#BILLCSTop30 #653 – November 21/22

There’s a lot of big moves on the new edition of the chart, so I’ll be focusing on writing about those. But there’s a change-up at #1 too and four steaming hot debuts. 

My chart continues to be posted bi-weekly below with an accompanying blog post. The regular blog posts under the new name The BILLCS New Music Report now appear weekly on Wednesdays.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they will become increasingly tied in with the BILLCS New Music Report.  This week I am on air LIVE on Tuesday November 22 at 8pm EST counting down Toronto’s Top 10 from this week in 1969 on the 3D Variety Show.

ANNOUNCEMENT

I would normally publish the next chart blog post on Monday December 5. However I will be away on vacation from December 3 to 10, so it will appear three days early, on Friday December 2!

I always look forward to this song coming up on my personal playlists, so there is absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t be the new #1 song on the BILLCS Top 30. Up 2-1 it’s the crazy infectious “The Boss” by French producers Coopex and Charles B with NYC singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen. It’s the first #1 for both producers, but the second for Robbie, following last year’s glorious “Sanctuary” which he made with Dutch producer Howen.

Coming up close behind and looking to succeed it in two weeks is “My Dying Spirit” by Greyson Chance, which soars 7-2 and ties “Dancing Next To Me”, which also reached #2 in 2020. “My Dying Spirit” comes from Greyson’s fascinating album Palladium, and I am so looking forward to seeing him perform in concert in Toronto on Thursday December 1!!

The Fastest Riser on the chart is one that I simply cannot get enough of – it draws me in and makes me sing along every time. From his album Superache, Conan Gray’s “Yours” vaults 22-6 to follow “Memories” (which peaked at #4) into the Top 10. Conan is currently touring in eastern Asia.

Also making an impressive move is Stephen Sanchez, whose “Until I Found You” sails 16-7. The production and its layered harmonies sounds to me like The Everly Brothers (specifically Phil Everly) in a contemporary setting!

Amid all of the movement, two more songs land in the Top 10.  Two Friends and Mod Sun climb 11-9 with the crowd-pleaser “Timebomb” (above), while Rhode Island native JVKE’s impressive “Golden Hour” (below) moves up 18-10!

“Charlie Be Quiet” by Charlie Puth moves up 20-14. It’s short and sweet but packs a big punch!

Toronto singer Shawn Molko rises 28-16 with the absolutely beautiful ballad “I Will Wait”. He’s definitely a new talent to keep your eyes and ears on.

Also from Toronto, pop/rock duo Crash Adams knows how to package up a lot of fun in just under three minutes with “Give Me A Kiss” (26-18), which is their third chart entry to date. Watch the video too above too, which is shot in Southern California.

Then soaring 29-19 is “The Power” by Matoma, sure to be a New Year’s Eve anthem this year!

It’s not going to take long for a commanding song like “Lionheart (Fearless)” by Joel Corry and Tom Grennan to get out of the lower reaches of this chart. This week it’s up 30-21.

The Highest Debut belongs to Sweden’s Darin as “Satisfaction” bows at #26. The fun and flirty single follows one of my summer faves, “Superstar” (which peaked at #2), and two #1’s, the ballad “Holding Me More” and last year’s “Can’t Stay Away”.  In total it’s Darin’s 8th chart entry, going back to 2008.

Years & Years surprised us a few weeks back with a reverent cover of Crystal Waters’ “100% Pure Love”. Yes folks, it’s THAT good, and arrives at #27. It’s Y&Y’s 12th entry on the chart, and 4th this year, and follows the immensely appealing Night Call album, from which three songs (including #2 “Sweet Talker” with Galantis) reached my Top 10. Olly Alexander’s vocal is especially playful on this release!

After watching his sensational set in Las Vegas this past summer, it’s no surprise to me that Tiësto gets his first chart entry in three years with “10:35” featuring Calgary’s Tate McRae at #28 from his upcoming album Drive. This is exquisite ear candy for radio, clubs and festivals, and Tiësto’s 6th chart entry, though he also has 4 entries as a remixer which begin as early as 2003! It’s also Tate’s 2nd entry after last year’s “You” with Regard and Troye Sivan.

The fourth debut is the brilliant release by Montana-born, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Zac Poor, a heartbreaking but hopeful track called “Ghost Boy” at #29. Although almost anyone can relate to its story, it’s the LGBTQ2S+ community to whom the song will mean a lot. Zac’s been a prolific songwriter for others like Tori Kelly, Backstreet Boys and Tate McRae – total coincidence their songs debut back to back! – over the past 10 years, along with releasing his own music periodically (and appearing in this blog), but this is his chart debut.  Be sure to watch its lovely video above – tears or a big lump in your throat are likely, so keep a tissue handy.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link:  BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

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 mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy 

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST.  Be sure to listen to Hunter’s special Thanksgiving show starting at 11 a.m. EST on Thursday November 24! You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

 

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 16/22 spotlighting @Darinofficial @Fambamusic & @GlasgowKISSme @itsLenaLeon @Afrojack & @JamesArthur23 @ukShapeshifters, @RamonaRenea & @Fiorious @TELYKast & @FrancisKarel

Several great new dance music tracks are front and centre in the spotlight in my posts about 13 new songs below, along with picks of the week from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and myself.  “The Musicman” James Rogers throws it back to the 70’s in his Classic Five. Plus I recap the top five songs from the BILLCS Top 30 from this week 5, 10, 15 and 20 years ago.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

DARIN, “What’s The Point”

It’s very rare indeed for me to be writing about an artist two weeks in a row, but Sweden’s Darin has released the rock-flavoured “What’s The Point” quickly after the recent “Satisfaction”. What’s different here is that “What’s The Point” is a cover of a fondly remembered 2010 hit in Sweden by the duo Johnossi. Darin’s vocal is enhanced by some harmonies and other effects which compliment the energy level in the production. Darin takes “What’s The Point” to another level with a blazing interpretation that suits the song’s lyrics and message.

FAMBA and GLASGOW KI$$, “No Sleep”

It’s great to hear Toronto-based dance producer Famba settling back into the club-oriented style that got him on the map in the first place. “No Sleep” is a simmering hot pot of deep house featuring newcomer GLASGOW KI$$ that blows up in all the right places. If you hear this one at 3 a.m. in a club then you can certainly call “No Sleep” your new late night club anthem. It’s definitely one of Famba’s best recent releases and is the follow up to “Forever”.

