Time has been very kind to California alt.rockers Toad The Wet Sprocket, who first came to prominence in the early 90’s with breakthrough hit “All I Want” and others such as “Fall Down” and “Walk On The Ocean”. In fact, I saw them perform in Toronto in 1990 before all of those songs existed when they opened for Michael Penn. Their new album Starting Now is the first since 2013’s New Constellation and only their second album in 24 years. While they did break up for a while, they started performing together in 2004 off and on till the mid-2010’s. Three out of four original members remain, with Glen Phillips’ ageless voice still quite recognizable. Toad hasn’t really changed their style – artisan rockers with edge and emotion, similar to Lifehouse, Counting Crows, and Tonic – which is part of their success, picking up every time almost where they left off. “Hold On” is sturdy, perceptive rock encouraging the listener to “hold on to what matters” despite everything else going on in the world.
During the past month, Sydney, Australia’s Ricky Rosen has surfaced in my Instagram feed several times, covering songs as varied as the classic “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” through to ones by Frank Ocean, Justin Bieber and Miguel, so I had to check and see if he had any recorded material online. The medical student first came to prominence last year on Tik Tok with his cover of Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly” sung in 5 different accents. Simply put, Ricky’s got a dreamy voice with rich tones that make listeners swoon. His most recent original single “Dim The Lights” also shows potential for Ricky as a songwriter. He’s nailed his style down pat – pop/jazz with a soulful edge. It’s very reminiscent of Harry Connick Jr. when he arrived on the scene in the 80’s, although online comparisons to Michael Bublé are already in full force. Ricky Rosen is definitely someone to watch for – the music industry will not let viral talent get away with so much natural vocal talent.
The glossy sheen of “Asteroid”, the latest single from British electronic pop duo of Indian heritage Laya Laya, hides a lovelorn vulnerability which has an out-of-norm appeal as one package. The duo, Freya Zai and Super Joshi, want you to think way outside the box and imagine the unattainability of love floating out there in space like an asteroid. It sounds so remote, that you want to reach out and grab it, and as Freya sings “I want you to myself”, which could be a subtitle for the song as the phrase resonates in the chorus. “Asteroid” is beautifully sung with delicate-sounding music leaving the lyrics to pack the punch, and has already received support from BBC Radio. Stylistically think of Frank Ocean and George Michael meet Dusty Springfield and Sophie B. Hawkins and go from there.
British duo Barbudo are making some pleasing inroads from when I first heard them last year with their new single “Sunshine”. Barbudo are brothers Ben and Harry Stanworth, who hail from the south of England. Although the production is fairly basic, sometimes more is less when it suits the moment and the song. Taking their cue from the pandemic and spinning that on its head, the lads came up with “Sunshine” as part of the musical antidotes we’re all hearing now as much of the world transitions out of the pandemic. It doesn’t say anything new, but the presentation is alternately chill and snappy, full of 80’s sounding British-European jazzy disco flavours that help turn it into a bit of a singalong. Although it’s too long for what it has to say, “Sunshine” is made up of all the right stuff to turn listeners’ heads.
It’s hard to believe I finished my last day of work in my human resources career a year ago! While it’s been tough with the restrictions of the pandemic during my first year of retirement, my music projects and consulting have increased, and I’m suddenly back “on air” on online radio stations as an announcer for the first time in many years, which I never, ever expected to happen. The only way is up, and I’m looking forward to some travelling this coming year.
Make sure you read about myONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!
The revolving door at #1 on this chart continues, as Sweden’s Darin reaches the top with the best song of his career so far called “Can’t Stay Away”. This is a very deserved number one, the positivity oozes from the song and the video is a fun, colourful throwback to the disco years.
I can’t get enough of the multilingual “Mon Cheri” (above) by Sofi Tukker and award-winning African duo Amadou & Mariam, which climbs 9-3. It’s culled from the recent Red Hot + Free set, whose proceeds go to charity. Now also available in a host of remixes at the link below.
Ed Sheeran’s upcoming album is now called Equals (or = ) as “Bad Habits” (above) climbs 6-5. He’s also released a new single from it called “Visiting Hours” (below).
The Fastest Riser on the chart lands in the Top 10 in its second appearance on the chart. It belongs to “Sanctuary” (above) by Dutch producer Howen and “American Idol” finalist, songwriter and producer Robbie Rosen, which soars 16-9 with sights clearly set on #1! Robbie is also the singer and co-writer behind “Don’t Want Perfect” (below) with Quebec producer Kayliox, which moves up 22-18.
Also new to the Top 10 is “Back To You”, the riveting house track by Chicago’s Aash Mehta and Charlotte’s ephem, which rises 13-10.
Ashwyn’s “Sell My Soul” is a real grower, with its stellar guitar solo as the focus of an otherwise mellow and thoughtful song. It moves up 15-12.
“Break Me Down” (above) busts through the middle of the chart for Chicago’s Autograf and Win & Woo with vocalist SINGA, and climbs 20-14. Also check out below a lovely dance performance video from Win & Woo of their latest release called “Knots” featuring Blair Lee.
