AASH MEHTA, CAPELLE and ANDY SANDRICK, “When I Saw You In A Crowded Room”
After an outstanding trek into house music last year with “Back To You” (which reached #5 on my personal chart), Chicago-based electronic producer Aash Mehta returns to the electronic ballad landscape with the gentle “When I Saw You In A Crowded Room”. This quiet tale of romance is carried by a striking and yearning melody, and brings together singers/songwriters Capelle and Andy Sandrick, both with contrasting vocals, who were featured separately on Aash’s debut album Discover Infinity. The song starts a bit slow but gradually gels as the story unfolds and the vocalists make their love at first sight believable. “Crowded Room” will be featured on Aash’s sophomore album The Moments In Between, which is due in August.
You’ll get Joni Mitchell and Lana Del Rey feels when listening to “Summer Thing” by Connecticut-based singer-songwriter Julia Sposito, otherwise known as Juls. It’s all about navigating young love through the summer months, trying to determine if it’s the real thing or just a short-term romance destined to be a memory. The instrumentation is dreamy and deliberate as Juls’ polished vocal glides over top while her ruminations are brought to the fore. “Summer Thing” is a relatable introduction to the music of Juls from whom I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more.
What songs have that “sound of summer” to you that are on my chart? Two that I foresee being played loud on summer evenings are Harry Styles’ “Daydreaming” – for folks who can ease up on “As It Was” and “Late Night Talking” – and Darin’s “Superstar”. They are led by commanding vocals with effervescent melodies. It’s funny too that some songs that we might associate with summery sounds weren’t even released or popularized in the summer months, such as The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”. Dance music has been my soundtrack to summer probably back to the days of disco in the 70’s. In one form or another, for me it has been inescapable!
Make sure you read about my frequently updatedONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
Mercer’s “Aretha” gets a stunning fourth appearance at the top of the BILLCS Top 30. This has only happened twice in the last two years. The two songs were “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande and “No More Looking Back” by Idris Elba & Inner City featuring Steffanie Christi’an. And what do those songs have in common? They were my #1 songs of 2020 and 2021 respectively. Could the same be in store for Mercer? 2018’s “Satisfy” (with Ron Carroll) was my #3 song of that year.
“Romance With A Memory” by Oliver Sim advances 6-3, with designs on #1 in two weeks. It’s slinky, Prince-like melody and a cool, sometimes droll vocal by Oliver make this one unique.
The intensity of NIVIRO and Harley Bird’s “The Edge” helps send it 8-5 on the chart. This is a rare dance tune with plenty of substance and emotion.
Benson Boone’s “In The Stars” also has sights on #1 as it charges into the Top 10, up 11-6. It’s led by a sincere vocal and interesting story that makes it so repeatable.
Two additional songs land in the Top 10. “Mind Of Mine” (above) by Danish producer Henrikz and British singer/songwriter Danny Dearden, climbing 16-9. It’s Danny’s second Top 10 following last year’s “Tell Me” (#4) with Bobby Harvey. And “don’t you wanna know” (below) by Syence and Britt Lari moves up 14-10. Syence’s previous Top 10 entry was the touching “We Won’t Leave You” with Steve Void (#7).
Continuing to make inroads on the chart is “The High” by Canada’s Ryan Shepherd with vocalist/songwriter Bella Renee, climbing 15-12. I’m delighted to find out that Ryan will be opening for Two Friends in Toronto at History on June 30 and July 1. I’ll be there on June 30 and look forward to seeing Ryan and hearing what he spins for us that evening!
Be sure to contribute to UNICEF on behalf of Ukraine if you can by purchasing a digital copy of “Unity” by Gareth Emery and Ukrainian producer Omnia, which climbs 18-13.
Although they are very different in styles, “Memories” (above) by Conan Gray (20-15) and “Let Me Down Easy (Lie)” (below) by Why Don’t We are two ballads that will endure for the summer, and will always be bookends like that for me now!
The Fastest Riser on the chart is the aforementioned “Daydreaming” by Harry Styles, which soars 26-17. The funky 60’s meets 70’s sound of the song led by another top notch Harry vocal is a jam that keeps giving.
The also previously mentioned “Superstar” by Darin climbs 27-19 and looks to find its way to the Top 10 as did its #1 predecessors, “Can’t Stay Away” and “Holding Me More”.
