Extreme fandom is now out of control. With antics on and off of social media typified by those rabid fans of Taylor Swift and BTS, and previously in recent years of other artists like One Direction, fandom for major celebrities needs to be reeled in. And who but to do that but the celebrities and their handlers themselves – because their fans will listen to them. Who was wrong or right aside, the latest episode with Kelly Clarkson’s fans subsequently intimidating the record store that she is miffed at, simply because she chose to defend herself on her socials against the store’s accusations, is appalling, and according to the store, their actions have extended to its neighbours. When the potential for security or even police involvement rears its head, there is something terribly wrong and should be investigated further, perhaps through the artist’s social media or fanbase accounts. We can no longer rely on social media giants to put boundaries in place which might put limitations on situations like these because the people in charge are only out to make money from their apps, and don’t care if the multi-ringed circus that they foster actually unfurls. Just watch Prime TV’s adaptation of “Carrie”, which parallels what I’m talking about in a different way.
In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my new music and retro picks of the week, as well as a record of the week from “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, and “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. This week, “The Musicman” James Rogers offers a mix of some fondly remembered songs from 1970. Please do check out the playlist for my all-Canadian hour, The MAPL Tapes, with Show #33 and songs by featured artist k-os from his upcoming first album in 11 years.
Reminder: Click on the photos to listen to the songs on Spotify.
SPOONS, “Take the World”
About the artist: One of Canada’s favourite bands of the 80’s new wave era is back with new music released independently. Continuing to be led by vocalist/guitarist Gordon Deppe and bassist/vocalist Sandy Horne, Spoons return with their first new songs in seven years and their eighth album, Nightlife. The Burlington band also includes keyboardist Scott McDonald, with drum work by both of their touring drummers, Chris McNeil and Tony Ferraro.
About the record: Nightlife is the third album released in a new era for Spoons which began in 2011 when they released their first album in 23 years. “Take the World” is the lead single and my instant favourite from the album. It’s the kind of song Spoons fans have been hoping for, with a dreamy synth melody and familiar synth drum beat highly reminiscent of their classic 80’s era – in a full circle moment, “Nova Heart” and “Romantic Traffic” come right to mind. Because Spoons have been frequently touring over the years, the overall sound with stellar production by Jeff Carter is especially tight, with a great vocal by Gordon Deppe that ranks alongside some of his best. For interested music fans who don’t know Spoons, “Take the World” also features empowering lyrics about seizing the moment before it’s gone. While the 80’s references are intact, the entire vibe of “Take the World” is fresh and contemporary alternative pop/rock. Check out the video at the following link: World
Other comments: Spoons have been part of my music world since their debut album Stick Figure Neighbourhood in 1981, which was a huge favourite when I was a programmer at my college radio station, and I’ve seen them perform in concert many times. Nightlife is coming soon to streaming platforms, but is available for order on Bandcamp and Spoons’ website, including CD and 180 gram red vinyl. Spoons are also touring again soon, with a stop at The Concert Hall in Toronto on December 5, with Rough Trade & Carole Pope and Images in Vogue opening.
CHEROKEE SOCIAL, “Maya”
About the artist: Cherokee Social is a pop duo from Denver, Colorado consisting of Cherokee vocalist/bassist Julian Navarro and guitarist Alex Creighton, that has been releasing singles since 2023. Until recently, they were performing regularly in Denver and on the west coast, opening for artists like Macy Gray and Fitz & The Tantrums.
About the record: “Maya” is a vibrant pop song that’s guaranteed to make you feel good and finish off with a smile on your face. In part this is due to the catchy guitar hook by Alex Creighton which starts off the song as well as Julian Navarro’s bright and welcoming vocal, which in turn is supported by a choir of his own harmonies. Digging deeper into the song, “Maya” is dedicated to Julian’s late mother, who embraced connection, family and the people in her life. It’s a rumination about getting older, being yourself, and seizing those uninhibited, carefree moments that don’t come along too often. From its chorus, the lyrics “Coulda danced with my neighbors naked / Snap a picture just to prove we ain’t fake it” capture the essence of “Maya” in a nutshell.
