Tag Archives: indie

#BILLCSTop30 #659 – February 13/23

All of a sudden, there is a spate of really good songs out there, which is making it difficult for me every two weeks to add new songs to my chart!  Just so that you all know, besides my Top 30, I have a personal playlist in my iTunes that contains more than double those songs – yes I still buy mp3’s too 🙂 Every week, I shortlist songs for the BILLCS New Music Report on Wednesdays mainly using a private Spotify playlist, and the songs that get added to my iTunes playlist are in the running for the BILLCS Top 30 – the best of the best. And I’m always listening for songs that grab me on first listen. It’s a strategy I’ve used for years with some modifications along the way. So hopefully that gives you some insight into how the blog comes to be and what a rabid music fan that I still am. 

I’m pleased to announce my latest online radio segment that has in fact been airing since November called My Retro Pick of the Week! It’s featured on “Big Daddy” Russ Horton’s massive Top 40 Timeline show at the top of the second hour, and currently airs on Saturdays on a variety of online radio stations including UK National Radio (Noon EST), Halton Hills Radio Online (4 PM EST), FM 108 (6 PM EST), and Radio GTA (Midnight EST)! The segment tells the backstory behind some of my favourite songs of the past as well as some tidbits about the artists. Some of the songs I’ve featured so far have included “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak, “River Deep-Mountain High” by Ike & Tina Turner, “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross, “The Letter” by The Box Tops, “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” by Cutting Crew, “Endless Sleep” by Jody Reynolds, and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” by The 4 Tops!! I may put the segments online for you to hear in the future.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog.  

While JVKE’s former #1 and Billboard Top 10 hit “Golden Hour” slides to #4 in its 10th and final appearance (20 weeks) on the chart, this fresh new talent is back on top, this time with Martin Garrix with their collaboration “Hero”. In an interesting coincidence, Martin’s first two songs to reach my chart, “Animals” and “Proxy” were both #1 in 2014. They, along with other talents like Daniel Bedingfield, Sam Smith, Rufus Wainwright and Matthew Koma have all achieved this feat. “Hero” has plenty of competition so let’s see how long it can hold fort at the top!

Trying to close the gap again in the coming weeks is “Black Mascara”, the haunting song by Greyson Chance from his album Palladium, which rises 5-2, becoming his third song to reach the runner-up spot, after “Dancing Next To Me” and “My Dying Spirit”, which just departed the chart after 9 appearances (18 weeks).

I always root for a good underdog, and “Ghost Boy” by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Zac Poor is just that.  It moves up 7-5, and please check out the thoughtful video above, and don’t be surprised if you shed a few tears.

Also new to the Top 10 are former national Dance Radio #1 “Spiral” by NYC’s Lena Leon (11-8, above), and “Wish On An Eyelash Pt. 2” by Australia’s Mallrat in collaboration with The Chainsmokers (12-9, below). It’s The Chainsmokers’ 12th time in the Top 10!!

The Fastest Riser on the chart is “Lose You” (above) by the dynamic team of Afrojack and James Arthur, which soars 22-15. And good news for James Arthur fans. Despite him never before appearing on my chart, his collaboration with Brazil’s Alok is also the Highest Debut at #27 called “Work With My Love” (below). Both feature compelling vocals by James, and to me he has a huge future in dance music if he wishes!

I was pleased to check out Famba’s live set locally last week, and we finally got to meet up after me writing about him for the last six years! His latest and techno-inspired release is a gem called “No Sleep” featuring Glasgow KI$$, which climbs 23-17.

Arriving at #28 is “Hollow” by the terrific trio of Dabin, Kai Wachi and singer/screamer Lø Spirit. Everything about this release is next level, the producers have outdone themselves and Lø Spirit is one helluva vocalist. It’s Dabin’s second appearance on the chart. He previously appeared on best bud Illenium’s “Hearts On Fire” with Lights (#5, 2021).

At #29 is one of those songs that felled me on first listen and I would say is a ‘cousin’ of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own”. It’s “I Go Dancing” by Toronto dance producer Frank Walker featuring British sensation Ella Henderson. It’s Frank’s second appearance on the chart – his first, with Loud Luxury and Stephen Puth called “Like Gold”, went to #1 two years ago. And Stephen (aka Puth the Younger) co-produced and co-wrote “I Go Dancing” too.

Rounding out the list at #30 is “Fever Dreamer” by British producer SG Lewis and featuring Toronto singer/songwriter Charlotte Day Wilson and L.A. rapper Channel Tres. It’s a compelling listen that is heavily influenced by classic disco, with a soulful vocal by Charlotte, and the results are tantalizing. It’s culled from SG’s latest album AudioLust and Higher Love.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right 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.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! 

Radio GTA

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 mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New 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 EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every 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.  A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy 

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST.   You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules have been updated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – February 8/23 spotlighting songs by @djFrankWalker & @EllaHenderson @AJSmithmusic @OsvaldoSupino

The Grammy Awards – Good Show, Voting Process Needs a Redo

I didn’t see the entire show this past Sunday, but I did watch most of the Grammy Awards. It was an enjoyable show, and I am particularly fond of the performances by Steve Lacy – no wonder kids want to sound like him – and Mary J. Blige. And while the show does offer a bounty of entertainment, even if it’s not consistent, this is perhaps the only reason why the 15-30 age group might watch it.

The Grammys are an elite club. We get to see Taylor Swift, Adele, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z all get up and dance and party together all in one place, while occasionally picking up an award or two. Including super fans seemed like a good idea, until you start thinking about how they might have got there and who they knew, which made their segments less genuine. 

If the Grammys want to appeal to a younger, astute group of music fans, then the Academy’s process for choosing for most of the award winners must simply change – not that the award winners aren’t deserving. But Samara Joy trumping Wet Leg, Anitta, and Maneskin? Bonnie Raitt triumphing over the biggest hit songs of the year? Brandi Carlile winning two Rock Grammys?

And don’t get me started about the Electronic Music categories…

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In addition to the posts about individual songs, you can read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur.  “The Musicman” James Rogers transports us back to 1969/1970 this week with his Classic Five pop hits feature. My BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20… feature is back, looking at the songs that were in my chart’s Top 5 five, ten, fifteen and twenty years ago this week!

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

FRANK WALKER, ELLA HENDERSON, “I Go Dancing”

Simply said, “I Go Dancing” could be one of the most surprising and biggest hits to come out of Canada this year, and it’s already in the Top 40 at both dance and Canadian pop radio. Frank Walker is a Toronto-based electronic dance producer who has been building his profile through club and festival gigs over the past several years, collaborating with producers such as Steve Aoki, R3HAB, and Loud Luxury (his track with them “Like Gold”, reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 two years ago) while also receiving a Juno nomination for his track “Only When It Rains” in 2020. This time he’s got an amazing Ella Henderson vocal that she can happily add on to her slew of recent dance hits like Nathan Dawe’s “21 Reasons” and “Heartstrings” with M-22. What makes “I Go Dancing” even better is its driven sentiment, about being alone unapologetically and having a good time at it too. Radio has it right this time – “I Go Dancing” is a winner.

A.J. SMITH, “Old Movies” 

Nashville-based multi-talent A.J. Smith has been on a roll with releases as varied as the anthemic “We’re All Gonna Die” and his unique spin on a Christmas song called “Naughty”. And the variety continues with “Old Movies”, which throws an olive branch to people of my generation or older about the classic movie star ideal and all of the romanticism attached to it. The pace is deliberate, with an often sparse arrangement refreshed with some strings (or perhaps synthesized ones) that supports A.J.’s engaging vocal. This is the kind of smart, old school song that is currently appealing to the younger generations and is a perfect companion to recent hits like JVKE’s “Golden Hour” or Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You”. “Old Movies” might just be my favourite release by A.J. thus far.

OSVALDO SUPINO, “Stuck on This Feeling”

Italy’s award-winning singer/songwriter Osvaldo Supino has released some fine songs over the years and offers a bit of a change up with “Stuck on This Feeling”. Osvaldo sings mainly in his higher register for this song and it works splendidly. Immersed in his charismatic personality, “Stuck” could comfortably sit alongside recent new music by Darren Hayes on a playlist. “Stuck on This Feeling” is well-written, reminiscent of classic 80’s pop, with careful, sometimes taut production by the singer. I’m definitely here for this era of Osvaldo!

FEATURING

MIKE ST. JULES, APOLLO NASH, “Digital Horizon”

Fans of classic trance will totally dig “Digital Horizon”, brought to you by Haitian-American NYC-based producer Mike St. Jules and New Jersey producer Apollo Nash through Enhanced Records. This brisk instrumental is tightly knit by the production team, and benefits from having a defined hook. There’s no doubt in my mind that it could be easily included by sync producers in a video game, movie, TV show or even a short film. Mike has recorded for Black Hole Recordings in the past, and has remixed artists like Ferry Corsten and Armin van Buuren, so naturally the quality in this recording is top level. 

