GATTÜSO and ASKETA & NATAN CHAIM and NADIA GATTAS, “Bring That Back”
“Bring That Back” is a new banger that’s going to quickly get under your skin and stay there. It’s from the collective global talents of NYC producer Gattüso and Israeli-Belarusian production duo Asketa & Natan Chaim, featuring a rich and memorable vocal by Danish singer Nadia Gattas. While the song is called “Bring That Back”, you might be temped to call it “Do You Remember”, or ask what that new song that goes “na na na na / na na na na na na” might be. Because the deep house rhythm track and song structure are so on point, “Bring That Back” escapes being a novelty song or an insipid pop song that was intended to unwillingly crawl under your skin. It’s a solid dance track that has immense crossover potential to dance radio airplay.
Ghost Data is the performing name for Watertown NY native Xzaviyer Hoffpauir, who has been making his name in the progressive electronic world as well as in the video game and animé worlds with his “Dreamsynth” sub-genre and his recordings that tell the story of “The Shepherdess”. “Ddos” is an inspiring, aggressive instrumental that will prompt you to imagine your own adventure, whether video game or animé, as set to its music. Its dramatic, cinematic effects hold your attention all the way through, and before you know it you have a mini-movie in your head. “Ddos” could be the start of another story, who knows, so it’s best to pay attention with what Ghost Data has coming for us next, too.
“Arms Around Me” is a new pop-R&B hybrid that will have you swaying to its irresistible rhythm, while you enjoy its sensual, lush, all-embracing message of love. It’s performed by non-conforming 2SLGBTQ+ multi-talent D!XON, a Torontonian of Trinidadian and Guyanese descent who is already noteable as the creator of the City of Toronto’s Drag Masterclass which featured Priyanka, the winner of Drag Race Canada. D!XON has amazing presence as a performer, as you will see in the video above for “Arms Around Me”. His soft tones are reminiscent of an amalgam of Michael Jackson, Prince, and The Weeknd, while his striking appearance recalls Janet Jackson, Ginuwine and the late Jermaine Stewart. In the video, you’ll see a variety of cameos, including celebrity director Dan Lemoyne, Hollywood Jade (Drag Race Canada resident choreographer) and Marc Andrew Smith (Drag Race resident stylist). “Arms Around Me” succeeds with D!XON’s inspiring intentions with his music. I’m hoping in the new year it may ind its way to Canadian radio stations. D!XON is a dynamic and diverse performer to watch.
It’s not often that DJ/producers look back into their own repertoires with a view to making one of their older songs sound fresh and new. Italy’s DJ Mirko B chose “Let Me In” (featuring vocalist Greta) from 2013 to rework its anthemic, arpeggio-laden backdrop into something a little different. So he’s lifted a lot of the techno flavours from the original to make it the focus of “Let Me In 2020”, giving it enticing early 90’s eurohouse feels. It works like a charm, still full of what I call ‘festival power’ but with wider appeal for pop audiences.
FAITHLESS and NATHAN BALL, “Synthesizer” (original and Butch remix)
Their music has lived on in dance clubs for over 20 years, but British electronic music legends Faithless hadn’t released an album of new songs for 13 years until All Blessed surfaced this year. It’s an adventurous and atypical record which, like Inner City, brings back strong techno flavours to the 2020 music scene. l had to go back to “Synthesizer” (original mix and video edit, both above) a few times before I realized it was the highlight of the album. Led by a wicked vocal by British singer Nathan Ball, it’s accompanied by a droll sense of humour in its lyrics, an unconventional arrangement, and luminous synths that show that Faithless continue to be electronic wizards of the best order. Its recent remix by Butch (below) strips away some of its unconventional layers in favour perhaps of a tight, fluid mix more suited to dance music radio. Both versions stand on their own merits and are most worth of dance music fans’ attention.
Many of us are having to make the most of what’s going on in our municipalities. I can’t be more grateful that we have an overabundance of music to keep us company. I can’t imagine my life without it. There’s a lot of activity brewing in the new chart, with two additions joining in all the activity. I wish everyone a safe, restful and happy holiday and a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it with me.
Closing out the year at the top is “Diamonds” by Sam Smith from their excellent third album Love Goes. Even the best singers have to admit that Sam’s performance here is pretty unbeatable. I think the public-at-large associates Sam with sad songs, which they also sing so well, and which make up most of the album.
Soaring from 9-2, in a tie as the Fastest Mover on the chart, is “Give It Back”, a new dancefloor banger that requires your attention! It’s brought to you by The Disco Fries and Giiants with vocals by Allison Park. It’s the highest that The Disco Fries and Giiants have reached on the chart, though two thirds of Giiants reached #1 three times as DATABOY in 2011-13.
