The plus side of taking a week off of writing is that I usually end up with two weeks’ worth of songs to write about, and having to juggle around a bunch of new favourites is not a bad thing! So from piano ballads to the rocking son of a country superstar to summery reggae vibes to a comeback for an 80’s power pop band – it’s all here for you and more this week folks!
In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this week and last, 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 has this week’s Classic Five turns back the clock to songs from 1975. You’ll also find out what songs topped the BILLCS Top 30 over the last 27 years!!
Following up her her fantastic house collaboration with Toronto-area producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love” (at the following link: More Love), do check out my daughter VXTORIA‘s six song EP Dreamstate, which includes three more new songs, “Awaken”, “TMRW”, and “U&Me”. There are also the previous recent releases, the afrobeats-flavoured “Lost In Your Love”, at the following link: Lost; and “changes”, at the following link: changes. You can watch her in the video for her debut single “Back To You” at the following link: Back To You. Watch for the Las Vegas-set video for “More Love” coming soon!
BENEDICT CORK, “What It Is To Be Loved”, “Footnote”, and “Call Your Girlfriend” (Live from Bush Hall)
About the artist: Benedict Cork is the British singer/songwriter whose specialty is piano ballads. He has just released a deluxe edition of his 2024 album, now called Footnotes On A Hopeless Romance, adding six tracks onto the original album.
About the records: The original Notes album is solid, containing such varied tracks “Nice Guy”, “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)” and “Into The Arms of Another Love”, but somehow a track to truly anchor the album was missing. It may have been inadvertently saved for later, but “What It Is To Be Loved” (above) is one of Benedict’s best songs! The lyrics and melody are incredibly moving, and he’s rarely sounded better. It’s followed by a 49 second track called “Footnote” (featuring Andrew Scott), based on a poem by Becky Hemsley that will leave a huge lump in your throat. And Benedict’s piano-only live take on Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” (also above) is just drop dead gorgeous and does incredible justice to the original.
Other comments: Yeah – if you’re going to save or purchase a version of his album, go for the Deluxe Edition. You’ll thank me later!!
ELLIOT JAMES REAY, “Daydreaming”
About the artist: Elliot James Reay is a 23 year old singer/songwriter from Manchester, England, who holds no qualms about being inspired by and sounding like a mix of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. What’s different about Elliot than, say JVKE or Stephen Sanchez, who used a 50’s/60’s retro sound as their springboard, is that Elliot is writing originals that sound like they could have been part of that classic era.
About the record: Elliot’s voice will immediately turn heads. He’s simply got the style and delivery of classic pop crooners on “Daydreaming”. While his is the kind of music that goes ballistic on Tik Tok and Instagram and enough to get him signed to a major label deal, it’s one about which most tastemakers and critics will reserve their judgment. And there really is no need – “Daydreaming” is the real deal and will get its due in some form or another.
Other comments: Elliot has released his debut EP, All This To Say I Love You, and doesn’t have any bones about covering songs by Elvis or Roy on his socials, or confirming that stylistic inspirations are the likes of James Dean and Marlon Brando. Dig deep past the surface though, Elliot James Reay writes to fit his style, and he may be yet another big breakout of 2025.
SIRPAUL, “Dopamine” (SIRPAUL Disco 3000 remix)
About the artist: SIRPAUL is an artist and performer from New York City whose more than 25 year career has embodied dance music. He has just released his 11th album, Dopamine, his first in four years.
About the record: There are so many songs out there called “Dopamine”, but the title track of SIRPAUL’s latest album, in its “Disco 3000 remix”, might be the audio equivalent of that hormone. The song is feisty and disco-soaked, with one of SIRPAUL’s best recent vocals that basks in urgency. The remix begs for the company of disco dancers and mirror balls in a big and splashy New York City club setting.
Other comments: SIRPAUL has had a storied career and is well established in NYC, known for his commanding live performances. Don’t let this remix of “Dopamine” slip under the radar.
TRISTAN TRITT, “Wannabe”
About the artist: Tristan Tritt is the Georgia-born son of country Grammy Award winner Travis Tritt. While there’s obviously country roots in his music, there’s a lot of honest rock and roll flavour that fans of the genre will enjoy. He has released an EP and several singles to date.
About the record: “Wannabe” brings to mind influences like The Black Crowes and Tom Petty while fusing them with even harder-edged artists like Shinedown or Evanescence. Tristan’s got a great way with words, with imagery alluding to the Greek god Icarus given some new life and perspective in “Wannabe”. The song is a humble reckoning about who he is and where he came from, and the resulting sense of longing and freedom. He’s got a great, blues-inflected voice, and honestly very few similarities to his father, in this song anyway.
Other comments: “Wannabe” is a striking new release for Tristan Tritt, and he’s someone you’ll want to keep a watch for this year.
THE BOY FROM THE SOUTH, “Five Years”
About the artist: The Boy From The South is the performing name for singer/songwriter/guitarist Pedro Balaña, and the surprise release of “Five Years” follows up recent single “Older”, currently in the Top 10 of the BILLCS Top 30.
About the record: No doubt about it, “Five Years” is a bouncy, rambunctious, light-hearted bop where the protagonist is spinning his wheels over a five year period while the object of his affection strings him along. And while you might feel a little sorry for him, you realize by the end that he’s his own worst enemy for letting it all happen. You’ll enjoy the ride though as The Boy’s wordsmithing is in fine form, making the song’s infectious flavour go down easy.
