BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

With having been unable to publish a report last week due to other plans, I’ll let the music speak for itself this week, without further adieu.

In the Report, you can also check out my pick 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 selections come from that great year of music 1978. If you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

BERRI, “Overthinking”

If you heard Bright Light Bright Light’s latest album, his fifth release Enjoy Youth, then you already know “Snap”, recently released as a single featuring a comeback for British singer Berri. She’s responsible for the British #4 1995 smash “Sunshine After The Rain” (actually an Ellie Greenwich cover), one of the most memorable and beautifully sung mid-90’s pop/dance releases – I must admit I actually fell in love with the original mix with producers New Atlantic/U4EA, my #3 song of 1995! Rod Thomas (aka Bright Light Bright Light) wrote and produced “Overthinking” for Berri, and it’s a match made in heaven, featuring a delightful vocal and all of the elements you need for the basis of a classic 90’s dance record, married with mid 2020’s flavours. “Overthinking” is a grand pop-dance release and I’m so glad Berri and Rod extended their collaboration because it means one other thing: I want to hear more!!

DAN TALEVSKI, “mine”

Toronto area singer/songwriter Dan Talevski scored a number of Canadian pop radio hits in the late 2010’s, most of which are documented in this blog, such as “Guilty As Sin”, “My Religion”, and “Birthday Suit”, which all reached the Top 5 on the BILLCS Top 30. Although he’s released music sporadically since the last decade, he pretty much stepped away from the biz to start a family. His new single “mine” signals the opportunity for a completely unexpected, contemporary sound. So what you won’t find in “mine” is the soft, soulful head voice that was similar to singers like Justin Timberlake.  Dan uses a deeper chest voice for “mine”, so it’s not really recognizable as a Dan Talevski record, but that’s hardly a bad thing. “mine” is a gorgeous and passionate song. There’s a muddied quality to Dan’s voice that suits the song, and I’m not sure if that was achieved with the help of some production effects. Regardless, “mine” is challenging and different, but boy does it work well. Spotify link is above rather than You Tube.

LILY LANE, “All Of Your Love”

“All Of Your Love” is another track from Boston-born Lily Lane’s recent EP called Love, Lily Lane. It’s hard not to like the five songs all about love and being in love, but “All Of Your Love” may just be the best of the bunch, with a sensational vocal performance that showcases what an in-concert Lily Lane performance would sound like. There’s one special extra-long note in the song that completely seals the deal. So if you’re especially madly in love or just want to listen to a number of top notch performances by a singer whose songs need to be heard by more people, then check out Love, Lily Lane.

MELØ, “Want You To See”

Windsor, Ontario’s MELØ returns with a slice of 80’s flavoured alt.rock from his album Songs From The Spirit Box called “Want You To See”. It’s one of the best tracks from the album too, which features songs I’ve written about like “Only The Lonely”, “King Of Nothing”, and his splendid cover of R.E.M.’s “The One I Love”. “Want You To See” has an unforgettable rhythmic hook, and you can hear similar ones in early 80’s songs by The B-52’s, Devo and more. MELØ’s influences are wide-spread though and not confined to the 80’s. Great musicianship and singing make “Want You To See” well-rounded and more than just about the catchy hook.

MELØ performs in Toronto at The Horseshoe on Thursday, October 24. Tickets are $15 at the door.

PAUL HETHERINGTON, “The Thrill Of The Chase” (7th Heaven remix)

I wrote about the original version of “The Thrill Of The Chase” a while back, but Australian talent Paul Hetherington’s latest single deserves additional attention thanks to a package of remixes which includes a driving, vibrant one by British producers 7th Heaven. Current technology aside, 7th Heaven aim right for a captivating mid-to-late 80’s classic synth pop sound, and surpass expectations – to me this remix also beats the original mix. 7th Heaven have seemingly remixed just about everyone under the sun during the past 20 years or so, including songs by Cher, Kylie, Anastacia, Pet Shop Boys, Diana Ross… it’s a wild list. Dance club DJ’s whose audience has a passion for synthpop should invest in the extended 7th Heaven mix.

MAX SARRE, “operate”

London-based indie pop singer/songwriter Max Sarre returns with his latest single “operate”. I wrote a while back about his touching single “Brother”, and this time Max tackles a “surreal” love affair that isn’t going as planned. He equates it to the need for his partner to operate on him to heal him – but we all know in these kinds of cases that by now it’s too late, hence there’s a crossroads of emotions. I enjoy the urgency of the song which plays into inner confusion that many of us face. Max provides a good, every-guy kind of vocal, and “operate” is well-produced with effects that are well-placed and don’t overpower the song.

PETER HOWARD, “Country”

Peter Howard is an L.A.-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer who has recently released a handful of singles. One of those is “Country”, which has a jaunty piano-led Beatles-eque rhythm alongside lyrics containing a few stories about real life scenarios, direct and not sugar-coated, which lead to an important message about “home”, which in this case is in the “Country”, where you can escape from reality for a while. People often make changes in their life which can take them far away from home for their own benefit, but there’s always a fear that something can happen and they’ll be gone forever. I think what Peter is trying to say is that “home” is wherever you make it, because it will always be the comfort zone to which you return. Peter has an appealing voice and “Country” sometimes sounds like a song from a theatrical play. 

JORDAN DUFFY, “Nights Like These”

Hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts just outside of Boston, Jordan Duffy follows up her EP No Big Deal with “Nights Like These”. Produced by fellow singer and songwriter Party Nails, “Nights Like These” is about finding oneself lost in a sea of emotions on a night that just seems to go on forever, even though you know it will soon be over. It’s set to an electronic backdrop but led by some luscious sax breaks by Trey Magnifique. What’s most noteworthy about the song though is Jordan’s fluid, powerful voice. She’s got a four octave range, which she discovered while studying opera. She’s also a trained audio engineer, so the sound of “Nights Like These” overall is quite pristine. What you hear is what you get, and Jordan Duffy’s got it!  Check out the horror-themed video for “Nights Like These” just in time for Hallowe’en, by clicking the photo above.

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. 

Swedish producers NOTD team up with Why Don’t We’s Corbyn Besson for “Panic”

“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”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

He’s from Pleasantville, NY but this song broke out of England, where it reached the Top 10 – Mark Ambor with “Belong Together”

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 Energy 885, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.

It’s “HOT TO GO!”, by one of the year’s hottest new stars, Chappell Roan

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, which is  heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST, where you can also now 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.

Meat Loaf – Paradise By The Dashboard Light
Barry Manilow – Ready To Take A Chance Again
Trooper – Round Round We Go
Bob Seger – Hollywood Nights
Steely Dan – Josie

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.

From the psychedelic sounding 1968, it’s “Itchycoo Park” by The Small Faces

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Kygo and Hayla climb to #1 with “Without You” from Kygo’s self-titled album

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

“Heart Like Mine” by Sam Feldt and Rosa Linn soars 20-5

 

 

 

The new BILLCS Top 30 is turned inside out this week with a lot of shakin’ goin’ on!  Half of the Top 10 changes and plenty of songs make big moves, including the Fastest Riser. The songs bubbling under the chart have more competition than ever now, which makes it difficult to choose every two weeks, and in this chart, there are four new entries.

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are now directly tied in with this blog.  As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

There’s no denying the power of “Without You” by Kygo and British vocalist Hayla, and it lands at the top of the chart! It’s the first time for Kygo, and the third time this year for Hayla.  She’s the only artist to have three consecutive number ones (though not as a lead act on two of them), and no other entries to date as of yet. Up until now, British singer Jai had his only two charting songs, “I Believe” and “Heaven”, reach #1 in 1998, and back-to-back at that. I’m confident that Hayla will have other charting releases, but three consecutive #1’s is pretty impressive since no one else has achieved this feat so far!!

Jude Cole’s riveting dance release “Monaco” has now found its way to #2!  It’s another triumph for this otherwise indie artist who also wrote and produced “Monaco” and got it released through Spinnin’ Records.

Fly By Midnight’s pop bop “SuperFine” continues its rise into the Top 5, up 6-4.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the irresistible “Heart Like Mine” by Sam Feldt and Rosa Linn, which soars 20-5 with immediate sights set on giving Sam two back-to-back #1’s!