UNIVERSAL HONEY, “Time Blindness”

Toronto pop group Universal Honey was a regular on Canadian pop, alternative and college radio in the 90’s with songs like “Just Before Mary Goes” and “Upfront With You”, and also received praise for their cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Carey”.  The duo of Leslie Stanwyck and Johnny Sinclair (once members of The Pursuit of Happiness) returned to recording and a few years ago, and a new album is about to be released on Friday, February 10 called Dandelion. “Time Blindness” features sparkling production and an infectious hollow drum sound that is consistent in the song, backing a crisp vocal by Leslie. The fresh theme of “Time Blindness” is about the years all blurring together, looking at where you are today and realizing often how young you were in years past. The song is upbeat ear candy and a reminder to live for today.

RAGS AND RICHES, “Holiday”

If you like your alt.pop a little rough around the edges but with a catchy rhythm and singalong lyrics, then meet Kentucky duo Rags and Riches and their latest release “Holiday”. Rags and Riches comprises brothers Tanner and Peyton Whitt, and the song follows up their well-received album from last year called Always Gold. “Holiday” is a short but sweet taste of what the brothers have to offer, and if you like Glass Animals or The Driver Era, then “Holiday” would fit well in your playlists. While I think their songwriting may need a bit more polish yet, Rags and Riches clearly have the goods to make quality music for a wider audience.

ALICE PISANO, “Where My Heart Is” (acoustic)

I’ve written several times about Italy-born, London-based pop singer/songwriter Alice Pisano, another rising indie talent who understands about not sticking to a comfort zone, which allows her songs to be intentional in a variety of arrangements. Her last two singles, “Ink” and “Boys Like You” have been more on the bubbly and fun side, even if sometimes the music masks lyrics of heartbreak. “Where My Heart Is”, in its acoustic piano version from her new EP Shattered But Still Cool, lays her vulnerability on display and shows off how good her voice is. In fact, this version of the song is much preferred to the produced version also on the EP because it simply suits the song better.  Thoroughly enjoyable, you’ll be completely immersed in “Where My Heart Is” (acoustic) for its 3+ minutes.

D’AMICO & VALAX, MELODY MANE, “Shine”

Italian dance producers D’Amico & Valax keep the energy going in their releases with “Shine” which features vocals by Melody Mane, a singer/songwriter who has also covered songs like September’s “Cry for You” and 4 Strings’ “Take Me Away (Into The Night)”. “Shine” is a fast-paced, timeless tech house track full of confidence and bounce, and tailor-made for the dance floor. The song has a big moment when Melody’s voice really soars, and club DJ’s should have no trouble including it in a tightly-wound set that will help keep club-goers grooving.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

Waiting For Smith’s thought-provoking “Heal”

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”, the Journey hit covered by Daughtry and Lzzy Hale

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

Former “American Idol” contestant Madison Watkins with “Electric”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Spiral Starecase – More Today Than Yesterday
Fifth Dimension – Wedding Bell Blues
Jackson 5 – I Want You Back
Bread – Make It With You
Shocking Blue – Venus

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2018

  1. Pineapple Skies – Miguel
  2. My My My! – Troye Sivan
  3. Body – Loud Luxury featuring brando
  4. Evergreen – YEBBA
  5. Small Talk – GIIANTS

2013

  1. 1998 – Matthew Koma
  2. The City – River Tiber
  3. Time Bomb (Walk Away) – Chris Wallace
  4. Parachute – Matthew Koma
  5. Clarity – Zedd featuring Foxes

2008

  1. How To Build A Time Machine – Darren Hayes
  2. Chasing Pavements – Adele
  3. Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
  4. Calabria – Enur featuring Natasja
  5. Best Days – Matt White

2003

  1. The Sound of Violence – Cassius featuring Steve Edwards
  2. Serve The Ego (Gabriel & Dresden remix) – Jewel
  3. James Dean (I Wanna Know) – Daniel Bedingfield
  4. Cry Me A River – Justin Timberlake
  5. Two Months Off – Underworld

 

 

 

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – February 1/23 spotlighting new songs by @_Patrick_Wolf Boy Aries @JordanRadics @Cobimusic @SurfMesa & @theSelahSol

I’m hoping that you are enjoying the updated format of the BILLCS New Music Report, which I began at the end of October, to reduce the pressure of writing every day or every other day, and to compact my reviews into a tidy, weekly showcase mainly for songs that are released independently. In 13 weeks, that has allowed me to write about over 100 songs which I put forward for your enjoyment. It’s impossible to keep up with the pace of releases, so I’m always happy when I even find a great song or two to write about that is still within 6-8 months of its release date. It’s all about discovery.

With the latest revival of older releases which I wrote about two weeks ago, the often offered insight by writers and other people in the biz that songs which were released more than two or three weeks ago are no longer up for consideration/their attention is hereby tossed into the waste bin. It’s no surprise that some independent performers are looking into their back catalogue of releases to ignite interest in songs that did not get their fair due at the time. To paraphrase the adage, “miss it once, shame on you, miss it twice, shame on me”.

In addition to the posts about individual songs, you can read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur.  “The Musicman” James Rogers has a thing about songs from 1991 – the year of the big rock ballad – this week with his Classic Five pop hits feature. Because I’m always crazy about charts and lists, you’ll see what’s #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30, and I also include a list of the songs that were #1 on my chart this week over the past 25 years – so hard to believe that Martin Garrix’s “Animals” is 9 years old!!

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

PATRICK WOLF, “Enter The Day”

It was so nice to learn (thanks to Stephen Sears) of new music by London’s Patrick Wolf, his first in 11 years! The creative, unorthodox alternative pop singer/songwriter is known primarily for his albums The Magic Position (2007) and Lupercalia (2011), and their delightful songs “The Magic Position” and “The City”, both of which appeared on the BILLCS Top 30, reaching #4 and #10 respectively. “Enter The Day” is an entirely different affair though, a lyrical and thought-provoking song that extends hope to someone who is going through rough times in their life and hoping they “land in the golden mean” “where they oughta be”. Patrick gives a magnetic performance and, accordingly, the song immediately pulls you in. He’s got more music up his sleeve too. To coincide with the 20th anniversary of his debut release Lycanthropy, an EP called The Night Safari is due later this year.

BOY ARIES, “Drive”

Toronto duo Boy Aries follow up their single “Comets + The Death of Time”, which I wrote about recently, with an even more compelling song called “Drive”. The song’s about calling out someone when they’re wrong, and when apology is clearly due.  Jordan Radics’ commanding, inspired vocal turns the four words “turn your car around” into a signature unto itself – and the signal to do the right thing and mend fences. The production by Chris Perry with music by Turbo Bobbi is haunting and relatable. It will transport you back in time to a similar situation where you may or may not have received an apology. Certainly, “Drive” is slow and moody, but it’s an easy, fascinating listen thanks to a standout vocal.

COBI, “All On You”

I am all for Cobi’s current era of bluesy pop and rock songs that work so well with his voice. He scales it back to acoustic guitar for “All On You” to make both his voice and the lyrics in the song positively gleam. The harmonies break up the mix from being too static. “All On You” is simply a great song and with its fine performance it doesn’t need any additional trappings to change it or make it work any better.

SURF MESA, SELAH SOL, “City Of Love”

After breaking through the proverbial glass ceiling unexpectedly with the Dance Club Play chart #1 and Hot 100 Top 30 hit “ily (i love you baby)” in 2019, Seattle’s Surf Mesa (aka 22 year old Powell Aguirre) is back with the wistful bop “City Of Love”, which follows up last year’s wild “Marching Band” with Nitti Gritti. Led by a fresh vocal from newcomer Selah Sol, who sounds like a cross between Brandyn Burnette and Brando (singer on Loud Luxury’s “Body”), “City Of Love” is about trying to escape loneliness in the big city after a relationship has ended, but the thoughts of that person won’t go away. The song has a fine house bounce to it, which will go down well at festivals. I’ve seen Surf Mesa perform a super fun set in concert. He’s got great ears for mixing and for keeping the flow going in concert, so be sure to check out his show and listen for “City Of Love” in the mix.

FEATURING

R3HAB, AFROJACK, “Shockwave”

“Shockwave” is one of those short (2:03) blasts of solid fun that’s destined to be a club and crowd pleaser. It slams hard from the first note and is produced in a classic electronic banger structure – that could go on a lot longer with more drops – from veterans R3HAB and Afrojack. As much as I enjoy “Shockwave”, I’d love it if they’d team up next time for something even more powerful (which each has done many times before solo) that will really get under your skin.