“Dusk” by Manila Killa and Lights continues to grow on me, and rises 28-21, with a delightful vocal by Lights.
“Crown” by Canadian producers We Are Fury featuring singers brassie and Kyle Reynolds moves up 30-23, putting some alternative electronic crunch into the chart.
The Highest Debut belongs to pop stalwart Mika, who is back with “Yo Yo” at #26, which is quite different for him with a downbeat midtempo melody, but it is a real grower. It’s from his forthcoming 6th album (excluding his compilation Storybook Vol 1), some of which he played in concert when I saw him perform in April. It’s Mika’s 11th appearance on my chart. He reached #1 with “Rain” in 2010.
At #27, it’s “Love That About You” by Arizona-based singer/songwriter McEwen. That may be a new name to you but the sound of the song is certainly familiar. That’s because McEwen previously recorded under the name Adam Tyler and charted 12 songs on this chart between 2010 and 2015, 10 of which reached the Top 10. “Love That About You” was actually recorded four years ago but is timeless and very appropriate theme-wise for this post-pandemic world. It comes from McEwen’s first album in more than seven years called 0524.
The last debut at #28 belongs to American-Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Javi with his terrific cover of Sade’s “Cherish The Day”, originally from the 1992 album Love Deluxe. Javi has consistently been making music for several years as a solo artist or as a vocalist in projects like Native Underground. This is his first song to appear on my chart however since 2010’s Monsieur Adi remix of “Situation” (#3), and a very welcome return!
In fact Mika and Javi were on my chart at this very time in 2010 (Mika with “Kick Ass”), and McEwen came along later that summer with his first entry, “Friction” (Ricardo Autobahn remix).
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.
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.
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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!
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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario! “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.
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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:
Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays after Midnight EST, and Sundays at 3 am EST
Halton Hills Online Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and Saturdays at 7pm EST
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST
WXNZ, community radio in Maine, Mondays after 10pm EST
It’s “10/10” time with edition #26! In “10/10”,I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention. I continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs. That does not mean that songs in the “10/10” lists are any less than those featured individually. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I wouldn’t otherwise get to write about. Songs often end up on my personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30, such as from edition #25 with “Romance with A Memory” by Oliver Sim and “The Edge” by NIVIRO and Harley Bird currently ranking in my Top 10. They may even receive airplay on one of the many affiliate online radio stations that are learning about my blog choices and finding them good fits for radio shows such as “Your Weekend New Music Mix” or “The Big 20”!
DLMT, TELYKAST and ARLISSA, “Melody”
TELYKAST, “Stay”
Last year, L.A. production trio TELYKast broke out on national dance radio, finishing their year off with “Unbreakable”, which reached #1. Keeping that needed momentum in play are two more recent releases, their own 90’s influenced deep house track “Stay” and the collaboration with Canadian producer DLMT and L.A. singer Arlissa called “Melody”. TELYKast’s “Stay” is pretty much an instrumental, with an atmospheric production carried by a stalwart beat that will keep dancers glued to the dance floor. “Melody” is a good bet for dance radio play with its infectious hook and interesting vocal change ups in a tight production. The winning partnership with rising producer DLMT – who also had his own dance radio #1 with Mahalo on “So Cold”, and festival favourite “Wish You Were Here” with Afrojack and Brandyn Burnette – would definitely be worth repeating.
ROMAN MŪLLER and DANNY DEARDEN, “Lost Tonight”
UK singer/songwriter Danny Dearden follows up “Mind Of Mine”, in collaboration with Danish producer Henrikz and currently racing up my personal chart, with the summery “Lost Tonight”. This time partnering with Swedish producer Roman Müller, “Lost Tonight” is all about unleashing that urge within you to go out and get crazy for an evening, which of course is even better on a hot summer night. Once again, Danny’s versatile voice gets a good workout and the song is a welcome post-pandemic lift as we begin to enjoy the nightlife again.