Zedd’s “Out Of Time”, with vocalist Bea Miller, climbs 11-7, giving him 5 Top 10 entries. His last was the #6 “Stay” with Alessia Cara in 2017.

The production collaboration of France’s Hugel, Germany’s Topic and Sweden’s Arash, along with South African vocalist Daecolm, move up 17-8 with their worldwide dance smash “I Adore You”.  Hugel was also recently named #5 DJ in the world by 1001 Tracklists!

The Killers get their sixth Top 10 entry and first since 2009 with their huge-sounding rocker “Bright Lights”.

Two Friends arrive in the Top 10 for their second time with “Wrong Way” (18-10), with Canadian singer Alexander Stewart, whose first time it is with his second chart entry.

L.A.-based dance producer PLS&TY and Australian singer Georgi Kay make short work of the chart as their collaboration “Feel Love” climbs 25-13.

The middle of the chart has “retro power” carrying a handful of songs up the chart. Janika Tenn’s luscious remix of Todd Terry & Shannon’s 1998 release “It’s Over Love” (above) climbs 23-14. 85 year old Mavis Staples sounds as fresh as ever with the inspiring “Worthy” (22-15, also above).  And K.C. & The Sunshine Band finds leader Harry Wayne Casey collaborating with DJ Martinee (aka producer Lewis Martinee) for “I Get To Love You” (below). The Eric Kupper remix rises 21-16.

Swedish production duo NOTD’s second entry on the chart, “Panic”, is a collaboration with Why Don’t We’s singer/guitarist Corbyn Besson, and it moves up 28-22.

Back on the chart with their fourth entry are L.A. producers TELYKast, once again collaborating with vocalist Sam Gray for “Surrender Your Love”, which debuts at #24. Their first collaboration, “Unbreakable”, got to #1 at the top of 2022.  TELYKast were also recently in the Top 10 with “Without Your Love” with Deorro and Catello.

Next at #26 is NYC soulful pop/electronic duo Great Good Fine OK, also with their fourth entry, with “Better Without You” bowing at #26.

Instrumentals don’t often end up on my chart but NYC producer and violinist Bud Cahill joins others like Martin Garrix with his enthralling trance-flavoured release “Intergalactic Highway” at #28. It’s an impressive and unique track that dance music fans will love.

Rounding out the debuts is Phoenix dance producer Ekonovah with his second chart entry this year “Take Me Home” at #29. This fun disco-splashed release follows up his #4 entry “Find My Flow”.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! 

Halton Hills Radio Online

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs.  The show also repeats on Saturday evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

My New Music Pick of the Week debuts each week on The Big 20. It airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. 

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week airs each week on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline”, Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m now featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my Retro Pick of the Week on the live online radio show “The 3D Variety Show”, now powered by both www.xstreamrockradio.com and Lil Rawkers  with “The Musicman” James Rogers. I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at the following link: 3D Variety Show. The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST.

Energy885   

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885  now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Fridays at 6pm EST, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. You can hear past episodes of “Modern Hype” at the following link:  DJ Hunter.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! Schedules are currently being updated.

 

 

 

I’ve been stumbling across reboots of 1990’s dance club hits lately, and there are three fine examples of the best of them in this week’s roundup of recent releases. 

I also want to wish my producer and owner of Halton Hills Radio Online, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton a very happy birthday!! Russ puts my voice together with the music in “The Big 20” and “Your Weekend New Music Mix” shows, and makes it all sound special for you!

In the Report, you can also check out my pick 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 takes us back to the pop sounds of 1971. If you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

REEVE CARNEY, “America”

Since I last wrote about Reeve Carney and his music in 2017, when I first saw him perform in support of his album Youth Is Wasted, his star has risen significantly. Until earlier this year, he was the star of the Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning “Hadestown” in NYC for five years, and also had a role in the film “House of Gucci”. When not on stage, TV or in film, Reeve performs solo cabaret-styled shows which started in NYC but have recently been in L.A. too. I was fortunate to catch one of his shows again in NYC last year in a dinner theatre setting, which was thoroughly enjoyable. So I’m glad to see some new original music in the form of “America”, which I’m hoping will hit home with many of his fellow Americans in this election year. The heartfelt message in “America” seems to come from the perspective of the average person who has noticed the change in the country over the last 10 years in particular. The song fortunately does not mess around with politics, and others who feel the same way about their country will relate. One of Reeve’s cabaret shows has showcased the music of Queen, and I must say that in “America” he borrows some of Freddie Mercury’s swagger and passion to get across his message. “America” is captivating and beautifully sung, and you won’t forget it once you’ve heard it. You can also check out a live performance of the song at the following link:  America.

WH0, SAM FRANDISCO, YOMANDA, “Synth and Strings”

The prolific UK duo WH0 are back with their own take on Northern Ireland producer Yomanda’s 1999 Top 10 UK hit “Synth and Strings”. They have already had two chart toppers on the BILLCS Top 30, last year’s “What You Need” (with Steve Angello) and “Rock The Party” earlier this year. Working with mystery protégé Sam Frandisco – whose name conjures up a punchline to a joke I heard as a teenager during disco years, “I left my heart in Sam Fran’s Disco”, but is more likely a play on Dom Dolla’s song “San Frandisco” – their version of “Synth and Strings” doesn’t sound a whole lot like the original, which can be a good thing, in its playful mix of 90’s dance music styles, including house and techno. The original “Synth and Strings” itself sampled disco classics “Dance Yourself Dizzy” by Liquid Gold and “Keep On Jumpin'” by Musique (a glorious Patrick Adams production) as well as the unmistakable 90’s European hit “Meet Her At The Love Parade” by Da Hool, so the disco vibes are huge and the flavour is entirely European. WH0 and Sam Frandisco have created a new “Synth and Strings” that’s fresh and vibrant that will more than hold its own on the dance floor. 

COBI, “Music Is Healing”

“Music Is Healing” is an ideal song for today’s busy social media and politics-filled world. It’s an ode to music itself as something that you can always turn to when you want to laugh, cry, or even as a mood-changer. L.A.-based Cobi provides a sparse, atmospheric and bluesy setting with some thoughtful and touching lyrics set to a twinkling piano melody. The arrangement is gradually set aglow and the resulting good vibes are sure to make you never take music for granted. “Music Is Healing” is sure to be a crowd-pleaser in concert. Cobi has been touring France and Switzerland recently, and I’m hoping at some point he’ll be able to showcase his large repertoire to North American audiences.

PINK PANDA, MARTHA WASH, “Catch The Light”

UK producer Pink Panda has concocted a frenetic take on Martha Wash’s 1998 dance club #1 “Catch The Light”. Pink Panda has transformed the elegant and uplifting original house track into a bouncing banger that beautifully showcases one of dance music’s seminal vocalists of the last 40+ years (The Weather Girls, Sylvester and Two Tons O’Fun, C+C Music Factory’s “Gonna Make You Sweat”, Black Box’s “Everybody Everybody”). Pink Panda is well-established through Asia and Europe for his live shows, so perhaps “Catch The Light” will attract North American audiences similarly. Club DJ’s looking to kick some major butt into the high points in their sets need look no further than this rework of “Catch The Light”.

HOT SINCE 82, RON CARROLL, “Preach”

UK dance producer Hot Since 82 (aka Daley Padley) has carved out his own unique path over nearly the last 25 years, beginning with long after party sets which caught the attention of festival organizers, and by 2006 he was playing Ibiza. He’s translated that into radio programs and tours in both Europe and North America. “Preach” is a revamp of a 2005 release by house music favourite Shawn Christopher called “You Can Make It” (with both records being released by the Defected label) which she wrote with fellow Chicago house legend Ron Carroll.  Hot Since 82’s version removes Shawn’s vocal and focuses on Ron’s additional vocal in which he delivers a timeless message. You’ve heard his commanding vocal lately in Mercer’s “Disco Sermon” and his distinct tone along with the message will cause club goers to flock to the dancefloor. “Preach” is a great, fun idea whose execution surpasses expectations.