Other comments: “Five Years” will appeal to fans of singers like Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson and Andy Grammer.
TYLER GUNN, “Love Is A Countdown Clock”
About the artist: Tyler Gunn is a 25 year old rock singer from my city, Toronto, who I last wrote about two years ago. To date, he has released a number of singles and an EP.
About the record: “Love Is A Countdown Clock” is potent and unflinching, and out to slay you with its barrage of guitars and percussion, quite a change up from “A Million Miles” from 2023. It wouldn’t have been out of place in the 90’s grunge and hard rock scene next to bands like Toad The Wet Sprocket or the Gin Blossoms. Tyler’s got a strong sense of melody and the song is engaging with its foreboding song title and overall theme. The vocal mix is raw, honest and convincing.
Other comments: After taking a break, “Love Is A Countdown Clock” might just be the reboot Tyler Gunn needs to take his passion to another level.
THE SPONGETONES, “Lulu’s In Love”
About the artist: The Spongetones is an acclaimed North Carolina-based power pop quartet that was originally formed in 1979 and released eight albums and an EP between 1982 and 2009. “Lulu’s In Love” is one of three new songs by the band, their first new music in 16 years.
About the record: “Lulu’s In Love” is feel good, jangly pop that takes direct inspiration from bands like The Beatles and The Searchers, and specifically the Merseybeat sound of 1964. Classic power pop like this sounds as good as in the early post-punk 80’s as it does now, just updated with bells and whistles that we didn’t have back then. It’s a wonder that The Spongetones were not more than a regional success in their halcyon days. They later travelled in the same circles as The Smithereens, Matthew Sweet, Don Dixon and Marti Jones – all of whose music I enjoyed immensely in the late 80’s and early 90’s – yet somehow did not get the same nation-wide breaks. Well sung and expertly played, “Lulu’s In Love” is a winner for inclusion in any of your sunshiny pop playlists.
Other comments: The Spongetones will release their album The 40th Anniversary Concert…And Beyond! next month, a live album of fan favourites with “Lulu’s In Love” and two other new tracks. College radio stations will particularly enjoy this one.
NATHALIE MIRANDA, “Lazy”
About the artist: Nathalie Miranda is a diverse pop singer based in London. We last heard from Nathalie earlier this year with her dynamic French language anthem “Jamais”.
About the record: A stylistic chameleon vocally from release-to-release, Nathalie aims for good vibes only with the reggae lilt of “Lazy”. With summer in full effect in the western world, “Lazy” is an ode to those days where you can decide simply to do nothing but kick back and enjoy the sunshine with great tunes and your favourite bevvy. You can create a playlist around it and include your favourite summery reggae favourites, and waste away the day however you like.
Other comments: If you want a companion piece for Nathalie Miranda’s “Lazy”, then look no further than Bruno Mars’ “The Lazy Song”.
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.
It’s the laid back, soulful sounds of “Stevie & Sly” by Young Gun Silver Fox
“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”.
A side project for British electronic group Jungle is Loaded Honey, who arrive with “Tokyo Rain”
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.
It’s sombr with his Top 40 radio hit “undressed”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, where you can hear my Retro Pick of the 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.
Bee Gees – Nights On Broadway
War – Low Rider
Jigsaw – Sky High
Simon & Garfunkel – My Little Town
David Bowie – Fame
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.
This week’s retro pick is a repeat airing.
27 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s
Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 27 years. 8 of these went on to be the #1 song for their respective years.
2024 FEEL LESS (String Version Live at The Warehouse), Felix Cartal, Lights
2023 LIKE CRAZY (English version), JIMIN
2022 ROMANCE WITH A MEMORY, Oliver Sim
2021 MYSELF IN YOU, Lordnox, Victor Perry
2020 RAIN ON ME, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande
2019 GOOD THINGS FALL APART, Illenium, Jon Bellion
2018 SUBTERRANEAN b/w ESTRANGED, Bobby Nourmand
2017 ATTENTION, Charlie Puth
2016 SO BAD (EDWYNN x TIKAL & Spirix remix) Brandon Skeie [aka Brandon Colbein]
2015 I WANNA BE (FREE), Brandyn Burnette
2014 TIDAL WAVE, Tristan Thompson
2013 VOCAL, Pet Shop Boys
2012 WAITING FOR THE FEELING, Bright Light Bright Light
2011 FLESH, Simon Curtis
2010 8BIT HEART, Simon Curtis
2009 MANNEQUIN, Noah
2008 AFTER TONIGHT, Justin Nozuka
2007 STEP INTO THE LIGHT, Darren Hayes
2006 I WANT YOU TO WANT ME, Chris Isaak
2005 WORDPLAY, Jason Mraz
2004 ROCK U, Laurent Konrad
2003 AS THE RUSH COMES (DJ Tiësto’s Exclusive Demo Mix), Motorcycle [aka Gabriel & Dresden]
2002 GOTTA GET THRU THIS, Daniel Bedingfield
2001 POP, *N Sync
2000 ETERNAL LIFE (“Mystery White Boy” live version), Jeff Buckley
1999 U DON’T KNOW ME, Armand van Helden, Duane Harden
1998 EVERYBODY HERE WANTS YOU, Jeff Buckley
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