This week’s Report offers a host of new music by a number of familiar names as well as a few new ones too, led by a song by an artist who is soon releasing her first album of new music in more than 10 years.
Do make sure you check out my daughter VXTORIA‘s debut electronic dance single called “Back To You”, available on all platforms. Any saves and shout outs would also go a long way!
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”. If you missed them, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30 this week.
Reminder: Click on the photos below to listen to the songs, usually with a Spotify link unless otherwise indicated.
SUZANNE VEGA, “Chambermaid”
About the artist – Suzanne Vega had a Top 5 hit in 1987 with “Luka”, and another with a dance rework of her acappella track “Tom’s Diner” by producers DNA in 1990. She went on to great success through the 90’s, with her songs embraced mainly by alternative rock stations. “Chambermaid” is from her first album of new songs since 2014 called Flying With Angels.
About the song – Fans of “Luka” and its album Solitude Standing will find Suzanne in fine form on “Chambermaid”, which I got to hear her perform in concert last month – I had seen her perform previously in 1987! The titular chambermaid works for a “great man”, but sees herself as much more a part of his life than as a worker. The song has inferences of innuendo and humour, which always make listening to the music of Suzanne Vega such a pleasure.
Other comments – Flying With Angels is one that Suzanne Vega fans will want to stream and perhaps own. I heard some of her finest new songs in years in concert, and “Chambermaid” is a great introduction to them.
JARED LEE, “Back 2 Life”
About the artist – Jared Lee is a familiar name to regular readers. He’s had four entries on the BILLCS Top 30, including last year’s solo ballad “Love No More”. He represented his state of Massachusetts on TV’s “American Song Contest”, reaching the semi-finals, and has written songs for Jason Derulo, Tiësto, and many others.
About the record – Jared has been featured on numerous tracks by dance producers such as Nicky Romero, GATTUSO, and Autograf, and it’s great to hear a solo release in a genre that suits his songs, vocal power and range so well. “Back 2 Life” is a melodic house track that harbours much needed early 2010’s euphoric vibes which fans of the genre will eat up.
Other comments – Jared Lee always makes music worth hearing and “Back 2 Life” deserves DJ support (and remixes), with lots of potential for national dance radio airplay.
SIMONE DENNY, “Diamonds Are Forever”
About the artist – Simone Denny is the undisputed queen of Canadian dance music, having won 5 Juno Awards through her releases with BTS (“Astroplane”), Love Inc. (“You’re a Superstar”) and Widelife (the “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” TV theme “All Things (Just Keep Getting Better)”). But Simone’s vocal talents go way beyond dance music as showcased in her solo album of pop, R&B and jazz, The Stereo Dynamite Sessions Vol. 1.
About the record – I salute whoever had the marvelous idea for Simone Denny to sink her teeth into Shirley Bassey’s classic “Diamonds Are Forever” from the 1971 James Bond film of the same name. Simone brings her own refined elegance to this stellar release, produced by Canadian musician Jono Grant, noted for his many film scores. It’s also part of Toronto musician and entertainment personality Jaymz Bee’s “Music for Secret Agents” series. It takes a powerhouse talent like Simone to even come close to the original so you can confidently listen to this cover and be dazzled. She’s also supported by a talented cadre of musicians who provide the necessary finesse.
Other comments – Simone recently appeared as a guest judge on Canada’s Drag Race season 5. She also headlined Manchester, England’s 2023 New Year’s Eve celebration. Simone, through the success of “You’re A Superstar”, remains very popular in the UK as well.
ROBBIE RIVERA, RON CARROLL, “Love Message”
About the artists – Robbie Rivera and Ron Carroll are both dance music legends. Puerto Rico born Robbie broke out of the UK when his track “Bang” reached the Top 20 on the singles chart, and he later signed with Ultra Records. He has a massive discography and has recorded under numerous aliases. He has even charted twice on the BILLCS Top 30 with “Girlfriend” and “One Eye Shut” reaching my Top 10. Chicago’s own Ron Carroll produces, sings and preaches the gospel of dance music – and when he preaches, everyone can’t help but listen. Ron most recently was featured on Mercer’s “Disco Sermon” and got to #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2018 singing on Mercer’s “Satisfy”.
About the record – If anyone is going to preach about love on a record and make it work it’s Ron Carroll. His undeniably convincing enthusiasm for his subject goes a long way, making his releases playable over and over again instead of once and done. Robbie’s arrangement is scaled back when Ron is speaking and he knows when to rev it up in-between all the words.
