BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

I hope everyone reading this in the western world is having a great summer so far, and hope those down under are not already tired of the cooler weather. And if you’re reading this from somewhere that’s always warm, well lucky you!  I have no other comments this week, so kindly check out the new songs and our regular features in the Report!

In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this week and last, 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 has this week’s Classic Five, with selections from the mid-80’s. In case you missed them on Monday, you’ll also find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30!

Do check out my daughter VXTORIA‘s six song EP Dreamstate, which follows up her her fantastic house collaboration with Toronto-area producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love” (at the following link: More Love). Dreamstate includes three more new songs, “Awaken”, “TMRW”, and “U&Me”. It includes the previous recent releases, “Back To You”, the afrobeats-flavoured “Lost In Your Love” and “changes”.  You can watch her in the video for her debut single “Back To You” at the following link: Back To You. Watch for the Las Vegas-set video for “More Love” coming soon!

MXTR, TYLER GARRETT, “Won’t Give Up”

About the artists:  MXTR is a British dance producer whose specialty is drum ‘n bass. Tyler Garrett is an L.A.-based multi-talent whose solo work in the electronic dance genre has appeared in these blog pages several times. Tyler recently took a multi-month break from music and this is his first release of 2025.

About the record: “Won’t Give Up” is an uplifting drum ‘n bass flavoured bop with influences from pop, rock and house genres that demonstrates well what happens when the right producer and the right vocalist find each other. MXTR’s ace production work is guaranteed to have you moving in no time, and even with some effects on his vocal, Tyler provides all of the right euphoric moments to make the song an instant club and festival favourite. In fact, within a few days of its release, it was played at the Liquicity festival.

Other comments: Once you hear “Won’t Give Up”, you’ll be rooting for it and it will find a comfy place on your dance playlists.

PLS&TY, MOYA, “Take A Chance”

About the artists:  PLS&TY (aka Tommy Leas) is familiar to regular readers as the L.A.-based dance producer who reached #4 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2024 with “Feel Love” (with Georgi Kay) and currently has a Top 10 national dance radio hit with “Leave The Light On” (with x.o. anne).  MOYA is the big-voiced soulful talent who has performed in the UK in “Dreamgirls” and was a contestant on “America’s Got Talent”. With production duo Marvel Riot, she reached #2 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2023 with “Want My Lovin'”.

About the record: “Take A Chance” shows two fine talents getting together to give their best, with strong but atypical results for both. I haven’t heard PLS&TY work before with a vocalist of MOYA’s power, and his production has a lot of finesse which makes her sound great while adding complimentary effects. The result is a release that succeeds in its own lane and should do well particularly in dance clubs.

Other comments: I hope this collaboration won’t be a one-time thing! I enjoy hearing two artists grow while working together.

HIDDEN AXIS, WISNER, “Fallen Angel”

About the artists: Hidden Axis (aka Julie Yeung) is a rising Bay Area electronic producer who recently opened up for Elephante on tour. WISNER is a Las Vegas-based vocalist and songwriter who works mainly in the electronic genre.

About the record: “Fallen Angel” is an electrifying future bass track that goes even harder with WISNER’s searing vocal (and wow, what a scream!). The production starts out tautly before it drops into crunchy, heavier rhythms while still retaining a key sense of melody. “Fallen Angel” apparently has taken two years to finally see official release, and sometimes I wonder if the indie labels in the dance community just “make work” with taking their sweet time to decide on whether or not to release a song, and that’s problematic for the community. “Fallen Angel” is a no-brainer to me.

Other comments: “Fallen Angel” is also the first release for Neon Owl Records, and a triumph for my dear friend Elaine Huang to believe in it and see it through to release on her own label. Hidden Axis has risen out of the Neon Owl networking group “Open Door Sessions”, which I have attended several times, and I’m sure there will be others who follow.

FLY BY MIDNIGHT, “The Weather”

About the artist: Fly By Midnight is the L.A.-based pop duo from Staten Island consisting of Justin Breit and Justin Slaven (aka Slavo) who have released their seventh album since 2017, The Fastest Time Of Our Lives. It includes the timeless “SuperFine”, which reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2024, as well as previous singles and tracks from their three EP’s The Race: Lap (1, 2 and 3), several of which I’ve written about in these blog pages.

About the record: “The Weather” is actually one of the earliest singles to be included in the album, but I missed it along the way. It’s a breezy pop record full of gentle vocals and laid back SoCal vibes, and serves as a fine opener to the album. One thing you’ll notice about Fly By Midnight is that the guys have a true affinity for lyrics, often using words that you hear rarely in song. And they are certainly coming off of their strongest music in their career which has attracted many fans outside of North America too.

Other comments: Fly By Midnight are undertaking a North American tour in select cities, and I’m happy to say I’ll be seeing them in my city this Fall!

YOUR FUTURE GHOST, “Oh My Ghost”

About the artist: Your Future Ghost is the recent electronic-pop project launched by actors/musicians Kate Voegele and Michael Grubbs, who met on the set of TV’s “One Tree Hill” where Kate played Mia Catalano for many years. Kate has also released numerous solo records up to the early 2020’s, and often performs shows with Tyler Hilton, also from “One Tree Hill”.

About the record: I was introduced to Your Future Ghost through the singles which preceded the release of their debut album Impatient For The Dream, but to be honest I found them somewhat polarizing, particularly considering Kate’s previous pop-oriented output. But “Oh My Ghost”, the album opener, is an entirely different story. It’s a song soaked with emotion and loss, connected by the duo’s hard-hitting vocals (showcased together and separately) and the wrenching instrumentation at its affecting climax: “Hey, love, where did you go / Cause I’ve got nobody to carry me home”. There’s a lot going on here in just three and a half minutes, and it’s a huge surprise.

Other comments: All it takes is ONE song… and to me “Oh My Ghost” could be it for Your Future Ghost.

TRIBZ, “Long Black Cadillac”

About the artist: TRIBZ is a new Canadian rock project featuring four veterans. The lead vocalist is Juno Award winner Erroll Starr, who had national hits in Canada in the 80’s with “The Key” and “Angel”. On guitar is Earl Johnson, a founder of 70’s rock band Moxy, while on bass is Donny Hill, and both Earl and Donny are Indigenous artists. Rounding out the band is drummer David Davidson.

About the record: “Long Black Cadillac” is a slick and potent guitar-forward rocker that introduces you well to the band’s consummate professionalism and their self-titled debut album. Erroll has never been away from the business for too long, often working behind the scenes as a producer or as a writer of commercials. He sounds great here, and the unanticipated stylistic change away from his pop era is welcome. This is the kind of music that will resonate most in a live setting, and with all of the talent involved, that will be time well-invested.

Other comments: A short film called “Temple of Love” (also the title of Erroll’s debut solo album) has been released and is available on You Tube at the following link:  Temple. The film pursues Erroll’s story and why he had to step away from the limelight. TRIBZ is a great vehicle to reintroduce Erroll to music fans.

LØLØ, “The Devil Wears Converse”

About the artist: LØLØ is Toronto-area singer/songwriter Lauren Mandel, who has been releasing music since 2018, including, three EP’s, one album and its deluxe version, and she has also worked with artists such as Maggie Lindemann, Taylor Acorn and Virginia To Vegas. She has toured in North America and Europe.

About the record: The music of LØLØ often walks the fine line between what alternative and Top 40 radio play, and “The Devil Wears Converse” is more of a playful pop bop that fuses influences from Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift with Weezer and Simple Plan. Despite its novel subject theme, “The Devil” sustains multiple plays, led by a solid vocal, without it veering into the category of songs like “ABCDEFU”, which has worn out its welcome after four years.

Other comments: Canadian radio now seems much less focused on helping to break out domestic talent, yet here’s a perfectly accessible song by a talented artist that could do well with that kind of push.

CONSEQUENCE OF ENERGY, “Freedom”

About the artist: Consequence of Energy is a five-piece rock band from Chile led by guitarist/songwriter Diego Sagredo. This new project was put together through Diego’s connections with the Canadian music scene, ultimately landing the esteemed Garth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers) to produce.

About the record: “Freedom” is the band’s debut single, an edgy, mainstream rock track that captures tight musicianship led by a fierce vocal from singer Michael Bianci. Fans of the genre will hear influences from the classic rock era bands like Van Halen and Aerosmith with nods to others like Slipknot and Lamb of God to give it that contemporary power. “Freedom” is focused and doesn’t let up, making it a slick and easy listen right through, and makes you ponder what more Consequence of Energy has to offer.

Other comments: “Freedom” is culled from the upcoming album We Are One, engineered by Dean Maher (AC/DC, Slayer) , mixed by Dave Schiffman (Weezer, System of a Down), and mastered by the Grammy-winner Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, Soundgarden).

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. 

Meet UK singer/songwriter Elliot James Reay with “Daydreaming”

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week  which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

It’s “The First Time” by Damiano David

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK and

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio show “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and is anchored at Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.

MK and Chrystal’s #1 UK hit “Dior” is the Fastest Riser for the second chart in a row on the BILLCS Top 30, up 16-9

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, where you can 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.

Fine Young Cannibals – Johnny Come Home (1986)
Midge Ure – If I Was (1986)
Gino Vannelli – Black Cars (1985)
Eddy Grant – Electric Avenue (1983)
Duran Duran – Rio (1983)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

sombr holds at #1 with “undressed”

BILL’S RETRO PICK OF THE WEEK

The retro pick will return at a later date.

 

This week’s chart was particularly tough to create. There is a lineup of great songs for consideration and several that won’t make the chart for one reason or another. And this week’s Top 4 are some of the very best songs of the year. I’ve published a bi-weekly Top 30 online for the last 27 years. I’ve been tempted to make it a Top 40 if not for the fact that there is no appeal to me for a song that peaks in the 30’s. So it remains as a Top 30 as a better representation of songs that I’ve truly enjoyed at the time of their release, difficult as it may be to create at times. Yes there are some songs in hindsight that I probably wouldn’t have charted. Just call it a music geek’s labour of love which I am glad that I can share with you, and hopefully some of the songs I believe in – particularly indie releases – resonate with you too!

