haven’t reviewed albums in my blog posts for years now, that doesn’t mean that I don’t listen to them – I suppose though, like most frequent music listeners, I don’t listen to as many full albums as I used to. Since I was a kid, I’ve always been a song-by-song person. But during the past few weeks I’ve dove into several albums and today’s Report features a few of those “deeper” selections. Rarely does a major label go back and select an album track for promotion at radio unless it’s by a huge artist or a remix with a featured artist, so a lot of very good albums are now left to fend for themselves with no extra push from the label after one single or emphasis track.
In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with a record of the week from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five picks which happen to be ballads from the 1977-1981 era. And in case you missed them, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.
The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.
Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.
SYENCE, DEA MAGNA, “lose my mind”
“lose my mind” is one of those tracks you need to hear in a club to help elevate a set as a late night of music and dancing begins. L.A. production duo Syence are no strangers to this blog, but “lose my mind” and its dark, deep house vibes aren’t what I would normally associate with them, and the track works beautifully. It’s enhanced by the presence of fellow L.A.-based talent Dea Magna, who adds a rich atmosphere with her driven vocal. She’s also a producer/DJ, so I’m not sure if she contributed to the technical side, but another set of accomplished ears on the overall sound would only be an asset if she did. “lose my mind” is one of those musical delights to keep you dancing into the wee hours.
BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, BETH HIRSCH, “Enjoy Youth”
It’s easy to dig deeper into Bright Light Bright Light’s Enjoy Youth album. His fifth release overall is one of his very best and chock full of talent, such as those we have seen on singles preceding the album’s release in the form of Mykal Kilgore and Ultra Naté. In surveying the remaining album tracks, the title track is a standout for its lyrics and delightful vocal interplay between BLx2 and American singer Beth Hirsch, who electronic music fans will know as the vocalist on French group Air’s seminal 90’s album Moon Safari, and who BLx2 previously worked with on the song “Grace”. “Enjoy Youth” is one of those gems that you’ll only find if you listen beyond the singles for your own musical benefit.
BENEDICT CORK, “Into The Arms Of Another Love”
Benedict’s recent singles “Reasons I Loved You”, “Beauty Queen” and “Nice Guy” all made me want to hear more from him in his third album release Notes On A Hopeless Romance. Going further into the album, you hear more emotion and personality that has been on display through the singles, though songs like “Reasons” and “Nice Guy” do unveil some darker and stirring layers. “Into The Arms Of Another Love” though is chic and sophisticated, tearing a few songwriting and vocal cues from the Burt Bacharach-Hal David book of songs often recorded by Dionne Warwick while meeting Lana Del Rey halfway. The song starts off with a gentle Benedict vocal that comes more alive as he describes “the new blood” of today – not waiting around for someone’s affection before they move on to someone else. “Into The Arms Of Another Love” is one unique track and shouldn’t be overlooked.
NOANNE, “Careless”
Following up recent singles “Goodwill” (with its stunning video) and “Forgiveness” is Prague-based artist Noanne, with sometimes harrowing but ultimately inviting and captivating “Careless”. She mixes contemporary styles you might associate with Florence & The Machine and Lady Gaga with more classic and dramatic theatrical ones. What I enjoy about Noanne’s songs is that she doesn’t hold back, she articulates her perspectives well and then unleashes herself with the help of a compelling arrangement and a fierce melody, making them highly memorable. “Careless”, through its story of obsession and rejection, ultimately wants you to reflect on your own value as a person and what you hope to achieve in life and love.