N i G H T S, “Drowning”

I’m thoroughly enjoying a new era of N i G H T S songs that are vulnerable and relatable, and “Drowning” is one that includes these qualities, following up “Hopeless”, which reached #6 on the BILLCS Top 30. Both songs are included on Corey and Evan’s debut album It’s Personal, along with a handful of other previous singles, including the oldest of the bunch, “Boyband” and “Basic”, and a bunch of new songs too. The guys recently reported that “Drowning” has caught some attention in China in that rather unpredictable market, which is pretty cool.  If like me you’ve found some of  their songs to be thought-provoking and their minimalist hip hop style both confounding and affecting, then “Drowning” may become one of your favourites. The song appears to be about being smothered by a controlling relationship, and as is the way of N i G H T S songs, its vocal and arrangement are entirely unconventional which somehow helps “Drowning” get under your skin. “Drowning” was originally released in 2019 and has been revived with a new video for you to check out above.

HUGO JOYCE, “False Hope”

British singer/songwriter Hugo Joyce has a voice very similar to James Bay, but instead of guitar being his instrument of choice, it’s piano. “False Hope” is a breakup song about self-realization, but also filled with hope after a relationship is over and the door opens up again for another one, if you want it. The song also has fantastic perspective that could actually help someone through a breakup. Hugo has opened up on tour for Benedict Cork, whose songs are pretty much regulars in this blog, and he has a similar calibre of quality and earnestness that pop music fans will enjoy.

OWBY, “Closer”

I’m not usually too keen on artists who choose to remain anonymous because their time is either short-lived in their current guise, or they end up revealing themselves before others in social media do that for them. But the latest mystery artist, and all in white, is OWBY, and “Closer” is a pretty damn catchy song that deserves attention. The arrangement and production by Swiss producer Otis Birdy is sublime, particularly for an independent release. OWBY’s narrative vocal itself to me is not the strongest part of the record, but it’s surrounded with a choir of soulful voices at times, and the wall of synths generates a soothing and compelling melody. “Closer” is about lovers trying to find a path to a future together. It’s infused with traits of most pop genres, and the overall result is danceable and inspiring. It signals a potentially bright future for OWBY, who has only released less than 10 singles in 5 years, and I’ll wait for the big reveal at some point.

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. 

“Heart Like Mine” by Sam Feldt and Rosa Linn is driven by the melodic hook from Coldplay’s 2003 hit “Clocks”

“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”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

It’s the hook-filled “Bones” by Cornwall, England alternative artist Dylan & The Moon

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 Energy 885, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.

UK-born Norwegian dance/electronic producer Alan Walker joins forces with Pritam and Vishal Mishra for “Children Of The Sun”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, which is  heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST, where you can also now 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.

Stephen Stills – Love The One You’re With
Mike Curb Congregation – Burning Bridges
Dave Edmunds – I Hear You Knocking
Wadsworth Mansion – Sweet Mary
Gordon Lightfoot – If You Could Read My Mind

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 Dan Fogelberg’s biggest hit, the beautiful ballad “Longer” (1980) from the album Phoenix

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Swedish dance production duos Jubel and NOTD get a second appearance at #1 with “Chocolate”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

The Janika Tenn remix of “It’s Over Love”, the 1998 club smash by Todd Terry and Shannon, moves up 30-23

The chart is somewhat static this week outside of the Top 10, where some new favourites only move up a few notches while the older ones still curry favour. 

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are now directly tied in with this blog.  As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

“Chocolate” (above) by Swedish production duos Jubël and NOTD, holds at #1 for a second appearance by a smidge. According to their You Tube description for the song, both duos provided the vocals, so as I suspected, have created the female voice using effects. It’s not a new trick but the guys have made it refreshing and catchy with this big earworm of a tune.  NOTD also gets a second song on the chart as another catchy piece of business, “Panic” (below), a collaboration with Why Don’t We member Corbyn Besson, arrives at #28. Corbyn joins fellow Why Don’t We member and fellow Texan Zach Herron on the chart. Zach’s “caroline” (also below) rises 29-26.

Inching its way up 3-2 is “Without You” by Kygo and Hayla (below). It matches the #2 peak of both “For Life” and “Higher Love” for Kygo. Could Hayla get her third #1 song this year in two weeks?  Wait and see!

Jude York soars into the Top 5 for the first time with the exuberant singalong “Monaco” up 7-4. Dance radio and club DJ’s – you’re missing out!

The Knocks always throw a great show and are in the Top 5 for the first time since 2016 with “Lover” (6-5, above), in collaboration with indie duo Dolores Forever. Their second entry on the chart, “All The Time/Tout le temps” with French duo YELLE, rises 28-24 (below).

The super-catchy “SuperFine” by NYC’s Fly By Midnight continues to make big moves, this time climbing 10-6.

The only new entry in the Top 10 this week is Alex Sampson’s retro-styled ballad “Pretty Baby” which moves up 11-10.  Check out Alex’s new EP called Hopeless Romantic, which also includes the song.

After being away from the chart for 7 years, Zedd is eyeing the Top 10 with “Out Of Time” (14-11) with vocalist Bea Miller. Zedd stated recently that he’s releasing single versions of each track on his recent album Telos, so watch for those announcements on your favourite social media platform.

Two Friends and Alexander Stewart are a force at dance music radio right now, where “Wrong Way” has climbed into the Top 5. It’s also finding its way up this chart too, rising 22-18.

The Fastest Riser on the chart this week is “It’s Over Love”, in the Janika Tenn remix of the 1998 #1 club smash by Todd Terry and Shannon. It climbs 30-23.

The Highest Debut makes a big splash onto the chart this week at #20, no surprise given that it’s another superb offering this year for Dutch producer Sam Feldt. He teams up with Armenia’s Rosa Linn for the exuberant and joyous “Heart Like Mine”, which features one of the best samples of the year, the piano hook from “Clocks” by Coldplay.  Sam of course recently finished off 3 appearances at #1 with “Mi Amor”, which is #9 this week.

The final new entry at #25 belongs to L.A.-based dance producer PLS&TY (aka Tommy Leas) who teams up with Australian multi-talent Georgi Kay for the European-sounding, hook-laden “Feel Love”. It’s PLS&TY’s third chart entry but first since 2019.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! 

Halton Hills Radio Online

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs.  The show also repeats on Saturday evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

My New Music Pick of the Week debuts each week on The Big 20. It airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. 

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week airs each week on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline”, Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m now featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my Retro Pick of the Week on the live online radio show “The 3D Variety Show”, now powered by both www.xstreamrockradio.com and Lil Rawkers  with “The Musicman” James Rogers. I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at the following link: 3D Variety Show. The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST.

Energy885   

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885  now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Fridays at 6pm EST, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. You can hear past episodes of “Modern Hype” at the following link:  DJ Hunter.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! Schedules are currently being updated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people have referred to me in the past as “that dance music guy” when they’re referring to the content of my blog. And while I do love just about every form of dance music, the variety of music that I’ve written about or charted is much more diverse and very representative in 15 years of blog posts. And while three or four of this week’s new selections for review are in the dance or electronic category, the others are rock or alternative tracks that I enjoy. In fact I’m predicting a big comeback for rock music in the coming years, once record labels get tired of signing solo acts from Tik Tok and find a better balance to represent the music tastes of the public on the national charts.

In the Report, you can also check out my pick 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 selections are now 40 years old with a bunch of catchy tunes from 1984. You’ll also find out what songs were in the Top 5 of the BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20-25 years ago!

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

BEN CAHILL, “Intergalactic Highway”

“Intergalactic Highway” is hands down the best instrumental dance track that I’ve heard in ages. It’s brought to you by NYC based producer Bud Cahill, who also happens to be an amazing violinist. The track is buoyant and uplifting, but when Bud’s violin work arrives it gives the song a magical third element that you don’t often hear in dance music these days. “Intergalactic Highway” is an obvious track for a variety of sync possibilities, but it’s a rare instrumental that is super catchy and stands profoundly on its own without any visuals, which are left to your imagination. So put on your headphones or turn up your speakers loud and let Bud Cahill take you on a journey to wherever you want to go on his “Intergalactic Highway”.