As a standing item about my daughter VXTORIA‘s progress with her music, her debut EP Dreamstate is now out!  It features three new songs, “Awaken”, “U&Me”, and “TMRW”, in addition to singles Back To You, changes, and Lost in Your Love. I’d like to thank anyone who has found out about her music through my blog page for supporting the songs. 

Check out information about my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the chart commentary below as they are 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.

Two weeks ago, I wasn’t sure if “undressed” (above) by sombr would hold on to #1. But the song has outdone itself and is #1 again with ease. The artist, whose real name is Shane Boose, has made a collection of songs that will stand the test of time. Former #1 “back to friends” slides to #16 this week, but follow up single “we never dated” (below) is turning out to be a bigger earworm than I thought, and rises 27-21. This week’s release however of the danceable “12 to 12” (also below, with Addison Rae as the love interest in the video) has sombr going 4 for 4, so expect a significant debut in two weeks. What song will be #1 in two weeks is anybody’s guess!!

The Boy From The South’s playful “Older” climbs 6-5 and becomes the second Top 5 entry for the artist, following 2023’s fanciful #3 “Amazing-Man”.

Miami dance producer GT_Ofice climbs another notch 7-6 with “Something New” in collaboration as a trio with Matthew Topper and touring buddy Petie.

American indie R&B/pop singer/songwriter Steven Thad’s old school-meets-new school “Smile” moves up 9-7 after an extended promotion that started in the UK. “Smile” is an uncharacteristic case-in-point:  Sometimes you just have to stick with a good song until people find it!

For the second chart in a row, “Dior” by MK and Chrystal is the Fastest Riser on the chart, soaring 16-9, which exudes signs of a future #1. It’s MK’s second Top 10 entry, as “17” reached #3 in 2018.

The second new entry into the Top 10 is the second one for Windsor, Ontario talent MELØ with “I Don’t Speak French” (12-10), a healthy mix of rock and dance music reminiscent of the 80’s new wave era to keep you going. MELØ’s “Memento” reached #8 in at the top of 2024.

I’m sure at some point there will be at least a set together between John Summit and British producers Gorgon City thanks to the fun, bouncy house track that is “Is Everybody Having Fun?” which rises 17-13. The clever rap is by another Brit, rhys from the sticks.

Revelation, the collaborative album between The Knocks and Canadian talent Dragonette, continues to find new friends with such tracks as “Foolish Pleasure” which rises 18-15.

Benedict Cork’s stunning piano ballad, the indie release “What It Is To Be Loved” is off to a great start, climbing 25-19 from his ‘deluxe’ album Footnotes On A Hopeless Romance.

This chart has always been a home for indie releases, more so since the era of free downloads which began in the mid-2000’s. Irish talent Four Nights moves up 28-23 with “all night long” (above) from his EP In My Mind I’m Safe. And unique but low key American electronic male-female duo aibai & vinny climb 29-24 with the compelling story in “still broke” (below) from their self-titled EP. It’s a song that will make you stop in your tracks to hear.

There are five newcomers to the chart, led by 23 year old British singer/songwriter Elliot James Reay with “Daydreaming” from his debut EP All This To Say I Love You. Fans of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Chris Isaak need look no further.

Conan Gray is back with a new album mid-August called Wishbone, which more than ever explores queer themes, which will be of interest particularly to 20-somethings who continue to soul search. But they are also entirely relatable to anyone who has ever had a mad crush or been in love.  So Conan has the honour of having the first two singles from the album arrive on the chart at the same time. “Vodka Cranberry” (produced and co-written by Grammy winner Dan Nigro), the second release, debuts at #26, while “This Song” bows at #29. Links to both songs are above. Links to both videos follow: This Song and Vodka Cranberry, as their stories are connected. The actor appearing in both videos with Conan is Corey Fogelmanis.

Getting his second chart entry is Nashville-based pop singer-songwriter Liam Wall with the moody and thoughtful “So” at #27. His recent single “Walking Red Flag” peaked at #6 in the Spring.

The last debut #28 is the outstanding dance release by NYC’s SIRPAUL, with his “Disco 3000” mix of “Dopamine” from his recent album of the same name, his first in four years. “Dopamine”, in this remix, is so much fun and doesn’t let up. It’s SIRPAUL’s third entry on the chart, but first since 2014. His release “Every Single Moment”, from his album Seventh Star, peaked at #4 in 2013.

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. 

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 at the following link: Schedule. 

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. You can view its schedule by going to the lower right corner of the home page of this blog.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada 

The 3D Variety Show is on a short hiatus and will return. 

Party Dog Radio  

Canada’s Party Dog Radio now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Saturdays at 4pm EST, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. Party Dog Radio also airs “The Big 20”, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week on Sundays after 9pm EST. 

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 updated regularly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I urge any regular listeners of contemporary music to use AI as an asset or tool, rather than letting it make decisions for you about your music choices. Having streaming services create playlists for you is fine. But the more casual listener will treat it like they used to treat radio, and let it throw whatever it creates at them. Those kinds of playlists also won’t add independently released music unless you’ve already listened to those artists before. The more attentive listener will edit those playlists and turn them into experiences that they will repeat. But others – likely folks over 35 – likely won’t use much. The best source of discovery is word of mouth. Before the 2000’s, music fans made a point of going over to visit their friends, where they would share and listen to the new music they purchased. 25+ years later, we just forward links to each other, there is no shared experience if the other person doesn’t choose to listen. Consider setting up small online groups where you can have listening experiences together. Listening to music is a collective experience.

In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this week and last, 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 has this week’s Classic Five, choosing soft and harder rock songs from 1981. You’ll also find out what songs were in the Top 5 of the BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20-25 years ago!

Do check out my daughter VXTORIA‘s six song EP Dreamstate, which follows up her her fantastic house collaboration with Toronto-area producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love” (at the following link: More Love). Dreamstate includes three more new songs, “Awaken”, “TMRW”, and “U&Me”. It includes the previous recent releases, “Back To You”, the afrobeats-flavoured “Lost In Your Love” and “changes”.  You can watch her in the video for her debut single “Back To You” at the following link: Back To You. Watch for the Las Vegas-set video for “More Love” coming soon!

ALEX SAMPSON, “Growing Pains”

About the artist: After breaking out with a huge following on Instagram and Tik Tok, 21 year old Canadian singer/songwriter Alex Sampson got his first Top 20 radio hit in Canada with “Pretty Baby”, which he also performed as a contestant on America’s Got Talent.

About the record: I’ve got to hand it to Alex for making a really touching song in “Growing Pains” that will intrigue younger fans and will immediately relate to other fans who are living on their own and coping with “adulting”. It’s difficult for any singer to get vulnerable like Alex, and the outcome will be many tears shed in the audience when he performs it in concert. Sincerity and authenticity go a long way as other performers like Conan Gray, JVKE, and others continue to prove.

Other comments: “Pretty Baby” caught enough of a gentle romantic wave to reach radio audiences, so can “Growing Pains” do the same? If not, regardless, it’s an instant fan fave. I caught part of Alex’s opening set last year for fellow Canadian Alexander Stewart and he certainly captivated the audience just by being his plain-spoken and approachable self.

JUSTIN JESSO, “Unreasonable”

About the artist: For nearly the last year, you could find American singer/songwriter Justin Jesso on stage touring with Kygo and singing “Stargazing” and “Firestone”, which is where I saw him perform in January in my city. He’s just as vibrant on record, witness his current BILLCS Top 30 Top 5 release “Lonely Tonight” with Sam Feldt and Parson James.

About the record:  Justin doesn’t release solo songs too often, but “Unreasonable” might be the start of something after last putting out his debut album in 2022. Justin’s upper register gets a workout as we find the subject of his song caught up in the midst of ending a relationship after being accused of being unreasonable. You’ll be singing its catchy hook “you’re the reason, baby, I’m unreasonable” in no time flat, and the record has anthemic moments which will trigger hands in the air in performance. 

Other comments: Justin Jesso is a hard-working, energetic and positive performer whose solo music deserves a shot too, and “Unreasonable” comes highly recommended to you by me!

EAGLE-EYE CHERRY, “Hate To Love”

About the artist: Swedish singer/songwriter Eagle-Eye Cherry is best known for his 1998 smash “Save Tonight” (which reached #4 on the BILLCS Top 30), and in Europe and the UK, his follow up, “Falling In Love Again”. He’s also the brother of “Buffalo Stance” singer Neneh Cherry, and son of jazz musician Don Cherry. He has released six albums over the years, and “Hate To Love” launches a new era for him.

About the song: “Hate To Love” is a well-produced “comeback” with a lovely piano melody. It rocks out hard though to counter the self-deprecating lyrics which he uses as ammunition against a past lover or even a friend who are too caught up in themselves. Eagle-Eye’s tone is a little deeper after more than 25 years but he sounds good and the song particularly is a fresh earworm.

Other comments: Echoing my intro to today’s Report – tell your friends about this one. That’s how I found out about it. It won’t come up in an automated list of recommendations.

CASII STEPHAN, DAMION SHADE, “King in America”

About the artists: Casii Stephan is a Minnesota-born rock singer/songwriter currently based in Tulsa, Oklahoma who has been releasing music for most of the last decade after almost giving up on it. Damion Shade is a fellow Tulsa-based musician who leads the band Damion Blade & The Boom Bap Chorus.

About the record: “King in America” is one of the fiercest songs I’ve heard in a while. It’s written with intention against the current US government and its increasingly harsh changes that it is making, much to the chagrin of many “swing” or uncertain constituents who voted against re-electing the Democrats. The lyrics are powerful and many listeners in the US will see themselves in them. Casii performs a seething vocal that recalls Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, Courtney Love and Grace Slick. “King in America” is rebellious and uncompromising, and just when you think the song’s about to let up a bit, along comes the guest appearance of Damion Shade and his ferocious verses.

Other comments: Bravo to Casii for creating an affecting and well-stated protest song.