LENA LEON, “Spiral”

NYC’s Lena Leon is a popular go-to vocalist for electronic dance music songs, but she’s also been releasing her own music alongside those successes. After adding a brilliant vocal to Mahalo and Milkwish’s “Careless” (which reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30) earlier this year, “Spiral” is breaking out at dance music radio, a smooth deep house track co-written and with production by those talented guys, The Disco Fries. But it’s Lena’s vocal that’s the star of the show, and when you hear “Spiral” alongside a lot of samey-sounding dance music it is simply unmistakable.

AFROJACK and JAMES ARTHUR, “Lose You”

Following up the recent fun deep house track “Hit It” and his current dance radio hit “Day N Night”, Afrojack is unstoppable with “Lose You”, featuring British singer/songwriter James Arthur.  And James’ vocal certainly suits the electronic dance genre, with “Lose You” a quick but intense track that benefits from a really rich, masterful Afrojack production. “Lose You” should have no trouble following up “Day N Night” at dance radio.

THE SHAPESHIFTERS with RAMONA RENEA and FIORIOUS, “Slippery People”

Veteran UK dance producer The Shapeshifters (aka Simon Marlin) – best known for his 2004 UK #1 “Lola’s Theme” (which also reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30) – returns with his take on Talking Heads’ “Slippery People”, originally from the Heads’ 1983 album Speaking In Tongues, from their new album Let Loose. But to me, this version is less about the Talking Heads’ original and more about the amazing 1984 cover by The Staple Singers. It’s a feast for your ears with powerful and soulful vocals by Ramona Renea and Fiorious burning brightly next to Mavis and Pops Staples, and the loaded arrangement featuring strings and horns makes it all the more dynamic.  Don’t sleep on this one!

TELYKAST and FRANCIS KAREL, “Better Now”

L.A.-based production trio TELYKast have had a great year, which started off with the dance radio #1 “Unbreakable” (which also reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30) and almost ends with another one, as “Body To Body” finds its way to the top of the national dance radio charts this week. “Better Now” is another compelling track that is more of an urgent-sounding anthem than usual. That’s thanks to the potent voice of Indonesian singer Francis Karel, who is quickly finding his way into the John Martin-Clinton Kane-Jared Lee graduate school of go-to dance music vocalists. The energy level is guaranteed to soar on the dance floor or at a festival when the DJ spins “Better Now”.

FEATURING

ALMA FAYE BROOKS and LOUIS TOTEDA & THE HIGH STEPPIN’ ORCHESTRA

“Dreams Don’t Only Happen At Christmas” and “Con Te Partirò (Time To Say Goodbye)” 

This “double A sided” single marks a sparkling return to recorded music for 70’s Montreal-based, Texas-born disco singer Alma Faye Brooks, who has a small repertoire of songs adorned by club DJ’s years later, which includes her modest Canadian radio hit “Stop I Don’t Need No Sympathy” and dance club hit “It’s Over”. Over time, Alma Faye’s voice has gotten bigger and more powerful which adds a lot of charm to her joyous, self-penned “Dreams Don’t Only Happen At Christmas” (above), and allows her to create a splendid cover of “Con Te Partirò” (below), popularized as a duet in the UK by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, reaching #2 there in 1997, and then two years later as a #1 dance smash by Donna Summer. Alma Faye puts her own spin on the song which holds its own against Donna’s version, thanks to production by Louis Toteda (former leader of Nightlife Unlimited) and the legendary John Luongo, on whose JLM label these songs are released. “Dreams” will definitely brighten up your holiday playlist, while “Con Te Partirò” is waiting to shake up clubgoers once again on the dance floor.

MR! MOURAY, “Cats Can’t Fly”

Mr! Mouray is a Toronto-area quartet of veteran rock musicians with a penchant for amusing song and album titles. Led by lead vocalist and guitarist Simon Bedford-James and my good friend, Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia guru and bassist Jaimie Vernon, “Cats Can’t Fly” is culled from their just-released second album, What’s The Stouray. The song’s about recognizing when a relationship is biting the dust. Despite the downbeat theme, the song has a wicked melodic hook, beautiful keyboard work from another fine friend, Rob Preuss (ex-Spoons, Honeymoon Suite), and stellar harmonies. If you enjoy rock bands like The Wallflowers, Men at Work or Sloan, then “Cats Can’t Fly” is for you. If you buy “Cats Can’t Fly” on Bandcamp, you’ll get another song with it for free. Oh, and about the song title? Canadian music fans will undoubtedly remember the Toronto band Cats Can Fly for their 1986 domestic hit “Flippin’ To The ‘A’ Side”… 

STEVEN THAD, “Find My Way”

In his charming lo-fi way, Washington DC area singer/songwriter Steven Thad is consistent with his approach to releasing his original music. Focusing on vocals, story, and harmonies goes a long way and “Find My Way”, from his debut album Love, R&B, is a refreshing winner. It’s about learning and making changes that work for you in order to reach your destiny. In the song, Steven turns a negative into a positive, and hope is something that so many people need to hear in the music they enjoy. “Find My Way” is the highlight of the album, which also features songs I’ve written about, “Goodbye Farewell” and “Do You Remember”, as well as a cover of Destiny’s Child’s “Free”.

TONY ROMERA and BILLY VALENTINE, “Tonight’s The Night”

“Tonight’s The Night” is a classy, feel-good, fast-paced house track that’s brought to you by Lyon, France native and producer Tony Romera. As a big bonus, he’s utilized the slick voice of veteran R&B and jazz singer Billy Valentine, who you know not only from being one half of the Valentine Brothers (they recorded the original version of Simply Red’s “Money$ Too Tight (To Mention)”), but also the familiar voice of so many cover versions that graced TV’s “Sons of Anarchy”. Together, and as they should, they will keep your body moving in some shape or form in “Tonight’s The Night”.

ASHWYN and NATALIE, “Pink Skies”

India-born, USA-based multi-talent Ashwyn returns with a new EP called Skar, which features “Pink Skies”, a crisp and dreamy new pop track. Vocalist Natalie gives “Pink Skies” a really personal sound amid an imaginative setting, with lots of layered harmonies. Adding in some dazzling guitar magic from Ashwyn makes “Pink Skies” that much more memorable. The Skar EP also features Ashwyn’s single from last year, “Feelings of Yesterday”, which is also worth revisiting for its intriguing arrangement and impressive guitar work.

