It often takes until the Grammy Awards for the start of big new releases in a new year. And so within a week we had a new album by The Weeknd and a new single from Lady Gaga, which is a throwback to her Born This Way era and just what we might have needed. I haven’t seen the Grammy Awards get so many rave reviews as I have this year. My perspective is always tainted by the politics in the way, and for the most part they did a decent job of hiding that in plain sight, so to speak.
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, while vacationing in Australia, has sent in his Classic Five choices, all from 1976! And you’ll also find out what the BILLCS Top 30 looked like this week 20 years ago – 2005!
Note: Next week’s report will publish on Thursday, February 13 rather than on Wednesday.
Reminder: Click on the photos below to listen to the songs. If the song has a video, a You Tube link is now provided underneath the artist and song title.
MICHAEL MEDRANO, “Martini (Shots)”
About the artist: L.A. based pop/dance artist Michael Medrano has released his latest album called The Penthouse, which includes the single “Hollywood”, the Madonna cover I wrote about recently.
About the record: “Martini (Shots)” is the album opener and with its propulsive, seductive techno-house rhythm draws you into Michael’s naughty NSFW world of The Penthouse. And Michael has certainly found his niche in the dance music world, making fun music like this without losing his integrity. Going back to disco days, dance music has always had a provocative, subversive side that revolves around innuendo, which gets stretched a bit further in the album. It’s not for everyone, but it’s fascinating for those willing to explore with Michael.
Other comments: The Penthouse also includes previously released singles “Tom Hardy”, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, “Pornstar”, and “Karma”.
KACEY FIFIELD, “Hold Ur Peace”
About the artist: Kacey Fifield is the 20 year old vocalist and musician from L.A., currently attending school in NYC. When not focused on her studies, she is attracting her loyal social media following to her shows.
About the record: “Hold Ur Peace” features an explosion of energy which will attract fans of The Go Go’s as equally as fans of The Beaches. Like “Dream Girl” and “Never Reply”, it’s a guitar-soaked rocker created in conjunction with producer/writer Mike Pepe, known for his work with The Struts and Cassadee Pope. It’s fresh and vibrant, and shows that Kacey can cross the line between pop/rock and dance/pop with ease whenever she likes.
Other comments: “Hold Ur Peace” has an immediately catchy chorus, and a dynamic vocal by Kacey, easily one of my three favourites by her to date. Don’t miss this one!
THE KNOCKS, DRAGONETTE, “Revelation”
About the artists: NYC production duo The Knocks have released three albums to date and are club and festival favourites thanks to their positive strides to unite dance music lovers at their events. Dragonette is now solely award-winning singer/songwriter Martina Sorbara, best known for her hit with Martin Solveig “Hello”, and also Dragonette’s previous collaboration with The Knocks, “Slow Song”, which in fact one of both artists’ best known songs.
About the song: I think the “Revelation” being explored here is the universal theme of doing whatever it takes to be happy in our life, which is something that sure includes music and dancing. It’s one of Martina’s best vocals amid The Knocks’ new found fascination with crisp, bright sounds in favour of deep, darker synths. It’s definitely a continuation of what they started last year, particularly with “Lover” and “All The Time/Tout le temps”, which both landed in the Top 10 of the BILLCS Top 30.
Other comments: The last time I saw a show by The Knocks was in 2018 in NYC, and though they have been consistently performing smaller gigs, they’re overdue for some bigger shows. I’d love to hear in concert what songs I’ve been digging since that time. The music scene needs more shows like “The Knocks and Friends” again!
FRANCESCO YATES, “Better Half”
About the artist: Francesco Yates is the versatile indie Toronto vocalist and guitarist best known in the last decade for “Better To Be Loved” and his vocal on Robin Schulz’s worldwide smash “Sugar”, which is still played at festivals all over the world.
About the record: It’s been a while since Fran returned to his softer side, which we first heard late last year with “Acapella”. When he’s not smashing it with his wicked guitar work, he can scale things back beautifully to show off his silky, soulful voice. There’s always an audience for gorgeous, polished songs like “Better Half”. Fran’s audience is that much older now too, though “Better Half” can easily continue to woo his younger listeners too.
Other comments: Francesco Yates has had 8 entries on the BILLCS Top 30 including the 2023 #1 “Jimi”. I’d love to see “Better Half” and other upcoming releases draw in the R&B crowd.
RONSKI SPEED, HARSHIL KAMDAR, GREG OAKLAND, TARA LOUISE, “The Good Times”
About the artists: Ronski Speed is a German dance producer who has been making music for more than 25 years. It’s funny how small the world has become with streaming, because I hadn’t heard of him before now. Conversely, Harshil Kamdar is an 18 year old dance producer from New Jersey but originally from India. Greg Oakland is a NYC-based dance producer who graced the BILLCS Top 30 in 2023 with “Never Temporary” (#5) which also features the stunning voice of vocalist/songwriter Tara Louise.
About the record: “The Good Times” is euphoric, trance-flavoured dance music that reminds me a lot of what was coming out of Europe between 2000 and 2009. It’s a lush, melodic track guaranteed to make you feel great. I’d pitch the song to fans of the genre who enjoy Above & Beyond as much as they would Cascada.
Other comments: The three producers and vocalist all show off their craft and collaboration skills well, and we need more songs “The Good Times” to keep the great vibes going in 2025 as we approach festival season.