The Highest Debut on the chart is “Nonchalant” by Duck Sauce at #24. In my blog post last week, I noted that its melody revolves around an old somewhat obscure favourite of mine, “Queen Of The Rapping Scene”, a 1981 release by UK group Modern Romance. Combine it with a pulsating house rhythm and A-Trak and Armand Van Helden have another winner!
Next up at #26 is The Weeknd’s “Take My Breath”, yet another winner for my fellow Scarborough native Abel Tesfaye, who in full club mode and is clearly with retro disco rhythms this time, which is no surprise given he covered Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana” (as “D.D.”) ten years ago.
Then at #27 is NYC’s Gina Naomi Baez with a vocal tour de force on “My Time”, which is your new end-of-summer empowerment anthem!
Chicago house music is winning on this chart! As with releases from Aash Mehta, Autograf and Win & Woo, Jarod Glawe and Dutch vocalist Robin Vane arrive at #28 with “Belong To You”. It’s an enjoyable release peppered by a powerful vocal from Robin, who I initially compared to Dan Smith of Bastille when I wrote my blog post about it, but since then I’ve been hearing more similarities to Bono of U2. In any case he’s in great company!
View the full BILLCS Top 30right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!
Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify:BILLCS Top 30 Songs
Radio GTA– listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs mixed with classics and songs you haven’t heard in a while. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm I bring you “Your Weekend Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.
Halton Hills Online– “Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free, proudly brought to you by Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge in Georgetown, Ontario!
Planet Radio Canada – Now back in action, listen to the “3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers. I’m featured every Tuesday between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the Week, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.
After a flood of releases in 2019-20, Matoma is back with his first release in a new chapter of music called “Summer Feeling”. Breaking away for now from a heavier dance style, it’s a sweet electronic pop ode (co-written by Nashville’s Mokita, aka John-Luke Carter) to those special times in the great weather that you will always remember, sung effortlessly and gracefully by US vocalist Jonah Kagen. Check out the video above with its earnest showcase of two lovers enjoying time together while summer lasts. Whether he’s making a party anthem like “The Bender” or recording with the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Snoop Dogg, MAX, Noah Cyrus or Becky Hill, Matoma’s music always shows you a good time, and now with loads of fans all over the world and songs that have been streamed hundreds of millions of times over the last several years, “Summer Feeling” should find a welcome place on many playlists over the next few months, making it a fine, enduring end-of-summer song.
Post-grunge 90’s rock influences seem to be in store for a revival lately, and “Gratification” by Toronto-based singer/songwriter Paul Manchin is part of that inspiration. Often working in the background as a songwriter or musician, Paul has also released a number of his own albums over the years too, and many of his songs have received placements on TV. While it contains Beatles vibes particularly through the piano melody, “Gratification” also gives nods to artists like Smashing Pumpkins and Beck in terms of vocal style and guitar work. It’s certainly helped by crisp production by co-writer and Grammy winner David Bottrill, who has worked with not only the Pumpkins, but also Peter Gabriel and Rush. Paul’s voice has a laid back Billy Corgan-meets-John Lennon-esque tone with a soulful side, and even with a myriad of influences, “Gratification” sounds fresh and could easily find a place on alt.rock or college radio station playlists.
Jenna Jay is a new singer/songwriter from Las Vegas who you can get to know with her latest single “Someone Real”. It’s a well-written and touching pop song that zeroes in on finding that soulmate or special person with whom you can share your life. The song is relatable to young people who have had a constant and frustrating struggle with self-worth, thinking that they are the reason why they can’t find someone to love, sometimes setting unrealistic ideals about themselves and of others. But “Someone Real” offers hope that your lover is out there and may just find you, too. The video above is well shot with beautiful imagery, colours and wardrobe. Jenna has a pleasing and affecting voice, and she knows how to write songs that suit it well.
SAXITY and VICTOR PERRY, “Could’ve Should’ve Would’ve”
Every release together is always such a welcome surprise, so I’m always happy to write about another teaming of Saxity and Victor Perry, this time on “Could’ve Should’ve Would’ve”. The German producers always make Victor’s voice and lyrics shine, and this time it’s in some funky Michael Jackson/Usher/George Michael territory that allows Victor to let loose. Throw in some gorgeous high notes for harmony as well as slick instrumentation including some well-placed saxophone against a chugging groove and “Could’ve Should’ve Would’ve” is a fine addition for your anytime playlist!
CHEAT CODES, TRAVIS BARKER and TOVE STYRKE, “All Things $ Can Do”
Quickly following up their collaboration with Little Big Town and Bryn Christopher on “Never Love You Again” is another radio-friendly earworm from the trio Cheat Codes called “All Things $ Can Do”. And this song is another collaboration too, marking a return of Swedish singer Tove Styrke after three years (she has a new solo single too called “Mood Swings”), and featuring Blink 182’s Travis Barker, who also co-produced the song and has been popping up on other people’s songs while shepherding new artists such as teen sensation jxdn. Long an alternative pop fave, Tove’s vocal would sound great next to singers like Zara Larsson, Sigrid or Astrid S. on the radio, the production is smooth and tidy, and the song certainly spells out a truth for a lot of listeners. “All Things $ Can Do” (co-written by Canada’s bülow, too!) doesn’t get lost in the shuffle which is good news for Cheat Codes as their songs veer away from the more electronic dance pop of a few years ago.
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.