I continue to read with interest about the current US court case where the Department of Justice is alleging that that Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, has an illegal monopoly for concert tickets that harms competition. The starting arguments for Live Nation don’t sound all too strong, which may lead to an early settlement that may mean money for people who have purchased concert tickets recently through Ticketmaster. It could also lead to legislation which allows Live Nation to continue to own Ticketmaster, but with directives on how it manages its concert bookings and ticket sales. We’ll see what unfolds. Some precedents could be set.
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 offers up selections that take us back 55 years to 1971. You’ll also find out what songs were in the Top 5 of the BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20-25 years ago – you’ll definitely be surprised at some of these.
The MAPL Tapes’ first two episodes have been well-received, so I am including its playlists in its own section as a regular feature below as well. I am posting all of its shows on Mixcloud every weekend and the link is also below.
Reminder: Click on the photos to listen to the songs on Spotify.
GREYSON CHANCE, “Red Flags”
About the artist: Greyson Chance is the Oklahoma-based former child piano prodigy who rose to fame after appearing on the “Ellen” TV show. In his 20’s he has morphed into a compelling indie alternative pop artist whose songs have appeared several times on the BILLCS Top 30, including the recent “Summertrain ’25” (#4) and “Flip the Record” (#6).
About the record: “Red Flags” is a story of resignation after possibly too many breakups. Having conquered some health-related and addiction issues, Greyson is now very much a talented, lovable underdog of sorts. The basis of “Red Flags” is unique to him, but he has broadened its scope and with its chorus’ closing line (also the last one in the song) made the message universal, and it also has a very flattering piano melody. Many of us go into our early 20’s thinking we have many answers about love because we are now adults, but then the self-realization hits at the end of the 20’s that we simply do not.
Other comments: This new era has got me wondering what a new Greyson Chance album will sound like, and I will be here for it!
GT_OFICE, MATTHEW TOPPER, MARTIAL SIMON, ZHIKO, “Easy” (VIP mix)
About the artists: GT_Ofice, Matthew Topper and Martial Simon are all American dance producers who recently collaborated on the dance radio hit “Two Hands”. ZHIKO (aka Calvin Scully) is an Irish singer/songwriter based out of London who has been releasing his own solo music while working with others like Mark Mendy and Sarah de Warren.
About the record: As much as I enjoyed “Two Hands”, “Easy” (VIP mix) is an elevated, euphoric slice of slamming 2010’s flavoured house. It benefits from ZHIKO’s fab and committed vocal and a terrific story that includes moments that many of us have lived through. And this includes “trying to make it easy” when you know it’s destined to fall apart. It’s a beautiful study in contrast that should become another dance radio hit for GT_Ofice and his talented pals.
Other comments: Hearing fun VIP mixes like this, I’m always ready for a more conscious return of big room tracks.
TRIBZ, “True Love”
About the artist: TRIBZ is a Canadian rock quartet of music veterans, featuring Juno Award winner Erroll Starr, ex-Moxy guitarist Earl Johnson, bassist Donny Hill, and drummer David Davidson. Earl and Donny are proud descendants from the Six Nation Reserve Confederacy, and Errol is an Adopted Member of ASMIN (Anishinabek Solutrean Metis Indigenous Nation), having also worked closely for many years with Indigenous musicians.
About the record: “True Love” is another dive into TRIBZ’ self-titled album, a slick mix of bluesy rock and soul that showcases Erroll’s potent depth and range and Earl’s splendid guitar work in a deliberate mix that fuels anticipation. You can hear influences or inspiration from artists like Santana, Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye. It’s the kind of song that will stop people in their tracks at a club and compel complete silence over a crowd.
Other comments: Prior to taking the name TRIBZ, the group was known as Long Black Cadillac (I wrote about the same-named song last summer at this link: Cadillac).
JAY BIRD, “No Exception”
About the artist: Jay Bird is the profific San Jose based dance producer whose name and releases you’ve seen in these blog pages many time. Jay Bird has found his niche in creating high quality disco house records.
About the record: With “No Exception”, Jay Bird takes a few steps sideways into creating sophisticated, soulful house music, and it’s also one of the more pop-flavoured songs he has released lately. The uncredited male vocal has great tone and is quite easy on the ears, and the rhythm and vibe of the song are inviting, creating that beckon to the dance floor that many songs miss. This one reminds me of 80’s releases by the likes of Ten City and Alexander O’Neal which fused together pop, soul and house music so successfully.
Other comments: The contemporary disco, or disco house movement, continues to grow across North America, with many well-attended shows usually in major cities.
TREY JOSHUA, “You You You”
About the artist: Trey Joshua is a new Toronto-based indie pop talent, whose recent track “Just Need You Around” I wrote about at the following link: Around
About the record: Trey is a bit of a musical chameleon, who seems to shift stylistically with ease, currently focusing on pop/rock. “You You You” is an edgy alternative rock track that reminds me of a lot of different talented artists but also no one in particular. And that’s not a bad thing as we’ve seen artists like Dominic Fike, Yungblud, Steve Lacy, and Omar Apollo all break through – some from DIY roots – with their unique approaches. Vocally, Trey reminds me of Why Don’t We’s Corbyn Besson and Shawn Mendes, but with “You You You” as a song more in the Mac DeMarco/Rex Orange County vein.