HENRIKZ and ROBBIE ROSEN, “Over Again”
JRL and ROBBIE ROSEN, “One Too Many Times”
Henrikz also follows up the above-mentioned “Mind Of Mine” with Danny Dearden with “Over Again”. Deep house meets overthinking and heartbreak in this co-write with its singer, Robbie Rosen, and Jessica Lattman. Here we have a winning and classic song structure with relatable lyrics and an earnest story to captivate the listener. It’s deeper than what you’ll normally hear on dance radio, but that why you’ll find you’ll be putting “Over Again” on repeat.
“One Too Many Times” is a second of the many recent Robbie Rosen releases (co-written again with Jessica Lattman) which I always tap into because I know you are getting top notch quality, and among the songs you will find some that you will love. This time he’s paired with Swedish production trio JRL – who released the memorable “Break Your Fall” with Cammie Robinson a few years back – and the results are dynamic and slick. Robbie sings this time of self-realization when you just can’t keep working at a relationship that doesn’t reciprocate. Though “One Too Many Times” doesn’t really offer much that’s new, its story unfolds concisely and goes down easily.
DEVINCY and BENJAMIN, “Absurd”
benjamin (aka Ben Beamish of Aussie duo The Beamish Brothers) follows up two infectious recent singles “Tunnel Vision” and “Spiralling” with “Absurd”, something a little off the beaten path created with Japanese producer Devincy. While the cool funkiness of “Tunnel Vision” is once again present, this time it’s fused with a light ska-reggae rhythm which makes it an instant grab for summer. “Absurd” makes it three engaging, ruminative singles in a row for benjamin, whose voice most definitely suits this style.
LIA RYE, “Fever Dream”
“Fever Dream” is the title track from the recent EP by South London alt.pop singer/songwriter Lia Rye. Flaunting her beautiful British accent through her intriguing story, Lia instills plenty of character in “Fever Dream” to make you understand an artist’s point of view when faced with a self-imposed deadline. The song has a scurrying pace that presents the artist on ice skates, if you will, as she tries to stick-handle her way to accomplishment. Lia Rye follows the lead of black women forebears Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman to place herself squarely in the pop realm, and with songs like “Fever Dream”, the future indeed looks very bright.
MATT BOYLAN-SMITH, “Follow Me”
Matt Boylan-Smith is an indie alternative rock singer/songwriter from New South Wales, Australia who writes from his experiences and his heart with worldly visions in mind. As its infectious chorus indirectly tips you off, “Follow Me” is actually written about his connection with a 100 year old woman in Germany a few years ago who was moved around and displaced so much in depending on what event was happening in her life at the time. Matt has an earnest, street-wise voice that one would associate with a folk troubadour, and his production with Dan Frizza nails down a well-played and arranged sound that fans of The Lumineers or Rag ‘N Bone Man would embrace.
FLOWERS OF EVIL and MARIA UZOR, “Mop The Floor”
“Mop The Floor” is an infectious song that for all intents and purposes is all about nothing. It’s brought to you by Manchester-based alternative electronic trio Flowers Of Evil who bring in singer Maria Uzor from the group Sink Ya Teeth for a vocal assist. Musically, the song is a throwback to all things alt.80’s but I hear sounds of early Depeche Mode and Spandau Ballet (from the new wave era 1981-84) as well as later groups like House Of Love or The Mighty Lemon Drops in the mix. Vocalist Oscar Puente says the song “is the peak of lyrical nonsense”, based on a complex dream where nothing was really resolved in the end. Thus, “Mop The Floor” presents a provocative story, which, like its absurdist-styled video, leaves much up to the listener/viewer to decide.
MANTIDE, “Deep”
“Deep” is an inviting, sultry house track that, according to a Facebook page, is by Mantide, an Italian dance producer. Despite being rather anonymous and unassuming, “Deep” is a song that can work well in clubs because of its fluid arrangement that uses a rather static melody as the undercurrent while the dreamy female vocal glides along the shifting rhythms. It’s a solid, well-produced late night track deserving of your attention.
FELIX CARTAL and ELOHIM, “Nothing Good Comes Easy” (Cloverdale remix)
While Toronto-based, Halifax-born producer/DJ Famba has been a force on Canadian pop radio these past few years, as well as a regular North American dance radio presence, I’m glad he’s shed the Top 40 dance flavours for some funky trance-fused electronica with his new single “Rush On Me”, made in collaboration with fellow Haligonian buddy Cloverdale for Sonny Fodera’s Solotoko label. It’s an unpredictable, wild musical ride, designed for partying in the wee hours. There’s no denying that Famba and Cloverdale have immense chemistry and “Rush On Me” has club and festival smash written all over it.