JAMES PATTERSON, “To A Disco”

James Patterson (aka Mr JPatt) is one half of The Knocks, hardly strangers to these blog pages or my chart over the last 10 years, and “To A Disco” is his first solo release. Anyone who has ever attended a show by The Knocks is sure to love this funky ode to disco and its related good times in the 70’s – even though the artist himself was not around for it – because that’s the spirit they embrace without any pretentions. The Knocks often use other vocalists but at other times when Mr JPatt takes the lead the results have been smashing (example, “The Key” from their album 55). Any dance music lovers who know that disco is not a dirty word will thoroughly embrace “To A Disco”.

PETER WILSON, “Simone” (Matt Pop remix) and “Gone for Good”

It’s always a pleasure when two Peter Wilson delights come to my attention, but I must say I’m remiss for not knowing about the release of the Aussie singer/songwriter’s album The Great Unknown last summer, which includes both songs. But “Simone” (above) gets a percolating Matt Pop remix, which is always a good thing, adding zest to a lovely song about losing someone, which Peter conveys so well. “Gone For Good” (below) has the benefit of being co-produced by Stock-Aitken-Waterman mixmaster extraordinaire Pete Hammond. Indeed, fans of S-A-W will be mighty pleased with its slick arrangement which incorporates familiar Italodisco elements that always suit Peter’s voice, and are particularly engaging on this track.

LORI CULLEN, BETA ONE, “Here’s Where The Story Ends”

90’s alternative music fans will know right away that “Here’s Where The Story Ends” is indeed a cover of The Sundays’ memorable 1990 release. The singer is Toronto’s Lori Cullen, who has previously been a Juno Award nominee in the jazz category. She’s supported by Canadian electronic producer Beta One (aka James de Pinho) who gives the song a modernistic backdrop. Lori’s cool tones are definitely the star, and she evokes the same appeal of Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays, which will appeal to fans of the original. The pace is a bit slower and deliberate but that does not get in the way of enjoying “Here’s Where The Story Ends” for the fine electronic pop interpretation that it is.

AXEL MANSOOR, “Frame Of Mind”

After a lot of soul searching and travelling which has taken him away from creating music over the past few years, L.A.’s Axel Mansoor is back with a snappy ditty called “Frame of Mind”. It’s a really short (2:02) ode to being positive, and enjoying how you feel while it’s happening. After his more recent, complex and deeply personal and cathartic releases, “Frame of Mind” is hopefully a taste of even more good songs to come soon. Axel has been nominated for a daytime Emmy Award, was the face of Clubhouse for 7 weeks, was a contestant on TV’s “Songland”, and has even got to #1 on the BILLCS Top 30, twice! I’m sure there’s a lot brewing behind-the-scenes that I’m confident is waiting for us to hear!

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

Everything But The Girl’s “Nothing Left To Lose” and its cool one-take video

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Pepper” by Death Cab For Cutie

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“Kelly Time” by Owl City, who brought us “Fireflies” back in 2009

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Bryan Adams – ( Everything I Do) I Do It For You
Extreme – More Than Words
Roxette – Joyride
Wilson Phillips – Hold On
Mr. Big – To Be With You

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Satisfaction” by Darin

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

“Wish On An Eyelash, Pt. 2” by Australian singer Mallrat and The Chainsmokers (19-12)

25 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 25 years.

1998 ANGEL Joée
1999 LOST ONES Lauryn Hill
2000 FADED soulDecision
2001 HANGING BY A MOMENT Lifehouse
2002 COME ON DOWN Crystal Waters
2003 THE SOUND OF VIOLENCE Cassius featuring Steve Edwards
2004 MY TIME Dutch featuring Crystal Waters
2005 THE LETTER SONG Tyler Hilton
2006 THUNDER IN MY HEART AGAIN Meck featuring Leo Sayer
2007 DOCTOR BLIND Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton
2008 HOW TO BUILD A TIME MACHINE Darren Hayes
2009 YOU CAN NEVER GO BACK Jon Mclaughlin
2010 DELUSIONAL Simon Curtis
2011 GOLDEN TRAIN Penguin Prison
2012 MEMORIZE ME Rune RK & DATABOY
2013 1998 Matthew Koma
2014 ANIMALS Martin Garrix
2015 GOIN’ DOWN Deniz Koyu vs Twoloud
2016 NOTHING AT ALL Brandyn Burnette
2017 D E E P IN NY Bobby Nourmand featuring DOC & Goodmorning
2018 PINEAPPLE SKIES Miguel
2019 DJ’S GOTTA DANCE MORE A-Trak featuring Todd Terry
2020 FLAMES R3HAB, Zayn & Jungleboi
2021 GIVE IT BACK The Disco Fries & GIIANTS featuring Allison Park
2022 UNBREAKABLE TELYKast featuring Sam Gray

#BILLCSTop30 #658, January 30/23

Because the top of the national music charts are generally so static, change on the BILLCS Top 30 is the norm. And this was one of the closest calls between the top three songs for the number one spot.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog.  

In the end, Darin gets his third #1 on my chart with “Satisfaction” (above). The song is such an important and fun way for the singer to embrace his sexuality and share a funky, upbeat song that recalls 80’s greats like George Michael and Culture Club. His previous #1’s were the ballad “Holding Me More” and the pop/dance “Can’t Stay Away”, which initiated this new era for Darin. In fact, “Can’t Stay Away” has recently been picked up by the BBC and is in the Top 40 airplay in the UK, so who knows where it will go now! Darin’s cover of Johnossi’s “What’s The Point” (below) is also a bonus this week, as it sails 14-10, making it five consecutive Top 10’s for Darin too!

While JVKE slides out of #1 by a hair, he and Martin Garrix’s “Hero” looks like it’s next in line as it leaps 8-3. I’m travelling to Las Vegas in late February and Martin Garrix is playing his residency at Omnia, so I look forward to seeing that show and perhaps hearing “Hero” in concert!!

“Black Mascara” by Greyson Chance is one of the most unique and compelling songs on this chart this week. From his album Palladium, the song jumps 11-5.

The remaining newcomer to the Top 10 is by two artists who have been here multiple times. Armand Van Helden and Karen Harding’s “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)” rises 12-9. It’s Armand’s 6th visit to the Top 10 and first since 2007, and it’s Karen’s 7th time in the Top 10 since 2020.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the gentle and heartfelt “Wish On An Eyelash, Pt. 2” by Australia’s Mallrat in collaboration with The Chainsmokers, and it soars 19-12. It’s a very balanced song that reminds me of when I first heard The Chainsmokers & Halsey’s “Closer”.

The song that debuted the highest on the last chart moves up the fastest from the other debuts and that is Timmy Trumpet and Tungevaag’s delightful and frenetic “La Danse”, which climbs 24-18.

The Highest Debut on the chart belongs to UK duo Everything But The Girl. The last time they appeared on this chart was in 2000 with “Temperamental”, the title track of their 1999 album, and that song reached #2, following two #1’s. Singer Tracey Thorn also got to #2 in 2007 with her solo release “It’s All True”. Their fresh new dance track is “Nothing Left To Lose” from the upcoming album Fuse, and it arrives at #24. And watch the video for the song, above, which was shot in one take!

Premiering at #26 is Amsterdam-based UK artist Waiting For Smith with his thoughtful, beautifully sung song “Heal”. The singer/songwriter’s name is Harry Lloyd – Smith was a drummer who never showed up for rehearsals – and a few years ago he suffered a broken back as a result of a skiing accident. It’s no wonder that his new music from his EP Trying Not To Try is so giving and humble. Check out the video for “Heal” above, in which he uses his body as a canvas for people’s various thoughts.

At #27 is the return of the French disco master Cerrone, most noted for his 70’s disco classics “Supernature” and “Love In C Minor”, with his latest release “The Only One”. It features British vocalist Brendan Reilly in an excellent Jamiroquai-like performance and is made in collaboration with fellow French producer Mercer, who has been to the top of my chart twice with “Aretha” last year and “Satisfy” in 2018. “The Only One” also has those signature Cerrone synth riffs that transport me back to the 70’s.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right 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.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! 

Radio GTA

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 mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New 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 EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every 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.  A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy 

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST.   You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules have been updated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – January 25/23 spotlighting songs by @iamDabinLee x @KaiWachimusic x @iamLoSpirit @Showtek & #EDAY @partyPartyNails & @B0ySim @PaulManchin

This week I don’t have any specific opening remarks or editorial, but for those of us who are in the middle of winter, music is a great mood changer, so I encourage you to “think summer” and play or make a playlist of your favourite tunes for a bright summer day!

