I have nothing else to add to this week’s Report, so I’ll let the music speak for itself!
In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this 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 song choices are some memorable ones from 1989. In case you missed them on Monday, you’ll also find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.
Reminder: Click on the photos to listen to the songs on Spotify.
MOONWOOD, “Where Are The Kids?”
About the artist: Moonwood is a rock band based in Sydney, Australia consisting of members who are Australian, American and Canadian. Although I’ve been writing about their music since 2021, the band’s music really caught fire with 2023’s EP Curfew Hours, from which “Curfew” reached #5 on the BILLCS Top 30.
About the record: “Where Are The Kids?” is the first new music from Moonwood in more than a year. It marks a significant change up for them, bringing us an urgent and emotional anthem that captures the essence of early adulthood, and the realization that it comes and goes a little too quickly before the reality of every day life catches up with us. Also new in the song is a bit more focus on synths, which adds another layer to Moonwood’s already tight sound. Jake McCullough’s vocal alternates between powerful and semi-sung, the latter of which makes the song highly relatable. It’s a touch long at almost 5 minutes but fans of My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy will enjoy this fresh spin on early 2000’s rock.
Other comments: I was pleased to meet up with Jake when I was in Sydney earlier this year, where we got a chance to talk music! You can watch for more great music from Moonwood, and lucky Aussies will get to see them again at some point soon in concert.
KRADRIFF, BUD CAHILL, “Shadows”
About the artists: Kradriff is a British electronic producer, and Bud Cahill is a NYC-based electronic producer AND violinist whose songs have appeared in these blog pages. Bud’s “Intergalactic Journey” reached #5 on the BILLCS Top 30 at the top of the year.
About the record: “Shadows” is a huge and unexpected 90’s flashback for me, production-wise. It captures the ambiance of early 90’s releases by Enigma (Michael Cretu), while providing a mix of progressive and techno flavours. Best of all, Kradriff makes Bud Cahill’s violin shine, and there’s even a bar in the melody that recalls Jam & Spoon’s “Right in the Night” for me. It’s always great to hear real instruments mixed in with synths, and “Shadows” is a stellar example of how to do it.
Other comments: I’d be down for another collaboration between these two artists!
JUSTIN JESSO, “Stuck in the Middle”
About the artist: Justin Jesso is the energetic Chicago-based singer/songwriter who many of us saw on Kygo’s world tour during the last year. Despite being a go-to vocalist for several dance producers, he also continues to release solo music independently.
About the record: In “Stuck in the Middle”, Justin’s vocal really sparkles as he relates back a story of where none of us want to be found in a relationship – coasting along where nothing is happening. That doesn’t mean that being “in the middle” is without its good times. But it’s unsatisfying as a whole, and usually leads to a breakup. It’s an enjoyable release that gives hope for us all that being in the middle is just a temporary setback.
Other comments: As much as music fans connect some vocalists with their favourite producers, songs like “Stuck in the Middle” let the singer shine on their own terms. So be sure to check out your favourite dance music vocalist’s solo repertoire too and you’ll be rewarded!
SHAWN HOOK, “Dear Mr. Brown”
About the artist: Shawn Hook is a multi-talent originally from Castlegar, British Columbia who has scored hits in Canada and the US at Top 40 and Adult Contemporary radio, as well as on North American dance charts.
About the record: Following up more lyrically cutting songs like “Lie” and “Miss Me Too”, Shawn treads into darker territory with “Dear Mr. Brown”. By the time you hear more about “Mr. Brown” in the song, you’re gonna have to agree that karma’s gotta get this guy whoever he is. It’s a welcome change of pace from love songs for Shawn. His vocal is top notch and the vibe of the song is suitably creepy.
Other comments: “Dear Mr. Brown” is part of Shawn’s new EP, appropriately titled Rebuild, given his recovery from cancer these past few years.
MELØ, “New Way of Missing You”
About the artist: MELØ is Windsor, Ontario artist Carmen Rivolta, who has recently been releasing new music and performing in southern Ontario in follow up to his 2024 album Songs from the Spirit Box.
