Take it from someone who was there when “Echo Beach” rose from proprietary new wave status to one of the 1980’s biggest international hits out of Canada, “Do You Ever Wonder”, a previously unreleased song by Toronto’s Martha & The Muffins, has their recognizable signature sound all over it, and it’s remarkably fresh for 2021! The Muffins, long a duo of singer Martha Johnson and guitarist/producer Mark Gane, have a retrospective album of unreleased tracks and demos called Marthology: In And Outtakes due on November 5. For me, “Do You Ever Wonder” is a return to some of the songs of 1983’s Danseparc album all over again, which was a hybrid of alternative rock and the emergence of rhythmic disco-flavoured dance music of the time. Martha’s vocal is relaxed and vibrant while Mark’s jangly guitar work creates the underlying hook of the song. If radio had a different model today, I would say “Do You Ever Wonder” should be a cross-format hit, but instead I’ll leave it to nostalgia fans, as well as college and alternative online and terrestrial radio stations, to keep giving this one continuous love.
While nominally seen as a one-hit wonder, Palmdale, California native Afroman has actually had a successful 30 year career which culminated in 2001 with the Top 15, Grammy-nominated stoner hit “Because I Got High”. Now signed with BLAZAR’s Cosmic Wire imprint in collaboration with AntiFragile Music, Afroman has teamed up with Washington state native label head for “Step It Up”. The song is a refreshing throwback in some ways, with a totally kick-ass bassline that anchors it. With a solid all-round pop background, BLAZAR’s voice can adapt to any style, whether it’s the early 2000’s flavoured alt.rock of this past spring’s “Enough” (with DJ Chophead), or the Soft Cell/Duran Duran new wave flavours that he sprinkles throughout “Step It Up”. In this synchronistic collaboration, Afroman’s rap really gels in the second part of the song, making it easy for you to continue just enjoying the ride and digging that bassline groove.
Simon Ward is a member of the veteran Canadian alternative rock band The Strumbellas, who won the Juno Award for Single of the Year in 2017 for “Spirits”, a #1 alternative track in North America which also was a Top 10 single in several European countries. He’s launched his own project, Simon and the Island, with a self-titled album out of the gate led by the track “Muse”. It’s a lovely, steadfast song about the power of unconditional love, with an anthemic, Imagine Dragons-styled chorus that really brings the song home. In “Muse”, Simon doesn’t stray too far from folk-influenced style of rock music that The Strumbellas have trademarked over the years, but it’s honest and personal, qualities that listeners regularly seek out in a good pop song with an intriguing story, that will also sound great in concert. Fans of The Lumineers and American Authors will also enjoy.
British Columbia trio daysormay have a flair for creating bright and fun-sounding songs that have a much deeper side to them. With songs that bask in hip hop flavours in an alternative rock setting, the guys are back with a full album called Just Existing, which is accompanied by new single and video, “25”. At first listen, “25” sounds like an enjoyable, quirky alt.pop song with singalong potential. But with subsequent listens, you realize that the song is actually about mental health challenges that young adults face, especially now-unrealistic demands, self-imposed or imposed by others, like being a success by age 25. daysormay’s singer Aidan Andrews has solid every-guy appeal to get the message across, and the video does offer some deft, subtly humorous moments. “25” is well-suited for college and alternative rock radio play, which could help generate more buzz for a clearly talented trio.
There are occasions on which, for reasons unknown, temporary writer’s block sets in, and I have to rely on the music and the facts behind them to help get me by. So, do forgive me for the lack of personal insights in this blog post. It’s actually been a pretty busy week for new songs, which will send some fine additions to the chart in the coming weeks. And because of the recent change by Spotify on how its song links interact with the free WordPress website-making format, I will not be using Spotify links in my blog posts until further notice, unless there is no other available link to a song.
Make sure you read about myONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!
For now, “Sanctuary” (above) by Dutch producer Howen and NYC singer/songwriter and “American Idol” contestant Robbie Rosen rules my chart for a second appearance, with no sign yet of what might succeed it. Robbie also has the inspiring anthem led by a flute-sounding hook “To The Top” (below) moving up 25-18 for him and German producers Natixx and Lyonbrotherz.