In a complete coincidence, I’ve been enjoying the various remixes of Canadian radio hit “Nothing Good Comes Easy” by Juno Award winner Felix Cartal and dance music fave, L.A. vocalist/songwriter Elohim, but it’s the Cloverdale remix that truly stands out among them. Cloverdale pulls out the pop insides of the song and restuffs it with wacky techno goodness, reshaping some of Elohim’s vocals while maintaining the song’s core integrity.
So there you have some unexpected two-for-one down low on the recent music of Cloverdale while working with the talented bunch of Famba, Felix Cartal, and Elohim.
Sweden’s music scene is continually brimming with a variety of talent, and pop trio Louis Pax is one you don’t want to miss. You’ve been reading about the guys – Oscar, Gustav, and Hannes – all year long in these blog pages, when “Bad Things” got a grip on me late last year and wouldn’t let go, ultimately reigning at #1 on my personal chart for a month and becoming one of my favourites of the year. After the ballad “Spanish Rain” and the rock flavoured “Get You Off My Mind”, “Ophelia” is their third single of 2022 and returns them to the pop bop territory of “Bad Things”. The story is about a fascination with “Ophelia”, someone who, as the band says is, “a modern, independent young woman who defies society’s norms, questions everything and is not afraid to show up to the world raw and uninhibited.” The chorus asks her “won’t you tell me ’bout what’s on your mind” – being open to chat is always a good thing. Louis Pax has a tight, honest pop sound with “Ophelia” that culls influences from early 80’s power pop that’s very refreshing. Readers in Sweden and Denmark can keep their eyes open for Louis Pax tour dates this summer.
“Tragic Tide” is a poetic tale of love and loss by London, Ontario duo The Cedar Sisters, who bring a fresh blend of electronic music, folk and pop to the table with the goal of tantalizing your ears. And they do a great job of that with a hypnotic, beautifully sung song that holds your attention with its gripping story. The Sisters aren’t actually sisters, they are Jane Carmichael and Elle Hermansen, who met at a Basia Bulat concert years ago, which led to them performing together initially as backup singers. The taut production and tight ensemble playing make “Tragic Tide” a well-rounded record. You’ll immediately want to make comparisons – Sarah McLachlan, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, Natalie Merchant, Sheryl Crow, Maggie Reilly, and Kate Bush all come to mind at various times when listening to “Tragic Tide” – except with beautiful harmonies replacing overdubs of the same voice.
Vancouver singer/songwriter Jillian Lake is the first to admit that she usually writes sad songs. So with “Olympia”, the recent single from her new album Younger Then, it marks a change in her songwriting comfort zone for an ebullient song that almost didn’t make the album. “Olympia” will remind you most immediately of fellow Canadian Feist, with its bright electronic-indie sound working well with Jillian’s crisp vocal. For some reason, the melody here reminds me of recent songs by New York duo Great Good Fine OK or even Sam Smith, without contemplating the richer productions that are often behind their songs. So if you need a lift to change the mood, the joyous “Olympia” is a great place to begin.
I must admit, I came back to watching “Stranger Things” after enjoying season 1, being disappointed with the first four episodes of season 2, then skipping the rest. Now the first 7 episodes have finished with a cliff-hanger till July 1. And I’m writing about this because of the accompanying success of the revival of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” from her 1985 album Hounds Of Love.
It was already one of my favourite songs of that year, and has been much enjoyed since, so you won’t see it any time on the BILLCS Top 30. And it’s definitely one of the best recent examples of “sync” – when music supervisors of movies and TV shows choose their songs. In the past, we have experienced other songs that succeeded as a result of being placed in movies – “(What A) Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong in 1988 from “Good Morning Vietnam” or “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen in 1992 from “Wayne’s World” for example.
While successful syncs will continue long into the future, pop radio’s past discovery of songs seems to in the past, otherwise they would take advantage and play “Running Up That Hill” to death. Often in the past songs would break out of certain key cities and spread throughout North America and the world. But that doesn’t happen anymore because radio is stuck on making money and serving up background music fodder for its listeners. That’s where online radio is becoming an emerging alternative – listen to lots of great music, played pre-recorded or sometimes live, curated for the listener that wants more music and less repetition. And online radio will play “Running Up That Hill”, too, just not every two hours like every other big hit.