TELYKast, SAM GRAY, “Surrender Your Love”

It’s hard to believe in some ways that TELYKast’s last huge collaboration with Sam Gray, “Unbreakable”, was three years ago! That song topped national dance radio charts as well as my own chart, the BILLCS Top 30. “Surrender Your Love” follows up the subsequent successes for both artists with the kind of warm, beautifully sung, and engaging house music that’s been missing from the scene for a while in favour of flirtations with drum ‘n bass and tech house. It’s quite similar in overall sound to “Unbreakable” which to be quite honest makes it all the better. For TELYKast it’s all about consistency coming after two terrific deep house tracks, “Without Your Love” and the anthemic “Free”.  “Surrender Your Love” should by all rights be another dance radio hit and club DJ’s will dig it too.

JAMES CLARK INSTITUTE, “Black Licorice, Red Lips”

We’re now four singles deep into the James Clark Institute’s recent album Under The Lampshade, produced by The Pursuit of Happiness/Trans-Canada Highwaymen’s Moe Berg. “Black Licorice, Red Lips” has proven to be a crowd favourite, as I witnessed earlier in the year when I saw the rock band perform in Toronto, so I’m glad they seized the moment to focus on this one. James’ wordplay is on point and he creates images and real-life scenarios that completely relatable. The jangly melody recalls 80s/90s bands like The Smithereens and The Del-Lords and you’ll find you’re humming it in no time. Alternative and college radio stations will find instant delight with “Black Licorice, Red Lips”.

CHARLIE HOUSTON, “Slut For Excel”

I first heard of Canadian singer/songwriter Charlie Houston when she appeared on Odesza’s album The Long Goodbye, and subsequently was part of their extravaganza performance which I saw in Toronto where she performed “Wide Awake”. Not being familiar with her solo music until “Slut For Excel” and the previous single and queer love anthem “Pink Cheetah Print Slip”, music fans will find Charlie’s songs to be idiosyncratic and imaginative. “Slut For Excel” is set to a melody that has Talking Heads’ “Once In A Lifetime” written all over it, and its lyrics show her sticking to her guns to do things her own way, even in the shadow of more successful family members. It’s a somewhat self-deprecating but determined ride, one that you’ll find yourself returning to for subsequent listens, and Charlie has a debut album on the way to watch for as well. Charlie is currently in the midst of a US tour supporting fellow Canadian gals The Beaches.

FAKE DAD, “Touch Me”

“Touch Me” transports you back to the 90’s in a lot of ways, particularly the versatile and often ethereal voices of Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays and the late Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries. Fake Dad are Andrea de Verona and Josh Ford, an indie bedroom pop duo based in L.A. They fuse synth pop with indie rock flavours, and “Touch Me” is a good representation of this. The song is culled from their EP Yerba Mala and in it we find that intimacy and sex are used as a distraction for what the duo says “from the nagging feeling that everything is passing you by”. It also serves as a discourse for mental health issues which often get the way of self-fulfillment. The solid melody in “Touch Me” draws you in while the authentic lyrics and fab vocal keep you there.

LATCHMERE, “Leave”

Australian dance producer Latchmere follows up his upconventional and infectious instrumental “Moonlight” and the EP You First with the more straight-forward approach of “Leave”.  This tech-house track has a lot of edge provided by a strong uncredited female vocal and once again with some wildly creative synth work whose jarring effects find a happy medium amid the beats and melody. This is a particularly strong showing for Latchmere (aka Shaun Galvin) and reminds me of when I first wrote about his fine work on his 2017 EP Lovedrunk and its BILLCS Top 30 #1 “Need Your Heart”.  Dance music fans owe it to themselves to check out “Leave”.

AUTOPILOT, “Here Comes The Pressure”

Many music fans are getting far too caught up in the social media aspects of enjoying music, so if you’re looking for gritty and earnest rock ‘n roll that you won’t find there, then look no further than Saskatoon trio Autopilot with “Here Comes The Pressure”.  Autopilot was nominated for Best New Artist at the Saskatchewan Music Awards last year, and have recently completed a tour of central and eastern US cities including NYC and Washington DC which ended with two dates back home in Saskatoon. “Here Comes The Pressure” has a great hook with a memorable vocal and is the lead-in to an upcoming album release by Autopilot.

THE KEYMAKERS, “Separate”

“Separate” is delightful and emotional synth-pop by the L.A. based duo of brothers called The Keymakers (aka Rome and Red Barnes). Not everything in the dance music world has to be a club banger, and “Separate” is a gentle but stimulating ballad in disguise about heartache, distance and longing. The Keymakers are well-versed in the DJ/production side of the biz before they started this project, so “Separate” is a step sideways for them, one that works as it provides an immediate connection for the listener with its lyrics and soulful vocal while grooving to a mid-tempo synth melody. I’d pitch this one more to fans of alternative music and those who like their dance music shaken not stirred.

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. 

85 year old Mavis Staples has made a universal, feel-good track with “Worthy”

“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”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

American rockers AWOLnation return with “Panoramic View”

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, anchored at Energy 885, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.

Veteran Austin, Texas-based electronic production duo Tritonal team up with vocalist RKTKT with “Meant To Be”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, which is now back from hiatus and heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST, where you can also now 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.

Ray Parker Jr. – Ghostbusters
Prince – When Doves Cry
Kim Mitchell – Go For Soda
Dan Hartman – I Can Dream About You
Twisted Sister – We’re Not Gonna Take It

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 Robert Palmer with his 1986 cover of Cherrelle’s R&B hit “I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On”

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…

2019

01 PUSH, Kazaky

02 HIGHER LOVE, Kygo, Whitney Houston

03 MONDAY BLUES, Eric Sharp, ZHAO

04 TOUGH LOVE, Avicii, Agnes, Vargas & Lagola

05 I’M NOT ALRIGHT, Loud Luxury, Bryce Vine

2014

01 I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE, Sam Smith

02 SMILE, Mikky Ekko

03 AFTERGLOW, Harriet

04 THANKS FOR NOTHING, Brandyn Burnette

05 NO FUN, The Presets

2009

01 SYMPHONIES, Dan Black

02 RABBIT HEART (RAISE IT UP), Florence & The Machine

03 BOY MEETS GIRL, Evan Taubenfeld

04 REWIND, Mans Zelmerlow

05 WE ARE GOLDEN, Mika

2004

01 LOLA’S THEME, Shapeshifters

02 FLAWLESS (GO TO THE CITY), George Michael

03 CRABBUCKIT, K-Os

04 CADILLAC DRESS, soulDecision

05 SHE WILL BE LOVED, Maroon 5

1999

01  SMOOTH, Santana, Rob Thomas

02  ROMANTICIDE, Tal Bachman

03  BABY DID A BAD, BAD THING, Chris Isaak

04  HUMAN, Distinct Nature

05  IF YOU TOLERATE THIS, YOUR CHILDREN WILL BE NEXT, Manic Street Preachers

Happy Anniversary to the BILLCS Music Blog!  It’s hard in some ways that it began 15 years ago this month. It’s gone from being strictly a source for my personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30, to a blog site that has been praised for the support it provides to the independent music and dance music communities. Because of the fast pace of today’s music industry, there will be some changes for the blog starting in January (which are all TBD at this time), but I’m happy to continue writing it for as long as it’s worthwhile and I am able to do so. I’ve been involved, on and off, with either announcing or writing about music for over 40 years, and I like to think my varied experiences show. 

In the Report, you can also check out my pick 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 takes us back to 1979 for some rocking favourites. And if you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

SAM FELDT, ROSA LINN, “Heart Like Mine”

Dutch Dance producer Sam Feldt is releasing some of the best music of his career this year, and clearly some of you are missing out. “Rest Of My Life” (with Jonas Blue and Sadie Rose Van) was a heater back in the Spring, and the feel-good “Mi Amor” (with JVKE and Anitta) was my song of the Summer. “Heart Like Mine” could be bigger than all of them, thanks to a sample of the seminal keyboard hook from Coldplay’s 2003 smash “Clocks” and the vibrant, uplifting vocal by Rosa Linn, the Armenian singer who you know from the post-Eurovision 2022 smash “Snap”. Sam’s careful production and keen ear for melody craft it all together for a release with both international dance radio and Top 40 radio potential.

