I have some upcoming travel again next week, and I hope to publish the next Report sometime on Wednesday March 26, which is a travel day for me. If this isn’t doable, then it may appear on Tuesday March 25 instead. I hope not to cancel all together but that could happen too due to lack of preparation time.
As some of you know, my daughter, whose artist name is VXTORIA, has a dance music single coming soon, and this travel is related to that. More about this exciting time soon! In the meantime, enjoy this week’s Report!
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, which are from the classic pop years of 1969-1971! You’ll also find out what songs were on the BILLCS Top 30 this week in 2006!
Reminder: Click on the photos below to listen to the songs, usually with a Spotify link.
JAY BIRD, “Do It Like Me”
About the artist – Jay Bird is a familiar name to regular blog readers. He’s a Bay area dance producer whose sound lately has been refined into party-friendly house and deep house tracks.
About the record – “Do It Like Me” foregoes lyrical songwriting this time in favour of a repeated and very catchy two line verse. Jay Bird looks back to the 80’s for this one, highly reminiscent in song structure of the early days of house music. His one-two-three punches though are the two line verse, a distinct popping synth sound that you won’t here anywhere else, and a classic house riff. “Do It Like Me” is heaps of fun, and club DJ’s could spin it alongside songs by Fisher and Dombresky to keep the party going.
Other comments – “Do It Like Me” is one of Jay Bird’s best releases so don’t miss out on the fun! It’s included on Space Yacht’s compilation Tech My House Vol. 8.
MERCER, PROVI, “Remember Me”
About the artists – Both are producers from France. I’ve written about the releases of Mercer (aka Nicolas Mercier) many times and he’s scored three #1’s on the BILLCS Top 30 with “The Only One” (with Cerrone), “Aretha” and “Satisfy”. ‘Remember Me” follows up his EP Neo Disco 4. Provi (aka Anthony Provenzale) hasn’t been as recently prolific but had some popular dance releases in Europe.
About the record – “Remember Me” is a cover of the late 90’s European pop and North American dance club hit by The Blue Boy. It, like the original, samples a live recording by the late 70’s and 80’s R&B singer Marlena Shaw, “Woman of the Ghetto”. Mercer and Provi add a lot of disco house panache to update this memorable dance rave-up for clubs and festivals. It would actually make a solid companion to David Guetta and Sia’s recent release “Beautiful People”.
Other comments – Even in these days of streaming, there seem to be geographical lines with dance music culture, and the North American market could use some European crossover house pizzazz from songs like “Remember Me”.
NATHAN SYKES, “Pieces Of Me”
About the artist – Nathan Sykes is the Gloucester-born singer/songwriter who is (was?) 1/5 of British vocal pop group The Wanted. His debut 2016 solo album Unfinished Business reached #11 in the UK, and he had two North American dance hits, “Kiss Me Quick” (which also reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30) and “Over and Over Again” (with former GF Ariana Grande). Nathan released no music until The Wanted’s brief reunion before member Tom Parker’s sad passing from cancer in 2022.
About the record – “Pieces of Me” is a likeable, uplifting pop confection with a sweeping chorus which marks Nathan’s first solo work in nearly 9 years. He says that over the years he feels that people have only seen pieces of him, and that’s what the song is all about. And naturally when you’re in a high profile band like The Wanted, the music biz makes sure that people do only see what it wants you to see. So it makes perfect sense that this beautifully sung and produced release, co-written with Theo Hutchcraft of Hurts among others, is the launch to his comeback.
Other comments – While Nathan’s voice was one of The Wanted’s sweet secrets, I was rather taken aback with “Kiss Me Quick” in 2016 and how fine he sounded with a big, commanding voice as a solo artist. “Pieces of Me” is a lovely mid-tempo track, but given his track record, I will bet that something more pronounced and defining is in the works, and hopefully we’ll see him tour too.
JOTTI, “Sad For Life”
About the artist – Jotti is the performing name for Kansas-born, L.A. based pop singer/songwriter Jot Singh. “Sad for Life” follows up his recent single “Like You’re Mine”.
About the record – Sure, “Sad for Life” is a sad song underneath its exterior. But that wrapping is a lilting, carefree mid-tempo acoustic guitar-led pop melody. And as with “Like You’re Mine”, Jotti’s pitch-perfect vocal goes a long way, with a nice touch of falsetto along the way, and the three minutes of “Sad for Life” just sail by.
Other comments – Jotti is quite active on social media, regularly giving tastes of his performing skills through his originals and some choice covers. But live performances are what’s needed to elevate his profile and win over audiences with his naturally charming voice.
KACEY FIFIELD, “Saving Face”
About the artist – Currently attending university in New York City but hailing from Los Angeles, Kacey Fifield has been honing her craft as a versatile pop singer/songwriter these last four years. Her most recent releases, have included the energetic rocker “Hold Ur Peace” and the electronic pop ballad “Right Past Me”, both well written up in these blog pages!
About the record – “Saving Face” is an emotional, complex power pop ballad that’s all about bypassing the red flags that have appeared in a relationship to put on a false front for others and “save face”. Many of us have to do this at one time or another for various reasons, but Kacey’s lyrics and her committed vocal unfold the conflict underneath the happy face. The song features a big chorus, luscious synths and an 80’s flavoured melody that’s reminiscent of songs like Pat Benatar’s “We Belong” and The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame”.
Other comments – “Saving Face” is co-written and produced by L.A. musician David Hugo.