CHURCH OF TREES, “Mystery Boys”
About the artist: Church of Trees is an Ottawa alternative rock collective led by vocalist/keyboardist Bernard Frazer, which weaves its repertoire from the last decade in 80’s new wave synthpop and progressive electronic flavours.
About the record: “Mystery Boys” does indeed offer up some mystery in its lyrics – who are these foreboding characters and why should we fear them? It’s a compelling release that portrays elements of a “1984”-ish society, with Bernard trading off vocals with Stella Panacci, and they both sound great amid the slick rhythm section which includes guitar and drums.
Other comments: “Mystery Boys” comes in advance of Church of Trees’ next album Thief of Joy, scheduled for a late Spring release. The song was mixed by noted producer Mark Plati, who worked with David Bowie in the 90’s and early 2000’s.
BRAAHEIM, ANGELO BASHAM, FELIX AVERIAN, “Mountain King (Rave It Up)”
About the artists: Braaheim is a Norwegian dance producer who has acquired a sizeable following over the last four years. Angelo Basham and Felix Averian are German dance producers, with Angelo having had some of his songs previously featured in this blog.
About the record: “Mountain King (Rave It Up)” is a fun techno-bounce that doesn’t let up for its 2:18 length, a bop that could easily energize a club set, and an ID could find its way to festivals. And yes you’ve heard that melody before, it’s Edvard Grieg’s classical piece “In the Hall of the Mountain King” that serves as the basis for the song, which also features a playful uncredited female vocal.
Other comments: I could also hear “Mountain King (Rave It Up)” in a wacky video game or animated cartoon setting, so there is plenty of sync potential too.
EARTH CADET, “Silhouette”
About the artist: Earth Cadet is a hard rock/grunge trio led by Sam Edmonds and hails from Bendigo, which is north west of Melbourne in Australia. To date the band has released several singles and an EP called Tales From The End.
About the record: “Silhouette” is probably the hardest core grunge song I’ve heard in a long time. Earth Cadet’s big guitars, fuzzy production, and overall Pearl Jam-meets-Smashing Pumpkins sound take pages right out of the 90’s, and minimal embellishments give “Silhouette” a live-off-the-floor feel. The vocal is more what you might hear in metal releases but works well in the big picture.
Other comments: “Silhouette” is the opening track on Tales From The End, which includes five other songs. Earth Cadet has also released a few singles recorded live to give you a taste of what you might expect at a show.\
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. Here are my picks for this week and last week.
It’s Swiss singer Luca Hänni’s ode to self-care and self-worth, “Love Me Better”
“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 which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.
From his EP A Minute, it’s UK singer/songwriter Myles Smith with “Nice To Meet You”
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, and is newly anchored at Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.
“I Dare You” is a collaboration between country music stars Rascal Flatts and The Jonas Brothers
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, where you can also now hear my Retro Pick of the Week. The 3D Variety Show is now on hiatus, returning in April 2025. 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.
ABBA – Fernando
Bee Gees – You Should Be Dancing
Elton John & Kiki Dee – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
Wings – Silly Love Songs
Bellamy Brothers – Let Your Love Flow
BILL’S RETRO PICK OF THE WEEK
My Retro Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world, including those mentioned above. It debuts Saturdays on Russ Horton’s Top 40 Timeline on UK National Radio at 1pm EST.
From his album The Secret of Association, it’s Paul Young with his 1985 cover of Ann Peebles’ “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down”
BILLCS TOP 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2005
20 years ago finds 19 year old “One Tree Hill” star Tyler Hilton atop the chart with “The Letter Song”, a concert favourite from his debut album The Tracks Of Tyler Hilton. The only artist on the chart who appears on the latest BILLCS Top 30 is Alicia Keys, and radio was playing a medley of “Karma” and “Superstition” at the time. There’s a little bit of everything on this chart, including the debut of The Killers’ classic “Mr. Brightside”
01 01 THE LETTER SONG Tyler Hilton
03 02 I LIKE THE WAY Darren Hayes
04 03 1, 2 STEP Ciara featuring Missy Elliott
05 04 RUN Naomi Striemer
02 05 MY MY MY Armand Van Helden
09 06 DON’T DANCE CLOSE TO ME soulDecision
14 07 GET UP STAND UP Stellar Project featuring Brandi Emma
08 08 BEAUTIFUL SOUL Jesse McCartney
06 09 SENSE OF HUMOUR Darren Hayes
10 10 DOES HE LOVE ME Keshia Chante featuring Foxy Brown
12 11 TRUE Ryan Cabrera
18 12 KARMA Alicia Keys
19 13 SUNDAY MORNING Maroon 5
15 14 ALIEN Mitchell Hunter
17 15 SAD EYES Liam Titcomb
21 16 HOME Michael Buble
07 17 BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS Green Day
24 18 MY HARLEM LULLABY Mase
28 19 THE WEEKEND Michael Gray
22 20 KISS THE WALLS soulDecision
26 21 SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN U2
25 22 CAUGHT UP Usher
30 23 THE MAN I USED TO BE K-Os
11 24 THEY MIGHT SAY Mitchell Hunter
13 25 FALL BEHIND Naomi Striemer
16 26 GIVE IT ALL AWAY Ben Jelen
23 27 SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW Keane
20 28 THE WONDER OF IT ALL (Escape 2 Gomi Mix) Kristine W
NEW 29 MR. BRIGHTSIDE The Killers
NEW 30 ELEANOR Low Millions
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