Regular readers of this blog and the BILLCS New Music Report know that I write about a lot of upbeat dance tracks, and even this week’s Report spotlights one banger that’s especially versatile. I don’t know whether it was just the selection that I listened to this week, but a lot of the upbeat dance tracks that I heard were much of the styles that are growing stale and tiresome, such as the classic pop/dance song geared for radio play and nothing else, or the more progressive, somewhat adventurous songs that have no hook or lasting ability, and therefore don’t go anywhere. Or, maybe it was just an off week. So the rest of this week’s eight spotlighted and featured songs largely veer away from more conventional dance music, into vocal pop, rock, and hip hop, as well as electronic.
Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five pop hits, which span from the mid-60’s to early 70’s this week. You’ll also find out which songs were #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 in each year over the last 25 years.
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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.
SPOTLIGHTING
MANILA KILLA, LINNEY, “Sacredly”
“Sacredly” is an unexpected 90’s techno-flavoured banger from Manila Killa, who doesn’t hesitate to take any risks with his most recent releases. With a fun, herky-jerky rhythm, plenty of bounce, and an other-worldly vocal from frequent dance music vocalist/songwriter Linney, Also co-written with Damon Sharpe, “Sacredly” reignites the essence of dancing at a club as an ongoing religious experience of its own that’s been driven by past favourites like “God Is A DJ” by Faithless. The music recalls the late 90’s era of The Chemical Brothers and Darude, and is destined to be a new club favourite.
N i G H T S, XYC, “Spotlight”
Earlier this year, Philadelphia electronic hip hop duo N i G H T S revived their 2018 release “Boyband” with a new video, and this song, which I missed the first time around, really caught my ear, reaching #6 on the BILLCS Top 30. The guys’ latest release “Spotlight” finds them in similarly chill, moody hip hop territory with help from rapper XYC. While their sound sometimes sounds disembodied or disinterested, there are enough playful, if sometimes quite subtle, add-on moments in “Spotlight” which shows how well N i G H T S have honed their unpretentious style over most of the last decade. While it’s not for everyone, if you enjoyed “Boyband” or other songs by N i G H T S then make damn sure you listen to “Spotlight”.
CAM BLAKE, CODY LAWLESS, MYTHOS “Gravity”
Vancouver, B.C. based alternative rock artist and producer Cam Blake offers an unconventional mix of guitars and synths on his new track “Gravity”, which also features fellow Canadian singer/songwriter Cody Lawless (formerly of the project KNOWN) and electro-acoustic artist Mythos. It follows last year’s EP Finding My Way Home and Cam’s debut 2021 album Bad Vacation, in advance of his sophomore release Satisfaction of Sameness next year. Cam has a sometimes gritty voice that stands out in a Geddy Lee kind of way and lends a driving energy to “Gravity” from the slick instrumentation within. The bright and fluid synths sound like a throwback to the 1970’s, yet the song all comes together as an unexpectedly cohesive package which doesn’t quite sound like anything out there, packing an anthemic punch and singalong chorus. Check out the extended video version of the song above.
THE 004, “Can’t Let You Go”
Earlier this year I introduced you to Dutch trio The 004 (Mike, Kelly, and Janet), who have been singing together for over 20 years, and have now released their debut album of 10 songs called We Are. The album is especially tailored for listeners who enjoy a focus on vocal talent, and from it “Can’t Let You Go” could become your go-to track. With minimal instrumentation and clean production, “Can’t Let You Go” is a convincing mid-tempo ballad about doing the right thing and trying to work out your issues with your special someone. The song starts out rather suddenly with Mike’s firm lower register but the momentum builds naturally with the addition of Kelly and Janet, and everything gels completely. Somehow the mood of “Can’t Let You Go” reminds me a bit of Kleerup and Robyn’s 2007 UK #1 collaboration “With Every Heartbeat”, and like that song works its way into being a lovely, heartfelt story.