POLAR BEARS, JAY MASON, “Fake It”

About the artists: You previously knew Polar Bears as Electric Polar Bears, the polar bear-masked American DJ’s who came to my attention a few years ago with the track “Cold Shoulder”. Jay Mason is a prolific Dutch singer/songwriter who was nominated for a Grammy for his songwriting work on Deadmau5 and Kaskade’s Kx5 album in 2023.

About the record: “Fake It” is about catching your object of affection in a façade, and calling them out for it. It’s a deep house track that could easily be worked into a mid-evening club set where it would set off an immediate reaction. Jay Mason’s edgy tenor vocal reminds me of other go-to dance vocalists like Catello or Sam Gray. He and the Polar Bears have a winner with this one.

Other comments: Club DJ’s and house music fans will definitely make the most out of “Fake It”.

THE FLASHCUBES, MIKE GENT, “Reminisce”

About the artists: The Flashcubes are a Syracuse, New York power pop quartet whose career initially started off in the punk rock era between 1978 and 1980 with a few singles before folding. Due to a sudden interest in their songs, the band regrouped in 1993 and subsequently found their back catalogue of studio and live tracks to be the toast of Japan. Mike Gent is the guitarist of the prolific Saratoga Springs band The Figgs, also known for their work supporting Graham Parker on tour.

About the record: “Reminisce” is an entertaining and summery slice-of-life song with bright vocals and great guitar work. In their 30+ year career, The Flashcubes have obviously found their footing with this first new song since their 2017 album Forever. Though they are from upstate New York, their sound is more aligned with what we associate with the west coast in 60’s bands like The Beach Boys, The Monkees, and  The Lovin’ Spoonful, who meet 80’s edgier bands like The Romantics, The Fleshtones and The Bongos halfway. 

Other comments: After all of the interest in their older songs, The Flashcubes are working on a new album for an autumn release.

GABE JAMES, “Holy Roller”

About the artist: I’ve written about Gabe James’ music several times, even prior to his “American Idol” appearance this past spring. He’s from Colorado and is now based in L.A. with an easy-going hybrid rock/pop/folk style.

About the record: “Holy Roller” basks in sincerity as it tackles looking after your mental health after being in a dark place. Gabe’s vocal and story comes from a genuine place, and the song has an inspiring quality. It perhaps veers more towards a folk/Christian music genre hybrid for my tastes, but it continues to show how he can diversify his talents.

Other comments: Songs like “Holy Roller” will help Gabe determine in what style(s) he wants to focus his sound.

MADISON MARGOT, “Fun”

About the artist: Madison Margot is an L.A. based singer/songwriter/guitarist who also spent time in England, which has influenced her musical style. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Gender and Women’s Studies and works with others to uplift women through her creative process.

About the record: “Fun” perhaps isn’t as light as the title might imply, perhaps idyllic is the right word. But it certainly has no problem with capturing your interest in its story about revisiting a former love by putting the emotional baggage behind and just letting loose. Madison’s voice reminds me of a mix of British singers like Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays or Wendy James of Transvision Vamp, and her songwriting has the thoughtfulness of a Chrissie Hynde. 

Other comments: Madison has been sporadically releasing music since her 2020 album debut, The Chronicles Of Lovers, so we can likely anticipate her sophomore release sometime soon.

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 Irish indie DIY talent Four Nights with “all night long”

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week  which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

Hard rockers The Deftones return after 5 years with “My Mind Is A Mountain”

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 Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week

It’s Swiss DJ/producer Benjamin Köhn with “Today”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, where you can 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.

REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run
Christopher Cross – Say You’ll Be Mine
.38 Special – Hold On Loosely
Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl
AC/DC – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

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…

“Temperature” by Sean Paul appeared a year early in 2005 on my chart due to import play on a local radio station, and it was also a free download for a while under the title “Keeping You Warm”. But their ears were right – it went to #1 in 2006.

2020

01  RAIN ON ME, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande

02  NEVER LET ME DOWN, VIZE, Tom Gregory

03  SAVE A KISS, Jessie Ware

04  YOU’LL BE OK, Gareth Emery, Annabel

05  SOMEONE ELSE, Rezz, Grabbitz

2015

01  I WANNA BE (FREE), Brandyn Burnette

02  SHINE, Years & Years

03  SENSATION, Antonio Giacca

04  GHOST TOWN, Adam Lambert

05  GUILTY AS SIN, Dan Talevski

2010

01  8BIT HEART, Simon Curtis

02  A NEW WORD TO SAY, Bright Light Bright Light

03  BEAT DROP, Simon Curtis

04  THE WORSE IT GETS, Penguin Prison

05  BREATHE, Ryan Star

2005

01  MJB DA MVP, Mary J. Blige, The Game

02  WORDPLAY, Jason Mraz

03  THIS IS HOW A HEART BREAKS, Rob Thomas

04  SWEAT OF YOUR BROW, Jully Black

05  TEMPERATURE, Sean Paul

2000

01  DRIFTWOOD, Travis

02  ETERNAL LIFE (Mystery White Boy live version), Jeff Buckley

03  A SONG FOR THE LOVERS, Richard Ashcroft

04  LIFE STORY, Angie Stone

05  KRYPTONITE, 3 Doors Down

BILL’S RETRO PICK OF THE WEEK

The retro pick will return at a later date.

This summer is bringing all kinds of unanticipated surprises with releases that are submitted to me as well as those that I discover through other means. There’s no short of variety in today’s mix, which ranges from soulful pop to dub step and drum ‘n bass.

In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this week and last, 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 has this week’s Classic Five is a unique mix from 1979. If you missed them, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the latest BILLCS Top 30. You’ll also get to check out a BILLCS Top 30 Flashback chart from this week in 1999!

Do check out my daughter VXTORIA‘s six song EP Dreamstate, which follows up her her fantastic house collaboration with Toronto-area producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love” (at the following link: More Love). Dreamstate includes three more new songs, “Awaken”, “TMRW”, and “U&Me”. It includes the previous recent releases, “Back To You”, the afrobeats-flavoured “Lost In Your Love” and “changes”.  You can watch her in the video for her debut single “Back To You” at the following link: Back To You. Watch for the Las Vegas-set video for “More Love” coming soon!

FAITHLESS, NATHAN BALL, AMELIA FOX, “Meeting”

About the artist: Faithless is the seminal techno/trance group from the UK known for their UK pop hits and worldwide dance smashes “Insomnia” and “God Is A DJ” (on the BILLCS Top 30 26 years ago, see my Flashback Chart below). They lost distinct vocalist Maxi Jazz a few years back and the duo of Rollo and Sister Bliss continue to reinvent their electronic sound with help from UK vocalists/songwriters Nathan Ball and Amelia Fox.

About the record: Faithless has scaled back their beats for a more minimalist sound in “Meeting”. It’s highly complimentary in this absorbing story about a potential couple’s first get together, relating the inner thoughts, wants, and doubts of each, while electronic rhythms burble underneath the lyrics. Nathan Ball worked with Faithless on their 2021 release All Blessed (featuring the BILLCS Top 30 #1 “Synthesizer”), while Amelia Fox collaborated with them on 2022’s WeDisappear with R.Plus. Their vocals mesh together well, and the overall sound of “Meeting” is reminiscent of Faithless’ own contemporaries, Everything But The Girl.

Other comments: “Meeting” and two other tracks form an EP called Champion Sound: Side 2 Phone Number, which appears to be part of a full upcoming album called Champion Sound.

BEN DENNY MO, “September”

About the artist: Ben Denny Mo is an indie singer/songwriter/guitarist from North Norfolk, England, who was raised on Gozo, a Maltese island. He returned to Gozo after attaining a music degree in England.

About the record: “September” is an upbeat and engaging tune with a summery sound. It shows off Ben’s likeable and naturally raspy/gravelly voice which reminds me of Jon Bon Jovi at times as well as the even more distinct tones of John Martyn.  At other times, Ben has the same approach in tackling a song that you might find similar to Jon Bellion or Damiano David. He really goes for it with “September”, and it’s hard not to like a song full of positive vibes about romance as they don’t seem to come along too often.

Other comments: Ben’s debut EP called The Norfkl Tapes – titled as such to reflect his journey with dyslexia – drops in October.

JACOTÉNE, “Stop Calling”

About the artist: JACOTÉNE is an 18 year old singer/songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. She’s got the voice of a thousand old souls though which won her the Unearthed Prize at Triple J radio two years ago for an acapella performance. 

About the record: There’s no way anyone could know that JACOTÉNE is still a teenager from the first listen of “Stop Calling”. It’s sophisticated R&B/pop that has already got her signed to Epic Records. She’s got the sultriness of Jessie Ware, the cool of Alicia Keys, and the breadth of Amy Winehouse, and then there’s an impressive falsetto that comes along to dazzle us further. “Stop Calling” might be derived from the mind of a teenager (with co-writers to flesh it out) who has had a bad breakup, but the song’s meaning extends further for adults with bigger issues.

Other comments: “Stop Calling” appears on JACOTÉNE’s new EP Untitled (Read My Mind). Out of the gate, you won’t find another “Stop Calling” on it, but the potential for what is waiting in the wings is exciting.

MOKITA, “Wallflower”

About the artist: Mokita is the recording name of Nashville’s John-Luke Carter, whose music has appeared in this blog and on the BILLCS Top 30 (where both “London” and “Kiss and Tell” reached #3), but not for a while. He’s a prolific singer, songwriter and producer who has worked with artists as diverse as David Guetta, Rob Thomas, Mat Kearney, The Zac Brown Band, Dabin, and R3HAB.

About the record: Like several of Mokita’s other songs, “Wallflower” caught my ear because of its instantly relatable lyrics, Mokita’s gentle tones, and his way of phrasing his lyrics. The song has a lot of charm and flows beautifully. If you add it to one of your playlists, it will guarantee your attention every time it’s played.

Other comments: Whether releasing his own music or working with others, it’s busy artists like Mokita who help anchor the biz, affording many of his clients a fantastic amount of success. And his own releases (currently on Nettwerk Records) benefit because of all of this too.