In addition to the posts about individual songs, you can read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur.  “The Musicman” James Rogers goes back to the early 70’s this week with his Classic Five pop hits feature. Plus I include the songs that debuted on the BILLCS Top 30 in this week from 2018-2022.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

DABIN, KAI WACHI, Lø SPIRIT, “Hollow”

“Hollow” hits you between the ears with a jarring progressive electronic production that is peppered with screams and unbridled emotions. It’s all brought to you by Toronto-born producer Dabin Lee, Idaho producer Kai Wachi, and a new name to watch, Atlanta’s Lø Spirit (aka Josh Landry), who received considerable attention last year with his cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”. Everything works so well in this record, even though bigger, harsher-sounding songs are not always my thing. The production is like a whirlwind that’s mixed with a lot of wicked future bass elements and considerable finesse. It’s rare that a vocalist can both sing and scream well, but Lø Spirit gives it his all and the producers make him sound amazing. “Hollow” is a real surprise and will appeal to those who like their electronic music with lots of edge.

SHOWTEK, EDAY, “Everybody”

If you want new music that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits, “Everybody” by Dutch veterans and regular Las Vegas club residents Showtek and American vocalist EDAY (aka Haydee Rivera) will do the trick. Blasting out of big speakers, the line “everybody dance for the love of music” hits a home run, and some amusing, brief spoken-word interludes provide some novelty appeal. Showtek pulls it all together to create a happy, infectious vibe that will work well in clubs.

PARTY NAILS, BOY SLIM, “Like U”

“Like U” is a melting pot of pop/dance influences that pervade it from the 80’s through the 2010’s. Think about what would happen if Cyndi Lauper and Carly Rae Jepsen met the Real McCoy and Ace of Base and decided to make a record with some help from Cathy Dennis and Icona Pop. It’s as catchy as all hell, brought to you by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Party Nails (Elana Carroll) and Austin-based queer producer and co-writer Boy Sim (Christopher Sauceda). Party Nails’ playful vocal is the star as she teases out the song with a few dashes of Madonna along the way. Boy Sim’s vocal in the middle helps give it an unexpected European flavour and balance that was prevalent in early 90’s europop. “Like U” is aural glitter that will leave you smiling.

PAUL MANCHIN, “King”

Versatile Canadian singer/songwriter/producer Paul Manchin returns with “King”, an electronic pop release with a provocative video. Actually “King” is a re-release of a 2017 track from Paul’s album Salutations, and its theme about mental illness, giving up and helplessness will certainly resonate more to listeners post-pandemic. Paul’s vocal is alternately gentle and compelling, and his production with Black Jack is executed well, providing difficult subject matter with a vibrant melody. And do take a look at the video, with its many deliberately still scenes eventually allowing you to home in on its character’s plight. “King” is available for purchase on iTunes and will be available on streaming platforms soon.

FEATURING

NATALIE SHAY, “The Edge”

“The Edge” is a poignant song that finds comfort and resolve with its uplifting, danceable melody. British singer Natalie Shay lays all the cards on the table about the end of a close friendship, which makes “The Edge” an honest, cathartic release for her. But it also shows no fear about moving on, and the buoyant rhythm certainly celebrates that. Natalie’s appeal continues to be wide as her voice often straddles pop, rock and country, and despite delicate subject matter, “The Edge” will be an enjoyable, relatable listen for many folks.

SILVERLAND, “There Tonight”

British singer/songwriter/producer Silverland is a promising new talent who has released the electronic pop track “There Tonight”. It’s a short, uplifting song that reminds me of some songs by One Republic or American Authors. It’s got anthemic rock power that would go down well at festivals, and features some Celtic elements that draw from Silverland’s own Irish roots. Sometimes short and sweet works quite well and here Silverland makes the most of it.

ANDY SUZUKI & THE METHOD, “Chainsaw”

“Chainsaw” is a crunchy slice of rock ‘n roll that’s brought to life by NYC-based Andy Suzuki & The Method, which consists of vocalist/guitarist Andy and hand-percussionist Kozza Olatunji-Babumba. It’s the pair’s first new music in two years after both became parents for the first time during that time. The thundering arrangement veers away from their folk-influenced pop/rock sound of their earlier work, and continues in the rock vein of their last album, 2019’s Alibi, which will appeal to fans of Imagine Dragons, Bastille, and The Killers. The chorus of “Chainsaw” is riveting and memorable, and will play over again and again in your head, which is always a good thing.

JAVI, “Bad Habit”

L.A.-based Puerto Rican-American singer Javi is back after his stunning cover of Sade’s “Cherish The Day” (which peaked at #6 on my personal chart last year) with his take on Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit”, which was a #1 last Fall on my chart. It’s a straight-forward production that shows off Javi’s dynamic voice, as he tackles and accentuates the more soulful elements of the song. I’m always intrigued by covers like this that are sung in a different vocal style without changing any intent of the original, and Javi completely nails it in the Spotify link above.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

The Shapeshifters covers the Talking Heads’ “Slippery People” with vocalists Ramona Renea and Fiorious

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

Sofi Tukker scales it back a bit and covers Snow Patrol’s much loved “Chasing Cars”

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

British singer Chilli Jesson with “Carolina Reaper”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Elton John – Crocodile Rock (1973)
Mac Davis – Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me (1972)
B.J. Thomas – Raindrops Are Fallin’ On My Head (1969)
Cher – Gypsys, Tramps And Thieves (1971)
Looking Glass – Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) (1972)

BILLCS TOP 30 CHART DEBUTS 2018-2022

2022:

#10 Darren Hayes – Let’s Try Being In Love

#26 The Chainsmokers – High

#27 Jonas Blue featuring Why Don’t We – Don’t Wake Me Up

#28 Years & Years – Night Call

#29 Gabe James – Gracie

2021:

#22 Illenium, Dabin & Lights – Hearts On Fire

#25 Wizzay – Jealous

#26 Armin van Buuren featuring Duncan Laurence – Feel Something

#27 Bobby Harvey & Danny Dearden – Tell Me

#28 Grandson – Dirty

2020:

#23 Jessie Ware – Mirage (Don’t Stop)

#24 Chocolate Puma & Firebeatz – Soul Fifty

#25 A-Trak & Friend Within – Blaze

#27 Young Bombs featuring Aloe Blacc – Better Day

#28 Homestead – Lifeline

2019:

#20 Revelries & Sam Smyers – Don’t Think Twice

#25 Ava Max – Sweet But Psycho

#26 R3HAB & Mokita – All Into Nothing

#30 Parralox featuring Marcella Detroit – Paradise (Eric Kupper remix)

2018:

#16 Troye Sivan – My My My!

#26 Reigen – Dreams

#27 Two Friends featuring Kevin Writer – Just A Kid

#BILLCSNewMusic Report – January 18/23 spotlighting @Cerrone @Mercermusic & @BrendanReilly @SGLewis_ @CharDayWilson & @Channel_Tres @Alokoficial & @JamesArthur23 #EleanorHammond

Editorial: IS 2023 THE YEAR OF THE THROWBACK?

In the ongoing cycle of music as it relates to its audience at the time, we have seen throwbacks happen twice within the post-Beatles era (1964 to present). A nostalgia craze spearheaded by the film “American Graffiti” in 1973 – which was preceded by the reissue of the 1962 novelty “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett that summer – saw Top 40 radio stations devoting considerable amounts of their programming to “oldies” for about 18 months. And in 1989, some creative program directors at major radio stations across the U.S. revisited records released earlier in the decade like Sheriff’s “When I’m With You”, Benny Mardones’ “Into The Night”, Real Life’s “Send Me An Angel”, and others, with great if short-lived success. Some of those songs became bigger hits than they were the first time around.

Last summer, through the popularity of Netflix’s “Stranger Things”, we saw Kate Bush’s 1985 well-remembered hit “Running Up That Hill” revived through online adulation largely on Tik Tok. Television commercials and Tik Tok led to Sia’s “Unstoppable” becoming a smash after 6 years. More recently, The Weeknd’s 6 year old “Die For You” has become a far bigger hit than the first time around, currently in Billboard’s Top 10, and Lady Gaga’s 11 year old “Bloody Mary” looks like it could follow suit. In the UK, Tom Odell’s 10 year old “Another Love” recently returned to the Top 10, and Miguel’s 12 year old “Sure Thing” has bounded into the Top 20 and also re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 this week.

So while critics are saying that Tik Tok’s peak has passed, which has recently introduced many new artists slowly into the mix like Steve Lacy, Stephen Sanchez, and JVKE, could Tik Tok really be the go-to platform for re-igniting interest in a song in some creative way? We’ll have to see if the bubble is breaking with the recent bunch of revivals.

But don’t conclude that music fans are “looking” for these older releases. Each one has a backstory as to why the additional promotion on Tik Tok has resulted in viral attention, and each one has been a major label release, so the funds to take the promotion to the next level are already there. I’m tired of hearing that people aren’t interested in new music because of oversaturation. If the tastemakers and influencers would get behind independently released music more, the same things could happen to a new performer and make them the Next Big Thing. Mark my word, it will happen, it’s just a matter of when!

