Ever the experimentalist, progressive L.A.-based electronic dance producer maintains his groove but with a different vision now with the songs in his new EP Life On Mars, including “SANTO”, which I previously wrote about, and “FADE”. Bobby’s new music is heavily instrumental and big on atmosphere, and would be a video artist’s field day. “FADE” is a song that would be a segue into the wee hours at a club, in preparation of what might come during a night out. I can picture DJ’s playing it to reach just past the two minute mark, when the only words are uttered, in a whisper – just to get that moment of awestruck silence from the audience which would then be followed by cheers. “FADE” is an enjoyable and very creative release with an undeniably hypnotic rhythm.
Talk about a blast from the past! Lee Wilson and El Funkador have reworked The Gap Band’s funky 1983 R&B hit “Outstanding” into a fun classic house music jam. It’s a great and unexpected choice, and you can hear why Lee is one of house music’s current go-to vocalists, having worked with Kenny Dope, Todd Terry and many other notables in the last five years. His vocal is brisk and effortless and El Funkador’s production retains a soulful vibe while transforming the song into a summery house smash that oozes nothing but positive vibes. “Outstanding” is a delightfully tasty treat with all of the right toppings, and a sweet change for the 2Dutch label.
“Arms Of Another” is the latest single by Bright Light Bright Light, otherwise known as Rod Thomas, but it’s not a new song. The NYC-based, Wales-born singer, songwriter and producer is about to release an album of “B-sides” called So Gay, So Dramatic (due June 25), and “Arms Of Another” is certainly one of the key highlights of that selection. Originally released in late 2014 and newly remastered, it peaked at #6 on my chart, was in my Top 40 of that year, and has been popping up regularly on my stereo over the years. It’s a timeless track featuring additional production by Jon Shave (who has worked with Darren Hayes among others), and harmonies by Millicent Blue and Sophie Galpin. Do check out the new video up top, as well as my original blog post below (my original words still stand).
The summer sounds of dance music are starting to fill the air, judging from the recent releases I’ve heard over the past two weeks, as much of the world starts to recover from the pandemic. There’s nothing like feel good music to fit the current situation!
It’s going to take a particularly strong song to replace “No More Looking Back” by Idris Elba and Inner City featuring Steffanie Christi’an, now at the top of my chart for a third appearance (six weeks). This one checks off all of the boxes and is one of my favourites of 2021!
And making a big show to reclaim #1 is Los Angeles-based producer Mahalo, who soars 9-2 with the rollicking and infectious “Got That Love”. As you’ll recall, Mahalo’s “Not Watching Anymore” (now #23) was on top immediately before “No More Looking Back”.
Look who’s back in the Top 5 already! It didn’t take long for Victor Perry’s collaboration with Italy’s Lordnox on “Myself In You” (above) to match the #5 peak of his own recent “Stories” (now at #29). Ever-prolific, Victor’s latest, with Russian producer Eleven Fly and Portuguese producer No ExpressioN, is called “50/50”, which you can check out below.
Two songs move into the Top 10, and they are “Want You Always” (above) by Ireland indie artist Four Nights, which climbs 11-8, and “One And One” (below), the second duet by Australia’s Peter Wilson and England’s Sean Smith to reach the Top 10, a cover of the 1997 Robert Miles hit.
The Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to one of my faves, Jessie Ware, whose song “Please” gets a big liftoff moving up 25-11, from the “platinum” edition of her acclaimed album What’s Your Pleasure.
Season 12 winner of “The Voice”, Chris Blue, is on a roll with his current catchy slice of R&B/pop called “Moon”, which climbs 20-14.
The rest of the last chart’s debuts are all making good progress. “Heartbeat” (above) by Vancouver’s Glass Petals rises 24-18, while Australia’s Needs No Sleep and Jeremy Beamish move up 26-21 with their domestic club hit “Unnatural” (above), and the joyous “Better Day” (below) by Brits WH0 and Josh Barry with the esteemed Nile Rodgers is right behind, climbing 27-22.
The Highest Debut is the fifth advance single from Illenium’s upcoming album Fallen Embers (due July 16) called “Sideways”. It’s a hard electronic track to be sure and I’m confident will make its biggest impact in concert. It features Philadelphia-born vocalist Valerie Broussard, known for her work with Kygo and Galantis among others, and New Jersey-born producer Nurko, who gives the track much of its edge.
#25 belongs to the potent duo of Nessa Barrett and jxdn (pronounced “Jaden”) with the smashing and thoughtful alt.rock of “La Di Die”. Both performers aren’t even yet 20 and with the help of Blink 182’s Travis Barker have come up with this standout track that straddles pop and could yet be a crossover radio hit.
Toronto’s Crash Adams have their second chart entry with “Symphony” at #26. The good natured pop/rock of this Toronto duo is hard to resist, and I hope we’ll see their trademark red sofa making cameo appearances throughout the city this summer. Crash Adams first appeared on the chart last fall with “Too Hot To Touch” (#13).