Make sure you read about my frequently updatedONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
Mercer’s “Aretha” holds at #1 for a third appearance, the longest time at #1 for any song so far in 2022. The song samples Aretha’s “Rock-a-Lott” and uses her voice as a weapon without even singing any words. An amazing idea and the result is so enjoyable.
Florence & The Machine’s “My Love” climbs 4-2, to match the 2009 peak of their first entry, the now-classic “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)”.
“Romance with a Memory” by The xx’s vocalist and bassist Oliver Sim has suddenly become the one to watch in the Top 10, as it makes short work of the chart, climbing 14-6.
Belgian producer NIVIRO and California singer/songwriter Harley Bird have also got a great song with “The Edge”, which moves up 13-8, thanks to heartfelt lyrics and a euphoric melody. It becomes Harley’s 2nd Top 10 after singing on “Float” by Jay Bird and TWSTD ZOO (#3).
Victor Perry collects his 14th Top 10 as either a lead or featured artist on the chart with his recent solo single “Punching Bag”, which rises 12-10. It’s his 2nd Top 10 in 2022 as “Oxygen” (#7, with Saxity) departs the chart.
The Fastest Riser on the chart is “In The Stars”, the dreamy song about heartbreak by Washington’s Benson Boone, which soars 24-11.
“Unity” by Gareth Emery & Omnia, with proceeds via UNICEF to Ukraine, climbs 25-18.
Two softer, emotional tracks are also off to good starts. Rising 27-20 is Conan Gray with the touching “Memories” (above), and then moving up 30-22 is Why Don’t We with the more biting “Let Me Down Easy (Lie)” (below). Why Don’t We have their Good Times & The Bad Times tour this summer to watch for in a city near you!
The chart has room for four debuts this week, which is topped by a second song from Harry’s House by Harry Styles called “Daydreaming” at #26. Although to me the song has a 60’s vibe, it actually samples The Brothers Johnson’s “Ain’t We Funkin’ Now” from the 70’s. At any rate, it will eventually compete with my current #4 “As It Was” as my favourite song from the album.
The third time is also a charm as Sweden’s Darin returns with his third recent English language single called “Superstar” at #27. It follows the similar dance/pop vibes of “Can’t Stay Away” and his ballad “Holding Me More”, which both got to #1 on the BILLCS Top 30. It’s his 7th overall chart entry.
I’m impressed and excited about what I hear from dance producer Manila Killa as we approach a July release for his album Dusk. First we had the drum’n bass flavours of “Take Me Higher”, and it was immediately followed by “Dusk”, a collaboration co-written and sung by Canada’s Lights. “Dusk” arrives at #28, becoming both Manila Killa’s and Lights’ 3rd chart entries.
At #30 are the heavier sounding but engaging future bass rhythms of “Crown” by Vancouver production duo We Are Fury. It features fine vocals by Washington DC’s brassie and California’s Kyle Reynolds, and is culled from We Are Fury’s new EP The Lost and the Damned.
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.
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.
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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!
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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario! “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.
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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:
Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays after Midnight EST, and Sundays at 3 am EST
Halton Hills Online Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and Saturdays at 7pm EST
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST
WXNZ, community radio in Maine, Mondays after 10pm EST
An American electronic dance producer of Filipino heritage, Manila Killa (aka Chris Gavino) has been no stranger to these blog pages over the years and you know that his hard work is paying off when Canada’s own Lights sings and co-writes a song with him. Following up with drum ‘n bass fun of the explosive “Take Me Higher” is the vibrant dance pop of “Dusk”. And Lights is on a roll after memorable recent collaborations with Deadmau5, Felix Cartal, and Morgan Page, with a genuinely exhilarating vocal. The positive, slice-of-life “Dusk” is about thinking of your special someone while driving at dusk and imagining a romantic escapade – which later comes true. It’s a beautiful song and, with shades of early 2010’s vibes in the melody, is definitely one of Manila Killa’s best to date, the title track from his forthcoming album due in July.
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