About the record: “New Way of Missing You” has several elements which make it somewhat of an 80’s throwback for me. It’s got a terrific jazzy guitar hook that reminds me a lot of late 70’s, early 80’s Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers or Toto, and a melody that recalls David Bowie’s 80’s work. MELØ’s vocal has a welcome bit of rasp, and as usual the production is high-calibre. Despite all of the older references, the overall sound is fresh and spirited for 2025.
Other comments: “New Way of Missing You” serves as the title of MELØ’s new four song EP, which includes “I Don’t Speak French”, which reached #7 on the BILLCS Top 30 earlier this year.
MERGUI, ZEVIA, “Nothing Gold Can Stay”
About the artists: Mergui is an Israel-born singer/songwriter now based in L.A. whose songs have been featured a few times this year in these blog pages. Not too much is known about Zevia, a Florida-based singer/songwriter whose songs are inspired by artists like Lana Del Rey and Lorde. She was named as one of People’s emerging artists of 2023.
About the song: “Nothing Gold Can Stay” is a refreshing song in a number of ways. It’s a softer pop song fully targeting the adult market, with strong vocal interplay by the two singers. What’s special is that it’s an unusually lyrical piece, which talks about all of our comforts – memories, happy places, being with someone you adore. I thought the title was unusual until I found that it is in fact borrowed from the title of a famous poem by Robert Frost. So enjoy who and what please you because even gold, in time, will fade.
Other comments: Be sure to add “Nothing Gold Can Stay” to a playlist of songs that keep you happy in your comfort zone.
GABE JAMES, “Electric Woman”
About the artist: Originally from Colorado, singer/guitarist Gabe James moved to L.A. a few years ago to hone his sound, which alternates between classic-inspired rock and country-flavoured rock.
About the record: “Electric Woman” is about finding that right person for you who makes you comfortable enough to move out of the notorious “friend zone”. You can’t fault Gabe for his choice in words or vocals which warmly and convincingly cross the t’s and dot the i’s that anyone’s object of affection would so appreciate. “Electric Woman” goes down easy and leaves you smiling, just as any song with a happy ending should do.
Other comments: Gabe occasionally performs live in L.A. in small club settings, so it’s a good idea to check out his Instagram posts.
N i G H T S, “Bad”
About the artist: N i G H T S is the lo-fi Philadelphia indie electronic duo of Corey and Evan, who straddle pop, rock, R&B and hip hop with their distinct sound. They’ve also been rather prolific lately, with “Bad” following up the very catchy “Addicted”, which I wrote about a few weeks back.
About the record: “Bad” shows how much N i G H T S likes to switch things up lyrically and vocally, while keeping the integrity of their signature fusion of styles. The lyrics in “Bad” come across almost like stream of consciousness, punctuated by an equally fragmented rap. So you’re left to some sleuthing while the story of someone who is bad for the protagonist plays out. The mystery is alluring, with another infectious melody, and the guys entice you back for multiple listens while you try to figure it all out.
Other comments: Why make it another single release? “Bad” is actually the title track from N i G H T S’ latest four song EP.
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 “Elevate” by British singer/songwriter and dance music performer Kelli-Leigh
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.
The Supremes got their first #1 song in 1964 with the classic “Where Did Our Love Go?”
“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 “Lemonade” by Louis Tomlinson from his album How Did I Get Here?
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 has now moved to Chicago-based Lake Radio Online where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week. Hunter is also on air Fridays on “Hot Hits with Hunter” on UK station Dodge Radio, and it too broadcasts the New Music Pick. Check the schedule for my New Music Pick of the Week on the blog home page near the bottom.
Retro rocker DownTown Mystic with “Somebody’s Always Doin;’ Something to Somebody”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show (6 – 9pm EST Tuesdays, now on hiatus till mid-November) where you can hear my Retro Pick of the Week on Tuesdays after 7pm EST. 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.
Madonna – Like A Prayer
The Bangles – Eternal Flame
Roxette – The Look
The B-52s – Love Shack
Paula Abdul – Straight Up
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
Conan Gray gets a second appearance at #1 with “Vodka Cranberry”
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
Conan also has the Fastest Riser with a highlight from his album Wishbone, “Eleven Eleven”, which appropriately rises 18-11!
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