KOUSS, “Stop Crying Your Heart Out”

About the artist: Kouss (aka Andrew Koussevitzky) is a southern California dance producer and drummer originally from Florida whose releases I’ve written about during the past few years. In the late 2010’s he was a member of rock band Stellar Revival, which recorded one album for Capitol Records.

About the record: You have to admire Kouss for taking on the huge weight of covering one of Oasis’ most beloved songs, “Stop Crying Your Heart Out”, which appeared on their 2002 album Heathen Chemistry. For the first minute, this rendition sounds like it might be a straight-forward cover with an uncredited female vocal (you’ll recall Leona Lewis recorded a version of it in 2009 too), but Kouss quickly injects some smart drum ‘n bass rhythms that send the song on a different path. “Stop Crying” retains the anthemic quality of the original, which will appease festival-goers, and has the opportunity to win new fans who don’t know the original.

Other comments: Diehard Oasis fans aren’t the target audience for this cover version, but some open-minded ones may appreciate this unexpected interpretation. Drum ‘n bass fans can find a comfortable place for “Stop Crying” on their playlists.

SPLITSVILLE, “A Glorious Lie”

About the artist: Splitsville is a Baltimore rock quartet making their return to recorded music after 20 years. They released five albums between 1995 and 2005 which acquired a regional following amid other stylistically similar releases by The Wallflowers, Sugar Ray and Duncan Sheik. The advent of punk pop groups likely got in the way of breaking out nationally.

About the record: “A Glorious Lie” is chock full of hooks, whether they be witty lyrics or melodic guitar licks. In these times when there is more music than ever, making it difficult to choose what we want to listen to, when you hear songs by a band like Splitsville and learn their legacy, it makes you want to give them some undivided attention. With great vocals and tight musicianship, you can’t go wrong with “A Glorious Lie”.

Other comments: Splitsville’s comeback album Mobtown arrives on Friday July 18.

K3SS, BRAVVN, “Between Us”

About the artists:  K3SS (aka Ken Sierra) is a progressive house producer from San Diego whose releases – including one for Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak label – have been featured a number of times in these blog pages. BRAVVN is the dance music alias of British singer/songwriter Bella Jeanne.

About the record: “Between Us” is a slick hybrid of techno and house with a dash of trance. It’s one for the wee club hours, a dark and mysterious song secrets lie between the lines. BRAVVN’s vocal surges beyond sultry to capture the essence of intrigue, which will help to easily beckon club goers to the dancefloor.

Other comments: “Between Us” is a deft change of pace for K3SS, and a few more songs headed in the same direction as this one would be welcome.

BLOODY, HEYBELA, “Fade”

About the artists: Bloody is an anonymous L.A.-based electronic producer who has been releasing music since 2023, while HeyBela is a new Colombia-born artist who also performs as a rap artist, Bela Bucatini.

About the record: Electronic dance music fans will turn back the clock to the early-mid 2010’s for “Fade”, a short Skrillex-inspired throwback to the early days of dubstep. Bloody has created a crunchy, sometimes heavy mix with a number of clever drops, that will keep you guessing as you listen. HeyBela’s vocal (sometimes in Spanish) is often chopped up and distorted as an effect, but not without making a mark with a memorable catch phrase – “eventually, everything must fade” – early on in the song.

Other comments: “Fade” is part one of a double single release for Bloody, with “Pretty” arriving on Friday July 18.

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 Benedict Cork’s touching piano ballad “What It Is To Be Loved”

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week  which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

It’s Ed Sheeran’s rocking track from the film “F1” called “Drive”

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 Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week

It’s the latest from Maneskin’s Damiano David with “The First Time”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, where you can 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.

Styx – Renegade
Electric Light Orchestra – Shine A Little Love
Rickie Lee Jones – Chuck E.’s In Love
Blondie – Heart Of Glass
Amii Stewart – Knock On Wood

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.

The retro pick will return at a later date.

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

sombr succeeds his own “back to friends” at #1 with “undressed”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

MK and Chrystal’s #1 UK hit “Dior” moves up 25-16

BILLCS TOP 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 1999

The sounds of July 1999 made for a truly summery chart – I suppose Len’s “Steal My Sunshine” is the definitive summer song in the list, though “All Star” and “Canned Heat” also fit the mood for me – featuring everything from dance rave-up’s to pop hits to Weird Al Yankovic, as well as 9 Canadian entries!

01 01 U DON’T KNOW ME, Armand van Helden, Duane Harden

05 02 THE CUP OF LIFE (Spanglish radio edit), Ricky Martin

06 03 NO REGRETS, Robbie Williams

04 04 SHE’S SO HIGH Tal Bachman

03 05 LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA, Ricky Martin

09 06 CANNED HEAT, Jamiroquai

NEW 07 GET YOU IN THE MORNING, Crash Test Dummies

08 08 ALL STAR, Smash Mouth

10 09 IT’S NOT RIGHT BUT IT’S OKAY, Whitney Houston

15 10 TUESDAY AFTERNOON, Jennifer Brown

07 11 GIVE IT TO YOU, Jordan Knight

18 12 HEAVEN COMING DOWN, The Tea Party

17 13 CONSEQUENCE FREE, Great Big Sea

30 14 HEY LEONARDO (SHE LIKES ME FOR ME), Blessid Union Of Souls

11 15 NO MATTER WHAT, Boyzone

20 16 OLD BEFORE I DIE, Robbie Williams

22 17 STEAL MY SUNSHINE, Len

16 18 WHAT’S MY AGE AGAIN, Blink 182

NEW 19 PRETTY FLY FOR A RABBI, Weird Al Yankovic

12 20 GOD IS A DJ, Faithless

13 21 IF YOU HAD MY LOVE, Jennifer Lopez

24 22 RALLY’N, Jully Black

NEW 23 BAILAMOS, Enrique Iglesias

25 24 BREATHE, Moist

14 25 WILD WILD WEST, Will Smith, Dru Hill, Kool Moe Dee

26 26 EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING, Lauryn Hill

19 27 THINKIN’, D-Cru

29 28 SO PURE, Alanis Morissette

21 29 EVERYBODY GET UP, 5ive

23 30 LAST KISS, Pearl Jam

What’s your song of summer? The new BILLCS Top 30 doesn’t give any conclusive evidence as to what that might be for me, but there are a number of candidates which are moving up that you’ll read further about.

As a standing item about my daughter VXTORIA‘s progress with her music, her debut EP Dreamstate is now out!  It features three new songs, “Awaken”, “U&Me”, and “TMRW”, in addition to singles Back To You, changes, and Lost in Your Love. I’d like to thank anyone who has found out about her music through my blog page for supporting the songs. 

Check out information about my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the chart commentary below as they are 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.

19 year old sombr has set another milestone on the chart by having the first back-to-back #1 songs since 2017 as “undressed” (above) displaces his own “back to friends” at the top. It follows the same pattern as The Chainsmokers’ “Paris” and “Something Just Like This” (with Coldplay), which were also #1 and #2 before “Something” took over the reins from “Paris”.  AND sombr’s most recent single, “we never dated” (below), arrives at #27, which makes him the second artist in 2025 to hold three songs concurrently on the chart – the other is Lady Gaga. sombr has also announced a European tour which now takes him everywhere in North America and Europe later this year and into 2026. Kinda leaves you feeling breathless!

“undressed” has taken its time to wait to get to #1, and Illenium and Hayla’s “In My Arms” (4-2, above) and Agnes’ stunning “Balenciaga Covered Eyes” (5-3, below) are right below waiting to challenge and take over as early as in two weeks.

Another great summer song is “Lonely Tonight” (7-5), full of tropical vibes courtesy of Sam Feldt and a fantastic set of vocals by Justin Jesso and Parson James. It’s Sam’s fourth Top 5 entry in the last year or so.

I guarantee you’ll keep finding new things to think about and enjoy in the humour and wit of The Boy From The South’s “Older”, which rises 10-6.

New to the Top 10 are first-timer Steven Thad, whose silky mix of contemporary and classic R&B and pop in “Smile” (above) climbs 11-9.  French producer Provi also arrives with house music legend Ron Carroll singing the catchy verses in “Celebration” (below), which moves up 12-10.

The middle of the chart is now bursting with activity and “I Don’t Speak French” by Windsor, Ontario’s MELØ leads the way to the Top 10 by moving up 16-12.

I thought I might be travelling when David Archuleta performs in my city, but nope, that will be at another time, so I’ll be glad to see him in concert for the first time in October! His cheeky and fresh “Crème Brûlée” moves up 18-13.

Cerrone and Christine & The Queens (Rahim Redcar) make two of a perfect pair of French performers as “Catching feelings”, now the title track of their collaborative EP, leaps 21-14.

Since “Karaoke” (19-15, above) was released, the always engaging duo Crash Adams has already released two more singles. Check out their latest, “Heartbreak On Hold”, below.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is current UK #1 “Dior” by MK and Chrystal, which soars 25-16. You’ll be dancing away to this one at clubs and festivals for the rest of 2025. And maybe if radio programmers are looking for something fresh, we might get to hear it on another format other than North American dance radio.

Duking it out with MK and Chrystal is John Summit’s collaboration with Gorgon City and rapper rhys from the sticks with their summer party anthem “Is Everybody Having Fun”, which climbs 24-17.

There are three more debuts, and they’re led by Benedict Cork’s moving piano ballad “What It Is To Be Loved”, which premieres at #25 as a part of his deluxe album Footnotes On A Hopeless Romance. It’s Benedict’s fourth chart entry and first since 2023.

Irish bedroom producer Four Nights (Tommy Buckley) gets his second chart entry with the charming and thoughtful “All Night Long” which debuts at #28, culled from his latest EP In My Mind I’m Safe. Four Nights’ first entry, “Want You Always”, reached #8 in 2021.

The remaining debut at #29 is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s so beautifully sung and full of subtle production you’ll be immediately taken with it. It’s “still broke” by mid-west US alternative production/vocal duo of aibai and vinny, from their self-titled EP.

