The Report returns this week still in catch up mode as streaming music services were not a part of my internet package on my cruise ship, and I didn’t get a lot of opportunities to dive into more new music until I got back from New York and a top notch concert by Harry Styles. But I have no other holiday plans until later this year, so the Report will be back on its Wednesday-or-Thursday schedule until then!
In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my new music pick of the week, as well as a record of the week from “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, and “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. This week, “The Musicman” James Rogers’ Classic Five transports us back to some of the best songs of 1972. Please do check out the playlists for my all-Canadian hour, The MAPL Tapes Shows #28 and #29, with songs by featured artists Diamond Café and Arkells. You’ll also find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30, with a new chart coming your way on Monday as usual.
Reminder: Click on the photos to listen to the songs on Spotify.
COOPER BENAIAH, “Supernova”
About the artist: He’s becoming a regular fixture in the Report! Cooper Benaiah is a 16 year old Toronto pop/rock singer/songwriter/guitarist who released his debut album, Crush, earlier this year.
About the record: One observation I have about Cooper Benaiah’s releases thus far is that he is very consistent. He’s definitely writing and releasing songs that should be on pop radio. Nevertheless, he’s got a flair for rock with an emotional edge in “Supernova” which shows off some fluid guitar playing, and I’m sure at some point it will see fruition in live performances. He’s already released a handful of top drawer singles after Crush, which not only shows that he’s prolific but also the quality in his production. Get to know Cooper’s music early on while you can!
Other comments: Cooper is also the recipient of the 2026 Canadian High School Songwriter of the Year award.
MOONWOOD, “Bite My Nails”
About the artist: Moonwood is an Australian alternative rock band led by vocalist Jake McCullough whose recent release, the singalong “Casanova”, reached #10 on the BILLCS Top 30, their fourth song to appear in the chart.
About the record: Moonwood has been regularly providing us with tasty treats for about five years now, mixing it up with big rockers, sometimes with gritty garage rock vibes, as well as more lyrical pieces. While “Bite My Nails” does rock out in its chorus, it’s also a strong and thoughtful song that puts the listener at those times when you’re about to take the plunge into something unexpected or outside your comfort zone, which could be a potential relationship or something different. The song melodically at times reminds me of The Killers, and Jake tries out his falsetto on us and wins.
Other comments: Moonwood always provides us a provocative listening experience, and Aussies in Sydney should keep their eyes open for live show dates.
ALAN GERBER, “The Well”
About the artist: American-Canadian multi-instrumentalist and producer Alan Gerber came to prominence as a member of the 1960’s rock group Rhinoceros over the course of two of their three album releases. Born in Chicago, he relocated to Quebec and has been releasing solo music since 1994.
About the record: “The Well” is the title song from Alan’s latest album, and it’s an ear-grabbing, unbridled blues-rock track that would likely sound best performed in concert. You can hear Alan’s passion for his work through a tight sound that has been honed over many years, which have taken him to festivals in Ottawa, Montreal, and France. The guitar work in the song is provided by fellow former Rhinoceros member Danny Weis, and “The Well” was co-written with Alan’s long-time songwriting partner Rolf Kempt, who passed away before the album was released. As he has done for many years, Alan has also included children Eli (guitar) and Hannah (backing vocals), while his wife Robin designed the album’s artwork.
Other comments: Fine music holds no age boundaries. There are many more older rock musicians in the world than there ever have been and Alan Gerber is another fine example of someone who continues to make solid music as a part of his legacy. A bit of trivia: Rhinoceros recorded a song written by Canadian member John Finley on their debut self-titled album called “I Will Serenade You”. That song later became “Let Me Serenade You”, a 1974 hit by Three Dog Night.
GREGORY DOUGLASS, “Bespoke”
About the artist: Gregory Douglass is a Vermont-born queer indie singer, songwriter, producer, guitarist and pianist, as well as an actor in theatre. While he took a pause in recording music and performing after the release of his last album, 2016’s My Hero, The Enemy, he has been steadily releasing critically-acclaimed songs again for the last seven years.
About the record: “Bespoke” is a quiet, unconventional and pensive piano-led release led by a gentle vocal by Gregory that reminds me alternately of songs by Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake. It’s a taut song about the complexities in relationships that keeps you attuned to a beautiful arrangement, which also includes violin, viola, cello and bass. Gregory has a smooth and welcoming tone in his voice that draws you in and continues to make you want more, and the nearly 5 minute length of “Bespoke” evaporates along the way. For those with patience who appreciate the beauty in pop music, your ears will be rewarded with “Bespoke”.
Other comments: “Bespoke” is culled from Gregory’s forthcoming 11th album called Amateur.
CHRIS URRIOLA, “On” (Edviq remix)
About the artist: Chris Urriola is a New York-based alternative rock artist and bassist who recently released his debut album Solar.
About the record: “On” is a song that was originally featured on Chris’ 2023 EP Illustrator. As a follow up release to Solar, “On” is given an electronic-forward makeover by mystery producer Edviq. Like many of the songs on Solar, the original is heavily rooted in 80’s new wave, but the remix slows down the rhythm, grabbing an infectious groove and focusing on making the message of the song more uplifting. Fans of electronic groups like The Knocks and Sofi Tukker will dig this remix.
Other comments: The Edviq remix of “On” is from a forthcoming EP called Sunshine (The Remixes).
JACK DAVID, MONTAGU, “Surrender”
About the artists: Jack David is yet another artist name for Glasgow dance producer Jack McNeilage, who also records under the names Able Faces and MCN2. Montagu is vocalist/songwriter Anne Pancaldi, who has recorded with Jack before but has also worked with the likes of Kastra, Invida and Low:r.
About the record: “Surrender” is a breezy end-of-summer song with a lilting, upbeat melody. Montagu’s voice reminds me of a mix of fellow topliners OAKS and xo.anne, and she aces some high notes that would be difficult for other singers. It’s an easy song that would fit well in any mid-tempo house playlists.
Other comments: Like others by Jack McNeilage, including “Late to the Party” by MCN2 from earlier in the year, “Surrender” has been released through Sam Feldt’s Heartfeldt Records.
Show #28 with songs by featured artist Diamond Café
Show #29 with songs by featured artist Arkells
BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK
I’m a latehead with this one, but it’s Cameron Whitcomb’s huge hit “Kingdom of Fear”
BILL’S RETRO PICK OF THE WEEK
This feature will return next week
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S RECORD OF THE WEEK
“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner and program director of online station Halton Hills Radio Online.
It’s the latest by Miley Cyrus, “Bass Persuades”
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, including 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 Quebec singer Rêve with her dance bop “Devour”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show (6 – 9pm EST Tuesdays – returning September 22). 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.
Neil Young – Heart Of Gold
Bobby Vinton – Sealed With A Kiss
Chicago – Saturday In The Park
Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show – Sylvia’s Mother
Climax – Precious And Few
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
Sombr gets his fifth #1 on the chart with “My Body Isn’t Ready”
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
Madonna’s super-fun “Danceteria” climbs 18-9
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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