SIERRA BLAX and CHRISTOPHER WATSON, “Control”

If you enjoy your R&B/pop on the mellow side, the music of Sierra Blax on her new EP BRB…I’m Daydreaming is tailored for you. The L.A.-based, Kaua’i born singer/songwriter has a gentle tone which is given an uncomplicated mix to accentuate the authentic rawness in “Control”. The song seems to portray a couple who are totally into each other but want to wrestle away control from the other, at least in the romance department. It’s a duet with Tampa, Florida singer Christopher Watson, who adds a complimentary graceful turn and makes “Control” go down quite easily.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“The Power” by long-time favourite, Matoma

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Nightshift” covered by Bruce Springsteen from his album of soul covers, Only The Strong Survive

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“Nothing I Won’t Do” by NYC dance producer David Solomon and vocalist TMW

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

This week it’s all about the 1970’s, and perhaps unintentionally, 1975:

Barry Manilow – Mandy
Minnie Riperton – Lovin’ You
John Denver – Thank God I’m A Country Boy
Bee Gees – Jive Talkin’
KC & The Sunshine Band – That’s The Way (I Like It)

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2017

  1. Need Your Heart – Latchmere
  2. Perfect – Mahalo featuring Cat Lewis
  3. Show Me – Loud Luxury featuring Nikki’s Wives
  4. No Love In Brooklyn – Nick Peters & Frank Pierce featuring Scott Vega
  5. Flags – Shoffy featuring Yuna

2012

  1. Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
  2. Music Makes You Lose Control – Carlos Nóbrega
  3. Spectrum – Zedd featuring Matthew Koma
  4. Parachute – Matthew Koma
  5. Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding

2007

  1. Me, Myself & I – Darren Hayes
  2. Apologize – Timbaland featuring One Republic
  3. Love Is Gone – David Guetta featuring Chris Willis
  4. Don’t Stop The Music – Rihanna
  5. The Fear You Won’t Fall – Joshua Radin

2002

  1. James Dean (I Wanna Know) – Daniel Bedingfield
  2. Spin – Lifehouse
  3. Serve The Ego (Gabriel & Dresden club remix) – Jewel
  4. Like I Love You – Justin Timberlake
  5. Shine (Tracy Young radio mix) – Cyndi Lauper

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 9/22 spotlighting @Darinofficial @DLMTmusic & @PartyShirt @YearsandYears @TheHim & @BullySongs #MByrd

Check out my posts about 10 new songs below, along with picks of the week from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and myself.  “The Musicman” James Rogers offers more tunes from the 80’s in his Classic Five. Plus I recap this week’s BILLCS Top 30 new #1 and the Fastest Rising song on the chart.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

DARIN, “Satisfaction”

After three brilliant singles, it’s absolutely no surprise that “Satisfaction” is another newly minted gem for 2020’s Darin. Like “Superstar” and “Can’t Stay Away”, a flirty and sexy style of dance music for the Swedish pop sensation draws its influences from 80’s stars like Madonna, George Michael, Pet Shop Boys, and other risk takers who converted several of their songs into visual feasts too. Minus the unnecessary voyeuristic plot, the video for “Satisfaction” captures this too with Darin embracing his sexuality amid some eye-catching choreography.

DLMT & PARTY SHIRT, “Goin’ Down”

With the right club DJ and the right mix, “Goin’ Down” is one of those infectious dance tracks that could easily become a centrepiece in a mid-evening set. It’s brought to you by increasingly noted Toronto producer DLMT – he’s recently remixed Bad Bunny – and American-Australian producers and Tik Tok favourites Party Shirt. I’m certain the hook featuring Latin horns is a sample (but I can’t place it… help) and the producers totally smash the production in “Goin’ Down” with their loaded bag of tricks. “Goin’ Down” is one of those dance tracks you don’t want to let up and leaves you feeling exhilarated at the end.

YEARS & YEARS, “100% Pure Love”

Taking a break from original tunes after his fine album from earlier this year Night Call, Olly Alexander and team offer us “100% Pure Love”, a reverent cover of the 1994 Crystal Waters smash. It wouldn’t have occurred to me that this one could be a Years & Years song but it makes total sense. Olly certainly has fun with the vocal, and the supporting musicians nail the mid-90’s house bounce that it could not go without. It’s bound to sound fab at a Y&Y live event!

THE HIM and BULLYSONGS, “Violet Skies”

Dutch producer The Him continues to keep vibrant beats rolling, and switches it up a bit with the slower but funk-flavoured “Violet Skies”. The vocalist is BullySongs, a British artist probably known more as an epic hit-making songwriter for the dance music world cream of the crop like Armin van Buuren, Galantis and Don Diablo among others. His gentle, echo-filled vocal gives “Violet Skies” that soothing, delightful quality that you associate with watching a sunset on the beach. Notch up another impressive release for The Him!

M. BYRD, “Flood”

Although I haven’t written about his music till now, I’ve been paying attention to the growth of Germany-born singer/songwriter M. Byrd through the songs I’ve heard. His new song “Flood” almost sounds like a fresh start, a song about letting go of certain things and people in our lives, even if temporary, to lead your best life. M. Byrd describes it as follows:

“I like to think of it as a constant cascade, like a waterfall that is becoming stronger and stronger, the more it is raining. Musically I find that to be most apparent in the littler guitar melody that slowly weaves into the song…”

Musically, the song harkens back to late 80’s, early 90’s alt.pop/rock that evolved out of the new wave era by British groups like The Railway Children, House of Love, and The Mighty Lemon Drops – whether or not that could have been in M. Byrd’s trajectory is another thing. “Flood” is most enjoyable and also succeeds on its own merit as cathartic and ambitious.

FEATURING

COCO & BREEZY and TARA CAROSIELLI, “Just Say”

“You’re toxic but it only makes me wanna love you”

That memorable recent lyric might have been nagging you when you’ve heard it on your dance radio show, and it comes from “Just Say” by Coco & Breezy with singer/songwriter Tara Carosielli. The independent release has quickly made huge strides and is in the Top 20 nationally for dance music radio airplay. That’s great news for twin sisters Coco & Breezy, otherwise known as DJs/producers/ entrepreneurs Corianna and Brianna Dotson. Among their achievements include running a successful sunglasses company that began when they were teenagers, and performing as tour dancers with Prince. “Just Say” has a welcoming, light-hearted, playful vibe that fills a bankable void left by 90’s pop/R&B acts like TLC or Brandy.