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. 

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 at the following link: Schedule. 

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. You can view its schedule by going to the lower right corner of the home page of this blog.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada 

I’m 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”, powered by www.xstreamrockradio.com with “The Musicman” James Rogers. I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST. 

Party Dog Radio  

Canada’s Party Dog Radio now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Saturdays at 4pm EST, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. Party Dog Radio also airs “The Big 20”, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week on Sundays after 9pm EST. 

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 updated regularly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The plus side of taking a week off of writing is that I usually end up with two weeks’ worth of songs to write about, and having to juggle around a bunch of new favourites is not a bad thing! So from piano ballads to the rocking son of a country superstar to summery reggae vibes to a comeback for an 80’s power pop band – it’s all here for you and more this week folks!

In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this week and last, 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 has this week’s Classic Five turns back the clock to songs from 1975. You’ll also find out what songs topped the BILLCS Top 30 over the last 27 years!! 

Following up her her fantastic house collaboration with Toronto-area producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love” (at the following link: More Love), do check out my daughter VXTORIA‘s six song EP Dreamstate, which includes three more new songs, “Awaken”, “TMRW”, and “U&Me”. There are also the previous recent releases, the afrobeats-flavoured “Lost In Your Love”, at the following link:  Lost;  and “changes”,  at the following link:  changes.  You can watch her in the video for her debut single “Back To You” at the following link: Back To You. Watch for the Las Vegas-set video for “More Love” coming soon!

BENEDICT CORK, “What It Is To Be Loved”, “Footnote”, and “Call Your Girlfriend” (Live from Bush Hall)

About the artist: Benedict Cork is the British singer/songwriter whose specialty is piano ballads. He has just released a deluxe edition of his 2024 album, now called Footnotes On A Hopeless Romance, adding six tracks onto the original album.

About the records:  The original Notes album is solid, containing such varied tracks “Nice Guy”, “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)” and “Into The Arms of Another Love”, but somehow a track to truly anchor the album was missing. It may have been inadvertently saved for later, but “What It Is To Be Loved” (above) is one of Benedict’s best songs! The lyrics and melody are incredibly moving, and he’s rarely sounded better. It’s followed by a 49 second track called “Footnote” (featuring Andrew Scott), based on a poem by Becky Hemsley that will leave a huge lump in your throat. And Benedict’s piano-only live take on Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” (also above) is just drop dead gorgeous and does incredible justice to the original.

Other comments: Yeah – if you’re going to save or purchase a version of his album, go for the Deluxe Edition. You’ll thank me later!!

ELLIOT JAMES REAY, “Daydreaming”

About the artist:  Elliot James Reay is a 23 year old singer/songwriter from Manchester, England, who holds no qualms about being inspired by and sounding like a mix of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. What’s different about Elliot than, say JVKE or Stephen Sanchez, who used a 50’s/60’s retro sound as their springboard, is that Elliot is writing originals that sound like they could have been part of that classic era.

About the record: Elliot’s voice will immediately turn heads. He’s simply got the style and delivery of classic pop crooners on “Daydreaming”. While his is the kind of music that goes ballistic on Tik Tok and Instagram and enough to get him signed to a major label deal, it’s one about which most tastemakers and critics will reserve their judgment. And there really is no need – “Daydreaming” is the real deal and will get its due in some form or another.

Other comments: Elliot has released his debut EP,  All This To Say I Love You, and doesn’t have any bones about covering songs by Elvis or Roy on his socials, or confirming that stylistic inspirations are the likes of James Dean and Marlon Brando. Dig deep past the surface though, Elliot James Reay writes to fit his style, and he may be yet another big breakout of 2025.

SIRPAUL, “Dopamine” (SIRPAUL Disco 3000 remix)

About the artist: SIRPAUL is an artist and performer from New York City whose more than 25 year career has embodied dance music. He has just released his 11th album, Dopamine, his first in four years.

About the record:  There are so many songs out there called “Dopamine”, but the title track of SIRPAUL’s latest album, in its “Disco 3000 remix”, might be the audio equivalent of that hormone. The song is feisty and disco-soaked, with one of SIRPAUL’s best recent vocals that basks in urgency. The remix begs for the company of disco dancers and mirror balls in a big and splashy New York City club setting.

Other comments: SIRPAUL has had a storied career and is well established in NYC, known for his commanding live performances. Don’t let this remix of “Dopamine” slip under the radar.

TRISTAN TRITT, “Wannabe”

About the artist: Tristan Tritt is the Georgia-born son of country Grammy Award winner Travis Tritt. While there’s obviously country roots in his music, there’s a lot of honest rock and roll flavour that fans of the genre will enjoy. He has released an EP and several singles to date.

About the record: “Wannabe” brings to mind influences like The Black Crowes and Tom Petty while fusing them with even harder-edged artists like Shinedown or Evanescence. Tristan’s got a great way with words, with imagery alluding to the Greek god Icarus given some new life and perspective in “Wannabe”. The song is a humble reckoning about who he is and where he came from, and the resulting sense of longing and freedom. He’s got a great, blues-inflected voice, and honestly very few similarities to his father, in this song anyway.

Other comments: “Wannabe” is a striking new release for Tristan Tritt, and he’s someone you’ll want to keep a watch for this year.

THE BOY FROM THE SOUTH, “Five Years”

About the artist: The Boy From The South is the performing name for singer/songwriter/guitarist Pedro Balaña, and the surprise release of “Five Years” follows up recent single “Older”, currently in the Top 10 of the BILLCS Top 30.

About the record: No doubt about it, “Five Years” is a bouncy, rambunctious, light-hearted bop where the protagonist is spinning his wheels over a five year period while the object of his affection strings him along. And while you might feel a little sorry for him, you realize by the end that he’s his own worst enemy for letting it all happen. You’ll enjoy the ride though as The Boy’s wordsmithing is in fine form, making the song’s infectious flavour go down easy.

Other comments: “Five Years” will appeal to fans of singers like Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson and Andy Grammer.

TYLER GUNN, “Love Is A Countdown Clock”

About the artist: Tyler Gunn is a 25 year old rock singer from my city, Toronto, who I last wrote about two years ago. To date, he has released a number of singles and an EP.

About the record: “Love Is A Countdown Clock” is potent and unflinching, and out to slay you with its barrage of guitars and percussion, quite a change up from “A Million Miles” from 2023. It wouldn’t have been out of place in the 90’s grunge and hard rock scene next to bands like Toad The Wet Sprocket or the Gin Blossoms. Tyler’s got a strong sense of melody and the song is engaging with its foreboding song title and overall theme. The vocal mix is raw, honest and convincing.

Other comments:  After taking a break, “Love Is A Countdown Clock” might just be the reboot Tyler Gunn needs to take his passion to another level.

THE SPONGETONES, “Lulu’s In Love”

About the artist: The Spongetones is an acclaimed North Carolina-based power pop quartet that was originally formed in 1979 and released eight albums and an EP between 1982 and 2009. “Lulu’s In Love” is one of three new songs by the band, their first new music in 16 years.

About the record: “Lulu’s In Love” is feel good, jangly pop that takes direct inspiration from bands like The Beatles and The Searchers, and specifically the Merseybeat sound of 1964. Classic power pop like this sounds as good as in the early post-punk 80’s as it does now, just updated with bells and whistles that we didn’t have back then. It’s a wonder that The Spongetones were not more than a regional success in their halcyon days. They later travelled in the same circles as The Smithereens, Matthew Sweet, Don Dixon and Marti Jones – all of whose music I enjoyed immensely in the late 80’s and early 90’s – yet somehow did not get the same nation-wide breaks. Well sung and expertly played, “Lulu’s In Love” is a winner for inclusion in any of your sunshiny pop playlists.

Other comments: The Spongetones will release their album The 40th Anniversary Concert…And Beyond! next month,  a live album of fan favourites with “Lulu’s In Love” and two other new tracks. College radio stations will particularly enjoy this one.

NATHALIE MIRANDA, “Lazy”

About the artist: Nathalie Miranda is a diverse pop singer based in London. We last heard from Nathalie earlier this year with her dynamic French language anthem “Jamais”.

About the record: A stylistic chameleon vocally from release-to-release, Nathalie aims for good vibes only with the reggae lilt of “Lazy”. With summer in full effect in the western world, “Lazy” is an ode to those days where you can decide simply to do nothing but kick back and enjoy the sunshine with great tunes and your favourite bevvy. You can create a playlist around it and include your favourite summery reggae favourites, and waste away the day however you like.

Other comments: If you want a companion piece for Nathalie Miranda’s “Lazy”, then look no further than Bruno Mars’ “The Lazy Song”.

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 the laid back, soulful sounds of “Stevie & Sly” by Young Gun Silver Fox

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week  which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

A side project for British electronic group Jungle is Loaded Honey, who arrive with “Tokyo Rain”

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 Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.

It’s sombr with his Top 40 radio hit “undressed”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, where you can 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.

Bee Gees – Nights On Broadway
War – Low Rider
Jigsaw – Sky High
Simon & Garfunkel – My Little Town
David Bowie – Fame

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.

This week’s retro pick is a repeat airing.

27 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 27 years. 8 of these went on to be the #1 song for their respective years.