Cover songs rarely appear on this chart, and I must say one by The Blue Nile is a great choice by producers Matt Mancid and Color Theory. It’s “Tinseltown In The Rain”, which originally appeared on The Blue Nile’s 1984 album A Walk Across The Rooftops. The “Big Rhythm” mix climbs 5-3, with vocals by Color Theory (Brian Hazard).
Climbing 7-4 is “Fantasy” by the dynamic collaboration of Saxity, Victor Perry and Robbie Rosen. It’s Saxity’s second Top 5 entry following #3 “Brothers”, and Victor’s fourth, most recently reaching #2 with “What I Deserve”.
Tying for the Fastest Riser is another danceable favourite, “Nobody” by Sweden’s NOTD with vocals by Catello, rising 14-7. “Nobody” also reached #1 this week on Mediabase’s national dance airplay chart.
Toronto’s Francesco Yates obtains his third Top 10 on this chart with the steamy “Late Night Love” (13-9) from his EP Bad Decisions. It’s been amazing to hear his growth as an artist on this enjoyable EP.
“Good At Goodbyes” by Bright Light Bright Light and Erasure’s Andy Bell closes in on the Top 10 as this multi-faceted track from the Fun City album moves up 18-12.
The fun and energetic “Too Hot To Touch” by Toronto’s Crash Adams rises 16-13 and gives you another reason to check out their ‘in office’ video.
L.A. quintet Why Don’t We have a new album coming in January called The Good Times & The Bad Ones, which will include their current rollicking pop hit “Fallin’ (Adrenaline)”, which moves up 21-16. The band also made available a hologram of sorts of themselves on Snapchat, where you can place them virtually in your room with you.
I’m fond of the messaging in “Fake” by Lauv and Conan Gray as much as I am of its cool music track and its colourful video. It climbs 25-19.
The highest debut belongs to Japanese-British singer/songwriter Rina Sawayama with her first entry, “Lucid” at #26. This Lady Gaga influenced track should be her big breakthrough. It’s the lead track from her recent album called Sawayama.
The second entry is the latest collaboration between NYC producers The Knocks and rock group Foster The People with “All About You” at #28. It’s The Knocks’ 8th song to appear on this chart (they reached #1 in 2016 with “Kiss The Sky” with Wyclef Jean), and it’s Foster The People’s fourth but first since 2012.
A reminder that the music from my chart and blog are featured regularly on the online radio station The New Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings 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 in 2021 🙂 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
Want to see what I’ve been listening to and charting for the past 22 years? Rummage through theBILLCS Top 30 Archive (where you can click on the link within) when you have a chance!!
Currently, DJ Shaan is the #1 India-born DJ/producer in the world. He’s amassed a worldwide following, through performing at festivals including Tomorrowland (the first Indian DJ to do so) and being supported by the biggest and best producers including Steve Aoki, Afrojack and David Guetta. At only 25, Shaan Singh is noted for his big anthemic dance style. After releases through Armada and Virgin, DJ Shaan has now signed with Casablanca/Republic for “By Heart” featuring a splendid, affecting vocal by Londin Thompson. The big synths are more restrained here in favour of a pop radio-friendly dance melody. But this is no compromise, it only shows DJ Shaan’s style is much more versatile than what we previously heard on songs like “Bring It To Me” or “End Of The World”. I expect “By Heart” and subsequent releases will continue to open more doors for DJ Shaan.
UK singer/songwriter Jonathan Rippon’s specialty is bass sounds within a choral setting. But he can successfully marry that sound with the dance music he enjoys, and through the magic of co-writer and producer Olly Shelton, we have “Feel The Fire”. The radio edit of the song allows Jonathan’s deep tones to partner with some terrific female harmonies and undulating rhythms which enhance the song’s seductive appeal. There’s also a theatrical rock vibe about the song, which leads into a catchy and memorable chorus. “Feel The Fire” is indeed quite appropriate for a late night soirée.
It’s been a very strange and somewhat long 2020, yet here we are with my second last chart of the year. Like many others, I’m itching to see live performances again but only when safe to do so. I don’t know how social distancing will be maintained without strict enforcement. We currently have to look at places like Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan to see what measures they are taking. Anyway, there’s a new #1 on deck along with three strong entries. There are also a few significant jumps, which shove other songs into making smaller moves, and push the debuts to the lower five of the chart.