Out to challenge in two weeks is “Never Going Home” (above), the brisk, summery dance track by French producer Kungs, which climbs 6-3. Out to thwart it is the fun track with a fierce vocal sample called “Nonchalant” (below) by Duck Sauce, which rises 8-4. But it’s the choice music sample that seals this one for me, a song called “Queen Of The Rapping Scene” by British new wave group Modern Romance, a favourite of mine back in 1981.
The Fastest Riser on the chart also has eyes on #1, and that’s “Microdose” by Danish producers Boye & Sigvardt with vocalist Jordan Shaw, soaring 13-5. It beats Boye & Sigvardt’s previous peak of #6 four years ago with “Astronauts”.
The other new entries to the Top 10 are “Only One” (above) by Felix Cartal and Karen Harding, up 11-9, which is Felix’s third Top 10 and Karen’s fourth, and The Weeknd’s “Take My Breath” (below), climbing 12-10, from his forthcoming album. You can also check out The Weeknd’s new collaboration with Swedish House Mafia called “Moth To A Flame”, also below.
Cutting through the middle of the chart is “Almost Home” by legendary trance trio Above & Beyond and their frequent vocalist Justine Suissa, who sounds as amazing live in concert as she does on record (I saw A&B five years ago in concert, and Justine was on tour with them). “Almost Home” climbs 18-12.
The rest of the chart is in a bit of a log jam because of all of the new music that arrived within the last month. “Turn Off My Mind” by Morgan Page and Lights makes the most of it and moves up 20-15.
One to keep your eyes and ears on in the coming weeks is the impressive and funky “Play It Cool” by UK/Irish duo Menrva and singer Island Banks, which rises 30-23.
The highest of four debuts is the second appearance on the chart by UK sensational dance music singer/songwriter Karen Harding. She recently released her new EP Sweet Vibrations and from it comes “You & I (All I Need)”, a wonderful, happy song for our times, which bows at #27. New video coming this week!
Next up is the sinewy alternative electronic sound of Nashville-based indie singer/songwriter stef with “sicc”, which hits the chart at #28.
Then at #29 there is Manchester, England-born, Kansas-based indie singer/songwriter Tommy Newport with one of his unique songs “Bubblegum” from his new EP Liquid.
And joining the chart at #30 is “Everything”, by frequent charter Brandyn Burnette, with his collaborator Charlotte Sands (with her trademark blue hair). “Everything” is culled from Brandyn’s new EP F.A.T.E. and is his 19th chart appearance since 2014, including features as well as one song billed under his alias EMAN8.
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! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link: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 – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the Week on the “3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!
October kicks off with a brand new #1 song on the BILLCS Top 30, as well as five songs debuting. Otherwise the top portion of the chart retains relatively stable, with lots of activity brewing in the lower portion.
Note that while I did manage to solve the Spotify link issue with WordPress, I can only get the solution to work in single blog posts, so Spotify links in my chart posts will continue to display as small.
Make sure you read about myONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!
Rising 3-1 is “Sanctuary” (above) by Dutch producer Howen and “American Idol” finalist Robbie Rosen, who is also a wonderfully prolific songwriter and producer. From the first note of Robbie’s voice to the piano coda, this is an emotional and euphoric house track that is not to be missed! And there’s more good news for Robbie – one of the five new entries on the chart is “To The Top” (below), which he recorded with German producers Natixx and Lyon Brotherz, and arrives at #25. That makes it three songs on the chart – “Don’t Want Perfect”, with Quebec producer Kayliox, slides 9-15.
It’s strange for songs #5-#8 to get stuck all at the same time, but that should shake loose in two weeks, especially for the wonderfully q-wacky “Nonchalant” by Duck Sauce (#8).
Two songs make their first appearances in the Top 10. “Life’s Okay” (above) is a gentle, feel good, soulful house track by Russian producer Marava and Canadian singer/songwriter Eadie, which climbs 11-9. And “15 Minutes” (also above) by Damon Sharpe and The Disco Fries edges up 12-10. This is the fourth visit to the Top 10 (and second time this year) for The Disco Fries (aka Danny and Nick). Check out Damon’s recent release “Paint The Sky” (with Polina Grace) below.
Gina Naomi Baez is currently celebrating the EP release of “My Time”! Not only does it include the uplifting power anthem and title track (above), which moves up 17-14, but also its “fueling my fire version” remix, which turns the ballad into an equally powerful house-flavoured track (below). The EP also contains recent single “Liquor Love” packaged with three previous releases.