2024  FEEL LESS (String Version Live at The Warehouse), Felix Cartal, Lights

2023  LIKE CRAZY (English version), JIMIN

2022  ROMANCE WITH A MEMORY, Oliver Sim

2021  MYSELF IN YOU, Lordnox, Victor Perry

2020  RAIN ON ME, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande

2019  GOOD THINGS FALL APART, Illenium, Jon Bellion

2018  SUBTERRANEAN b/w ESTRANGED, Bobby Nourmand

2017  ATTENTION, Charlie Puth

2016  SO BAD (EDWYNN x TIKAL & Spirix remix) Brandon Skeie [aka Brandon Colbein]

2015  I WANNA BE (FREE), Brandyn Burnette

2014  TIDAL WAVE, Tristan Thompson

2013  VOCAL, Pet Shop Boys

2012  WAITING FOR THE FEELING, Bright Light Bright Light

2011  FLESH, Simon Curtis

2010  8BIT HEART, Simon Curtis

2009  MANNEQUIN, Noah

2008  AFTER TONIGHT, Justin Nozuka

2007  STEP INTO THE LIGHT, Darren Hayes

2006  I WANT YOU TO WANT ME, Chris Isaak

2005  WORDPLAY, Jason Mraz

2004  ROCK U, Laurent Konrad

2003  AS THE RUSH COMES (DJ Tiësto’s Exclusive Demo Mix), Motorcycle [aka Gabriel & Dresden]

2002  GOTTA GET THRU THIS, Daniel Bedingfield

2001  POP, *N Sync

2000 ETERNAL LIFE (“Mystery White Boy” live version), Jeff Buckley

1999 U DON’T KNOW ME, Armand van Helden, Duane Harden

1998 EVERYBODY HERE WANTS YOU, Jeff Buckley

 

 

 

This is a briefer than usual chart blog post as I returned from NYC yesterday not well, after coming down with a bug of some sort half way through my trip. Plus, suffering some heatstroke while trying to see Gorgon City and Hayla perform in Central Park on the weekend was no fun.

As a standing item about my daughter VXTORIA‘s progress with her music, her debut EP Dreamstate arrives tomorrow!  It features three new songs, in addition to singles Back To You, changes, and Lost in Your Love. I’d like to thank anyone who has found out about her music through my blog page for supporting the songs. Everyone seems to have a different favourite, though the most streamed appears to be “Back to You” thus far.

Check out information about my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the chart commentary below as they are 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.

sombr leads the chart for a fantastic fourth appearance (8 weeks!) with “back to friends”, (above) which is still #1 at alternative radio in the US. “undressed” holds tight at #2, and you can check out his brand new song “we never dated” below!

With each artist eyeing #1 again, “In My Arms” by Illenium and Hayla moves up 8-4.

Another artist with a previous #1 on the chart, Sweden’s Agnes, has the Fastest Riser on the chart with “Balenciaga Covered Eyes” soaring 13-5.

Francesco Yates wowed the intimate Toronto attendees at The Drake Underground on June 20 with a splendid performance, and I was pleased to see “If I Have You” (9-6) performed in the live mix.

The sultry tropical vibes of “Lonely Tonight” (11-7) bring Sam Feldt back to the Top 10, this time with vocalists Justin Jesso and Parson James.

The Boy From The South gets his fourth consecutive Top 10 entry with his captivating style of whimsy in “Older” (12-10).

2020’s-styled disco continues to make its presence known on my chart through songs like the irresistible “Celebration” by French producer Provi and Chicago house legend Ron Carroll, climbing 17-12.

MELØ’s fun 80’s throwback “I Don’t Speak French” climbs 19-16, and you can check out his latest single, the riveting “Midnight People” below.

John Summit and Gorgon City are both everywhere it seems in 2025, so it’s timely that their collaboration has appeared called “Is Everybody Having Fun”. It’s the Highest Debut at #24 and features newcomer vocalist rhys from the sticks.

“Dior” climbed to #2 in the UK this week for veteran American DJ/producer MK and British vocalist/producer Chrystal, and it arrives on my chart about to conquer too at #25.  It’s MK’s second chart entry following 2017’s “17” (#3).

As “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” is finishing off its chart run after peaking at #3 (this week #23), Benson Boone’s American Heart album has yielded another zinger, “Mr. Electric Blue”, which arrives at #26. It’s his 9th chart entry. Since I would be unlikely to find it at home, I snapped up a rare new CD purchase of American Heart while in NYC.

The final debut at #27 is from veteran indie British-American pop/soul duo Young Gun Silver Fox with a song that chose a good time to salute two of our favourite artists, “Stevie & Sly”.  It’s from their latest album called Pleasure.

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. 

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 at the following link: Schedule. 

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. You can view its schedule by going to the lower right corner of the home page of this blog.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada 

The 3D Variety Show is currently on vacation, returning on July 8.

Party Dog Radio  

Canada’s Party Dog Radio now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Saturdays at 6pm EST, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. Party Dog Radio also airs “The Big 20”, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week on Sundays after 9pm EST. 

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 updated regularly.

 

 

 

This week’s Report is coming to you from an extremely hot New York City, where temperatures will finally ease up tomorrow. It’s also a week of three Maxes – MAX (Schneider), Max Ehrich and Max Sarre all have new songs worth investigating!  Enjoy the new tunes and our regular features.

In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this week and last, 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 has this week’s Classic Five all from that wonderful year of pop music, 1970. sombr has captured #1 and #2 this week on the BILLCS Top 30, and I also dug into past charts to find out what artists have had the same achievement!

Listen to my daughter VXTORIA‘s latest dance music release, her fantastic house collaboration with Toronto-area producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love” at the following link: More Love. There’s also previous recent releases, the afrobeats-flavoured “Lost In Your Love”, at the following link:  Lost;  and “changes”,  at the following link:  changes.  You can watch her in the video for her debut single “Back To You” at the following link: Back To You. Her debut EP Dreamstate arrives on July 2!

LIAM WALL, “So”

About the artist:  Liam Wall is an indie pop singer/songwriter based in Nashville who recently completed a run on the BILLCS Top 30 with a song that has turned out to be a huge favourite of mine, “Walking Red Flag”, which peaked at #6.

About the record: “So” is that rare, delightfully good follow-up that “Walking Red Flag” has needed, and like that song, caught me rather off guard. It’s a story of unrequited attraction from a distance, as the protagonist reflects on someone who he admires but clearly with whom he did not have a relationship, and asks (to himself) “so, did you find anyone?” We all have thoughts about people who have come and gone in our lives, and Liam grabs our attention with his voice and piano, before the song builds to a crescendo with more instrumentation. It’s a DIY effort that gets a big thumbs up from me.

Other comments: Songs like “Walking Red Flag” and “So” are going to take Liam Wall far and Nashville looks like the right place to be for the California-born talent to make it happen.

MAX, “Get In The Ring”

About the artist: Max Schneider is a singer/songwriter and actor from NYC, best known for his radio hit “Lights Down Low” (which reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30) and his album Hell’s Kitchen Angel. I’m an OG MAX enthusiast back to his Ms Anonymous EP and he’s appeared on the BILLCS Top 30 13 times to date, with more appearances in these blog pages than that., often with electronic producers like Illenium and Galantis. I’ve been pleased to watch his progression as an in-demand talent for K-Pop releases through work with members of BTS, LE SSERAPHIM and others.

About the record: “Get In The Ring” is the theme to a South Korean TV show called “Good Boy”, an action-comedy which centres around characters who were sports heroes and are now police officers. As you might anticipate, “Get In The Ring” is appropriately anthemic and energetic, giving MAX an opportunity to use his soaring vocal range to full effect. It’s one song I’d love to hear him sing in concert. It rocks out more than usual for him and I’d pitch it to fans of Imagine Dragons and One Republic.

Other comments: MAX’s releases over the past few years have been selective, with putting family first with his wife and young daughter, though 2023’s “Strings” (with JVKE and Bazzi) was a corker. He doesn’t have a songwriting credit on “Get In The Ring”, but 2000’s music fans will note the name Andreas Öhrn, once of the duo Gravitonas.

THE DISCO FRIES, “Greenlight”

About the artist: Nick Ditri and Danny Boselovic are NYC-based producers The Disco Fries, who took a break for a while and returned with the slick techno-house track “Never Mine” earlier this year. They’ve appeared on the BILLCS Top 30 five times, including the #1 “Give It Back” (with GIIANTS and Allison Park).

About the record: “Greenlight” continues in the vein of 2000’s-inspired techno-house with some trance elements, and perhaps takes some cues from Duke Dumont’s 2019 dance club favourite “Red Light Green Light”. It’s got an unexpectedly haunting instrumental lead in, but the fun begins as soon as you hear “red light red light green light GO” – an instant cue to the dance floor, if you’re not already there by then.

Other comments: With a more than 10 year repertoire and an array of collaborations with so many major names in dance music over the years, The Disco Fries continue to keep their focus on what sounds great in clubs and at festivals.

HarlowBardot, “Static In My Head” (Stonebridge remix)

About the artist: HarlowBardot is a Toronto alternative electronic duo comprising singer/songwriter Kinga and electronics whiz Marc Wonnacott. “Static In My Head” is their third single release.

About the record: With every release, HarlowBardot provides a different flavour of electronic pop whose roots are in 80’s new wave, pop and dance music. While the original version of “Static In My Head” has its own enjoyable vibe, legendary Grammy-nominated Swedish producer Stonebridge (of Robin S’ “Show Me Love” and Ne-Yo’s “Closer” fame and numerous others – just glom his Wikipedia entry) elevates the song to a clubby level with a superlative, hard-hitting remix while keeping intact the bitterness in its story of a past love, and its expressive vocal from Kinga. It would also give radio playlists a huge lift.

Other comments: Alternative and college radio stations could easily champion “Static In My Head” but it’s in dance clubs where this remix would naturally take roots and grow.

GABE JAMES, “Stoke Our Love”

About the artist:  Gabe James is the Colorado-born, L.A.-based singer/songwriter who made an “American Idol” appearance as a contestant earlier this year, which shone a spotlight on his previous single “Wake Up”.

About the record: Positivity simply exudes from “Stoke Our Love”, where Gabe gets to sing about someone dear to him and show off his range as a vocalist and songwriter with pop and folk influences. It’s an upbeat, authentic bop with clean production and personality-plus. Gabe appears determined to cut his own path, which may lead him more in the direction of folk and country, but he does just fine in pop too thank you.

Other comments: Judging from his Instagram feed, there’s oodles more about love and good times only coming soon.

DAN BLACK, LOUANE, “Orchestra”

About the artists:  UK-born, France-based electronic artist Dan Black returned to making new music earlier this year after a protracted absence. He had two #1’s on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2009, “Symphonies” and “Alone”, both from his album UN.  Louane is the celebrated French singer and actress who won a César Award for her supporting role in the film La Famille Bélier. She also sang France’s 2025 EuroVision entry “Maman”, which finished 7th.