MICHAEL MALCOLM and VICTOR PERRY, “Out Of My Mind”

NYC singer-songwriter Victor Perry teams up with new Canadian dance producer Michael Malcolm for “Out Of My Mind”. Some of Victor’s best releases have been in the deep house genre, and this song about being just a little bit more than infatuated goes down easy. Michael’s production isn’t full of effects or tricks, and ably showcases Victor’s superlative Michael Jackson-inspired vocal. Club DJ’s and dance radio shouldn’t sleep on this one!

OLLY MURS, “Die Of A Broken Heart”

Olly Murs is back with a fresh sound after four years since his last new music. He’s a superstar in England from the early ’10’s hits “Heart Skips A Beat” and “Troublemaker” (with Flo Rida) but is in comeback mode with the reggae-tinged “Die of a Broken Heart”. And it’s a nice change from recording songs with Snoop Dogg or Shaggy for name value. The sound is bright and crisp with a nice percussive backdrop, which allows his vocal to really soar. As a guy in love, he’s got a new album coming appropriately called Marry Me so there may be more opportunities yet for Olly to be back on the charts.

JOT SINGH, “Nothing Like This World”

Earlier this year, I introduced you to L.A.-based singer/songwriter Jot Singh and his beautifully sung acoustic release “Don’t Play With Fire”. “Nothing Like This World” serves as a worthy follow-up. This time it’s a more DIY effort, relying on some effectively distinct choppy guitar sounds which compliment another solid vocal by Jot. The song is about taking risks to help give yourself a better life, and the optimistic lyrics and dreamy melody yield better than average results. Check out the video above!

TYLER GARRETT, “Deception”

This past summer brought us an ambitious full album release, Mirage, by L.A. dance music multi-talent Tyler Garrett. “Deception” is sure to turn heads as Tyler shifts flavours from pop/dance/house and into trance for a trek to a darker side of electronic music. Self-realization is at the core of “Deception”, and Tyler playfully alters his vocal before the chorus kicks in. It’s a tad long at almost 5 minutes but trance music fans will thoroughly enjoy it, and I think it would benefit from an even deeper trance mix.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“I Will Wait” by new Toronto singer/songwriter Shawn Molko

BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Kick Ass” by the one and only Bryan Adams (with an amusing prologue by John Cleese)

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

A fast-paced slice of EDM by Quickdrop, “Too Late To Turn Back”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Toto – Africa
Yes – Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Wham! featuring George Michael – Careless Whisper
U2 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy

https://youtu.be/Z566jZAVZ5Q

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

“My Dying Spirit” by Greyson Chance (18-7)

#BILLCSTop30 #652, November 7/22

The BILLCS Top 30 has been unofficially 25 years old since September, but I didn’t keep any of the charts at that time, and they were only being shared on various chart-related Internet sites.  This week marks the first one that I still have which yielded this Top 10:

  1. YOU MAKE ME WANNA … Usher
  2. BITTER SWEET SYMPHONY The Verve
  3. TUBTHUMPING Chumbawumba
  4. WALKIN’ ON THE SUN Smash Mouth
  5. FLY Sugar Ray
  6. RATTLESNAKE Like
  7. FREE Ultra Naté
  8. BABYLON The Tea Party
  9. EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE Everclear
  10. LAST OF THE BIG GAME HUNTERS Barstool Prophets

My chart continues to be posted bi-weekly below with an accompanying blog post. The regular blog posts under the new name The BILLCS New Music Report now appear weekly on Wednesdays.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWSbelow too as they will become increasingly tied in with the BILLCS New Music Report.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z566jZAVZ5Q

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy is one of the most memorable songs of 2022 and it’s one that I don’t think I’ll get tired of any time soon. Fittingly, it rises 2-1 for my fellow Gemini from Compton, California whose performance on Saturday Night Live this past weekend you can check out above.

Climbing 5-2 is the superbly infectious “The Boss” by French producers Coopex and Charles B and NYC singer/songwriter and “American Idol” alumnus Robbie Rosen. Robbie reached #2 late last year with “To The Top” (with Natixx and Lyonbrothers) and was #1 exactly a year ago with Dutch producer Howen for “Sanctuary”.

“Full Force” (above) by Italy’s Luca + Giam with American vocalist Sam Merkin rises 6-4. Check out their latest release with New Zealand-based singer theajsound called “Game Changer” below.

The irresistible “Celebrate” by Laurentius and Oke makes another big move, up 9-5, from their upcoming EP together called Jaiye.

Greyson Chance is back-to-back in the Top 10 with two songs from his Palladium album. “Athena” (above) rises 8-6 while the engrossing “My Dying Spirit” (below) is the Fastest Riser on the chart, soaring 18-7.

Two more songs land in the Top 10. Florida’s Tonner climbs 13-9 with “Castles” (above), and Showtek gets their first Top 10 since 2019 with “Welcome Back Home” (below) featuring NYC’s MC Ambush, up 11-10.

The Fall has begun with great music from some fantastic new male singers. Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You” (above) breaks loose and moves up 22-16, while JVKE’s piano-laden “Golden Hour” (also above) rises 21-18. And they’re joined by Conan Gray whose “Yours” (below) rises 27-22.

I can’t get enough of Charlie Puth’s “Charlie Be Quiet” from his new album Charlie, which I hope will eventually be promoted at radio. It climbs 24-20. His best song hands down in years.

Capital Cities and Bobby Nourmand make a respectable move of 26-21 with their collaboration “Together”.

The Highest Debut belongs to a great new voice from Toronto which you might recognize from last week’s BILLCS New Music Report. It’s Shawn Molko and his scintillating ballad “I Will Wait” at #28.

Norway’s Matoma returns to the chart for his fifth entry which is “The Power” at #29. The song is already becoming an unexpected sports anthem, having been played at national hockey (Matoma got to play it himself at a New York Rangers game recently) and baseball games. Watch out for this one in the coming weeks. The uncredited powerhouse vocal is by co-writer Clementine Douglas.

The third new entry is a song guaranteed to be love at first listen. Joel Corry teams up with British vocalist Tom Grennan for “Lionheart (Fearless)” at #30. It’s Joel’s 2nd appearance on my chart following 2020’s enduring #1 “Head & Heart” (with MNEK).

 

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link:  BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

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 mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy (currently on hiatus but returning soon!!)