Other comments – Love is definitely the most important message in music right now and I hope this one spreads through clubs to festivals and beyond.
WAITING FOR SMITH, “I Like Life”
About the artist – Waiting for Smith is Netherlands-based, British singer/songwriter Harry Lloyd. As featured several times in these blog pages, Harry’s songs are feel good, often folk-flavoured efforts that capture snapshots of the moment. The songs on his 2024 album Raised Up have had more than a million streams, and his videos are guaranteed to change your mood. His artist name Waiting for Smith comes from the surname of a drummer who always showed up late for rehearsals.
About the song – Less is more in “I Like Life”. The upbeat arrangement is pretty minimal, allowing Harry to have full reign to empower another worthy message about peace, love and freedom. Ultimately, at the end of the song, he asks the listener for help when “I’m drowning” – and who wouldn’t help out a guy so fascinated by life.
Other comments – “I Like Life” is a jaunty pop/folk track that will go over even better in concert. Let’s hope that the music of Waiting For Smith will be successful enough in 2025 for Harry to bring his show to North American shores where we can all sing along together.
KOUSS, JOSH NICHOLS, “The Moment”
About the artists – Kouss is a Florida-born multi talent who started off as a drummer until a car accident sidelined him from playing. That’s when he took up producing his own music, some of which you’ve already read about in these blog pages. Big-voiced Josh Nichols once again provides the vocals as he did for Kouss’ previous release “Lifeline”.
About the record – “The Moment” is an uplifting pop/dance track that reminds me of songs by One Republic and Coldplay. Kouss puts all the needed sonic touches in place to fill you with the sense of wonder and amazement that the best moments of our life can offer. Ultimately “The Moment” succeeds in taking you away from reality for three minutes, as good music should always do.
Other comments – Kouss has been working on an EP for release later this year.
CHRIS CHURCH, “She Looks Good In Black”
About the artist – Chris Church is a veteran acclaimed indie musician and songwriter from North Carolina who has recorded more than 10 solo albums and has also been a part of a number of bands, whose styles ranged from power pop to progressive rock/metal.
About the record – “She Looks Good in Black” is a captivating, jangly rock track that recalls some of the best pop/rock of the late 80’s and early 90’s whose sound you don’t hear much of these days in the mainstream. It’s best represented by songs by groups like The Traveling Wilburys, Del Amitri, The Smithereens, and Blues Traveler, whose music would now be categorized in the sub-genres of Americana or Triple A for radio play. Chris has an earnest, laid back rock style that would go down easy at the live shows for which he is particularly noted.
Other comments – Chris’ latest album is Obsolete Path, which you can check out for his diverse takes on a variety of styles of rock music which incorporate country, folk, blues and R&B elements.
KAIRVINA, “Eternal”
About the artist – Kairvina is a new singer/songwriter based in Mumbai, India who fuses pop, R&B and folk into her songs. She’s influenced by other artists like Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith who provided their own unique takes on pop music during their short lives.
About the record – “Eternal” falls into the sub-genre of dreampop quite easily. Kairvina has a voice with natural tones that are best when they flow freely as she expresses herself in “Eternal”. The song represents taking a step back to look at life when things aren’t going your way, as well-stated in her press release, “through the lens of confusion, chaos, and good ol’ self deprecation”. Her poised vocal keeps you hanging on her lyrics while steering you gracefully through the song’s nearly five minutes.
Other comments – College radio stations should embrace “Eternal” and the eccentric but appealing style that Kairvina has to offer.
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.
One of this year’s big breakout talents could be singer/songwriter sombr with “back to friends”
“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”.
It’s “Andy (A Guy Like You)” from the new album by The Waterboys called Life, Death and Dennis Hopper
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”, is also back on Saturdays at 5pm EST on Energy 885.
As DJ Hunter describes it, “the sweetly depressing and very catchy” Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else by Benson Boone
“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 later this month. 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 Musicman is on a travelling day back home from Australia, so his Classic Five will return next week.
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.
It’s the 1966 hit “Time Won’t Let Me” by The Outsiders, featuring the voice of Sonny Geraci, later known for “Precious & Few” by Climax
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” keeps the MAYHEM up top for a third appearance (six weeks)
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
Magic Bronson’s irrepressible “Good Dogs” has the honours this week, moving up 16-9
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