DIAMOND CAFE, “Sweet Cherry”

“Sweet Cherry” has been released with perfect timing to coincide with Diamond Café’s first and long awaited Canadian tour!  Following up the sophisticated and refined “When You Can’t Resist” (which reached #5 on the BILLCS Top 30), “Sweet Cherry” is a pastiche of pop and R&B styles that Diamond Café uses as a baseline for his own sound. The song borrows liberally many 80’s flavours from Prince and George Michael with stops by songs by the likes of George Clinton, Cameo, The Gap Band and many of their forebears. “Sweet Cherry” is a fun track that will get you up to groove and move. Diamond Café’s vocal moves from silky smooth to a scream with ease, which adds to making the record a playful party unto itself. I expect “Sweet Cherry” will also be included in Diamond Café’s upcoming new album.

WILL SWINTON, “Fall Apart”

New Zealand’s Will Swinton has a flair for writing authentic songs with an emotional core, such as the huge surprise “Harmless” from earlier this year, which got to #2 on the BILLCS Top 30. And while in “Harmless” it was Will who was about to leave his lover for something important (but likely temporary) that is never stated, in “Fall Apart” it’s his lover who’s leaving, leaving him bewildered with the upfront sentiment that he’d never break her heart. Sadly, even if you don’t break someone’s heart, that’s not going to stop them from staying, making “Fall Apart” so from-the-gut relatable.

EKONOVAH, “Take Me Home”

The latest release by Phoenix-based dance producer Ekonovah is the huge-sounding “Take Me Home”. To me, it’s more like ‘take me to the dance floor’, with the producer (AKA Stephen Scotti) using a soulful, lyric-less vocal interpolation to ride atop complex layers of synths and effects in a mix of techno and bass house. One of which stands out the most is what I call ‘disco strings’, so it’s clear that Ekonovah has been combing some 70’s disco records for the right sounds – disco fans can think along the lines of Silver Convention or The Salsoul Orchestra. It all makes “Take Me Home” a highly enjoyable dancefloor-filler.

WIN & WOO, JAKE NEUMAR, “Reload”

Dance music fans of the early 2010’s classic era are in for a treat as L.A.-based producers take on a cover of “Reload”, original recorded by Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash and John Martin. It’s a difficult task to try and fill the shoes of John Martin on vocals but Nashville-based Jake Neumar, who has worked with Syence and Dave Audé among others, capably captures the anthemic essence of the original. Win & Woo have appeared frequently in these blog pages over the years and recently celebrated their 10th anniversary with the release of their indie album of originals called Ten Years. They rarely create covers but “Reload” is a great choice because it hasn’t been recorded by many others. Their production provides a solid update for this festival favourite that Swedish House Mafia fans and club DJ’s alike should embrace.

JAY BIRD, NICO CRESPO, ALLIEY XO, “Risk It All”

Bay area producer Jay Bird unleashes another release from his recent Birdhouse Records label with “Risk It All”.  This time he’s collaborating with fellow SoCal producer Nico Crespo along with his “Touch” singer ALLIEY XO.  It’s a big-sounding record, full of drums and percussion as well as an entertaining synth hook that seems to want to talk back in its own language. ALLIEY XO’s vocal is appropriately sultry and alluring, while the production takes us away from the cut-and-paste style that’s become synonymous with a lot of recent major label dance music releases, in favour of uplifting and playful results. I enjoy what the Birdhouse collective is cooking up and “Risk It All” should help fuel it further.

JOHN SURGE & THE HAYMAKERS, “Marisol”

“Marisol” is a fun new song fused with elements of rock, country and tex-mex flavours and brought to you by L.A.’s John Surge & The Haymakers. The first person I thought of when listening to the song – before reading the press release – was Doug Sahm, and my instincts were right: The producer is Tommy Detamore, who previously produced the late leader of Sir Douglas Quintet and Texas Tornadoes. “Marisol” creates a fictional legend about a woman who claims “my love is like a heart attack, the kind of love that’ll keep you coming back.” It’s a terrific piece of songwriting, with musical supports from a band that has also worked with the likes of Dave Alvin, Raul Malo and Merle Haggard. It’s culled from an EP called Maybe You Don’t Know Me, which also includes a cover of John Stewart’s big 1979 pop hit “Gold”, a long-time favourite of mine. I haven’t been well acquainted with the Americana genre since it became its own recognized force years ago, but fans of artists in the genre will want to add “Marisol” to their playlists.

IZZA, “Sweat”

Quickly carving out her own brand with her take on 2000’s dance/pop is L.A.-based singer/songwriter IZZA.  Her emergence on the pop scene even led to an opening gig for Maroon 5 and One Republic in 2023.  “Sweat” is for fans of the now-classic Britney Spears-Christina Aguilera-J.Lo era, in which IZZA doesn’t hesitate to take us behind closed doors where we can let loose in private without inhibitions.  It’s an energetic, sexy romp without being overly provocative, and an enjoyable showcase for this new talent.

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 brand NEW K.C. & The Sunshine Band with DJ Martinee in an Eric Kupper remix of “I Get To Love You”

“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”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

From their album Dark Matter, it’s Pearl Jam with “Waiting For Stevie”

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885, where you can also hear both my New Music and Retro Picks of the Week. Hunter can also be heard weekdays at 2pm EST on Party Dog Radio.

The Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence teams up with Tanishk Bagshi and Ganesh Waghela for “Feel Your Love” (Rapture)

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, which can be heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST, where you can also now 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.

Led Zeppelin – All My Love
Fleetwood Mac – Tusk
Boomtown Rats – I Don’t Like Mondays
Streetheart – Under My Thumb
Electric Light Orchestra – Confusion

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.

With its classic and influential melody, it’s “Green Onions” by Booker T & The MG’s (1962)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Swedish dance production duos Jubel and NOTD take over at #1 with their irresistible confection, “Chocolate”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

NYC duo Fly By Midnight have a memorable pop bop with “SuperFine” (19-10)

I could write a lengthy commentary about the sorry state of Canadian radio and its composite charts. To me, it’s just not playing the music people want to hear, particularly in the Top 40 genre. It’s doing a great job at exposing fine Canadian talent as per our “Cancon” radio laws, but to see Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” and Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” stuck in the 20’s on Mediabase when both should be in the Top 10 shows how far behind their methods actually are.  One day the music community will embrace and organize the serious online indie radio stations that are doing a much better job at not only playing songs that people want to hear, but playing the variety too across genres.

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are now directly tied in with this blog.  As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

The irresistible electropop earworm “Chocolate” by Swedish production duos Jubël and NOTD grabs #1 away from Sam Feldt, JVKE and Anitta’s “Mi Amor” after 3 appearances (6 weeks) at the top.  NOTD has the distinction of having both of their charted songs reach #1.  “Nobody” (with Catello) did the same thing in 2021. It’s a shame that this one never got on the radar in the dance community, but I’m happy to have “Chocolate” at #1 this week!

While I did get to see a set by Sam Feldt on Saturday, sadly Kygo’s headlining set was cancelled due to a sudden rainstorm. Hayla had also cancelled her performances on the tour for personal reasons.  Nonetheless, Kygo and Hayla have their sights set on the top as “Without You” climbs 6-3.

Also moving up the chart quickly is “Leo (Flicker)” by dance production collective Starsigns (yetep, Manila Killa, MYRNE), from their EP Fire Signs.  It rises 9-5.

The Knocks join Kygo and Nile Rodgers by also having two songs on the new chart!  Their collaboration with alternative indie pop duo Dolores Forever, “Lover” (above), moves up 8-6, while another unique track, “All The Time/Tout le temps” (below) with French duo YELLE bows at #28.

Australia’s Jude York grabs his first Top 10 entry as Jude York with “Monaco” (above), as this impressive dance release rises 12-7.  You can also check out a new live acoustic version of the song below. He’s actually been to the Top 10 twice before, once in a group as a featured artist, and once as a featured artist under his real name, but I’ll let you figure that out!