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Sundays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

 

 

 

 

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 2/22 spotlighting songs by @ShawnMolko, Shawn Desman @DaRealSD, @ZacPoor, @CraigDavid & @MuniLong, and Lilly Wood & The Prick @LWATP

Check out my posts about 12 new songs below, along with picks of the week from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and myself.  “The Musicman” James Rogers takes his Classic Five to the 80’s, and I look back at #1’s on the BILLCS Top 30 from this week over the previous 23 years, from Rufus Wainwright through to Justin Timberlake through to Karen Harding.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

SHAWN MOLKO, “I Will Wait”

There’s a new Shawn from Canada in town, and Toronto’s Shawn Molko has a voice that you won’t soon forget. Witness his new single “I Will Wait” – he has the gorgeous finesse of a Michael Bublé or Matt Dusk, but in a higher key with a light falsetto, so it’s no wonder that a cappella group Pentatonix has caught their attention – he could be a crooner like either gents, or stand alongside someone like Sam Smith. It also helps that “I Will Wait” is a beautiful piano-led song with a classic structure. Shawn recently sang the national anthems at Madison Square Garden for a Rangers/Flames game and stunned the arena. So if we’re just at the start for Shawn Molko, then I’m here for what’s next. Pop radio is playing similar new male vocalists like JVKE and Stephen Sanchez, and so would be missing out by not adding “I Will Wait”.

SHAWN DESMAN, “Maniac”

There’s another Shawn in Canada making an auspicious return. Toronto’s Shawn Desman is one of Canada’s most successful domestic pop stories of the 2000’s, yet despite often R&B-inflected pop smashes like “Get Ready” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30), “Shook”, “Nobody Does It Like You” and “Electric”, has not released any new solo material since 2015 when his record label deal ended. After taking some time to raise a family, he came back recently as one half of electronic production duo Radioclub with a couple of recent singles. But the soulful dance/pop of “Maniac” should put him back in the fore, with a solid vocal and production as well as some nice choppy guitar riffs that help it stand out. Fans who saw him perform at Drake’s OVO fest in Toronto gave Shawn a warm welcome back, so following it up with a strong single like “Maniac” – which has just landed in Canada’s Top 40 at radio – completely makes sense.

ZAC POOR, “Ghost Boy”

It’s been a while since I’ve heard or written about L.A.-based singer/songwriter Zac Poor, but over the years he’s been busiest as a songwriter as part of tunes recorded by the likes of Tori Kelly, Backstreet Boys, Nick Jonas, and many others. His new solo release “Ghost Boy” is one that strikes all the feels as the protagonist relates recalling younger versions of himself. And while some memories are painful, “Ghost Boy” will always be a part of him through good and bad, including one of the worst – discrimination. As usual, it’s beautifully sung, and set to a contrasting carefree, danceable rhythm, but the poignant narrative is what hits the home run.

CRAIG DAVID and MUNI LONG, “Obvious”

British R&B/pop singer/songwriter Craig David has released a new album in his 22 year chart career called – well, 22!  “Obvious”, which is included in the album, is a more pop companion to his classic “7 Days” than his other recent releases, and it features Tik Tok breakthrough artist Muni Long, who leaves a potent vocal stamp on this song that you’ll remember. Craig sounds as smooth as ever and “Obvious” is refreshing and fluid ear candy.

LILLY WOOD & THE PRICK, “You Want My Money (Quieres Mi Plata)”

You will remember the French duo Lilly Wood & The Prick, comprising Israel-born vocalist Nili Hadida and guitarist Benjamin Cotto from their inescapable 2014 worldwide smash, the Robin Schulz remix of “Prayer In C”. Last year, the pair released their first album in 7 years called Most Anything, which included the initial English-language version of “You Want My Money” (below). Now re-recorded in Spanish as “Quieres Mi Plata” (above), the song will capture Latin music fans as well as appeal to those of you who enjoy another talented electronic duo, Sofi Tukker. I’m enjoying both versions of the song with its chugga-chugga house rhythm and edgy vocal, so pick your favourite!

FEATURING

AASH MEHTA, “I Just Wanna Love You”

Following up his personal and atmospheric electronic pop album The Moments In-Between, Chicago producer Aash Mehta dishes out some contemporary house this time with “I Just Wanna Love You”. It’s also a successor to one of my faves from last year, the deep house rave-up “Back To You” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30). What the song might lack in terms of lyrical punch is completely compensated by on-point production, which stirs up the vibe a bit before reprising the drive of its melodic hook.

LOST BOY, “Ready2Go”

It’s been a while since I wrote about Bay Area multi-talent Lost Boy. Otherwise known as Dillon Deskin and now based in L.A., “Ready2Go” is a strong release waiting to be discovered, and caught my attention with its vibrant vocal and playful production. Lost Boy seems to be headed more in a pop direction than in past, and I think the cheery flavours in this song will draw in fans of Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, while the rich backdrop will continue to appeal to Zedd or Alesso enthusiasts.

AFROJACK presents NLW x PHLEGMATIC DOGS, “Get It”

Afrojack steps away from the melodic dance that gave him one of his biggest hits last year with David Guetta with “Hero”, and back into the bass house realm with a new banger called “Get It”. And this one is strictly for the clubs and festivals, once again under the name “Afrojack presents NLW”. With its irresistible rhythm and deadpan vocal, plus additional production by Russian duo Phlegmatic Dogs, “Get It” is sure to please Afrojack’s hardcore house fans.

CRISTÓVAM, “Ferris Wheel”

An award-winning star in his native Portugal, singer/songwriter Cristóvam brings you “Ferris Wheel” from his new album Songs On A Wire. It’s a provocative slice of folk-flavoured alt.pop that covets looking after your own problems before you try and help someone who has perhaps even more complex matters at hand. With a voice that’s a hybrid of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, and simple but crisp production and some nifty guitar work, the lyrics in “Ferris Wheel” aren’t judgmental and choose to guide rather than criticize. Let’s hope anyone having some difficulties will recognize and enjoy Cristóvam’s intrinsic perspective, while many others will have no problem connecting with it.

