Summer is in full force in the western world and accordingly several of this week’s picks in the Report are summer-ready. And since I will be away on vacation next week, this will be my last blog post until July 19. I’ll still be listening and will be back with another selection of great new tunes!
Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, whose selections sample the 70’s and 80’s. And if you missed them from earlier this week, you’ll find out what are the #1 and Fastest Riser songs on the BILLCS Top 30.
The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.
SPOTLIGHTING
SCOTT HELMAN, “every time (drive by)”
When Toronto’s Scott Helman writes a catchy pop song, it’s usually a really great one, as with 2021’s “Pretty”, which got to #11 on the BILLCS Top 30. It’s been three years and a handful of singles since his last album Nonsuch Park (sa), so perhaps “every time (drive by)” is signs of a new album. Regardless, it’s a spiffy tune that reminisces about a past romance in a former neighbourhood. Scott sounds great and continues to be an artist in greater need of public recognition, particularly on his home turf. In July and August, he’s touring in L.A. – so check him out if you’re in the area as he is enjoyable to watch – but hopefully some homegrown shows will get served soon.
ROB MOORE, ALLAN JAY, “Summer of Love”
While there’s absolutely nothing about “Summer of Love” that I would call new or earth-shaking, its mission is extremely satisfying – yes “Summer of Love” is a terrific, fun summer song. It’s brought to us by the collaboration of Florida (of course) dance producer Rob Moore and Scottish vocalist Allan Jay, who I’ve written about before and has dance/pop in his performing blood. The beat is exceedingly familiar, fleshed out by slick synths, a driven vocal, and joyous lyrics. “Summer of Love” is also a perfect queer anthem, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up with syncs on TV drag contests or other entertainment geared for queer audiences. You can also check it out in a variety of remixes including some by Matt Pop and David Noakes.
HAZELL DEAN, “100% Pure Love” (Dean & Ware Lava Lamp mix)
First off, “100% Pure Love” is not yet another cover of Crystal Waters’ classic. Instead, it’s a classic retrotastic original pop/dance release co-written by its singer, veteran British pop/dance queen Hazell Dean. And I must say that Hazell sounds positively fab in this new high energy contemporary disco production, which is guaranteed to either get you on to your feet or at very least rouse your tired spirits. Its inspiration clearly comes from ABBA, Erasure, Stock-Aitken-Waterman and other 80’s and 90’s European favourites that never go out of style. “100% Pure Love” is 100% guilt-free fun for everyone.
JUDE YORK, “All I See Is Him”
This time, Australian singer/songwriter Jude York waves his sparkling pop wand around love in today’s world via the old-fashioned-sounding “All I See Is Him”, which follows up songs such as “Mr. Porcelain” and of course his captivating 2021 Australian EuroVision contender, “I Won’t Need To Dream”. And you’ve just gotta be in love if you can sing your heart out like in this song, which is more of an exquisite tribute to a lover than a ballad. It’s warm and gushy, but most of all it’s endlessly happy, something I love to hear in today’s music because there isn’t enough of it. While Jude has admirably written “All I See Is Him” for the younger queer community (check out this clip), its underlying and most appreciative message is universal.
FEATURING
ANDREW WYATT, “Beyond The Pale”
New York City’s Andrew Wyatt is the Grammy and Academy Award winning songwriter, singer and producer who is also one of the principals in the electronic trio Miike Snow. He returns to recording for himself with “Beyond The Pale”, from his upcoming album It Won’t Feel Like Dying. It’s a crisp slice of alt.pop with a mysterious, quirky melody that compliments the vagueness of the story and lyrics, which appear to be about a breakup and turning your life around after that. You wouldn’t recognize Andrew’s voice from the Miike Snow tracks, he definitely transforms it to give it another identity for his solo work. As far as his other work goes, he’s just produced Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” and other songs for the “Barbie” soundtrack, won his Oscar and Grammys for co-writing Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow” from ‘A Star Is Born”, and has produced a cavalcade of others, notably Liam Gallagher, Miley Cyrus, and Florence & The Machine.
GT_OFICE, ALWZ SNNY, “Every Thought of You”
Miami’s Gt_ofice returns with a song that’s already found favour with national dance radio stations called “Every Thought of You” in collaboration with fellow dance music producer, Maryland’s sunshine-masked ALWZ SNNY. It’s summery ear candy for sure, designed to put a smile on your face. “Every Thought of You” offers a bright uncredited female vocal that goes down easy, as well as relatable lyrics set to a warm melody of shimmering synths that keeps the song’s house rhythms moving along quickly.
DAVID ARCHULETA, “I’m Yours”
David Archuleta will always be an “American Idol” favourite, even if he didn’t win the competition show. And 15 years later, he continues to showcase that fine voice and now releases his songs independently. “I’m Yours” has him singing often in a cool falsetto throughout the memorable chorus, with a softer vocal in the rest of the song, and features a solid melody once again in a festive pop/dance setting like previous releases “Faith in Me” and “Movin'”. David has many dedicated fans, and while they will certainly love this one, which shows how well his songs suit the dance genre, be sure to check it out if you haven’t heard his music in a long time.
VINNY MARCHI, “Cherry Wine”
Vinny Marchi is a talent to watch for, if his rendition of Hozier’s “Cherry Wine” is any indication. Vinny is an opera singer by training and a musical theatre performer, and his softer acoustic countertenor version of “Cherry Wine” (short live clip here) is quite a contrast to Hozier’s original. His cover of The Oh Hellos’ “Soldier Poet King” is also quite enjoyable. He’s quite active on social media – you will want to check out his clips singing “Phantom of the Opera” – Christine’s part! – as well as his interpretation of “Ave Maria”. But he appears to be drawn to the pop world and some of his other originals that he’s released over the past few years show him as a chameleon whose voice can suit any pop genre.
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” (English version) is now four appearances (eight weeks) in at #1!
BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK
My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 25 times/week on online radio stations around the world.
From “Fast & Furious: The Fast Saga”, it’s “Angel, Pt. 2” by JVKE, JIMIN, Charlie Puth and Muni Long
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK
AND
BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER
“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”!
Taking both honours is Alesso’s stunning “Without You”, which soars 26-17 on the BILLCS Top 30!
HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK
Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.
Cassadee Pope won season three of “The Voice” and she returns with “People That I Love Leave”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.
Peter Gabriel – Solsbury Hill (1977)
Icicle Works – Love Is A Wonderful Colour (1984)
Fine Young Cannibals – She Drives Me Crazy (1988)
Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen (1982)
David Bowie – Let’s Dance (1983)
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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