I’llAfter seeing their high octane performance in concert last week for an enthusiastic crowd (and getting a photo taken with the guys), Toronto-area duo Crash Adams get their second Top 10 entry with “Hotel Party” becoming their personal best, climbing 11-8.  “Give Me A Kiss” got to #10 in 2022.

“Ecstasy” by GT_ofice, Matthew Topper and Robbie Rosen moves up 13-9. It’s GT_ofice’s 3rd Top 10 entry following “Feels Like Us” (#3, also with Robbie) and “Can’t Deny” (#8), Matthew’s first, and Robbie’s 9th.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the super-infectious pop bop “SuperFine” by NYC duo Fly By Midnight, which soars 19-10.

Besides “All The Time/Tout le temps”, there are four more new entries on the chart.  I would never have anticipated a song by K.C. & The Sunshine Band landing on the chart but the Eric Kupper remix of “I Get To Love You”, in partnership with DJ Martinee (aka Lewis Martinee) arrives as the Highest Debut at #26. I still have my original copy of K.C. & The Sunshine Band’s huge 2nd album, which also included my favourite by them, “Get Down Tonight”.

Another veteran performer making her debut on my chart is 85 year old Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers.  Her single “Worthy” bows at #27 and is a testament for choosing the right song to sing where no one would think it’s an 85 year old performer without knowing who the artist is.  Don’t be surprised if Mavis gets a Grammy nod for this one.  I believe she is the oldest performer to land on my chart.

At #29, with the career of Why Don’t We still in limbo, Zach Herron from the band has unleashed the catchy anthemic rocker “caroline”, which will please Why Don’t We fans and should serve him well in the interim.

Rounding out the chart at #30 is another veteran, legendary house producer Todd Terry, with a Janika Tenn remix of his 1998 #1 club hit “It’s Over Love”, with a gorgeous vocal by Shannon (“Let The Music Play”). It follows up Todd’s “What You Do”, a rework of a Gene Chandler song, which reached #3 earlier this year.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! 

Halton Hills Radio Online

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs.  The show also repeats on Saturday evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

My New Music Pick of the Week debuts each week on The Big 20. It airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. 

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week airs each week on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline”, Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m now featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my Retro Pick of the Week on the live online radio show “The 3D Variety Show”, now powered by both www.xstreamrockradio.com and Lil Rawkers  with “The Musicman” James Rogers. I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at the following link: 3D Variety Show. The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST.

Energy885   

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885  now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Fridays at 6pm EST, and his new show “Pyjama Party” on Saturdays at 5pm EST, which both air my New Music Pick of the Week. Energy885 is also airing my Retro Pick Of The Week on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of “Modern Hype” and “Pyjama Party” at the following link:  DJ Hunter.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! Schedules are currently being updated.

 

 

 

My second busy concert-filled weekend is coming up.  I’m looking forward to seeing Kygo, Sam Feldt and Hayla perform at Woodbine Park in Toronto on Saturday, then there is another outdoor concert with Conan Gray at Budweiser Stage on Monday.  Other than that, I have no other preliminary words, so let’s get right to the music.

In the Report, you can also check out my pick 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 takes us back to the sounds of 50 years ago with song choices from 1974. Plus we’ll turn back the clock to this week in 2016 and find out what the BILLCS Top 30 looked like.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

PLS&TY, GEORGI KAY, “Feel Love”

“Feel Love” is a clever mix of pop and dance with both techno and trance elements, the latest creation of L.A. based producer PLS&TY, this time with Australia-based vocalist, songwriter and actor Georgi Kay. Thus, the song is unexpectedly European in flavour, sounding similar to what has been coming out of Sweden. But “Feel Love” has a couple of powerful hooks, one of which is vocal and melodic which shows off Georgi’s ever-versatile voice, and the other is an aggressive change-up which acts as a bit of a drop-kick, reminding me of either Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Live and Let Die” or the “Mission:Impossible” TV show theme, take your pick!  It’s a fresh sound for the talented PLS&TY, working with Grammy-nominee Georgi Kay, most noted for “In My Mind” (with Feenixpawl and Ivan Gough) from the last decade, as well as recent releases with Ryan Shepherd, Gil Glaze and Luis Torres, a worthy collaboration that could easily be repeated.

GREAT GOOD FINE OK, “Better Without You”

2024 has seen a fine return to form for NYC duo Great Good Fine OK, whose release “Blame” caught my attention at the end of last year, reaching #7 on the BILLCS Top 30. “Better Without You” is another release with a melodic hook that’s guaranteed to get stuck in your head. While a few edgy production liberties are taken in the song with his voice at times, Jon Sandler’s work here is effortless, and Luke Moelmann’s production and synth work assure you along the way how he can take the song’s surroundings up several notches. “Better Without You” also brings out a lot of familiar elements of 80’s soulful pop brought to you by artists like Toto and Daryl Hall & John Oates, and Great Good Fine OK mix it all together to make it uniquely theirs.

THE THE, “Some Days I Drink My Coffee By The Grave of William Blake”

With a song title like that, you know that it’s going to be special!  Matt Johnson, otherwise known as The The, recently unleased his first album in 25 years called Ensoulment, which also features the previously released single “Cognitive Dissident” which I wrote about a while back.  The album weaves a variety of intriguing stories with provocative themes we’ve heard in The The’s classic music of the 80’s and 90’s before, but spun in different ways. Songs like “Some Days…” show Matt to be more of a hypnotic raconteur than ever, which is a viable substitute for not rocking out as heavily or with as much aggression as 30-40 years ago. His vocal presence is commanding, and the arrangement is top notch, which makes “Some Days…” a unique and entertaining journey unto itself for today’s alternative music fans.

MONET & CHRISTIAN, “Homestead Heart”

Monet & Christian are a Canadian folk/pop duo set to knock your socks off with their exquisite harmonies and intriguing stories, one of which is “Homestead Heart”, which follows up their indie self-titled album. Monet Comeau hails from New Brunswick and Christian Hodge from a small town near Cobourg, Ontario, and they both come armed with master’s degrees in musical theatre and acting to present their talents. They even created a short musical called “Every Young Adult Novel Ever: The Musical”, which played on stage to rave reviews in Toronto in 2020. “Homestead Heart” straddles both folk and pop with ease, where you can hear their cheery, honed vocals over violin and acoustic guitar in an arrangement that also rocks out with a full band sound. It’s one of those out-of-left-field delights that would sound even better in concert.

ANDREW RAYEL, TAKIS, FRANCIS WAVES, “Get You Down”

“Get You Down” hits a sweet spot in mixing in European techno and synth pop flavours of the late 90’s with some lively bounce that could make it a festival favourite. It’s brought to you by trance music favourite and Moldovan producer/DJ Andrew Rayel, Canadian producer/DJ Takis – notable in Canada especially for his radio hit with Jamie Fine and Brandyn Burnette called “All Time” from a few years back – and British vocalist Francis Waves. The beginning fools you into thinking that “Get You Down” is anything but a dance song, but within 30 seconds the veil comes off and don’t be surprised if you’re bopping around the room or in your car in short order.

NEW EARTH FARMERS, “War Inside Our Hearts”

“War Inside Our Hearts” takes us back to a post-punk early 80’s approach to rock music which isn’t heard too much these days. It’s updated through contemporary Americana and folk sounds that you might hear from bands like The Lumineers. New Earth Farmers is a Northern California quintet that flips the raging, rebellious attitudes of the early 80’s on their sides in favour of positivity and inclusion, asking why rather than going on a rant. This makes the approach behind “War Inside Our Hearts” quite refreshing, while still having a lot of grit and edginess in its backbone, among its inspirations from The Clash in particular. Singer/guitarist/keyboardist Paul Knowles reminds me at times of Tom Petty, and among the band members is an original founder of seminal British rock group The Alarm, drummer Nigel Twist (I saw a memorable concert by The Alarm in the late 80’s), who was in the band’s classic lineup till 1991. 

