I’ve been glad to see the post-Grammy Awards uber-positive reaction to Bad Bunny’s wins. Like many others, I have heard his music but honestly, it’s not for me, though it’s evidently special for many listeners around the world, and makes me want to go back to visit Puerto Rico. It’s another case where the Global charts tell the story but not national ones. And while some radio stations may jump on a few of his songs again, they will quickly move on and focus on Taylor Swift’s “Opalite”, expected to top the charts for several of the coming weeks.
In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my new music and retro picks 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’ Classic Five gives a snapshot of releases from 1980. And you’ll also find out what songs were on the BILLCS Top 30 in a flashback chart to 2021 (five years, already?).
Reminder: Click on the photos to listen to the songs on Spotify.
WILL SWINTON, “Better Off”
About the artist: Will Swinton is a New Zealand born singer/songwriter/guitarist currently based in L.A. His raspy vocal is instantly recognizable and packs a lot of emotion, and he’s already reached the BILLCS Top 30 twice with “Harmless” (#2) and most recently “Find a Way” (#3).
About the record: Perspective is everything in a well-written pop song, and Will and his collaborators tackle a unique one in “Better Off”. Like with “Find a Way”, Will teased his Instagram followers with an excerpt of “Better Off” last year, and I’m so glad that the powers that be saw fit to release both songs. They are certainly two of my recent favourites, which “Better Off” capturing the perspective of a guy whose lover is torn between him and another guy, and while he wants to be supportive of her, he reconciles to himself that he should lose her in the end. It’s an achingly beautiful character study, with a particularly affecting vocal, that puts the listener in a “well, what would you do?” scenario.
Other comments: I’m looking forward to hearing where these releases are leading to for Will Swinton, who to me is one of the best new talents on the bubble right now.
ALEX SAMPSON, “Not Even Gone”
About the artist: Alex Sampson is a 22 year old Canadian singer/songwriter originally from Atitokan, Ontario, near Thunder Bay. Alex has a massive social media following and is a former contestant on America’s Got Talent.
About the record: When creating songs, some songwriters are tapping in to the audience’s need for more positivity, genuine emotion and compassion in a time when we are barraged by the opposite in media and social media. Whether it’s a bop like “WANT YOU!” or a touching reconciliation with younger years like “Growing Pains”, Alex has always struck me as a down-to-earth guy who isn’t afraid to let down his guard. “Not Even Gone” tackles loss gingerly, whether it’s the end of a relationship or something else, and features a tender vocal aside a minimal piano arrangement that then bursts into a splendid, cathartic full band dénouement that rocks out.
Other comments: I’m looking forward to hearing “Not Even Gone” – and seeing his young audience’s reaction to it – at Alex’s show in Toronto on February 22 at The Mod Club.
THE JAMES CLARK INSTITUTE, “Reluctantly in Love”
About the artist: The James Clark Institute is a Toronto-area rock quintet that tears a few pages out of the post punk, new wave era with their melodic Beatles-meets-Elvis Costello sound. They have released three albums and several singles to date.
About the record: “Reluctantly in Love” is an instant relatable earworm written and sung by James Clark that features its producer, Moe Berg (who has produced all of the JCI albums) crushing it on guitar. The sound is quintessentially Canadian, recalling contemporaries like Barenaked Ladies and Sloan (or even those Trans-Canada Highwaymen guys), but new wave legends like Nick Lowe and early Blur too. In another time and place, “Reluctantly in Love” would have caught on like wildfire on college and alternative stations before being dropped at Top 40 radio. That can’t happen today so be sure to put the song into your playlist for new music finds and spread the word. I was already pre-disposed to it from hearing it at JCI shows so I’m delighted it’s been released.
Other comments: James says “It’s me poking fun at myself. Seemingly, I’m not very good with commitment or so I’ve been told several times in the past.”
JON MULLANE, “Moon on Fire”
About the artist: Jon Mullane is a prolific Halifax-born singer, songwriter and guitarist who follows up his most recent single “Remember in November”.
About the record: “Moon on Fire” is a delectable pop, rock and country hybrid that explores the passion of being in love focusing around the title imagery. Like “Remember in November”, Jon has co-written “Moon on Fire” with the esteemed Michael Jay as well as Scott Barrier, who has written four Australian country #1’s. Jon’s affecting and committed vocal blends easily with suitably jangly guitar work and a classic, memorable melody, with production by Creighton Doane.
Other comments: “Moon on Fire” has loads of potential to be a multi-format crossover release.
COBI, “Peace & Harmony”
About the artist: Cobi is the L.A. based rock singer/songwriter who has been featured many times in my blog posts, going back 10 years now when he became a solo performer after his years as a member of rock band Gentlemen Hall.
About the record: While many of Cobi’s recent songs have been immersed in a bluesy style that recalls Hozier and Vance Joy with the precision of a James Bay, “Peace & Harmony” steps into a graceful and humble pop mode with themes that we should be hearing more often in pop songs these days. Relax and soak in all of the good vibes which includes Cobi singing in his fine upper register for part of the song.
Other comments: Like many of his other songs, “Peace & Harmony” is written and produced by Cobi. Enjoy the quiet power of positivity!