BROOKS, VLUARR, and JAY MASON, “Sober”

There’s a lot of European dance music that receives so much success at home that it often doesn’t get as much notice or praise outside of Europe. Brooks is a talented Dutch producer who is a protégé of Martin Garrix who has recorded numerous singles with his superstar buddy such as “Byte” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30) among Brooks’ earliest releases. Teaming up this time with two newer Dutch artists, producer/DJ/cellist Vluarr and vocalist Jay Mason, “Sober” is a punchy and gritty slice of deep house which is recognizably Brooks from its bounce, but spearheads other elements such as Vluarr’s supurb cello work. Jay Mason has released a few fistfuls of singles these last two years and has an earthy, compelling voice for a convincing delivery in “Sober”.

ROSEBURG, “Alice”

Utah-based alt.rock quartet Roseburg follow up their debut 2020 album Righteous Punk with a straight forward ode to life, love and having a purpose called “Alice”. The group deliberately stripped back their rocking sound for “Alice”, which is a more pop-oriented song that singer/guitarist Zack Knell wrote when he was 16. The production incorporates some winning harmonies alongside a tight arrangement. The band are originally from Roseburg, Oregon and can continue to happily represent the proud name of that town. Fans of early 2000’s alt.rock will be the first to love it, and you can watch for social media stars Dylan Jordan and Summer McKeen in the video for “Alice” above.

KINGA, “Sexy Boy” (Champain remix)

In the music biz, everything that’s been done before can be reinvented, remixed and rebooted into something that can fit into whatever is contemporary today. “Sexy Boy” has a timeless, easy-going electronic pop mystique that can fit into the fun and flirty part of dance music that is giving artists like L.A.’s Michael Medrano and even Sweden’s Darin a niche that was begun long ago by Brits Boy George, Marilyn, Pet Shop Boys, and Dead Or Alive. So what’s new to you, isn’t to me – Canada’s KINGA originally released long out of print indie “Sexy Boy” back in 1989 (you can listen to it at the link below), when it obtained a modicum of success on some adventurous pop and college radio stations, which gave the androgenous KINGA a chance to shine in local performances. The fast-paced synthpop Champain remix of “Sexy Boy” brings him back with an alluring, smoother Boy George-ish vocal that sounds fresh all over again.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Yours” by Conan Gray from his album Superache

BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Red and Gold” by new Manchester rockers Gathering Of Strangers

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“What You Got” by Oryon featuring Woodz

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
John Cougar – Jack and Diane
Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes
Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl
Christopher Cross – Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)

23 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 23 years.

“Pink Cadillac”, in 2009, was the first song available as a free download to top my chart.

1998 APRIL FOOLS Rufus Wainwright
1999 THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE (STAY GOLD) Everything But The Girl with Deep Dish
2000 TWISTED TENDERNESS Electronic
2001 BLACK BLACK HEART David Usher
2002 JAMES DEAN (I WANNA KNOW) Daniel Bedingfield
2003 SUPERFABULOUS BT featuring Rose McGowan
2004 THEY MIGHT SAY Mitchell Hunter
2005 PRETTY VEGAS INXS
2006 FUTURE SEX/LOVE SOUND Justin Timberlake
2007 APOLOGIZE Timbaland featuring One Republic
2008 RELAPSE Jesse McCartney
2009 PINK CADILLAC 100 Akres featuring Roz Bell
2010 RESURRECTION (Penguin Prison remix) The Temper Trap
2011 NO I.D. Frankmusik featuring Colette Carr
2012 MUSIC MAKES YOU LOSE CONTROL Carlos Nobrega
2013 ADORN Miguel (also featuring Jessie Ware)
2014 SMILE Mikky Ekko
2015 LET YOU GO River Tiber
2016 NATIVE SON PREQUEL (Jenaux remix) Gramatik featuring Leo Napier
2017 PERFECT Mahalo featuring Cat Lewis
2018 PHANTOM OF THE DANCE FLOOR Kiesza featuring Philippe Roy
2019 DREAMER Throttle
2020 UNDO MY HEART Karen Harding x Digital Farm Animals
2021 SANCTUARY Howen & Robbie Rosen

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – October 26/22 spotlighting new music by @GATTUSO_Music @ZakAbel @M22official @EllaHenderson #TASBA @Fiorious @AustinAtomusic @DAmicoandValax and much more!

After a lengthy course of writing blog posts about individual songs, I’ve launched the BILLCS New Music Report to showcase a week’s worth of new music at a time every Wednesday. In this way I can cover more of the songs, while also linking the Report to the growing online radio world, in which I am very present these days. I think it’s the future for what used to be on radio and has now been replaced by crass commercialism that just happens to play music – the same music, over and over and over.

The first section is called SPOTLIGHTING, which focuses on my five most notable new songs of the week. Then, there’s another section called FEATURING with several more cool new songs. Both sections continue to feature You Tube links to the songs. The “10/10” feature may return and will be worked into this new format.

I’ve also brought aboard my very good radio friends Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and of course my best friend of over 40 years, James Rogers, into the Report to offer their expertise. Russ and Hunter will give their own picks of the week every week, and James brings us his Classic Five of the week – wonderful pop hits of the post-Beatles era that the younger readership in particular should get to know.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

GATTÜSO and ZAK ABEL, “I’ll Be There”

Following up the recent “Afterglow” (which reached #8 on my chart), NYC-based Israel-born dance producer GATTUSO has a winner with “I’ll Be There”. It’s led by a committed and driven vocal by dance music mainstay ZAK ABEL, whose underlying rasp makes the infectious chorus even more affecting. GATTUSO’s rich production gives “I’ll Be There” a warm ambience which will be greatly appreciated by regular club dance floor denizens.

M-22 and ELLA HENDERSON, “Heartstrings”

German-UK production duo M-22 released one of my favourite songs of 2019 with “White Lies”, which promptly got to #1 on my chart. And after ELLA HENDERSON’s recent teaming with Nathan Dawe on “21 Reasons”, she was the right voice for “Heartstrings”. Her urgent vocal reminds me of Robyn at times circa “With Every Heartbeat”, and the chorus and drop are undeniable.

TASBA, “Inner Child”

TASBA (aka Tanya Barrera) is a new electronic dance producer from Denver who has loads of potential. It’s no surprise that her song “Inner Child” was picked up immediately for release. It’s got a gentle house vibe that TASBA lifts using a snappy rhythm with various shifts within the melody, which keeps the pace moving. “Inner Child” is the kind of song you’ll hear in a club and want to Shazam right away, and is a good start for an artist who is finding her niche stylistically and is also playing live gigs as well.