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You can also read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur.  “The Musicman” James Rogers remembers songs from 1967 through 1969 this week with his Classic Five pop hits feature. Plus I include my current BILLCS Top 30 #1 song and the Fastest Riser on the chart.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

CERRONE, MERCER, BRENDAN REILLY, “The Only One”

CERRONE, BRENDAN REILLY, “Supernature”

“The Only One” is a joyous new original that combines the deft talents of veteran French disco producer Cerrone, fellow French dance producer Mercer, and British vocalist Brendan Reilly. The result is a cornucopia of dance music styles, with the song sounding a lot like what Jamiroquai would sound like if Cerrone and Mercer got at them. Cerrone’s indelible, classic electronic synth riffs are omnipresent more than 40 years later, and the funky groove makes “The Only One” impossible to resist. Brendan’s fab, soulful vocal is the icing on the cake – you might remember him for his appearance on “Moving Mountains” from Disclosure’s Grammy-nominated Caracal album. He also sang on Cerrone’s delightful redux of his own classic “Supernature” last year, check it out below too.

S.G. LEWIS, CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON, CHANNEL TRES, “Fever Dreamer”

British electronic producer/DJ S.G. Lewis has long been a festival favourite and despite 10’s of millions of streams, his songs didn’t really start to break through until the past few years with collaborations with Clairo, Robyn, Tove Lo and Nile Rodgers. “Fever Dreamer” is the kind of cool song that could make a difference and follows up his 2021 full album release Times. It’s led by a charming vocal by co-writer and producer Charlotte Day Wilson, a Canadian singer from Toronto who has been nominated for Juno Awards, and who I’ve seen in concert. The rhythm exudes a slick CHIC-kind of funky edge, and Charlotte’s soulful and touching voice draws you in. Channel Tres has worked with S.G. before and he’s an L.A. rapper whose more spoken-word interludes are reminiscent of both Idris Elba and the late Maxi Jazz’s vocals with Faithless. “Fever Dreamer” is an easy, high calibre listen that could also benefit from some creative remixes.

ALOK, JAMES ARTHUR, “Work With My Love”

While producers have covered and used elements of The Shapeshifters’ classic “Lola’s Theme” too numerous of times in the past few years, Brazil’s popular Alok crafts a glistening production that doesn’t put a damper on the original. As has been a recent trend, a new song has been written around it called “Work With My Love”, and I’m wondering if James Arthur shouldn’t record dance tracks more often, thanks to this and his excellent recent Afrojack collaboration “Lose You” (currently moving up my personal chart).  The song and vocal are nothing short of top-drawer, and I expect “Work With My Love” will become a dance radio smash.

ELEANOR HAMMOND, “Best of Tonight”

Eleanor Hammond is a new singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist from L.A. whose name you should remember as she releases her latest single “Best of Tonight”. Full of confidence and vigor, which is rooted in creating local stage musicals (including one with red hot amigo Em Beihold), Eleanor gives “Best of Tonight” a passionate vocal in a song that will resonate with many folks who have a memorable time with someone that may not have even led to anything more. The video for the song, captured splendidly by director William Chapin, is garnering attention for helping to normalize same-sex relationships and promote inclusion in that medium. “Best of Tonight” is a fine introduction to Eleanor Hammond, about whom I’m sure we’ll be hearing much more.

FEATURING

BOBBY NOURMAND, “Distortion” (Damon Jee remix)

After venturing into pop territory recently with Capital Cities for their single together “Together” (which peaked at #12 on the BILLCS Top 30), and taking a break from regular releases, L.A.-based progressive electronic producer Bobby Nourmand returns with the dark, disco-flavoured “Distortion”, which is in a remix by veteran producer Damon Jee. This picks up where 2018’s adventurous “Subterranean” and “Estranged” (which reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30) left off with a hypnotic melody that might strike you as similar to Martin Garrix’s “Animals”. “Distortion” is ideal for late nights either at the club or out for a long drive.

BENJAMIN RUSSELL, ROB STUART, “Something In F Minor”

Canadian producers Benjamin Russell and Rob Stuart have unleashed a massive album project called Something In F Minor, which mixes progressive electronic flavours with rock flourishes, and while definitely not trying to be something to everyone, the album does offer a diverse mix of songs, including the wildly inventive title song.  “Something In F Minor” is accompanied by a clever, mostly animated video (somewhat in the vein of Terry Gilliam’s work for Monty Python, but more straight-forward) that will appeal to fans of modern art, and includes not only original artwork by Benjamin, but from artists like Rousseau, Ernst, Magritte and Dali. Benjamin is also the singer and co-songwriter (with spouse Elyse), and I recently wrote about one of the album’s other tracks, the party anthem “Yell”.  He also re-recorded his 1984 release “Miracle” for the album, but I must admit I’m still quite attached to the synth pop of the original. Benjamin’s at times theatrical sounding vocal sounds great on “Something In F Minor”, and also anchors other intriguing songs on the album like its hopeful closer “Disappear”, which touches on well-being and mental health. Overall, I’ve got to give major props to Benjamin and Rob for this bold, creative release.

OddKidOut, ISABÈL USHER, “Sleep”

“Sleep” is an unconventional electronic release that sounds melancholic but is actually rather comforting, and thus it’s a bit more of a grower than usual. It’s by L.A.-based, Philadelphia-born producer OddKidOut with lyrics and vocals by Dutch singer Isabèl Usher.  It’s a quick one at only 2:18, and OddKidOut says he made most of the track on a flight from Philly to L.A. on his laptop. It certainly has that DIY quality but the brief shifting in pace after the words are sung and the old school electronic sound are reminiscent of some releases from mid-last decade. So yeah, “Sleep” has this quirky, retro vibe on the top layer, and underneath is a warm and welcoming song.

XanTz, MAXXER, ROBBIE ROSEN, “Revived”

“Revived” is like a blueprint for everything that sounds good in a pop/dance banger that is elevated because of the songwriting and vocal.  This is one of the highly prolific Robbie Rosen’s best recent releases, and this time he’s partnered with Norwegian producer XanTz and Detroit producer Maxxer, and together they all take this song to the next level. Be prepared to bounce to the euphoric synths, and Robbie’s anthemic lyrics are sure to inspire you.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

The lost art of love through dance is represented by “La Danse” by Timmy Trumpet & Tungevaag

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

Australian trio daste. with “butterfly (so free)”

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

American duo and twin sisters Lavendine with “Finding My Way Home”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Zager & Evans – In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)  (1969)
Bobby Goldsboro – Honey (1968)
Herb Alpert – This Guy’s In Love With You (1968)
Bobbie Gentry – Ode To Billie Joe (1967)
Elvis Presley – Suspicious Minds (1969)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Golden Hour” by JVKE

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

“Hero” by Martin Garrix and JVKE (22-8)

 

 

#BILLCSTop30 #657 – January 16/23

It’s here! I can finally post it officially! Yes, the chart first published in January 1998, initially as the Tuned-On! Top 10 until August that year, when it increased to a Top 30. The chart has always been open to having both albums and singles appear, and in 2003, I began allowing any song from around the world to chart. In the 2000’s, I also allowed free downloads to chart, and one eventually reached #1 in 2009 (it was “Pink Cadillac” by 100 Akres and Roz Bell). Artists have never been restricted to having one song appear on the chart. And there are only two rules: A song can only remain on the chart for 10 appearances (20 weeks), unless it is in an upward moving position, and that only happened once (“Rolling In The Deep” by Adele peaked at #2 in its 11th appearance, then left the chart). I have been tempted at times to increase the chart to a Top 40 but my original preference has always held through those moments.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog.  

To start off this 25th anniversary celebration, I have a new #1, and it’s a song I didn’t think would initially get there, after Conan Gray’s “Yours” leapt over it, having debuted the chart after.  I’m talking about JVKE’s “Golden Hour” (above), which succeeds “Yours” and gets to the top in its 8th appearance. And even better yet for the 19 year old talented pianist and songwriter, his collaboration with Martin Garrix for “Hero” (below) is the Fastest Riser, soaring 22-8. It becomes Martin’s 9th Top 10 entry too.

“Satisfaction” (above) by Darin is right behind “Golden Hour”, moving up 3-2, from his EP My Purple Clouds. And it hasn’t happened for a while, but Darin now has three songs on the chart. His standalone single “What’s The Point” bumps up 15-14, while “Memories” (below), another track from My Purple Clouds, arrives at #29.

Matoma’s energetic anthem “The Power” (above) rises another notch, 4-3, while Joel Corry’s song with Tom Grennan, “Lionheart (Fearless)” (below) climbs 7-4.

