I continue to try to mix it up with the songs that stand out and I choose to write about every week in this Report. In some weeks it’s difficult to whittle it down to eight songs given the amount of new songs I listen to in a week.
Please note that since I will be travelling over the upcoming Labour Day weekend here in Canada, the next report will appear on Thursday, September 5.
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’ Classic Five conjures up selections of rock classics from the 70’s and 80’s. And in case you missed them on Monday, 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.
LIVE, DEAN DELEO, “Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin’)”
Even when you’re not looking, sometimes the new releases will take you by surprise. I had no idea singer/songwriter Ed Kowalczyk was back using the Live moniker (since there are no other original members left but him after acrimonious fallouts occurred), but if “Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin’)” is any indication, then it will be worth keeping an ear out for what’s next. “Lady Bhang” takes me back to the mid-90’s when I saw the group perform in concert three times (including for their debut album) and bought all of their CD’s from that era. Songs like “Selling The Drama”, “All Over You”, “Lakini’s Juice” and “Operation Spirit” will be forever in my music rotation. The addition of Stone Temple Pilots’ guitarist Dean Deleo is a real coup too. The song itself is the best that I’ve heard from Live since the 90’s. With its fierce musicianship, urgent vocal and mysterious lyrics, “Lady Bhang” is a winner.
VANESSA WILLIAMS, “Come Dance With Me” (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman 808BEACH Jukebox remix)
With her recent “Legs (Keep Dancing)” (which recently reached #7 on the BILLCS Top 30) having launched a comeback for the singer and actress whose popularity was at its peak in the 1990’s, Vanessa Williams has followed it up with her fifth album and first since 2009, Survivor. The album is a mix of new songs and some standards, with contributions by the likes of Wynton Marsalis, André Cymone, and Mic Murphy (of The System) and a stellar cast of musicians and vocalists. And yes, “Come Dance With Me” is the Frank Sinatra standard, but on the album you get it two ways, with a traditional interpretation, and John “J-C” Carr and Bill Coleman’s playful dance mix, which immediately made me think of the sophistication of The Manhattan Transfer and Dr. Buzzard’s Original “Savannah” Band. Needless to say, Vanessa is right in her element with a classy vocal. Club DJ’s should not sleep on this mix of “Come Dance With Me” – someone in the audience always knows standards, and will make the most of it on the dance floor.
MERCER, “Le Sud”
French dance producer Mercer has been prolific as of late, but he’s not sacrificing quality for quantity. “Le Sud” is an enchanting disco-flavoured ode to the south of France, and like me, if you’ve ever been there, the melody will transport you back to the warm sea breeze, the sunshine, the food, and the nightlife. Because of Celine Dion’s captivating performance of “L’hymne d’amour” at the Summer Olympics in Paris, the uncredited Edith Piaf-like vocal will catch people’s attention, and “Le Sud” is a perfect vehicle for club DJ’s to draw out patrons to the dance floor.
BILLIE EILISH, “Chihiro” (Jerin James remix) (free download)
I’ve written about the music of southern California-based electronic dance producer Jerin James many times, and another way to get to know him and his craft, is to check out his whitelisted remix of Billie Eilish’s “Chihiro”. It’s no wonder that Billie’s team gave a green light to Jerin because his version of the song transforms it into something they would have never thought of. In fact, I prefer it to the original, which I find too languid and repetitious. The house rhythm lends a tautness to the song, and Jerin’s synths and effects let it evolve into an unanticipated but pleasing direction. If anything, I think this remix of “Chihiro” could have even been longer and would not have lost any of its effect. Do support this one by visiting Jerin’s Soundcloud page (click on the photo above) and pressing the free download button while it’s there!
MOONWOOD, “Dreams
Australian rock quintet Moonwood returns with “Dreams”, the kind of pop song that never goes out of vogue, yet the whole idea of such a song seems very foreign to radio stations right now. Given the now-confirmed reunion of Oasis, I’d certainly pitch “Dreams” to fans of that band as well as other similar rock bands of the late 90’s and early 2000’s like Manic Street Preachers or Arctic Monkeys. Over the past few years, Moonwood have had the penchant for creating earnest, well-played rock tracks that would sound great in a concert setting, and their song “Curfew” got to #5 on the BILLCS Top 30 at the top of the year. “Dreams” was concurrently released with another new song called “Ghosts” so be sure to check them both out.
TYLER GARRETT, “Sanctuary” (House Mix)
“Sanctuary” is another compelling and enjoyable slice of emotional electronica by L.A.’s Tyler Garrett. This one goes a bit deeper than some of his other recent singles by combining trance vibes with deep house beats, and a romantic story with a sense of urgency. The House Mix of the song plays out just a tad better than the original mix and should have no problem finding a home in dance clubs that play darker electronic tunes with trance vibes. It’s another stalwart effort by Tyler, who is becoming much more consistent with his brand of dance music and developing variety within the genre.
SEAN SMITH, “Little Song”
It takes a lot to turn rather sad circumstances around into a positive and optimistic story, and UK singer/songwriter Sean Smith has done just that with “Little Song”. Sean and his wife have been trying to start a family, which unfortunately has resulted in pregnancies that ended early. And so “Little Song” puts some extra encouragement out into the world as Sean sings about waiting for and welcoming a child, whenever s/he comes into the world. For anyone that has been through these circumstances before, the song will bring on some tears, so keep a box of tissues handy. Those who were successful in conceiving a child after a number of attempts will identify with Sean’s story. As a parent of two myself (now adults), our children are precious and there is nothing in the world like parenthood and guiding a child through the different stages of life, however difficult they may be. I wish Sean and others in the same situation every opportunity and hope that their wishes come true.
LILY LANE, “Crisis”
Boston-born, NYC-based singer/songwriter Lily Lane is back with “Crisis”. You may not associate that word with falling in love, but Lily has picked that special point in time when your adrenaline is racing, you’re happy, and you can’t wait for what’s next – a crisis of love. Lily, who was previously a social media star and is the sister of Tucker Halpern of the Grammy-nominated duo Sofi Tukker, has one of those potent, ear-catching and versatile voices, and it’s used to great effect in “Crisis” against some big synths and high energy. The subtler moments of the song cry out ‘oooh I’m in love” and listeners will be more than happy to revel in them with her. Lily’s song “Bad” also got to #9 on the BILLCS Top 30 a few years back, so I’m looking forward to hearing more from her.
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 now debuts each Wednesday at 10pm EST on The Big 20 on Halton Hills Radio Online.
“Pretty Baby” is the single recently performed on “America’s Got Talent” by Canadian contestant Alex Sampson
“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”.
British alt.rock duo Good Neighbours with “Daisies”
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”, and both shows include my New Music Pick of the Week segment. Hunter’s shows are anchored at Energy 885 and he can also be heard weekdays at 2pm EST on Party Dog Radio.
New York City singer/songwriter Hayes Warner with her new track “Predator”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, usually heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST and is slated to return next week! 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.
The Doors – L.A. Woman (1971)
Doobie Brothers – Black Water (1975)
Supertramp – It’s Raining Again (1982)
Don Henley – Dirty Laundry (1982)
Billy Joel – Pressure (1982)
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
“Mi Amor” by Sam Feldt, JVKE and Anitta continues at #1!
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
It’s Kygo and Hayla and “Without You”, from Kygo’s self-titled album, which soars 21-11.
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