About the record: Dan Black decided to celebrate the brief pre-solo career music of his group The Servant, which released two albums and retains a following in Europe, by updating four of their songs on the new 20th anniversary EP called The Servant Revisited. These are much less complex songs than those in Dan’s subsequent career, and the most intriguing and unique is “Orchestra”, with vocals by Louane that add a fresh sophisticated dynamic to the song. It’s well-constructed, moody and laid back alternative electronic pop.

Other comments: Alternative and college radio stations would most likely find a place for “Orchestra” in their mix. Fans of the singer and this kind of electronic pop can confidently add it to their most appropriate playlist.

MAX EHRICH, “LAX”

About the artist: Max Ehrich is a New Jersey-born Emmy-nominated actor, model, dancer, and singer/songwriter. He’s one of those admirable multi-talents that makes most of us envious as he seamlessly moves from one role to the next with better than average results as well as peer recognition.

About the record: With recent releases, Max has capably handled songs with hip hop, country, and bluesy rock flavours, but “LAX” puts in smack in the middle of pop territory. In this song, Max requests his object of affection to meet him at Los Angeles International Airport where she could be his “one and only” and seize the opportunity to escape with him from their regular lives. It’s an oft told story but it sustains our interest quite well and further allows Max to be a musical chameleon.

Other comments: While I’m enjoying all of the variety, I’m hoping that Max Ehrich can zero in on the musical style that works best for him. Given his credentials and hefty social media presence, I’m sure there’s a ticket already in the offering, as long as it’s the right one.

MAX SARRE, “Ghost Town”

About the artist: 23 year old Max Sarre is an indie British pop singer/songwriter whose strength is writing relatable lyrics that can connect to music fans of any age.

About the record: “Ghost Town” is about exhausting all possibilities for romance where you reside, and finding the strength to move on. Max’s sincere vocal and a story that explains the feelings of many young people today who are lonely and can’t break away from living with parents or change their familiar setting. It can also apply to others who are in a position to make change but for one reason or another choose not to do it. 

Other comments: Max has got a growing repertoire of releases since 2021, and “Ghost Town” is one of his best to date, and a recent remix of his song “I Like You” also shows a flirtation with electronic dance music that suits his voice.

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 The Knocks and Dragonette with “Foolish Pleasure” from their collaborative album Revelation

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week  which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

Check out former Brian Wilson drummer Nelson Bragg’s “We’re Gonna Laugh About It”

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 Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.

It’s 23 year old birthday boy Benson Boone with “Mr. Electric Blue”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show (currently on vacation till July 8), where you can 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.

Sugarloaf – Green-Eyed Lady
Free – All Right Now
Creedence Clearwater Revival – I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Bobby Bloom – Montego Bay
Blood, Sweat & Tears – Lucretia Mac Evil

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.

This week’s retro pick is a repeat airing.

ARTISTS #1 AND #2 BACK-TO-BACK ON THE BILLCS TOP 30

The current edition of the BILLCS Top 30 has sombr at #1 with ‘back to friends” and at #2 with “undressed”. This was the first time since 2017 that the same artist held #1 and #2 back-to-back. Here are others going back to 2004 when I started storing my charts electronically.

2017 THE CHAINSMOKERS, “Paris” (#1) and “Something Just Like This” (with Coldplay) (#2). Both songs reached #1.

2016 BRANDYN BURNETTE, “Nothing At All” (#1) and “Lost (Stripped)” (#2)

2012 RIVER TIBER, “Someday” (#1) and “Symmetry” (#2) NOTE: These songs are not available on any streaming service.

2011 SIMON CURTIS, “Wicked Baby” (with Ro Danishei) (#1) and “Laser Guns Up” (#2) – both held #1 and #2 together for two appearances. Both songs reached #1.

2008 CHRIS BROWN, “With You” (#1) and “No Air” (with Jordin Sparks” (#2). Both songs reached #1.

2007 DARREN HAYES, “How To Build A Time Machine” (#1) and “Me Myself & (I)” (#2). Both songs reached #1.

2006 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, “SexyBack” and “FutureSex/LoveSound”. “SexyBack” was #1 and then switched places with “FutureSex” the on the following chart.

 

 

 

The Report is back, and thanks for your patience while I took a week’s break from writing during a busy month for me personally. I’m looking forward to a break away from my environs for my annual visit to New York City next week (where temps will be in the 30’s C/90’s F). Before the end of the month, my concert-going exploits take me to see by Francesco Yates (in Toronto at The Drake Hotel tomorrow night), Bright Light Bright Light (in NYC on June 27 at Joe’s Pub), and Gorgon City and Hayla (in NYC in Central Park on June 29).  

In this rather loaded Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this week and last, 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 has this week’s Classic Five chosen from the years 1966 and 1974, and there’s also my Retro Pick of the Week. If you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser in the latest edition of the BILLCS Top 30. Lastly, you can take a look back at the indie-ridden BILLCS Top 30 chart from this week in 2011!

Listen to my daughter VXTORIA‘s latest dance music release, her fantastic house collaboration with Toronto-area producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love” at the following link: More Love. There’s also previous recent releases, the afrobeats-flavoured “Lost In Your Love”, at the following link:  Lost;  and “changes”,  at the following link:  changes.  You can watch her in the video for her debut single “Back To You” at the following link: Back To You. 

YOUNG GUN SILVER FOX, “Stevie & Sly”

About the artist: Young Gun Silver Fox is the genre-blending pop duo based in the UK of British singer/songwriter Andy Platts and veteran American multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee. Andy previously fronted the band Mamas Gun, and Shawn led the Ping Pong Orchestra. They have released five albums since 2012.

About the record: “Stevie & Sly” is a funky slice of soft rock which seems to take its cue from groups like Steely Dan and Toto. And while today’s music is easily augmented by synthesizers and computers over live instruments, Young Gun Silver Fox does a great job at capturing that same timeless late 70’s, early 80’s vibe, including Andy’s gritty and invested vocal. “Stevie & Sly” of course serves as the reference points – Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone – for classic, diverse, and influential artists from the 70’s, and sadly the song is suddenly timely because of the recent passing of Sly. But overall “Stevie & Sly” is thoroughly enjoyable and refreshingly retrotastic!

Other comments: You can find “Stevie & Sly” on Young Gun Silver Fox’s latest album Pleasure.

BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, MYKAL KILGORE, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)”

About the artists: Bright Light Bright Light (aka Rod Thomas) is the NYC-based Welsh indie artist and producer whose music has graced not only my personal chart but probably also these blog pages more than any other performer. Mykal Kilgore is the Grammy-nominated R&B artist who has served as Bright Light Bright Light’s most frequent collaborator, hence the arrival of an EP featuring four of their songs together. Two of those collaborations, “Feel It” and “Heartslap”, reached the Top 10 on the BILLCS Top 30.

About the record: To tackle “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)”, the #1 1987 release by Aretha Franklin and George Michael, both vocalists must be completely on their game together, since the song is a study in contrasting vocals that must also come together seamlessly. And knowing this, Rod and Mykal do not disappoint. While the original has long served as a gay anthem, being sung by two men allows them to make this rendition one for the guys, and it’s also a solid tribute to both of the late original artists. Don’t sleep on this one!

Other comments: I’ll be seeing Bright Light Bright Light in concert at the same venue where I first saw him in 2013, Joe’s Pub in NYC, on June 27, and am looking forward to hearing his selection of songs in the intimate supper club setting. And while Mykal isn’t announced on the ad for the show – unless he makes a surprise guest appearance – I’m hoping Rod will be able to sing it as a duet with one of his other fine guests.

KRISTINE W, “Love Personified” (7th Heaven Inferno radio mix)

About the artist: Kristine W is one of dance music’s long-time treasures that the genre can truly call their own. She had 9 consecutive #1’s between 1994 and 2006 among 17 in total on Billboard’s now defunct dance club play chart, and 6 songs from one album to reach #1 on the same chart in 2008-09. She has been releasing music independently since 2008 and continues to perform live shows. Her glorious song “Love Come Home” reached #6 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2014.

About the record: “Love Personified” is an uplifting throwback to Kristine’s own classic late 90’s, early 00’s era, and it’s taken that long for DJ’s and producers to properly welcome back this specific flavour of disco.  British producers 7th Heaven take the song to another level with their dazzling remix.  Kristine W sounds more fierce than ever in “Love Personified” and club DJ’s should embrace it as well as Kristine for her artistry and fervent love of the dance music genre over the past 30 years.

Other comments: There is no time like the present for club DJ’s to get to know the huge back catalogue of Kristine W’s hits.  Start with “Feel What You Want”, “One More Try”, “Stronger”, and “Fly Again”, and go from there!

EKONOVAH, “Do You Feel Me”

About the artist: Ekonovah is rising electronic dance producer Stephen Scotti from Phoenix, whose brand of house music manages to treat us to something different and diverting with each release. His track “Find My Flow” reached #4 on the BILLCS Top 30 last year.

About the record: “Do You Feel Me” is a fast-paced house track that features vibrant piano sounds set against an aggressive rhythm that blends techno-house and bass-house elements. The lyrics are minimal (“I need you / do you feel me”) but often less is more when a track like this could light up a set. Ekonovah knows what to do to make people react and get them onto the dance floor, and it’s super fun.

Other comments:  Look for some live performances by Ekonovah this summer in mid-south/west US cities.

MARLEY, “Good Times”

About the artist:  Marley is a Dutch singer/songwriter who is based in London. “Good Times” is only her fourth single, but she is quickly making a name for herself in the UK with her candid, honest performances.

About the record: What I like best about “Good Times” is the raw vocal by Marley. She immediately sells the record to me by showing off her honed voice, and knowing it doesn’t need to be entirely perfect to be real. She’s got unmistakable control like Adele, the grittiness like Amy Winehouse, and soulfulness which reminds me of Jazmine Sullivan. “Good Times” expresses the need to enjoy life for what it is and not for what material items you gain in it. The frills are nice, but creating memories and meaningful moments are better.  “Good Times” is well-shaped by producer PENGWIN.