Also new to the Top 10 are Zac Poor’s emotional delight “Ghost Boy” (11-9, above, in its new black and white video), and the teaming of Illenium and MAX for “Worst Day” (13-10, below). It’s Illenium’s 9th trip to the Top 10, while MAX has accumulated 10 Top 10’s!

Immediately outside of the Top 10, recent upstarts “Black Mascara” by Greyson Chance (16-11, above) and “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)” by Armand Van Helden & Karen Harding (18-12, below) await their placements in two weeks. Karen’s also been a regular presence in this blog recently due to a slew of top calibre new releases!

I’m skipping through the middle of the chart because in addition to Darin’s “Memories”, there are five debuts, after a number of long-lasting favourites departed the chart. And put on those dancing shoes…

One of the most creative and memorable new releases around is “La Danse” by Australia’s Timmy Trumpet and Norway’s Tungevaag, which arrives at #24. It’s Timmy’s second appearance on the chart following 2019’s #2 “World At Our Feet”. And Tungevaag is the second Norwegian producer on the chart, along with Matoma.

At #25 is a stunning cover of Talking Heads’ “Slippery People” (above) by UK producer The Shapeshifters and vocalists Ramona Renea and Fiorious from the album Let Loose. The original version is included in the Heads’ album Speaking In Tongues, but this version more closely resembles the more obscure 1984 cover version by The Staple Singers (below). Otherwise known as Simon Marlin, The Shapeshifters has previously charted twice before, last in 2006, but more importantly, with the #1 “Lola’s Theme” in 2004. The vocalists deliver excellent performances and clearly had a good time making this one.

“Lose You” by Afrojack and James Arthur bows at #27. It’s the fourth appearance on the chart for Afrojack, but a first time for James, who usually does not record dance releases but whose voice is suited immensely well for them, lending an emotional depth and vulnerable quality to “Lose You” that another vocalist likely couldn’t provide.

The fifth debut at #28 is “No Sleep” by Toronto-based producer Famba and vocalist GLASGOW KI$$. It’s Famba’s 6th entry on the chart, following last year’s “Forever”, and continues in a similar clubby vein, a few steps removed from his more pop flavoured releases which have landed him in Canada’s Top 10.  Check out the original above, and the new Silver Panda remix below, which plays even more on some of the techno influences in the song.

Famba plays Club Noir (inside Rebel) in Toronto on February 4.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right 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.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! 

Radio GTA

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 mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New 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 EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every 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.  A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy 

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST.   You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! There have been some changes and they will be updated soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – January 11/23 spotlighting new songs by Everything But The Girl @EBTG @itsPeterGabriel @ManilaKilla @Majesticonline & @KarenHarding

While most of my blog posts are about independent performers, occasionally the opportunity to write about some bigger names arises, and this week’s New Music Report is one of those times. Everything But The Girl and Peter Gabriel both released new songs in the last week, and I’ve written about neither in the last 13 years because these are their first releases in over 20 years. And I also get to revisit a rebooted version of a song by Manila Killa that I wrote about almost exactly five years ago!

You can also read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and “The Musicman” James Rogers also has his Classic Five pop hits feature which zeroes in on songs from 1980. You can also find out what was my #1 song of the week on the BILLCS Top 30 as well as the Fastest Riser on the chart. Plus I recap the top five songs from the BILLCS Top 30 from this week 5, 10, 15 and 20 years ago.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL, “Nothing Left To Lose”

Everything But The Girl, the British duo of vocalist Tracey Thorn and producer/musician Ben Watt, are back with “Nothing Left To Lose”, their first song together since the 1999 release of their album Temperamental, from a forthcoming album called Fuse.

Starting as an almost retro acoustic act at the tail end of the new wave era, EBTG found their own niche with alternative music fans which sustained them for about 10 years. Then noted dance producer Todd Terry remixed their acoustic ballad “Missing” (from 1994’s Amplified Heart album), which sent the song to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and opened unforeseen opportunities for them with dance music audiences for the rest of that decade. Having seen them in concert in 1985 (at Toronto’s small El Mocambo) and being a fan of their early songs, I was totally onboard for this new found success, which resulted in the stunning Walking Wounded as well as Temperamental, two of my personal favourites of the 90’s.

“Nothing Left To Lose” is like a clean slate for them, a bouncy electronic release that could set a template for other artists this year. Carried by Tracey’s deeper tones, the song has a passionate, memorable chorus while Ben’s sonic flair – featuring a beautiful bassline that pervades the song, as well as a lot of interesting, insistent effects – will be a tantalizing listen for even the best young producers. Can’t wait for the album! Check out the fantastic choreography in the video above – all done in one take!

PETER GABRIEL, “Panopticom” (Bright Side mix)

Now here’s a name that you didn’t expect to return with a self-released song almost 21 years after his last album. While reverent fans will remember him for his early work in Genesis, and most others know him from his 80’s peak with songs and eye-popping videos like “Sledgehammer”, “Big Time” and “Digging In The Dirt”, “Panopticom” transports us melodically back to the early, creative Peter Gabriel solo period from 1975-1980. This is kind of strange since “Panopticom” is a very modern and fresh sounding release with its themes of information overload and social media running through the lyrics. Peter’s voice sounds ageless here and I expect this will be a huge hit at rock and alternative stations in the months to come.

MANILA KILLA, NEVVE, “Everyday, Everyday” (Live Edit)

It’s hard to believe that this song is five years old (read my write up about the original version), but “Everyday, Everyday” remains a timeless slice of emotional dance/pop with an inviting piano melody. The electronics are stripped back for this extended “live edit” and Manila Killa has done a great job at shining the spotlight on his lyrics and vocalist Nevve, and giving the jubilant chorus an anthemic extra lift. It more than holds up for over 6 minutes and I’m hoping this crisp new version will give the song renewed attention, particularly after the success of Manila Killa’s top notch album Dusk last year.

MAJESTIC, KAREN HARDING, “Sweat”

Banger alert! There haven’t been too many around lately, so this solid teaming of British producer Majestic with house music queen Karen Harding is a great fit for “Sweat”. The song doesn’t really cover new ground, but has an infectious 90’s flavour in the synth work, and Karen shifts into house diva mode which delivers. Majestic was the producer who successfully got his remix of Boney M’s “Rasputin” onto the worldwide pop and dance charts a while back, so with its let-it-all-loose vibe, “Sweat” should not be underestimated!

FEATURING

MIKE ROGERS, “Get High”

Like with last Spring’s “Can’t Stop”, the latest release by Dutch trio Mike Rogers is meant to be heard live, and has that live-off-the-floor feel to it.  Once again led by the potent voice of Micha de Jonge – who to me sounds somewhat like Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers at times here – “Get High” is a new breed of alt.rock song, sung from the point of view of a drug dealer, which heavy on melody and tight instrumentation. What really helps the song though are the handclaps, which add to the live flavour of the sound. The tight arrangement makes “Get High” an easy listen and another reason to check out the songs of Mike Rogers.

BARRON, “Without You”

Harrison Barron is a 27 year old electronic pop artist from Nashville, who is attracting listeners after a few releases with his sparkling synth pop sound which often touches an emotional nerve. His new song “Without You” captures those points in time when you miss someone and are reunited with them, and the mood of the song shifts accordingly. Barron’s voice focuses on his higher register and is further back in the mix than usual, which makes an intriguing effect. His slighter sound is polar opposite of future bass, yet his songs include similar themes. So if you like your electronic pop light and bright, then “Without You” is perfect for you. 

KLAAS, “Heart Swipe”

“Heart Swipe” is a beautiful slice of europop from veteran German producer Klaas, who once again teams up with the always reliable songwriter Daniel Volpe. The song is a grower and focuses on the fakery of social media, from dating sites like Tinder, or others that focus on images and videos like Tik Tok, with the female protagonist of the song deciding to do her own thing instead to find someone real. The song is brisk with a slick bass synth line underneath with lots of pop crossover potential.

JAKE HUFFMAN, “Martyr”

Connecticut-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (including drums) Jake Huffman delivers a soaring melodic alt.rock song full of guitars with “Martyr”. What I like about “Martyr” is that it doesn’t go over the top, say Imagine Dragons-style, and focuses on Jake’s compelling vocal and the arrangement. Where it gets a little lost is with the lyrics, which seem to be about someone who always tries to get others to feel sorry for him, and seem to take second fiddle to what else is going on in the song. But “Martyr” is the kind of song that will sound great live, and fans of artists like Foster The People, INXS, Cage The Elephant and Young The Giant will take easily to Jake Huffman’s style. An interesting bit of trivia about Jake as an aside is that he’s written several songs for TV’s “Sesame Street”!