MATTHEW HOLTBY, “Reading This Now”
In his latest release, Warkworth, Ontario indie singer/songwriter Matthew Holtby offers up a relatable story in “Reading This Now”, which follows up “Goodbye Song” from earlier this year. It’s about a guy who is reflecting on his decision to say goodbye to a previous relationship through a note that he left, and while things won’t be the same as he takes away the memories with him, he’s ultimately content with his decision. It’s a mid-tempo track that straddles pop, folk and country, and is set against sturdy guitar work as well as drums/percussion. Sounding a bit like Steven Page (ex-Barenaked Ladies, currently in the Trans-Canada Highwaymen), Matthew’s earnest and convincing vocal goes a long way to make “Reading This Now” a gentle and affable pleasure. You can also check out the song in its acoustic version at the following link: Acoustic
SERENA ITTOO, “Another World”
British singer/songwriter Serena Ittoo is on a roll with “Another World”, another sparkling slice of vocal pop that follows up recent releases “My Heart Is Yours” and “Nature Foreseen”. It’s set against an unintrusive backdrop of synths and percussion, an arrangement that helps make Serena’s vocal shine more. “Another World” wants you to look at the world through someone else’s eyes, where you see not only what attracted you to them, but their flaws as well. Serena often doesn’t sound like anyone in particular, which is not a bad thing. The songs I’ve heard by Serena have jazz and R&B undertones, making them warm and alluring rather than trying to compete with the Adeles and Kelly Clarksons and their powerhouse voices. I’d pitch “Another World” to fans of singers like Cat Burns and Arlo Parks, with whom Serena Ittoo would be in quite good company.
MARKUS RIVA, MYSZKOVSKI,”Too Late For Love”
It was nice to discover a new song by Latvian star Markus Riva recently, and it’s a bright pop/dance track in collaboration with Polish producer Myszkovski called “Too Late For Love”. Markus is a DJ, radio presenter and model, known mainly in eastern Europe. He made a bit of a splash back in 2012 with two fine songs that landed on the BILLCS Top 30, “What It Takes To Be A Man” (#7) and “We Dance 4 Reason” (#9). A few years later, one of his songs was vying for a place at EuroVision for Latvia. Although it’s years later, Markus continues to regularly release music in English and Latvian. “Too Late For Love” is equally universal and radio friendly, and shouldn’t be isolated to eastern European listeners. Markus sounds great and Myszkovski has built a solid foundation to support the catchy melody. Join me in my discovery of “Too Late For Love” and enjoy.
MRVLZ, NICO CRESPO, “All Around Me”
“All Around Me” by California production duo MRVLZ and producer Nico Crespo is part of Jay Bird’s Birdhouse Project, which is a showcase throws the spotlight on emerging electronic dance music talents, and this is the second song from the collective that I’ve written about. In fact MRVLZ and Nico Crespo are known more for their live shows than their recordings, well-established in the Bay area for their own shows as well as supporting major talent that comes through the area. “All Around Me” is a slick house track with an uncredited, expressive R&B/hip hop flavoured vocal. The melodic arrangement focuses on a guitar and drums/percussion mix with some well-rounded synths fleshing it out. Club DJ’s who drop “All Around Me” into a set should prepare for immediate reaction from their dancefloor denizens.
BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK
My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world, and debuts each Tuesday at 6pm EST on The 3D Variety Show on Xstreamrockradio and also now on Lil Rawkers out of California! Note: The 3D Variety Show is on vacation and returns July 16.
DJ Hunter beat me to it but this week it’s “Space Party” by Spain’s The Boy From The South
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S RECORD OF THE WEEK
“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.
Canadian country singer Tebey has put his own spin on The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights”
DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK
DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885. Hunter can also be heard weekdays at 2pm EST on Party Dog Radio. Hunter’s bop of the week can now be heard each week on “The Big 20”.
It’s the country crossover hit “Austin” by Dasha
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST (currently on vacation till July 16). The Classic Five is “pop music 101” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.
Peter Pringle – You Really Got Me Needing You Now (1977) (You Tube link)
Fred Knoblock – Why Not Me (1980) (You Tube link)
Michael Johnson – The Very First Time (1979)
Dan Fogelberg – Same Old Lang Syne (1981)
Dan Hill – Sometimes When We Touch (1977)
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
Darin’s “Electric” remains on top!
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
“Myself & I” by TheFatRat and RIELL moves up 27-17
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.