Other comments: I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from Marley beyond these first four singles. “Good Times” is a winner.

FLASH BANGS, “Hide Away”

About the artist: Flash Bangs is a Toronto-based rock trio that is a side project for all of its veteran members – guitarist George Westerholm (George Westerholm & the Wild Wild Cats),  drummer James Clark (The James Clark Institute) and bassist Sean Ryan (Mr. Miyagi), with all three members contributing vocals.

About the record:  As might be anticipated with these three talents all in one unit, the often amusing word play in “Hide Away” is top notch, while the jangly melody and catchy vocals score too.  A well-placed guitar solo and the propulsive rhythm section will have your head bobbing along. It’s straight up, good time rock and roll for all.

Other comments:  You can find “Hide Away” on the debut self-titled EP for Flash Bangs. The trio plays The Pilot in Toronto on Saturday July 12, along with The James Clark Institute and Matthew Holtby.

GINA ZO, “Dirty Habits”

About the artist: Singer/songwriter Gina Zo hails from Philadelphia, where she recently led the award-winning rock band Velvet Rouge, which released an EP and a handful of singles. Under her real name Gina Costanzo, you may remember her as a contestant on Blake Shelton’s team on TV’s “The Voice” (season 10).

About the record: “Dirty Habits” is a powerful rocker about dreaming big, even if it doesn’t match reality. Gina’s voice here reminds me of Pink-meets-Demi Lovato, which is a potent combination in terms of being on-point and forceful at the same time. Her take-no-prisoners approach will please many fans of female vocalists who are empowered by the strong melody and authentic lyrics.

Other comments: “Dirty Habits” is produced by Grammy-winners Justin Miller and Tim Sonnefeld, who provide a huge assist in getting across Gina’s message that women in the music business should not be put into one constraining box.

NEUTRAL SNAP, “Danny ACOG”

About the artist: Neutral Snap is a New Orleans-based pop-punk quartet led by singer Joshua Latham. “Danny ACOG” is their third single released since their second album Tell Me How I Feel in 2021.

About the record: I really enjoy the energy in “Danny ACOG”, though I have no idea to what the title refers (anyone??). It’s a throwback to the mid 00’s emo punk rock of early Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco, and with listeners from that time now in their 30’s and 40’s, there is a lot of nostalgic flavour driving it in Neutral Snap’s favour. Joshua Latham’s vocal easily draws you in similar to Patrick Stump or Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. “Danny ACOG” is a breakup song where the protagonist is resigned to the end of the relationship, with valid reasons, but still can’t get his ex out of his head. The song is co-written with Tom Denney of A Day To Remember and Fred Mascherino formerly of Taking Back Sunday.

Other comments: Neutral Snap is performing a few shows in New Orleans next week, with additional dates in New York City in September.

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. 

This week’s pick:

1970’s disco legend Cerrone has a new original with fellow French artist Christine & The Queens (Rahim Redcar) called “Catching feelings”

Last week’s pick:

Swedish superstar Agnes with her dramatic and another unique dance track “Balenciaga Covered Eyes”

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week  which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

It’s New Zealand rock duo of brothers, Balu Brigada, with “Backseat”

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 Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.

From her upcoming album called Virgin, it’s another New Zealander, Lorde, with “What Was That”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show (currently on vacation till July 8), where you can 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.

Tommy James & The Shondells – Hanky Panky (1966)
The Cyrkle – Red Rubber Ball (1966)
The Happenings – See You In September (1966)
The Carpenters – I Won’t Last A Day Without You (1974)
Olivia Newton-John – If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (1974)

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 a classic collaboration: Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield with “What Have I Done To Deserve This” 

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

sombr continues at #1 with “back to friends”, currently #1 at US Alternative radio. His new single “we never dated” arrives tomorrow!

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

Illenium and Hayla soar 28-8 with the enthralling “In My Arms”

BILLCS TOP 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2011

What’s cool to notice among the songs from my chart of 14 years ago this week is that around 60% of the songs were independent releases. I couldn’t stomach a lot of what was being played on radio, and this was slightly before streaming and at the tail end of the My Space days. Some of the songs were also free downloads on Soundcloud at the time. And 14 years old in the biz can also now be termed as “good old days”!

02 01 FLESH Simon Curtis
03 02 DO IT IN THE A.M. Frankmusik, Far East Movement
01 03 POPULAR Eric Saade
04 04 SUPERHERO Simon Curtis
07 05 STUPID (Brad Walsh remix) DATABOY
10 06 OUT WITHOUT YOUR BOYFRIEND Jerry Reid
11 07 I’M IN LOVE Christian TV
09 08 ANOTHER DIMENSION Bass Robbers, Matt Blue
05 09 EVERYTHING I’M MISSING Kyle Brylin
12 10 TAINTED LOVE Elouise
15 11 THE PUPPET WHO GAVE HIMSELF STRINGS Simon Curtis
06 12 LADY LUCK Jamie Woon
17 13 CINEMA Benny Benassi, Gary Go
18 14 THE EDGE OF GLORY Lady Gaga
20 15 BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE Chris Brown, Benny Benassi
26 16 CINNAMON Matt Webb
19 17 LINDA Andrea Lewis
21 18 RUMOUR HAS IT Adele
23 19 I CAN Blue
08 20 SOMEONE LIKE YOU Adele
New 21 VENOM Long Story Short
16 22 DRUNK.TXT Ro Danishei
New 23 THE LOVER’S RUMBA Elouise
New 24 PORCELAIN HEART Nicola Roberts
13 25 TILL THE WORLD ENDS Britney Spears
New 26 CHARIOT Monsieur Adi
14 27 NO PROTECTION Nelson Clemente
22 28 BORN THIS WAY Lady Gaga
28 29 HURT YOU AGAIN Frankmusik
29 30 JILTED LOVERS AND BROKEN HEARTS Brandon Flowers

There’s a ton of movement in the new edition of the BILLCS Top 30, as I alluded to what I might have anticipated two weeks ago. As a result, there are still some songs that appear stuck in the second half of the chart, but most of them should shake that loose in two weeks. My personal songs of summer are certainly just about set!

As a standing item about my daughter VXTORIA‘s progress with her music, she released her first collaboration on Friday June 13 with Toronto producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love”. It’s an EDM bop with a fantastic vocal, which you can hear at the following link:  More Love. Please also support her as an indie artist by checking out her previous releases at the links that follow the song titles: “Lost In Your Love” at Lost, “changes” at changes, and the video for “Back To You” at Back To You. Her debut EP arrives in July!

Check out information about my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the chart commentary below as they are 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.

sombr leads the chart for a third appearance with “back to friends”, (above) which is also #1 at alternative radio in the US.  Not to be outdone, sombr’s “undressed” (below), which is Top 20 at US Top 40 Radio, moves up 5-2.  sombr because the first artist to hold back-to-back #1 and #2 songs on this chart since The Chainsmokers’ achieved the feat on the BILLCS Top 30 of March 6, 2017 with “Paris” and “Something Just Like This” (with Coldplay). The latter song replaced “Paris” at #1 the following week.

British producer/DJ James Hype’s national dance radio smash “Don’t Wake Me Up” cuts through the Top 10 smoothly by advancing 11-3.

Martin Garrix & Arijit Singh’s poignant “Angels For Each Other” climbs 6-4, becoming Martin’s 9th Top 5 entry, and the first to feature his own singing.

Tiësto achieves his highest ranking song on the BILLCS Top 30 since 2007 as “Hold Me” (with Jordan Shaw) rises 8-5.

Jay Bird’s irresistibly fun house track “Do It Like Me” moves up 10-7.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is “In My Arms” by Illenium and Hayla, which soars 28-8.  It becomes Illenium’s 10th Top 10 entry and Hayla’s 5th.  I’m looking forward to seeing Hayla again on Sunday, June 29 in Central Park, NYC, where she opens for Gorgon City!

Toronto’s Francesco Yates gets his 7th Top 10 entry as “If I Have You” climbs 12-9. I hope to see some of his fans at his show on Friday June 20 at The Drake Underground in Toronto!

Rounding out the Top 10, “Something New” by GT_Ofice, Matthew Topper and Petie rises 14-10. It’s Miami producer GT_Ofice’s 5th Top 10 entry and Matthew’s 2nd. GT_Ofice continue to tour in the US, with a date coming up in NYC on June 22 at Arlo SoHo.

Sam Feldt has another summery classic with the tropical sounds of “Lonely Tonight”, featuring vocalists Justin Jesso and Parson James, leaping up the chart 29-11.

And completing the rise, rise and rise of last week’s debuts, Swedish singer Agnes vaults 30-13 with her intoxicating new single, “Balenciaga Covered Eyes”.

Two debuts finish off the chart with unique sounding releases.  The Highest Debut at #27 belongs to disco legend Cerrone with fellow French artist Christine & The Queens (aka Rahim Redcar) with their earworm “Catching feelings” (above) which arrives at #27.  Cerrone previously went to #1 in 2023 with “The Only One” with Mercer and Brendan Reilly (the latter of whom co-wrote this one).  At #28, The Knocks make another splash onto the chart, bringing Dragonette with them on the shimmering “Foolish Pleasure” (below) from their new album collaboration Revelation.  It’s The Knocks’ 13th entry and the first for Dragonette since 2010’s “Pick Up The Phone” (#8).  And since Dragonette is now strictly Martina Sorbara, I’ll also point out that she charted as featured vocalist for Basement Jaxx on their 2006 release “Take Me Back To Your House” (#17).

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. 

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 at the following link: Schedule. 

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. You can view its schedule by going to the lower right corner of the home page of this blog.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada 

The 3D Variety Show is currently on vacation, returning on July 8.

Party Dog Radio  

Canada’s Party Dog Radio now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Saturdays at 6pm EST, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. Party Dog Radio also airs “The Big 20”, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week on Sundays after 9pm EST. 

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 updated regularly.