FIORIOUS and AUSTIN ATO, “Feel So High”

NYC singer/songwriter FIORIOUS and Scottish producer AUSTIN ATO make a formidable duo with “Feel So High”, which just oozes creativity. The song has early 80’s electropop roots that somehow translate into a fast-paced house track that’s guaranteed to be a dance floor filler. The highly energized vocal by FIORIOUS keeps “Feel So High” sizzling.

D’AMICO & VALAX and RICKYSEE, “So Close”

“So Close” is a fierce deep house track by Italian producers D’AMICO & VALAX and Detroit-based singer RICKYSEE. Taking its cues from early 90’s European house, “So Close” rides an aggressive rhythm layered with synths that play into a powerful chorus. Club DJ’s wanting to keep their dance floor full and the vibe relentless should insert “So Close” midway through a key set of the evening for best results.

FEATURING

CARLY RAE JEPSEN and RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, “The Loneliest Time”

I can’t go without mentioning “The Loneliest Time” – the title song from CARLY RAE JEPSEN’s new album – because of the presence of fellow Canadian and longtime personal fave RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, who can truly be a chameleon when he wants to be. His sublime vocal slides behind Carly Rae’s lead and gives the song added and unexpected dimension. Both singers sound fab and clearly enjoyed making this one.

LUFTHAUS and ROBBIE WILLIAMS, “To The Light”

“To The Light” is the most compelling track on the new EP Soul Seekers by LUFTHAUS, a Germany-based electronic project led by none other ROBBIE WILLIAMS! He’s probably one of the least likely names you’d find associated with trance music but Armada believed in it enough to release it. It’s in stark contrast to the 25th anniversary of Robbie’s debut solo album Life Thru A Lens and perhaps a timely shift in direction. Early hits like “Millennium” and “Rock DJ” offered electronic backdrops and sharp melodies. And Robbie’s vocal here broods and works so well over a familiar if linear landscape. Definitely work checking out!

SUNNERY JAMES & RYAN MARCIANO, BRUNO MARTINI and MAYRA, “Closure”

A tribal backdrop gives “Closure” a more progressive sound than usual from electronic dance music faves SUNNERY JAMES & RYAN MARCIANO and BRUNO MARTINI.  MAYRA’s powerful vocal seethes with internal anguish and gives “Closure” a strong emotional core. It’s definitely a sidestep for the producers from creating bangers, but “Closure” shows their strong and inspired collaboration at work.

EGZOD and BERTIE SCOTT, “The Way Out”

Florida-based electronic dance producer EGZOD (aka France-born Carlos Carvalho-Martins) has worked hard for just more than the last half decade developing his brand of melodic progressive songs. And it’s paying off – “The Way Out” has landed release on Spinnin’ Records. It also features the recognizable voice of UK go-to dance music singer BERTIE SCOTT. The song is long on melody and shifts into a breathtaking whirlwind in the last minute which is major icing on the cake. This one has all kinds of sync possibilities for film, TV and video games.

MARTIN LUKE BROWN, “grateful”

“grateful” is a warm welcome back to British singer/songwriter Martin Luke Brown, who brought us a splendid slice of soulful pop back in 2015 with his major label release “Take Out Of Me” (which got to #7 on my chart). Since that time MLB (has he is often called) has been mainly writing songs for others, and “grateful” is his first release since 2018. It’s a gritty but inviting track that echoes the raw 60’s vibes of The Beatles and their contemporaries while being channeled through late 70’s punk of the likes of Elvis Costello.

FRANKMUSIK, “Complete Me Completed”

“Complete Me Completed” signals a wrap to the new FRANKMUSIK version of his 2009 album Complete Me. The full album will be released soon as a new package but in the meantime all of its songs have been re-recorded and re-vamped. “Complete Me” is full of soaring FRANKMUSIK vocals that will make you think songs from his 2014 album By Nicole. The production is full of subtleties and power that are customary with a FRANKMUSIK release. What his task did though was take a lot of very good songs stuck in 2009 trappings and made them so much better.

HUNTER, “Closer”

L.A. based singer/songwriter Hunter Elizabeth rebrands herself as HUNTER on her new EP Hello: My Name Is HUNTER. After seeing some success with a year long residency at a popular L.A. club and a connection with Willie Nelson’s son Lukas that opened a lot of doors for her, HUNTER proves her versatility and how to craft a 3 minute pop song with “Closer”. It’s an upbeat love song about celebrating with those closest to you after the difficulties we experienced in the pandemic. Her bright voice highlights a song that is set out to show you a good time, and provides a welcome introduction to the EP.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Together” by L.A. pop duo CAPITAL CITIES and L.A.-based electronic dance producer BOBBY NOURMAND

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Runaway To Mars” by Canadian singer TALK

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“See The Light” by Nashville-based singer/songwriter STEPHEN SANCHEZ

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

“She Loves You” by THE BEATLES (1964)

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by THE ROLLING STONES (1965)

“House of the Rising Sun” by THE ANIMALS (1964)

“I Get Around” by THE BEACH BOYS (1964)

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by THE BEATLES (1964)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Jimi” by FRANCESCO YATES

BILLCS Top30 HIGHEST DEBUT

“Charlie Be Quiet” by CHARLIE PUTH

#BILLCSTop30 #651, October 24/22

I have decided to call my new blog format the “BILLCS New Music Report” and it begins on Wednesday. This will be a weekly, more newsletter-styled format in which I will be able to cover more music than I can using the song-by-song format I’ve used for the last several years. I’ll also be able to build each blog post gradually during the week instead of deciding that day whether I will write about something or not. This will be a work-in-progress and your suggestions will be welcome to help make it more readable each week!  It will also tie-in my work in ONLINE RADIO SHOWS more, since they are now a big part of my life.

I’ll be frequently reiterating that if independent artists, producers and managers who want exposure in my blog – over 13 years in existence with a tie-in to online radio – they need to communicate with me.  I will however also continue to promote and write about songs/artists I discover on my own. My personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30, has been online since 1998,  and I’ll continue to write it up and count it down every second Monday. The “10/10” feature, where I write about 10 songs all in one post, may find its way into the BILLCS New Music Report.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

With such a strong playing field for this chart, Francesco Yates’ “Jimi” shows that it has long legs into its 8th appearance on the chart (16 weeks) and remains on top for a 2nd appearance!

It’s been very rare for a Billboard #1 to hit #1 on my chart in recent years, but Steve Lacy’s unique and memorable “Bad Habit” rises 4-2 and positions itself to perhaps do that in two weeks. Did you know Steve was part of Calvin Harris’ Love Regenerator project on “Live Without Your Love”?