SHANE ALEXANDER, “Whole Lotta Stars”
About the artist – Based out of the Los Angeles area, Shane Alexander is a pop/folk multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer who has been releasing music for the last 20 years. He has opened for artists like Jewel, Styx, Suzanne Vega and Yes, had one of his songs featured prominently in a Chevrolet advertising campaign, and has played classic venues like The Ryman, Red Rocks, and The Greek Theatre. “Whole Lotta Stars” is among his first single releases since 2021.
About the record – The poignant melody of pedal steel guitar peppers the wide-eyed wonder of “Whole Lotta Stars” for those quiet moments in life when you wonder what else is out there and just soak in nature’s beauty. Shane’s earthy and earnest delivery, pristine production, and a variety of well-placed instruments (pedal steel, lap steel, glockenspiel, organ, saxophone) flesh out the song’s modest qualities into a much grander package.
Other comments – “Whole Lotta Stars” was recorded at Shane’s Buddhaland studio. There are 10 musicians/singers playing on this track, making quite a tight collective. “Whole Lotta Stars” is released in advance of Shane’s upcoming album Forever Songs.
BOY ARIES, “Shadow”
About the artist – Boy Aries is Toronto-area singer and model Jordan Radics, who was the lead singer of the group BLAJK in the late 2010’s. “Shadow” follows up his EP Sleep No More, which includes his single “Drive” (which reached #7 on the BILLCS Top 30).
About the song – Appropriately mysterious, “Shadow” uses Boy Aries’ deeper vocal tones to good advantage without making the song too bleak. The spoken-word parts certainly recall Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant’s spoken/sung vocals in songs like “What Have I Done to Deserve This”. “Shadow” is a particularly refreshing track because it really doesn’t sound like anything out there, and maintains a rich fascination all to itself.
Other comments – Boy Aries recently performed a live set at The Rivoli in Toronto, but it was while I was travelling, so I hope we’ll get to see him perform again soon!
LANDIKHAN, ISADORA MULVEY, “Ride or Die”
About the artists – Landikhan is a Madrid-based keyboardist, DJ and producer who has been honing his talents for many years in Spain. Isadora Mulvey is a rising singer/songwriter who performs regularly in Ibiza.
About the record – “Ride or Die” is a chill electronic track that reminds me of what Everything But The Girl first dove into in the late 90’s, alongside other British acts like Portishead and Massive Attack. Its feathery, hypnotic drum ‘n bass rhythm glides alongside Isadora’s touching, poised vocal in a song about the kind of friendship/relationship that continues on no matter what.
Other comments – “Ride or Die” is a pleasing, unique find in these days of excess music clutter. The artists need to work on augmenting their online profiles in order for their music to wider audiences. Don’t let “Ride or Die” slip by!
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.
David Archuleta takes on George Michael’s 1990 hit “Freedom”
“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 Green Day’s album Saviors, it’s “One Eyed Bastard”
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 anchored at Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week. His show “Pyjama Party”, also resumes this Saturday at 5pm EST on Energy 885.
It’s mystery artist Big Bunny Bob with “Don’t Be Afraid”
“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.
Tom Jones – She’s A Lady (1971)
Temptations – Run Away Child, Running Wild (1969)
Mama Cass – It’s Getting Better (1969)
Sly & The Family Stone – Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin (1970)
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – (We’ve Got) Honey Love (1969)
BILLCS TOP 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2005
Yes, even back in 2006 the BILLCS Top 30 was loaded with dance tracks, about 14 of them including a couple of pop crossovers, including pre-Swedish House Mafia member Axwell at #2 and rising producer David Guetta debuting at #24 (he first appeared on the chart in 2004).
09 01 WATCHIN’ Freemasons featuring Amanda Wilson
05 02 FEEL THE VIBE (TIL THE MORNING COMES) Axwell
04 03 FOR YOU I WILL (CONFIDENCE) Teddy Geiger
01 04 THUNDER IN MY HEART AGAIN (Miami Calling mix) Meck featuring Leo Sayer
06 05 S.O.S. (RESCUE ME) Rihanna
02 06 SORRY Madonna
08 07 SUMMER MOON Africanism Allstars
12 08 MESMERIZED (Freemasons remix) Faith Evans
03 09 PRECIOUS BOX (Shapeshifters remix) George Michael
11 10 FIRE Ferry Corsten
13 11 YOU GOT THE LOVE The Source featuring Candi Staton
14 12 MISSING YOU Tyler Hilton
07 13 UNWRITTEN Natasha Bedingfield
10 14 RUN Rex Goudie
24 15 TURN ON THE MUSIC Roger Sanchez featuring GTO
NEW 16 PERFECT LOVE Offer Nissim featuring Maya
17 17 ANALOGUE (ALL I WANT) a-ha
22 18 PERFECT STRANGERS INXS
23 19 OVER MY HEAD (CABLE CAR) The Fray
28 20 RAINDROPS Stunt featuring Molly Smitten Downes
16 21 YO (EXCUSE ME MISS) Chris Brown
18 22 SO SICK Ne-Yo
15 23 TALK Coldplay
NEW 24 IN LOVE WITH MYSELF David Guetta featuring JD Davis
29 25 GEEK IN THE PINK Jason Mraz
19 26 NO WORRIES Simon Webbe
20 27 HEARD EM SAY Kanye West featuring Adam Levine
30 28 I NEED SOME FINE WINE AND YOU, YOU NEED TO BE NICER Cardigans
21 29 SO MANY TIMES Gadjo
25 30 SPELLBOUND Sherrie Lea
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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