BATS IN THE PARK, “New York Fast Sex”
About the artist: Bats in the Park is the new artist name for Canadian singer and model Jordan Radics, who previously recorded under the name Boy Aries and was the vocalist in the acclaimed but shortlived Toronto band BLAJK.
About the record: With his gritty and distinct voice, Jordan captures a common viewpoint about New York in “New York Fast Sex” – it’s a place where you can get anything you want and be anyone you want to be. It has a certain rush about it that’s quite different from the slower, chill pace of L.A. And fast sex for some is indeed in the game plan, which keeps the imagery of a darker, seedier side of New York active. The song has an astute drawing power and you’ll feel tantalized for its nearly three minute running time.
Other comments: “New York Fast Sex” starts a promising rush for Bats in the Park, I’m happy to be along for the ride to see where it goes. Boy Aries’ “Drive” reached #7 on the BILLCS Top 30, and BLAJK had two chart entries, with “Lethal” reaching #6.
NATHALIE MIRANDA, “Lost Without Your Love”
About the artist: Nathalie Miranda is a London-based singer/songwriter whose songs straddle many genres. She follows up her most recent singles “Lazy” and “Jamais”.
About the record: It’s been a long time coming, having been written in 2016, but “Lost Without Your Love” arrives at a key time when llike-minded authenticity in pop music is key. Stylistically, the song veers between classic pop and country ballads. Here one of the key elements is Nathalie’s control and depth, which is great to hear after two very different previous releases, the fun and breezy “Lazy” and the powerful and anthemic “Jamais”. Her vocal is offset beautifully through harmonies from Colt McKay. Add spit and polish from produceer Simon Cookson, and you have a song that will linger with you.
Other comments: Add “Lost Without Your Love” to your playlist that can best showcase a warm pop ballad.
ANT THOMAZ, “Good times roll”
About the artist: Ant Thomaz is a Glasgow-based indie singer/songwriter whose family roots are also in Louisiana. He has busked on Glasgow streets, had his music played on the BBC, and participated in many local festivals.
About the record: The title is the tip off – if it had been “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (and yes I have been to New Orleans, twice) then you know that “Good times roll” is joyously immersed in Louisiana culture as well as soul, folk and zydeco styles. Ant’s sometimes semi-spoken vocal, particularly in the chorus, has roots in hip hop, but the overall vibe of the song is spirited and festive. Don’t be surprised if its unmistable groove overtakes you for a few well-earned minutes.
Other comments: “Good times roll” arrives at the perfect time for you to add it to your favourite party or Mardi Gras playlist.
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 “Blink” by Corbyn Besson & Taiwanese KPOP singer TZUYU
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 Canada-only hit “Drugs In My Pocket” by The Monks (1980)
“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 the bright sounds of Midnight Til Morning with “Heart on Fire”
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.
It’s “Aperture” by Harry Styles
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show (6 – 9pm EST Tuesdays) 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.
Loverboy – The Kid Is Hot Tonite
Billy Joel – Sometimes A Fantasy
Pat Benatar – Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Robert Palmer – Johnny & Mary
Air Supply – All Out Of Love
BILLCS TOP 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2021
Some of the music that helped me get thru the pandemic… and I’ve now seen the following performers in concert since this list: James Bay (twice), Francesco Yates (third time), Illenium (second time), NOTD, Deadmau5, Kiesza, grandson, and Justin Nozuka (probably fifth or sixth time).
02 01 NOBODY NOTD, Catello
04 02 LIKE GOLD Loud Luxury, Frank Walker, Stephen Puth
01 03 GIVE IT BACK The Disco Fries, GIIANTS, Allison Park
09 04 LUCID Rina Sawayama
06 05 CHEW ON MY HEART James Bay
08 06 LET’S GET TOGETHER Illyus & Barrientos, Karen Harding
11 07 SYNTHESIZER Faithless, Nathan Ball
10 08 SET ME FREE Oliver Heldens, Party Pupils, MAX
03 09 LATE NIGHT LOVE Francesco Yates
05 10 CHASING FEELINGS Jerome Price, Cally Rhodes
14 11 SINNERMAN Hot Since 82, Ed Graves
15 12 ALL ABOUT YOU The Knocks, Foster The People
21 13 TELL ME Bobby Harvey, Danny Dearden
18 14 HEARTS ON FIRE Illenium, Dabin, Lights
17 15 BRIDGED BY A LIGHTWAVE Deadmau5, Kiesza
19 16 AIRPLANE MODE Brandyn Burnette
20 17 JEALOUS Wizzay
22 18 FEEL SOMETHING Armin van Buuren, Duncan Laurence
07 19 FALLIN’ (ADRENALINE) Why Don’t We
25 20 DRIVERS LICENSE Olivia Rodrigo
28 21 NOT WATCHING ANYMORE Mahalo
24 22 DIRTY grandson
30 23 ESCAPE Jay Bird, Chrxstal Sarah
29 24 BY HEART DJ Shaan, Londin Thompson
13 25 FANTASY Saxity, Victor Perry, Robbie Rosen
16 26 NO ONE BUT YOU Justin Nozuka, Mahalia
NEW 27 STORIES Victor Perry, Cal1, L’Essay
NEW 28 SPACE MELODY Vize, Alan Walker, Edward Artemyev, Leony
NEW 29 BLUE Reigen
NEW 30 ARMS AROUND ME D!Xon
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