It’s short and sweet but also keep your eye on “The Boss” (above) by Coopex, Charles B and Robbie Rosen (6-5) in two weeks too. It’s been stuck behind a lot of great songs these past few weeks, and is Robbie’s 2nd concurrent Top 10 along with “Stained Glass” at #7.  Robbie also has a fine new dance release with none other than DubVision called “Stitch You Up” which you can check out below!

Luca + Giam and Sam Merkin waste no time following #3 “Hold Me Down” into the Top 10 as “Full Force” takes advantage of a quieter part of the chart to leap 12-6.

That also allows “Celebrate” (above) by Laurentius and Oke to make another big move and slide into the Top 10, up 15-9!  In preparation for their EP Jaiye, another track called “Run” has been released which you can hear below.

“But Not Tonight” moves up 13-10 for Paul Van Dyk and Christian Burns, giving each their second Top 10’s on this chart.  Paul got to #4 in 2008 with “Let Go” and Christian was the voice for Tiësto’s #3 “In The Dark” from 2007.  And along with “Turn On The Lights Again”, “But Not Tonight” also becomes the second cover in the Top 10 (the original is by Depeche Mode from 1986), the other being “Turn On The Lights Again” by Fred Again.. and Swedish House Mafia (#4) (which makes a new song out of a verse from Future’s 2012 track). LF System’s “Afraid To Feel” at #3 isn’t an outright cover but prominently samples Silk’s “I Can’t Stop (Turning You On)”.

Lily Lane’s exceptional “Bad” (22-17) from her EP Queen of Hearts is definitely one to watch in the coming weeks.

The Fastest Riser is Greyson Chance’s cathartic “My Dying Spirit” (26-18) from his album Palladium. It’s hard not to be moved or enthralled by this one as you listen to it more and more.

A lot of summer favourites exited the chart, so that made room for five debuts.

In a total surprise, Charlie Puth gets his first chart appearance in the five years since his #1 “Attention” with “Charlie Be Quiet” (#24) from his new album Charlie. It’s another quick (only 2:08) track, but it’s jam-packed with the racing thoughts in your head when you have a crush on someone and want to make your move. While I’m not crazy about the layers of production he (over) adds to his voice, it’s hard not to love this one!

Positivity and unity are the driving forces behind “Together” by Capital Cities and Bobby Nourmand which bows at #26. I got burned out on “Safe and Sound” years ago so it never charted, so I get to welcome Capital Cities to the chart with this independent release. Producer Bobby Nourmand however has been a frequent visitor, with two #1’s “D E E P in NY” and the double-A sided “Subterranean/Estranged”, but “Together” is his first appearance in four years.

With every listen I adore “Yours” by Conan Gray even more. So this album track from Superache arrives at #27. I’ve been seeing the online raves about Conan’s recent concert performances, as well as the kind outreach he gives to fans, so hopefully he’ll play my city again next year. “Yours” follows his #4 “Memories”.

Toronto pop/rock duo Crash Adams returns to the chart at #28 with another track keep you smiling, “Give Me A Kiss”. It’s their third visit to the chart and follows 2021’s #11 “Symphony”. Be sure to watch the video for the song above, it’s loads of fun and set in southern California!

The fifth debut is “Loop” by Martin Garrix, DallasK and Sasha Alex Sloan at #29. It’s another sparkling collaboration that shows the ongoing evolution of Martin Garrix. He can make a banger explode any day but something more nuanced like “Loop” is always more than welcome. It’s his 11th chart entry and follows the #5 “Won’t Let You Go” from earlier this year.

 

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link:  BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

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 mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy (currently on hiatus but will return)

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Sundays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

 

 

 

Classic song structure and a compelling chorus drive “Step By Step” by Dutch quintet @thewordisEUT

EUT, “Step By Step”

“Step By Step” confronts the feelings of loneliness when you’re in a relationship and the other person is no longer making an effort and has just got too comfortable. It’s brought to you by Dutch quintet EUT, led by Megan de Klerk, which spins bright synth and guitar melodies and rhythms against down-to-earth lyrics. Although the vocals and harmonies offer a lush sound, the production on them to me could have been scaled back in a less layered effect for such a direct song. But that’s my only quibble – the song has a classic structure which will transport listeners to great moments of 1970’s and 1980’s pop, and the overall result with “Step By Step” is an assured and amiable alt.pop sound. “Step By Step” will be a part of EUT’s upcoming album called Be My Reactor.

Meet Nashville-based Canadian singer/songwriter @JaclynKenyon who straddles pop and country with “Heart Says No”

JACLYN KENYON, “Heart Says No”

25 year old Burlington, Ontario born Jaclyn Kenyon has been performing and writing songs since she was a pre-teen when she received considerable notice in a prominent Toronto talent showcase. After that, she went to the U.S. where she worked and networked with numerous professionals who have too many credits among them to list here. Now based out of Nashville, after playing many local gigs and appearing on CMT, Jaclyn is finding herself straddling pop and country with “Heart Says No”. And that’s not a bad thing at all, witness the recent success of collaborations as diverse Elle King and Miranda Lambert, and Zedd and Maren Morris, and other efforts from singers like Gabby Barrett, Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson over the years to fuse pop and country together, like it once was in the long ago era of the 60’s and before. “Heart Says No” is certainly more pop than country with strong lyrics and a confident vocal that sink in after multiple listens and will stand out a crowded playing field. I’m no country music expert, but crossover country is cool when it succeeds and Jaclyn Kenyon is making that happen.

UK singer/songwriter @WaitingforSmith takes us to his church of love with “Skylight Dawn”

WAITING FOR SMITH, “Skylight Dawn”

I’m pleased to bring you another strong effort by Harry Lloyd, aka Amsterdam-based, UK-bred singer/songwriter Waiting For Smith. Although past efforts have highlighted his masterful guitar work, “Skylight Dawn” zeros in on his vocal and songwriting skills. “Skylight Dawn” touches on those moments of quiet epiphany when you notice all of the special things about your lover, and how great it is to be with them. And in the good company of singers like James Bay, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, Waiting for Smith’s vocal builds and builds and then busts loose in a splendid, memorable climactic moment. “Skylight Dawn” initially requires some close listening but after Harry’s voice soars you’re going to want to quickly press rewind and listen again to how it got there. It’s an unanticipated and delightful treat.