Other comments: “You You You” works on its own many merits and would not be out of place on alternative or college radio stations.
LIAM WALL, “8th Wonder”
About the artist: Liam Wall is an indie Nashville pop/rock singer/songwriter who came to my attention with his affecting, self-effacing track “Walking Red Flag”, which reached #6 on the BILLCS Top 30.
About the record: Liam flips his song theme from “Walking Red Flags” and “So” in “8th Wonder”, where the protagonist has fallen head over heels for someone. The song captures that giddy moment when you’re not sure what is happening and why. So he revels in it, and the “8th Wonder” in question is, of course, falling in love. I was immediately drawn to the positive energy of the song, which rocks out a lot more than some of Liam’s other songs in a full band sound, including a solid vocal.
Other comments: Liam Wall has yet to record an album, but that’s not a bad thing, as many indie artists are focusing on singles and EP’s which give listeners smaller, attentive choices from the artist’s repertoire to enjoy.
MCN2, “Late to the Party”
About the artist: MCN2 is the side project for Glaswegan dance producer/songwriter Jack McNeilage, who usually records (and sings) under the name Able Faces. Jack created MCN2 a few years back to release songs that don’t fit the Able Faces brand.
About the record: “Late to the Party” is a quickie (2:02) taste of what MCN2 is about. It’s a mid-tempo pop/dance track featuring a forlorn-sounding uncredited female vocal (think Sky Ferreira meets Dua Lipa) where the protagonist wonders if something is amiss in her relationship, and accordingly, if it can be salvaged. It’s certainly a pretty song with a catchy melody that goes a long way.
Other comments: “Late to the Party” is one of a few recent releases by MCN2 that has the stamp of approval from Sam Feldt through release on his Heartfeldt Records, which has been on a roll with some great releases like this one lately that would otherwise fly under the radar.
ABBIDANO, “Give Me a Reason”
About the artist: Abbidano is a Canadian rock duo of Sicilian heritage consisting of Leo Abbidante and Nic Sudano, 18 and 17 respectively. Leo is currently in college studying music, while Nic comes from a musical family. Abbidano released its self-titled debut album in late 2025.
About the record: Rooted in 80’s rock like Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Journey and The Scorpions, “Give Me a Reason” has an earnest, timeless appeal with highly relatable lyrics. For a debut release, Abbidano’s sound is refined and intentional, the blend of their voices as well as Leo’s own tones are all strong, and it’s great that they are focusing on originals instead of covers. You’ll find yourself humming “Give Me a Reason” long after it’s over.
Other comments: The next logical step is a full Abbidano band for live performances. This is one genre that can’t be limited to the studio.
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 “How Dare You” by South African performers Msaki and Jesse Clegg from their EP Entropy
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 Marvin Gaye’s 1977 smash “Got to Give It Up (Pt. 1)”, the subject of an unfortunate law suit a few years back
“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”.
Big Daddy’s Record of the Week will return
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 Bruno Mars’ red hot #1 hit “I Just Might”
“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.
Chicago – Questions 67 & 68
The Dramatics – Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get
The Guess Who – Rain Dance
Delaney & Bonnie – Only You Know And I Know
The Raiders – Birds Of A Feather
THE MAPL TAPES
Our featured performer in Show #2 is Peterborough, Ontario’s Nicholas Campbell!
Note that Nicholas is playing a residency at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto during March 2026.
You can find all available playlists for the show, added to Mixcloud on Saturdays, at the following link: Mixcloud
THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20-25…
The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years ago…
2021
01 LIKE GOLD, Loud Luxury, Frank Walker, Stephen Puth
02 NOBODY, NOTD, Catello
03 LUCID, Rina Sawayama
04 SYNTHESIZER, Faithless, Nathan Ball
05 LET’S GET TOGETHER, Illyus & Barrientos, Karen Harding
2016
01 WRONG, MAX, Lil Uzi Vert
02 KISS THE SKY, The Knocks, Wyclef Jean
03 ALL I ASK, Adele
04 8 BIT HEART (redux), Simon Curtis
05 TALK ME DOWN, Troye Sivan
2011
01 THE FEAR INSIDE, Frankmusik
02 NIGHT AIR, Jamie Woon
03 LOVE 2 BABY, Christian TV
04 MICHELLE, Ro Danishei, Simon Curtis
05 ROLLING IN THE DEEP, Adele
2006
01 THUNDER IN MY HEART AGAIN, Meck, Leo Sayer
02 SORRY, Madonna
03 PRECIOUS BOX (Shapeshifters remix), George Michael
04 FOR YOU I WILL (CONFIDENCE), Teddy Geiger
05 FEEL THE VIBE (TIL THE MORNING COMES), Axwell
2001
01 HANGING BY A MOMENT, Lifehouse
02 LOADED, Ricky Martin
03 HERE WITH ME, Dido
04 LIQUID DREAMS, O-Town
05 STUTTER, Joe, Mystikal
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.