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

Martin Garrix and JVKE team up for “Hero”

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

Nashville duo Apollo LTD with “Run”

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

Ian McConnell reworks Bastille’s smash “Pompeii”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Michael Jackson – Rock With You
Blondie – The Tide Is High
Kool & The Gang – Celebration
Pink Floyd – Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)
Billy Joel – It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2018

  1. PINEAPPLE SKIES Miguel
  2. CRAZY (Tiësto’s Big Room Mix) Dzeko
  3. SKY WALKER Miguel featuring Travis Scott
  4. EVERYBODY HURTS The Him featuring Ivy Adara
  5. BODY Loud Luxury featuring brando

2013

  1. PARACHUTE Matthew Koma
  2. YEAH YEAH Willy Moon
  3. 1998 Matthew Koma
  4. PLAY THE GIRL Tao Hypah
  5. TIME BOMB (WALK AWAY) Chris Wallace

2008

  1. HOW TO BUILD A TIME MACHINE Darren Hayes
  2. PAPERCUT Roz Bell
  3. DON’T STOP THE MUSIC Rihanna
  4. CALABRIA Enur featuring Natasja
  5. BEST DAYS Matt White

2003

  1. THE SOUND OF VIOLENCE Cassius featuring Steve Edwards
  2. SERVE THE EGO (Gabriel & Dresden remix) Jewel
  3. SOMETHING Lasgo
  4. JAMES DEAN (I WANNA KNOW) Daniel Bedingfield
  5. DISEASE Matchbox Twenty

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 30/22 spotlighting @Tailsxbeats & @mrBenjiLewis @EdenPrincemusic & @KarenHarding @weareApolloLTD

The BILLCS New Music Report is six editions deep already, and I must say that I’ve been pleased with the positive reaction to the new format. I can review more new music – usually, like this week, 10 songs in a week – and can better manage my time to prepare it all for you.

On that note, I’m taking a week’s vacation beginning on Saturday December 3 and will return on Saturday December 10, so there will be no BILLCS New Music Report next Wednesday. It will return on Wednesday December 14. But I will have a new BILLCS Top 30 chart blog for you, three days earlier than usual, on Friday December 2!!

You can also read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur.  “The Musicman” James Rogers offers a varied selection from 1984-85 in his Classic Five pop hits. Plus I list the BILLCS Top 30 #1’s for each year from 1998 to 2021!

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

TAILS, BENJI LEWIS, “is that ok?”

“is that ok?” taps into a lot familiar melodic electronic and guitar sounds, but ends up being a substantially unique electronic alt.pop release from Vancouver producer Tails (aka Spencer Reid). I enjoy how uncomplicated “is that okay?” sounds but yet you can hear all of the work that went into it. Australian singer Benji Lewis’ emotive vocal taps into the longing and nostalgia that happens when you’ve had a good romantic experience with someone, but in the end it just didn’t click. So “is that ok?” ends up being a rhetorical song title but a reassuring song about being perfectly fine with retaining feelings and memories for someone, which help make us all better people. “is that ok?” comes from Tails’ forthcoming EP called (unannounced).

EDEN PRINCE, KAREN HARDING, “Last Christmas”

Wham!’s essential holiday song “Last Christmas” is given a tidy house rework by British producer Eden Prince and the sensational Karen Harding. They don’t rely on the original very much and that’s what makes their take on “Last Christmas” really shine. It features one of Karen’s best vocals in a while, loaded with the heartfelt longing at the holiday season that’s conveyed by George Michael’s lyrics. So if you’re looking for something contemporary to perk up your evening playlist of Christmas songs, Eden Prince and Karen Harding’s rendition of “Last Christmas” is positively swoon-worthy.

APOLLO LTD, “Run”

Nashville duo Apollo LTD released one of my favourite albums of 2019, Out Of Body, so it’s nice to catch up with them again with “Run”, thanks to hearing it on my friend Hunter’s online radio show. Reminiscent of their own “On The Way Up 2.0” (which peaked at #4 on the BILLCS Top 30) as well as artists like Bastille or Imagine Dragons, “Run” is a joyous new, richly produced fist-pumping anthem with a commanding vocal that shows Jordan Phillips and Adam Stark have not let up these past few years and after the release of another album, Nothing Is Ordinary Everything Is Beautiful. Let’s hope that “Run” is the start of another fine string of new music from this talented duo.

FEATURING

TheFatRat, EVERGLOW, “Ghost Light”

“Ghost Light” is an intriguing new track that steps away from the regular melodies and rhythms that you find in most of today’s dance tracks, and offers something funky, mysterious, and anthemic instead. German electronic dance producer TheFatRat is no stranger to experimentation, and this time he veers towards trap sounds with vocals by K-Pop sextet Everglow. It all works out beautifully, with Everglow’s supercharged vocals luring you to follow the song’s theme of desire. “Ghost Light” is a big win for both artists but especially for K-Pop fans, and the melody of the chorus is destined to get stuck in your head.

ALTÉGO, “I Wanna Know”

Many of you already know ALTÉGO, the UK-based producer/DJ’s otherwise known as twins Lukas and Michael Fernandes-Pendse, from their entertaining Instagram and TikTok posts, which led to a surprise radio hit earlier in the year with their mashup of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and Ginuwine’s “Pony”, as “Toxic Pony”. And though they prove their infectious creativity over and over again with their mashups, “I Wanna Know” sets them in original recording territory, and they have lots of pedigree help. First, the music of “I Wanna Know” is based on CHIC’s 1980 release “Soup For One”, so it’s already got a zesty groove which they build upon. Next, co-writing the song with the boys are UK luminaries like Karen Harding and Lewis Thompson, and it’s eminently singable. The *yawn* pitched-down vocals are the only stumbling point and a regular singing voice could have made “I Wanna Know” really fly. Nevertheless, it’s still an above-average release and could help put ALTÉGO on the charts after some successful live performances this year in the UK.

LF SYSTEM, “Hungry (For Love)”

Scottish duo LF System have a hard act to follow – their massive hit “Afraid To Feel” (which peaked at #3 on the BILLCS Top 30) was #1 in the UK for eight weeks. Just as “Afraid To Feel” tapped into lesser known 70’s soulful R&B with a female vocal, “Hungry (For Love)” pivots towards obscure disco, again with an outstanding female vocalist, although it’s one that has a key name behind it. The song revolves around samples from “Hungry” by Sandy’s Gang, which was co-written and produced by the recently departed and renown disco producer Patrick Adams. So “Hungry (For Love)” stands as a fine, if perhaps unintended, tribute to Patrick while being a smart fusion of electronica and disco that will rev up club goers.  At only 2:09, it’s a quick but loaded shot of a good time.

LAUREN MAYHEW, ANGELO BASHAM, “I’m Living”

It’s always awesome to see two artists that I’ve written about separately getting to collaborate together. Florida multi-talent Lauren Mayhew and German dance producer Angelo Basham join forces with the deep house banger “I’m Living”. Lauren’s versatile voice always works wonders in a house music setting, and Angelo’s precision production and rich synth work flesh out the song into an inviting and club-worthy release. Let “I’m Living” start off your weekend party soundtrack – definitely one to cue up for New Year’s Eve!

TWO FRIENDS, BRYCE VINE, “Graduated”

I was surprised it actually hadn’t happened yet, but Two Friends and Bryce Vine collaborating together are like three peas in a pod. Their release together “Graduated” has an irresistible, singalong chorus – something that’s becoming a trademark of Two Friends releases – and it’s carried by Bryce’s laid back, personable, WSIWYG vocal. Two Friends recently peaked at #9 with “Timebomb” (with Mod Sun) on the BILLCS Top 30, and continue to make amiable anthems that go down easy in their Big Booty mixes and in concert.

LOLA DUTRONIC, “The Christmas Disco”

What’s there not to love about a song called “The Christmas Disco” by those Canadian-German purveyors of infectious dance tunes, Lola Dutronic? This re-release (originally from a few years back) is well-timed for the first fully celebratory holiday season since 2019, a light, fun song meant to be your companion piece when you decide to slip on those platform shoes, your Christmas party cap, and grab a glass of bubbly or two. And if you have a disco mirrorball or colourful party lights, then you are all set! “The Christmas Disco” is a pleasing alternative to those repetitive Christmas classics. It follows up Lola Dutronic’s “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)”, which recently peaked at #9 on the BILLCS Top 30.

MARK LEE, “Christmas Time Is Here”

“Christmas Time Is Here” is an awesome choice for a cover of the modern day holiday classic that doesn’t get enough attention. Its origins of course are in Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack to the 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Mark Lee, Georgia Music Hall of Fame member formerly of the Grammy-winning band Third Day, does a fine job with capturing the sentiment of the song, though to me it is strangely missing harmonies, which would have given it a big boost and connected it more to the original. But “Christmas Time” is a solid add for your Christmas playlists and guaranteed to attract attention since it’s just not heard often enough.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

Years & Years with a cover of Crystal Waters’ classic “100% Pure Love”

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Himalayas” by Vancouver alt.pop singers Elijah Blond & KNOWN and producer KULTARGOTBOUNCE

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada. (currently on hiatus till January).