Other comments: Cherokee Social is in the midst of a US tour. They’ve already played cities in the upper mideast, and tonight (October 14) perform at The Mercury Lounge in NYC. Then they head through major cities on the east coast, before moving back to the west where they include L.A. and San Diego, before winding up the tour at home in Denver on November 20 at Lost Lake.
AOIFE, “Johnny”
About the artist: AOIFE (pronounced “ee-fuh”) is an Ireland-born, Canadian indie singer/songwriter based in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2025, she won “The Road to Supercrawl” competition, which led her to perform in Hamilton as a part of CBC Music’s “Road to the Junos” earlier this year prior to the broadcast of the Juno Awards. During the last five years, she has released several singles and an EP called when all is said and done.
About the record: “Johnny” is a compelling and engaging story, inspired by a film, and written from the perspective of a woman writing her last letter to her lover. And once the song gets going, you’ll realize that this isn’t a pity party or a sob story, but a resolve to a relationship that has already come to a close. AOIFE sings about a variety of recollections of her “Johnny”, some with fondness and affection, that give the listener the impression that it was simply not meant to be, and that each party will one day find the right person. The music is a most pleasing blur of pop, rock, folk and country. At times, you can hear influences from singers like Taylor Swift or Gracie Abrams, but AOIFE also has the power of a Florence Welch which should not be underestimated.
Other comments: “Johnny” was produced by Andrew Lauzon at Hamilton’s storied Grant Avenue Studio, founded by the esteemed Daniel Lanois and others. Artists like U2, Johnny Cash and Bruce Cockburn have recorded there.
AYDEN HUTCH, “Waitin’ on Your Lovin'”
About the artist: Ayden Hutch is a new performer, at least for releasing solo music, who hails from Bathurst, New Brunswick. As a benefit through performing live in previous projects like Ananas and petipé, Ayden’s sound is already well fleshed-out with huge influences from classic jazz and R&B. He is a professionally trained and educated jazz guitarist.
About the record: The vantage point in “Waitin’ on Your Lovin'” is from those moments after you’ve encountered someone you like and wait in anticipation to enjoy more of them together and perhaps go further. Ayden’s got a warm vocal style that somewhat reminds me of Boz Scaggs. The arrangement takes cues from 70’s R&B and artists like Boz, Steely Dan and Toto, while incorporating it with jazzy tones that you might find in records by Stanley Clarke and George Duke from the same era now popularized as “yacht rock”. It’s great to hear live instruments take the forefront in “Waitin’ on Your Lovin'” too. Songs like this are meant to be performed in concert.
Other comments: Ayden Hutch has recently released his debut album Sadness, Anger, & Something Greater, which includes “Waitin’ on Your Lovin'”.
GTA RHYTHM SECTION, CHERYL DAVIES, “Almost Heaven”
About the artists: The GTA Rhythm Section returns renown Canadian-American lawyer and television producer Stephen Stohn to his beginnings, not only as a songwriter, but this time as an independent artist himself at the age of 78. The Order of Canada member and former chancellor of Peterborough’s Trent University is also about to release a full album of music, Best of the GTA Rhythm Section (Vol. 1). Cheryl Davies is a Canadian singer and community performer.
About the record: Positivity oozes from “Almost Heaven”, a snazzy pop bop featuring a lively vocal by Cheryl Davies. The song is co-written by Stephen Stohn with former MuchMusic DJ and recording artist Christopher Ward, with whom Stephen co-wrote two of his 1970’s releases, “Maybe Your Heart” and “Once in a Long Time”. I think a perfect place for “Almost Heaven” would be in the visual medium, where sync placements could find the right film, TV show or video for it. The song’s energy and chorus are infectious so I hope it can cut through gatekeepers to be heard by more people.
Other comments: Stephen is completely on the level when he says that the music of the GTA Rhythm Section is assisted by AI Tools. And I’m fine with that as long as it’s not replacing work by humans, but enhancing it. He says in comments under the song’s video clip, “the most interesting use of AI is not to replace human creativity, but to expand what human creativity can accomplish.”