Charging into the Top 20 are “Chasing Stars” by Alesso, Marshmello and James Bay (23-17, above) and “Almost Home” by trance masters Above & Beyond with singer Justine Suissa (24-18, below).
The Fastest Riser on the chart is the previous chart’s Highest Debut, the rollicking “Turn Off My Mind” by Morgan Page and Lights, rising 27-20.
Also making headway, without surprise, is “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” by German producers John Skyfield and Shoby and NYC vocalist Victor Perry, moving up 28-22. It’s a soul-filled interpretation of Angie Stone’s huge dance and R&B hit from 2002.
At the top of the debuts is the joyous “Summer In Brooklyn” by Canadian producers Young Bombs and L.A.-based singer Jordy, which bows at #23. Take a moment to let the wonderful reminiscences fill your head – and then dance and create wonderful times again. “Summer” follows Young Bombs’ “Better Day” (featuring Aloe Blacc), which got to #3 on this chart last year.
Next at #24 is the first appearance on the chart for Australian DJ and producer Sonny Fodera with “Angel” featuring the beautiful voice of Clementine Douglas. It’s culled from Sonny’s upcoming album Wide Awake. “Angel” also becomes the sixth song with that title to appear on my chart in its 23 year history, which puts it in a tie with “Breathe”.
This could be the only time you see Ed Sheeran songs back-to-back on my chart, so bowing at #27 is “Shivers”, a brisk and lively follow up to “Bad Habits”, which recently peaked at #5.
The final debut at #30 is “Play It Cool”, the sophisticated but brief house track by UK/Irish duo Menrva, with a cool rhythm and equally cool vocal by British singer Island Banks.
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! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link: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 – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the Week on the “3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!
A mainly-acoustic track is not always an easy introduction for a new artist, but Moonwood’s “Slow Down” is a song that will stick with you long after it’s over. Moonwood is an international rock quintet based out of Sydney, Australia, who acquire their influences from names like Bruce Springsteen and U2, and I can even hear a bit of 90’s INXS (reference “Beautiful Girl”) in “Slow Down”. While the lyrics sing of troubles in relationships that are relatively common in songs today, what gives Moonwood an edge are the sometimes weary, sometimes provocative vocal style of lead singer Jake (think Nick Drake meets Luke Hemmings of 5 Seconds of Summer), and the burst of electric guitars which set “Slow Down” ablaze amid the otherwise acoustic setting.
I’m not normally a fan of lo-fi recordings, but every once in a while a song comes along that offers way more than the sum of its parts. Such is the case with “More” by singer/songwriter Nick Rannikko, who hails from just outside of Springfield, Massachusetts and attends the esteemed Berklee College of Music, and is also an engineer and producer. “More” is about trying to move on and to stop thinking about the other person after the breakup. Distorting vocals like on many same-sounding rap tracks can be a turnoff, but Nick cleverly uses the effect to his advantage, and his voice becomes more and more affecting as the song moves on. It also lends an unexpected soulful quality to his vocal. “More” keeps you listening with its atmospheric melody, and is a smart and memorable release for Nick Rannikko.
Pittsburgh-based Bishop Ivy is a singer/songwriter who grows more with each release, and there doesn’t seem to be a set pattern either to his style from song-to-song, which always leads to some pleasant unpredictability about what he will offer next. “Stand Up” is a chill song with a forthright message. It’s about using your own power within to challenge and perhaps take control away from others in your life. The melody is eerie at times and almost seems to belong in another song, and when there’s a bit of a pause after the two minute mark, instead of shutting the song off, you wait because his story isn’t entirely finished, and neither is the wistful melody. “Stand Up” gets props because it’s an ambitious song but fans of alternative and college radio will enjoy.
NATIXX, LYON BROTHERZ and ROBBIE ROSEN, “To The Top”
While its lyrics would usually call out for an anthemic melody that you could rock out to, “To The Top” by German producers Natixx and Lyon Brotherz and NYC singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen sets out to strike you in a different way altogether. Its melody is carried by a flute or similar synth sound that supports its enthusiastic lyrics very well. That sound also gives the song an uncharacteristically fun, medieval touch, which you don’t hear often in dance or electronic music outside of more progressive-sounding tracks. It’s a quick song at only 2:35 but “To The Top” doesn’t let up, becoming quite memorable and one that you will find yourself easily having on repeat.
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