The last of four new entries belongs to Greyson Chance, who continues to take risks with his new music from his upcoming album Trophies. “Hellboy” (#27) is guaranteed to put a smile on your face as Greyson shows his darker side while continuing to incorporate moods and lyrics that he wears on his sleeve. It’s his third entry on this chart within the last year, which started with the still-beautiful “Dancing Next To Me” (#2).
NEW!!Planet Radio Canadahas returned to the interwebs with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers and his “3D Variety Show” each week for three hours of great music as well as a few features. Listen to my New Music Pick of the Week (usually featuring a song on the chart) in the second hour of the show. Tomorrow, the show will feature the music of Rick Nelson! Planet Radio Canada’s “3D Variety Show” is simulcast on http://www.classichits.caand http://www.radiogta.ca from 6 to 9 pm EST.
The music from this chart and blog are also featured regularly on the online radio station Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings, also with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers, and listen for songs from the chart too 🙂Scroll down the station’s main page to listen to lots of variety from across the decades! I’m the new music consultant for the station so you can expect even more 🙂 You can start by joining Radio GTA’s new interactiveFacebook group too!!
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
THE BOOMTANG BOYS and KATRINA ANASTASIA, “You Ain’t Gonna See Me”
Canadian dance producers The Boomtang Boys have released an original follow-up to their return to the pop music scene recently with a gentle cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere”. Once again using the delightful talents of Toronto singer Katrina Anastasia, “You Ain’t Gonna See Me” is a flirty and fun summer song that would sound great on the radio next to songs by Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, SZA and Ava Max. It’s brisk and uncomplicated with a catchy chorus that you’ll find yourself humming to when you’re not realizing it. The Boomtang Boys are masters of dance pop and it’s great to have them back!
He’s widely known on Instagram with over one million followers as an influencer, but Spanish singer Linards Zarins has a great thing going with his summery new single “Dusk Till Dawn”. In fact, you can let the video transport you to an idyllic environment with your special someone, with its beautiful (if deserted) resort-like scenery. While the video has already accrued over a million and a half plays on You Tube, much of this can be attributed to the song itself. “Dusk Till Dawn” is chill and timeless, with Latvia-born Linards’ effortless vocal leading the way over a mid-tempo ‘cha cha’ rhythm. “Dusk Till Dawn” is one of those songs for romantic dances on the beach as the sun goes down.
Brooklyn jazz/R&B singer/songwriter Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez is not afraid to lay her emotions bare on the table in “40 Days”. It’s a highly polished release that leaves touches of grit in her voice in songs where she can beautifully and frankly articulate her thoughtful lyrics. You can run the gamut of influences that you can hear in her voice, from Judy Garland and Billie Holiday through Diana Ross and Lady Gaga. “40 Days” is about pouring through the thoughts of someone over and over, someone that you need to let go, but you can’t stop dwelling on all that you’ve given and done for them. And you can find more music by Raina to check out, including her previous single “Better For You”, on her brand new EP If They’re Mine. Her music is classy and bold, reflective but unforgiving, and it’s all gorgeous for your ears to hear.
“last night (eclipse)” is full of so many vocal and production subtleties that it’s easy to let it slip away. But that merely paves the way for additional listens to this new song from Vancouver electronic producer Tails and Australian singer Aya Yves. The more you hear it, the more you appreciate its gentle nature and first class production in its story about giving in and being caught up in a special romantic night with someone. Aya Yves has one of those versatile voices that could bring any song to life and Tails often fuses it with the melody and rhythm with great results.
It may not immediately strike you until you find yourself awash in its deep funky groove, but “Woman On The Moon” by Portland, Oregon “future funk” producer/songwriter and viral performer Yung Bae and Phoenix singer/songwriter UPSAHL will grow on you quickly with its gender reversal of “man on the moon”. The song builds on the summery energy derived from its chugging bassline. It follows up Yung Bae’s fifth album Bae 5, from which you likely heard the much-streamed “Bad Boy”, which also featured Wiz Khalifa and MAX, as well as collaborations with Mike Posner and AWOLNATION. UPSAHL recently undertook a huge achievement, co-writing “Good In Bed” on multi-Grammy Award winner Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia album, as well as co-writing for the likes of Mike Shinoda and Madison Beer. Together they have a fun synergy, and “Woman On The Moon” has the potential for being a dance floor draw this summer.
The UK consistently brings the world fantastic deep house music which veered away into its own iteration from the classic US house music of the 80’s and 90’s. The latest banger to ring your chimes is “Give Me That”, a collaboration of producers Charlie Lane and the duo Gold 88 with the striking voice of Kate Wild. Though she has released several songs under her own name in 2020 and 2021, in fact Kate’s most famous releases are uncredited and are part of releases by the likes of David Guetta, Dillon Francis, Breathe Carolina, Jay Hardaway and even rockers Bring Me The Horizon among others. Her voice gives this song the magic touch on top of a glimmering melody and chorus (love the xylophone sound) along with the bubbly house rhythms. “Give Me That” solidifies that such dance floor gems that have been waiting for the pandemic to end will still be there for clubs and festivals as they begin again.
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