HILLARY DUMOULIN, “Call It Love”
About the artist: Hillary Dumoulin is an indie Canadian singer/songwriter from the Peterborough and Kawarthas region in Ontario. She is a past winner of Durham College’s “Songs Revealed” songwriting competition, and previously released a self-titled EP and a 2018 album, Fool’s Gold.
About the record: “Call It Love” is a fine, engaging release featuring some dynamic guitar work and a punchy, affecting vocal by Hillary. The song marks a return to music and performing for Hillary after taking time to start a family. The song to me is pure pop with folk/country undertones that widen its appeal.
Other comments: I saw Hillary introduce the song and perform it at a recent event organized by fellow talent Matthew Holtby. You can check out her website to catch her performing in the Peterborough and surrounding areas in the coming weeks.
Show #33 with songs by featured artist k-os, as well as a pop heritage segment featuring songs by the late Sass Jordan
BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK
It’s Crystal Shawanda, the Indigenous blues/rock singer who hails from Manitoulin Island, Ontario, with “Come unto Me”
BILL’S RETRO PICK OF THE WEEK
The retro pick will be back next week.
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S RECORD OF THE WEEK
“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner and program director of online station Halton Hills Radio Online.
“Free and Bound” by Nicola Nicoletti from his EP Rewritten
DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK
DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio show “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, including Chicago-based Lake Radio Online where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week. Hunter is also on air Fridays on “Hot Hits with Hunter” on UK station Dodge Radio, and it too broadcasts the New Music Pick. Check the schedule for my New Music Pick of the Week on the blog home page near the bottom.
“Kingdom of Fear” by Cameron Whitcomb, now a radio hit in the US too!
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show (6 – 9pm EST Tuesdays, returning next Tuesday October 20). 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.
Tee Set – Ma Belle Amie
Friends Of Distinction – Love Or Let Me Be Lonely
Vic Dana – If I Never Knew Your Name
Delfonics – Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind)
Frijid Pink – House Of The Rising Sun
FLASHBACK CHART – 2010
In a year that was no fun for me personally, I was fortunate to have so many fine songs to turn to when I needed a boost. Yes, music does help you heal. I still play the #1 song a lot.
01 01 LOVE PART II Bright Light Bright Light
05 02 PRETENDER Elouise
06 03 START A FIRE Ryan Star
04 04 FRICTION (Ricardo Autobahn edit) Adam Tyler [now known as McEwen]
03 05 HEAD OVER HEELS Bim
07 06 DEAR DICTATOR (Sam Sparro remix) Saint Motel
02 07 CROSSFIRE Brandon Flowers
09 08 GET OUTTA MY WAY Kylie Minogue
13 09 NEVER LOOK BACK Russ Chimes
11 10 CRY AT FILMS Bright Light Bright Light
12 11 LOVEKILLER Darin
19 12 WHITE KNUCKLE RIDE (Penguin Prison remix) Jamiroquai
16 13 WHEN SHE TURNS 18 Christian TV [now known as JMSN]
15 14 MISERY Maroon 5
18 15 DANCE IN THE DARK Lady Gaga
10 16 I WANT YOUR SEX Chris Mann
22 17 AUDIO PRECISION Jackanory & The Ball
New 18 RESURRECTION (Penguin Prison remix) The Temper Trap
27 19 GLOW Richard Barone
26 20 BREAKUP ANTHEM (WE DIDN’T CARE) 100 Akres featuring Roz Bell
25 21 SWALLOW IT Brandon Flowers
14 22 SOMETHING GOOD CAN WORK Two Door Cinema Club
17 23 FOR THE FIRST TIME The Script
New 24 VOODOO Andrea Lewis
New 25 CHANGE OF SEASONS Sweet Thing
20 26 ENDLESS SUMMER NIGHT Roz Bell
New 27 LIKE A G6 Far East Movement featuring Cataracs & Dev
21 28 ALL IN Lifehouse
23 29 DREAMING Goldfrapp
24 30 THINKIN’ ‘BOUT SOMETHIN’ Hanson
You must be logged in to post a comment.