FEATURING
ERIC OSMOND, “Misfire (Forget Me)”
Electronic music and gaming fans should know that an Osmond is in their midst! The Osmond family name continues on in showbiz with 32 year old singer/actor/fitness trainer Eric Osmond, son of Jay and nephew to Donny and Marie. Eric’s also involved in the gaming world, so knowing this it’s not surprising that “Misfire (Forget Me)” is a darker, electronic release that could easily be part of a gaming soundtrack. It’s a short track that gives you a taste of Eric’s smooth and warm lower register set to compelling, lush synths, and it certainly makes me want to hear more.
CARL MAN, “Celebrities”
UK-Asian singer Carl Man has been keeping busy these past several years on the UK’s west side performing and receiving rave reviews in prominent roles in the plays “Wicked” and “& Juliet”, so I was pleased to hear his first single in three years called “Celebrities”. It’s a light pop delight featuring Carl sounding at his best, initially recorded for an album a few years back that never came to fruition. Some of you may find that the melody and wordplay harken back to Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” era, but Carl puts his own playful, energetic spin on it. Carl’s talents first came to my attention years ago with now hard-to-find dance releases “Electrify The Night” and “Music Gods”, about which you can dig further back into my blog pages, and it’s great to have him back with with solid pop like “Celebrities”.
DLG., “Over My Head!”
L.A.-based electronic producer DLG. follows up his recent mellow single “Kung Fu” with the much perkier “Over My Head!”. This release, which has elements of drum ‘n bass and perhaps even hip hop, uses a similar-sounding synth backdrop that reminds me of 60’s go-go music, as well as a spoken/sung vocal style, but additional layers of production give it some added zing which will grab your attention. “Over My Head!” is a brisk, rhythmic track that is one of DLG.’s best releases of the year thus far.
MIKALYN, “Prisoner”
Mikalyn is a promising new pop singer from Guelph, Ontario (just west of Toronto) whose style seems to fall into the relatively new dream pop sub-genre. Her beautiful, poised tone is set to an atmospheric backdrop in “Prisoner” which tells the story about a relationship that is going nowhere, and you know that the only way to fix it is to end it. The hopeful message and soothing tone of the song sound fresh and “Prisoner” is a candidate for all of those morning playlists to help elevate your day.
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 30 times/week on online radio stations around the world.
The pairing of two electronic producers, Australia’s Throttle and L.A.’s Helloworld with “Weightless Feeling”
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK
“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”.
Bay area electronic dance producer Jay Bird with “Losing My Mind”
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.
L.A.-based producer Kouss with vocalist Anna Kline with “Can’t Go Back”
“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.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu (1970)
Delaney & Bonnie and Friends – Only You Know And I Know (1971)
The Band – The Shape I’m In (1970)
Steppenwolf – Born To Be Wild (1968)
Lovin’ Spoonful – Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind (1966)
25 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s
Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 25 years.
2022 JIMI, Francesco Yates
2021 SANCTUARY, Howen & Robbie Rosen
2020 UNDO MY HEART, Karen Harding & Digital Farm Animals
2019 PUSH, Kazaky
2018 PHANTOM OF THE DANCE FLOOR, Kiesza featuring Philippe Sly
2017 SHOW ME, Loud Luxury featuring Nikki’s Wives
2016 NATIVE SON PREQUEL (Jeneau remix), Gramatik featuring Leo Napier
2015 LET YOU GO, River Tiber
2014 I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE, Sam Smith
2013 REWIND, Neverest
2012 SPECTRUM, Zedd featuring Matthew Koma
2011 LASER GUNS UP, Simon Curtis
2010 LOVE PART II, Bright Light Bright Light
2009 SYMPHONIES, Dan Black
2008 SPIRALLING, Keane
2007 APOLOGIZE, Timbaland featuring One Republic
2006 FUTURESEX/LOVESOUND, Justin Timberlake
2005 PRETTY VEGAS, INXS
2004 LOLA’S THEME, The Shapeshifters
2003 SUPERFABULOUS, BT featuring Rose McGowan
2002 SPIN, Lifehouse
2001 BLACK BLACK HEART, David Usher
2000 TWISTED TENDERNESS, Electronic
1999 THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE, Everything But the Girl with Deep Dish
1998 FOOLISH LOVE, Rufus Wainwright
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