SAM HARDING, “Remember”

L.A.-based singer, musician and actor Sam Harding fuses a straight-forward melodic hook with a singalong chorus in his recent release “Remember”. His wistful vocal recalls a past romance when being in love felt like the best thing in the world. And while Sam himself is only in his early 20’s, it’s highly relatable and shows how our thoughts are changed and shaped as we get older. But everyone loves an earnest story about romance and “Remember” provides us with a nicely sung and produced reflection on that time.

JNR, “Hold On” (Spotify link above)

Newcastle, England dance producer and radio announcer JNR (aka Iain Macleod) is probably better known for his remixes, some of which recently were to rework Hazell Dean’s huge 80’s hit “Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)”, which I wrote about recently. “Hold On” is a frenetic mix of house, trance and techno, with a crisp percussive sound that stands out. The song comes to an appropriate pause to focus on a couple of verses by its uncredited female vocalist, which become its core, before resuming its wild pace. “Hold On” is a well made release with a classic song structure that works because it doesn’t sound like most of what is being released today. Club DJ’s who want to work their patrons into a frenzy on the dance floor should consider adding it to their sets.

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. 

Two Friends and Alexander Stewart have a national dance radio hit with “Wrong Way”

“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”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

It’s “Can’t Explain” by California surf band Sun Room 

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885, where you can also hear both my New Music and Retro Picks of the Week. Hunter can also be heard weekdays at 2pm EST on Party Dog Radio.

It’s Dutch producers Lucas & Steve, British producer LAWRENT and vocalist Jordan Shaw with “End Of Time”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, which can be heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST, where you can also now 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.

Craig Ruhnke – Summer Girl (You Tube link)
(Anne Murray – You Won’t See Me
The Guess Who – Clap For The Wolfman
ABBA – Waterloo
Paper Lace – The Night Chicago Died

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.

From the movie “The Bodyguard”, it’s Whitney Houston with the Oscar-nominated “I Have Nothing” (1993)

BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2016

Remixes were everywhere in 2016 and this chart also marks first appearances for some artists who have become regulars in my blog posts – MAX, Victor Perry, The Disco Fries, Matoma, Chet Porter among them! The Chainsmokers also get their first #1.

02 01 CLOSER The Chainsmokers F/ Halsey
05 02 NATIVE SON PREQUEL (Jenaux remix) Gramatix F/ Leo Napier
03 03 HER AND HIM Mi Disguise x Rouse
04 04 REST OF MY LIFE Electric Bodega F/ Matt Beilis
01 05 SHY (Club mix) The Magician F/ Brayton Bowman
08 06 BALANCE The Him F/ Oktavian
10 07 WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE (DROELOE remix) Charlie Puth F/ Selena Gomez
13 08 RAINBOWS Victor Perry
19 09 LIGHTS DOWN LOW (Two Friends remix) Max
07 10 WORSHIP Brandyn Burnette
14 11 BORN READY (Halogen radio edit) The Disco Fries F/ Hope Murphy
18 12 BROKEN Tritonal & Jenaux F/ Adam Lambert
20 13 FALSE ALARM Matoma F/ Becky Hill
16 14 ELEVATED (Joe Mason remix) RKCB
06 15 SO HAPPY Tony Moran F/ Jason Walker
24 16 STAY Chet Porter F/ Chelsea Cutler
09 17 SO BAD (EDWYNN x TIKAL & Spirix remix) Brandon Skeie [Brandon Colbein]
25 18 IN THE NAME OF LOVE Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha
26 19 CLOSER (Sean Turk remix) Brandyn Burnette
28 20 IN MY HEAD Steve James F/ RKCB
New 21 LOVE ON THE BRAIN Rihanna
New 22 HIGH (Young Bombs remix) Jesper Jenset
11 23 DANGEROUS Built By Titan F/ Jesse Mccartney
New 24 LUMINARY Liquid Diet
17 25 TAKE ME APART LZRD X Spirix F/ Remmi
New 26 I ONLY WANT TO PLEASE YOU Bright Light Bright Light F/ Ana Matronic
New 27 JUST A DREAM Molly Moore F/ Brandyn Burnette
12 28 INSIDE OUT The Chainsmokers F/ Charlee
21 29 INTO YOU Ariana Grande
22 30 GET IT ON Jenaux

 

 

 

 

It’s time for another mini-concert season for me! Reminiscent of August 2022 and 2023, I have four shows that I’m pleased to attend in the next two weeks by Paul Weller, Crash Adams, Kygo/Sam Feldt/Hayla, and Conan Gray. I last saw Paul Weller (ex-The Jam and Style Council) in 1992 so I’m looking forward to hearing what he might play from his huge repertoire although there may be a focus on his recent album 66. Other than being introduced to Hayla through her compelling performance at the pre-show for the EDMA’s in Miami earlier this year, I have never seen the others perform in concert, so it should be a fun two weeks!

In the Report, you can also check out my pick 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 are a handful of favourites from 1986. And if you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser in my 700th BILLCS Top 30 chart.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

MAVIS STAPLES, “Worthy”

I think the legendary Mavis Staples sets a new bar for older performers to continue to record if they are able to do so. At 85, “Worthy” is fresh and uplifting, and her dynamic voice remains captivating. The song bridges older school R&B and blues with contemporary flavours. Produced by MNDR, the song intends to capture the essence of her work with Prince in the 80’s, and I think she has done that justice and more. Staple Singers songs like “I’ll Take You There”, “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” and “Heavy Makes You Happy” remain enduring classics because of their positive messages and fun rhythms. Mavis is also touring, so if she comes to your city you may want to take the time to check out her show.

LAFRANTZ, “Rattlesnake”

There is too little contemporary rock ‘n roll front and centre these days, so much that people declare on social media that rock music is dead on a regular basis. Hearing a song like LaFrantz’s “Rattlesnake” is proof enough of a clever, catchy rock song with southern pop and blues influences. It also sits on the fence adjacent to the rock-flavoured country songs that are coming out today such as Dasha’s “Austin” and Post Malone’s recent album release. LaFrantz are duo Jackson LaFrantz and Megan Larsen, and. Jackson also happens to have co-written two of my favourite songs of the year – Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” and “Slow It Down” – plus last year’s collaboration by Martin Garrix and JVKE, “Hero”, my #2 song of 2023. And while LaFrantz’s sound compliments Benson’s more pop-flavoured songs, there is quite a distance between them. “Rattlesnake” is a fun record with a number of hooks and both singers’ voices mix it up handily.

GREYSON CHANCE, “Meet Me Outside”

Greyson Chance continues to preview his next album project with an earnest and personal new track, “Meet Me Outside”. I find that it takes a bit longer to get into Greyson’s introspective and thoughtful alternative pop releases, which makes hearing them in an intimate concert setting a must. I’m not entirely certain what “Meet Me Outside” is about. To me, it seems to tackle a phase of dating that you go through when you’re enjoying the person’s company, but you know somehow that it won’t go any further, with clues like “I’ll never meet your parents” and “you can run but you can’t hide” lending to the mystery and provocativeness of the situation. Featuring a moving vocal by Greyson, you’ll find that “Meet Me Outside” gets under your skin with repeated plays.

JESSE CLEGG, “Hurricane”

While he is travelling down a different path in terms of his musical style, South Africa’s Jesse Clegg was certainly blessed with the musical talents of his late father, the great Johnny Clegg. His latest release, “Hurricane”, co-written with Nick Petricca of Walk The Moon, is a zippy slice of power pop which alludes the end of a relationship to a destructive hurricane, and relates how we get through it all. The track is also imbued with soulful, energetic harmonies by the Jeppe Girls Choir from Jeppe Girls High School in Johannesburg, which make it stand out and compliment Jesse’s moving vocal. 

Jesse plays in NYC at Carnegie Hall on October 29 in a special double bill with Zolani Mahola.