It’s Sam Smith who claims #1 with “Diamonds” from their excellent album Love Goes. Sam had FOUR #1’s in 2014 on this chart – “Money On My Mind”, “Stay With Me”, and “I’m Not The Only One”, from their debut album In The Lonely Hour, and “Latch” with Disclosure – and “Diamonds” is their first #1 here in six years. I was fortunate to see Sam perform at a small club in Toronto in April 2014, because their next stop in my city was our stadium! Their club show actually was to be earlier in the year but ended up conflicting with their first appearance on Saturday Night Live.
One of the year’s most infectious songs belongs to Sweden’s Pawl and Discrete with the toe-tapper “Type Like That” (above), which climbs a notch to #2. And we have Swedes back-to-back with Agnes’ equally catchy “Fingers Crossed” (below) moving up 5-3.
Back in the Top 5 for the first time in seven years are Germany’s Matt Mancid with American producer (and here, singer) Color Theory with “Tinseltown In The Rain” rising 9-5. This is the “Big Rhythm” dance mix of this much revered song from the 80’s by Scottish group The Blue Nile.
Another one with a long gap between events is Justin Nozuka. The Toronto singer last appeared in the Top 10 in 2010 with “Unwoken Dream” (#6) from his second album You I Wind Land And Sea. His latest is “No One But You”, a duet with British singer and 2020 R&B Grammy nominee Mahalia, which moves up 11-8.
The fastest riser on the chart is the latest in a series of dance music bangers that created some of the brightest moments of 2020. It’s “Give It Back” by the pairing of The Disco Fries with Giiants and vocalist/co-writer Allison Park. It smashes into the Top 10, moving 20-9. It’s the third Top 10 on this chart for both Disco Fries and Giiants.
The third Top 10 entry is Illenium’s “Nightlight”, featuring the uncredited voice of Annika Wells. It climbs 13-10, and is Illenium’s 6th Top 10 entry.
Also soaring up the chart 24-14 is another new favourite deep house banger, “Nobody” by Sweden’s NOTD with vocalist Catello.
Watch for “Good At Goodbyes” (above) by Bright Light Bright Light and Erasure’s Andy Bell to move up more in the coming weeks. For now, this wondrous electronic ballad of sorts rises 21-18. Check out the latest single from Fun City, “Saying Goodbye Is Exhausting”, featuring Justin Vivian Bond, below.
I think I’ll need to get a T-shirt or create a meme that says “Sorry for All the Bangers”. “Chasing Feelings” by UK producer Jerome Price and singer/songwriter Cally Rhodes also fits into this category, and it climbs 23-20.
“Fake” is a fun song and video by Lauv and Conan Gray, which moves up 30-25.
The highest debut on the chart is the first entry for renown Dutch producer Oliver Heldens. Collaborating with Party Pupils with vocals by MAX, the exuberant “Set Me Free” arrives at #26. MAX is also sitting pretty at #17 with Suga of BTS with “Blueberry Eyes”. And arriving this past weekend was baby Edie Schneider for proud new parents MAX and Emily!
Also premiering is the darker deep house track “Like Gold” by my fellow Canadians Loud Luxury and Toronto’s Frank Walker with vocals by Stephen Puth at #27. Loud Luxury’s recent “Aftertaste” reached #8 a while back, while Stephen got to #5 last year with “Sexual Vibe”. It’s a first appearance on the chart for producer Frank Walker.
The third new entry makes a concurrent chart appearance for UK singer/songwriter Karen Harding. She’s currently at #12 with the former #1 “Undo My Heart”, and bows with Scotland-based production duo Illyus & Barrientos with the dreamy disco of “Let’s Get Together” at #29.
A reminder that the music from my chart and blog are featured regularly on the new online radio station Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings 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 in 2021 🙂 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
Want to see what I’ve been listening to and charting for the past 22 years? Rummage through theBILLCS Top 30 Archive (where you can click on the link within) when you have a chance!!
“Sinnerman” is a striking new slice of deep house from veteran UK producer Hot Since 82 (aka Daley Padley) and new vocalist Ed Graves. It’s culled from Hot Since 82’s latest album Recovery (which also features tracks with Boy George and Rudimental among others), as he continues to release music on his own Knee Deep In Sound label. While Ed Graves is new as a vocalist on this song, he is not new to the music business. He’s a respected producer (Alt-J, Liz Cass) and multi-instrumentalist from the US but based in England who co-wrote and plays guitar on “Sinnerman”. And the song is as mysterious as its title – after several listens, I have no idea what it’s about, but no matter. With dark-sounding synths and vocal effects creating its rich atmosphere, and Ed’s sometimes soulful vocal creating another major layer, it’s immediately memorable with a brisk pace belying its four and a half minutes in length, and will work well for late night sets in clubs when they resume business in most of the world.
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