LIV MIRALDI, “Denver”

Ohio-born, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Liv Miraldi translated one of the worst years of her life into five songs that comprise her EP called 2019. Liv is already well-known as a versatile songwriter who has worked with and contributed to songs by South Korean sensations ENHYPEN, Mod Sun, Tinashe, Steve Aoki, NOTD and Dylan Conrique among many. “Denver” is a highly relatable break-up song about falling head-over-heels in love with someone in another city (the title city) yet tragically gets shut down and ghosted by that person. The song works through an individualized cathartic process that we go through when we can’t comprehend what has happened. Liv’s voice will appeal to fans of Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves, and “Denver” raises the curtains of life for Liv with a hopeful and anthemic melody.

PAWSA, “Too Cool To Be Careless”

British producer PAWSA reimagines Dennis Edwards’ 1984 classy R&B and dance hit “Don’t Look Any Further” (featuring Siedah Garrett) in a cover that’s reconstructed for dance clubs. Club DJ’s will see their patrons flock to the floor to get down to the old school flavours of this classic jam. The vocals are in their element, but this one is all about taking the best parts of the original track and fusing them with nu grooves and a big, bassy sound. “Too Cool To Be Careless” is a splendid surprise!

THANDO, “Want You”

NYC producer/DJ lives with the spirit of 70’s disco inside him, and he refines it into his own form of nu disco in “Want You”. I’m not sure where the vocal comes from – that is, if it’s a sample or uncredited vocal – but you could hear it mix into songs by Dombresky, Yung Bae, Sofi Tukker, The Knocks, and others who believe in the power and influence of disco music. The melody makes you picture whirling dancers having a blast on the dance floor – maybe with these kinds of songs, we’ll see that again one day soon.

SILAS NELLO, “Holy Ghost Blues”

Sometimes talented performers don’t need a full band backing them up to make a terrific record. “Holy Ghost Blues” is an indie rock release by Texas-born, L.A.-based Silas Nello and his upcoming EP West Hollywood. The song consists of vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica and tambourine, and that’s it. Silas pulls off an engaging vocal with an appropriately lurid tale of being stuck in a city’s underbelly. “Holy Ghost Blues” is also one of those memorable songs that will turn heads and easily create a hushed room when played in concert. Alternative and college radio stations will love “Holy Ghost Blues”.

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. 

The multi-artist collaboration of Hugel, Topic and Arash with vocalist Daecolm arrives with the European dance smash  “I Adore You”

“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”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

I was in their hometown over Labour Day weekend! It’s The Sheepdogs with “Take Me For A Ride”

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885, where you can also hear both my New Music and Retro Picks of the Week. Hunter can also be heard weekdays at 2pm EST on Party Dog Radio.

“American Idol” 2024 winner Abi Carter with “Peppermint Sky”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, which can be heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST, where you can also now 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.

Robert Palmer – Addicted To Love
Double – The Captain Of Her Heart
Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls
Culture Club – Move Away
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) – If You Leave

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.

10 years before his hit “Ah! Leah!”, Donnie Iris wrote “The Rapper” for his band The Jaggerz (#2, 1970)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Mi Amor” by Sam Feldt, JVKE and Anitta gets a third appearance at #1!

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

It’s “Leo (Flicker)” by dance production collective Starsigns with UK singer/songwriter George Gleeson (20-9)

 

 

26 years and 700 bi-weekly charts, and here we are. The music business was very different in 1998; we probably have triple the amount of music available to us back then which was all before Napster and file sharing, MySpace and Soundcloud. The gate-keeping is about the same for major label artists, though artists themselves have more flexibility now as to when they want to let their fans in thanks to social media. Only Nile Rodgers and Vanessa Williams on this week’s new chart were around back then making music.

Unfortunately there are many independent artists who don’t know how to use social media properly, don’t have enough help to do it, and simply don’t engage enough with their fans, then wonder why the music doesn’t get traction. And there are others who don’t care about any of that and just release their music because they can. In 1998 you had to spend a lot of money to produce limited edition CD’s or cassettes to release your music. 

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are now directly tied in with this blog.  As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

It’s taking us right to the end of summer when I will see Sam perform in Toronto for the first time on September 21, and “Mi Amor” remains atop the BILLCS Top 30 for a third appearance at #1 for Sam, JVKE and Anitta.  There are plenty of challengers for #1 just below it for the next chart two weeks from now, including “For Life” by Kygo, Nile Rodgers and Zak Abel which stays at #2, and Jubël & NOTD’s “Chocolate”, which holds at #3.

Benson Boone’s songs from Fireworks and Rollerblades have proved to be enduring, and the beautifully sung “Slow It Down” advances 7-5.

Making short work of the Top 10 is “For Life” (above) by Kygo, Zak Abel and Nile Rodgers, which zips up the chart 10-4. Kygo’s other chart entry, “Without You” (below) with previous chart-topper Hayla, climbs 27-21.

Kygo gets a second song in the Top 10 as “Without You” climbs 11-6, making it a third Top 10 entry for both him and vocalist/songwriter Hayla.

The Knocks obtain their 9th Top 10 entry and second this year with “Lover” featuring indie pop duo Dolores Forever, which moves up 13-8.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the propulsive “Leo (Flicker)” by multi-producer collective Starsigns with UK vocalist/songwriter George Gleeson. It soars 20-9 and is part of the three-song EP called Fire Signs. It becomes the 5th Top 10 entry for Manila Killa as one third of Starsigns.

No artist has had more entries on the chart or Top 10 placements than Bright Light Bright Light! From his album Enjoy Youth, “Heartslap” (with Mykal Kilgore) becomes his 22nd Top 10 entry, rising 12-10.

I’ll be seeing Canadian duo Crash Adams in concert on September 15, and I’m looking forward to experience the energy of their releases in person!  “Hotel Party” nudges the Top 10 as it moves up 14-11.

Jude York’s dance release “Monaco” is a real head-turner and it rises 18-12.

Alex Sampson has moved on to the semi-finals on “America’s Got Talent”, which airs on Wednesday when you can root for him. His retro-ballad release “Pretty Baby” climbs 23-15.

Zedd’s first album in 9 years, Telos, is an interesting package of beautifully produced tunes, including “Out of Time” (above) with Bea Miller, which rises 25-17.  Check out his rework of Jeff Buckley’s “Dream Brother” (below), which features Jeff’s vocals and see what you think. Being a fan of Jeff, the vocals seem a bit out of place in an electronic setting that Jeff would never have even considered, but it’s an interesting idea and terrific of Zedd to bring back Jeff’s voice to a new generation.

“SuperFine” by NYC’s Fly By Midnight will breathe life into any pop playlist you might have so be sure to add it. This refreshing release moves up 24-19.

Arriving as the Highest Debut at #24 is “I Adore You”, the European dance hit by three producers, France’s Hugel, Germany’s Topic and Sweden’s Arash, with South African vocalist Daecolm, who sounds like a cross between The Weeknd and Bruno Mars.  This one’s gonna go far.  It’s Hugel’s second entry, following 2022’s “Madonna”.

The superstar duet of the year, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, debuts at #27 with the hypnotic “Die With A Smile”. It’s Lady Gaga’s 15th chart entry, but only Bruno’s 2nd, following his Silk Sonic project with Anderson.Paak and “Leave The Door Open” from 2021 (#4).

The third new entry at #28 is “Wrong Way”, a collaboration that really surprised me between blog regulars Two Friends and Toronto singer/songwriter Alexander Stewart. It’s Two Friends’ 5th chart entry and second this year, and Alexander’s second after last year’s “I Wish You Cheated” (#13).

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! 

Halton Hills Radio Online

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs.  The show also repeats on Saturday evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

My New Music Pick of the Week debuts each week on The Big 20. It airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. 

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week airs each week on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline”, Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m now featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my Retro Pick of the Week on the live online radio show “The 3D Variety Show”, now powered by both www.xstreamrockradio.com and Lil Rawkers  with “The Musicman” James Rogers. I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at the following link: 3D Variety Show. The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST.

Energy885   

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885  now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Fridays at 6pm EST, and his new show “Pyjama Party” on Saturdays at 5pm EST, which both air my New Music Pick of the Week. Energy885 is also airing my Retro Pick Of The Week on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of “Modern Hype” and “Pyjama Party” at the following link:  DJ Hunter.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! Schedules are currently being updated.