“Memory Lane” by Latvian electronic dance producer Tobu

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

This week, songs that helped define 1984-85.

Prince – When Doves Cry
Stevie Wonder – I Just Called To Say I Love You
Foreigner – I Want To Know What Love Is
Whitney Houston – Saving All My Love For You
Tina Turner – What’s Love Got To Do With It

24 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 24 years.

1998 YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE New Radicals
1999 THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE (STAY GOLD) Everything But The Girl with Deep Dish
2000 HERE WITH ME Dido
2001 BLACK BLACK HEART David Usher
2002 SERVE THE EGO (Gabriel & Dresden remix) Jewel
2003 DEEPEST BLUE Deepest Blue
2004 THEY MIGHT SAY Mitchell Hunter
2005 PRETTY VEGAS INXS
2006 FUTURE SEX/LOVE SOUND Justin Timberlake
2007 ME, MYSELF AND (I) Darren Hayes
2008 RELAPSE Jesse McCartney
2009 ALONE Dan Black
2010 RESURRECTION (Penguin Prison remix) The Temper Trap
2011 CAN’T HELP MYSELF (KEEP DANCING) Matt Blue
2012 DON’T YOU WORRY CHILD Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
2013 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light
2014 SAY YOU LOVE ME Jessie Ware
2015 HELLO Adele
2016 STARBOY The Weeknd f/ Daft Punk
2017 NEED YOUR HEART Latchmere
2018 PHANTOM OF THE DANCE FLOOR Kiesza featuring Philippe Roy
2019 LIGHTS UP Harry Styles
2020 DIAMONDS Sam Smith
2021 HOLDING ME MORE Darin

 

 

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 16/22 spotlighting @Darinofficial @Fambamusic & @GlasgowKISSme @itsLenaLeon @Afrojack & @JamesArthur23 @ukShapeshifters, @RamonaRenea & @Fiorious @TELYKast & @FrancisKarel

Several great new dance music tracks are front and centre in the spotlight in my posts about 13 new songs below, along with picks of the week from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and myself.  “The Musicman” James Rogers throws it back to the 70’s in his Classic Five. Plus I recap the top five songs from the BILLCS Top 30 from this week 5, 10, 15 and 20 years ago.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

DARIN, “What’s The Point”

It’s very rare indeed for me to be writing about an artist two weeks in a row, but Sweden’s Darin has released the rock-flavoured “What’s The Point” quickly after the recent “Satisfaction”. What’s different here is that “What’s The Point” is a cover of a fondly remembered 2010 hit in Sweden by the duo Johnossi. Darin’s vocal is enhanced by some harmonies and other effects which compliment the energy level in the production. Darin takes “What’s The Point” to another level with a blazing interpretation that suits the song’s lyrics and message.

FAMBA and GLASGOW KI$$, “No Sleep”

It’s great to hear Toronto-based dance producer Famba settling back into the club-oriented style that got him on the map in the first place. “No Sleep” is a simmering hot pot of deep house featuring newcomer GLASGOW KI$$ that blows up in all the right places. If you hear this one at 3 a.m. in a club then you can certainly call “No Sleep” your new late night club anthem. It’s definitely one of Famba’s best recent releases and is the follow up to “Forever”.

LENA LEON, “Spiral”

NYC’s Lena Leon is a popular go-to vocalist for electronic dance music songs, but she’s also been releasing her own music alongside those successes. After adding a brilliant vocal to Mahalo and Milkwish’s “Careless” (which reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30) earlier this year, “Spiral” is breaking out at dance music radio, a smooth deep house track co-written and with production by those talented guys, The Disco Fries. But it’s Lena’s vocal that’s the star of the show, and when you hear “Spiral” alongside a lot of samey-sounding dance music it is simply unmistakable.

AFROJACK and JAMES ARTHUR, “Lose You”

Following up the recent fun deep house track “Hit It” and his current dance radio hit “Day N Night”, Afrojack is unstoppable with “Lose You”, featuring British singer/songwriter James Arthur.  And James’ vocal certainly suits the electronic dance genre, with “Lose You” a quick but intense track that benefits from a really rich, masterful Afrojack production. “Lose You” should have no trouble following up “Day N Night” at dance radio.

THE SHAPESHIFTERS with RAMONA RENEA and FIORIOUS, “Slippery People”

Veteran UK dance producer The Shapeshifters (aka Simon Marlin) – best known for his 2004 UK #1 “Lola’s Theme” (which also reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30) – returns with his take on Talking Heads’ “Slippery People”, originally from the Heads’ 1983 album Speaking In Tongues, from their new album Let Loose. But to me, this version is less about the Talking Heads’ original and more about the amazing 1984 cover by The Staple Singers. It’s a feast for your ears with powerful and soulful vocals by Ramona Renea and Fiorious burning brightly next to Mavis and Pops Staples, and the loaded arrangement featuring strings and horns makes it all the more dynamic.  Don’t sleep on this one!

TELYKAST and FRANCIS KAREL, “Better Now”

L.A.-based production trio TELYKast have had a great year, which started off with the dance radio #1 “Unbreakable” (which also reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30) and almost ends with another one, as “Body To Body” finds its way to the top of the national dance radio charts this week. “Better Now” is another compelling track that is more of an urgent-sounding anthem than usual. That’s thanks to the potent voice of Indonesian singer Francis Karel, who is quickly finding his way into the John Martin-Clinton Kane-Jared Lee graduate school of go-to dance music vocalists. The energy level is guaranteed to soar on the dance floor or at a festival when the DJ spins “Better Now”.

FEATURING

ALMA FAYE BROOKS and LOUIS TOTEDA & THE HIGH STEPPIN’ ORCHESTRA

“Dreams Don’t Only Happen At Christmas” and “Con Te Partirò (Time To Say Goodbye)” 

This “double A sided” single marks a sparkling return to recorded music for 70’s Montreal-based, Texas-born disco singer Alma Faye Brooks, who has a small repertoire of songs adorned by club DJ’s years later, which includes her modest Canadian radio hit “Stop I Don’t Need No Sympathy” and dance club hit “It’s Over”. Over time, Alma Faye’s voice has gotten bigger and more powerful which adds a lot of charm to her joyous, self-penned “Dreams Don’t Only Happen At Christmas” (above), and allows her to create a splendid cover of “Con Te Partirò” (below), popularized as a duet in the UK by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, reaching #2 there in 1997, and then two years later as a #1 dance smash by Donna Summer. Alma Faye puts her own spin on the song which holds its own against Donna’s version, thanks to production by Louis Toteda (former leader of Nightlife Unlimited) and the legendary John Luongo, on whose JLM label these songs are released. “Dreams” will definitely brighten up your holiday playlist, while “Con Te Partirò” is waiting to shake up clubgoers once again on the dance floor.

MR! MOURAY, “Cats Can’t Fly”

Mr! Mouray is a Toronto-area quartet of veteran rock musicians with a penchant for amusing song and album titles. Led by lead vocalist and guitarist Simon Bedford-James and my good friend, Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia guru and bassist Jaimie Vernon, “Cats Can’t Fly” is culled from their just-released second album, What’s The Stouray. The song’s about recognizing when a relationship is biting the dust. Despite the downbeat theme, the song has a wicked melodic hook, beautiful keyboard work from another fine friend, Rob Preuss (ex-Spoons, Honeymoon Suite), and stellar harmonies. If you enjoy rock bands like The Wallflowers, Men at Work or Sloan, then “Cats Can’t Fly” is for you. If you buy “Cats Can’t Fly” on Bandcamp, you’ll get another song with it for free. Oh, and about the song title? Canadian music fans will undoubtedly remember the Toronto band Cats Can Fly for their 1986 domestic hit “Flippin’ To The ‘A’ Side”… 

STEVEN THAD, “Find My Way”

In his charming lo-fi way, Washington DC area singer/songwriter Steven Thad is consistent with his approach to releasing his original music. Focusing on vocals, story, and harmonies goes a long way and “Find My Way”, from his debut album Love, R&B, is a refreshing winner. It’s about learning and making changes that work for you in order to reach your destiny. In the song, Steven turns a negative into a positive, and hope is something that so many people need to hear in the music they enjoy. “Find My Way” is the highlight of the album, which also features songs I’ve written about, “Goodbye Farewell” and “Do You Remember”, as well as a cover of Destiny’s Child’s “Free”.

TONY ROMERA and BILLY VALENTINE, “Tonight’s The Night”

“Tonight’s The Night” is a classy, feel-good, fast-paced house track that’s brought to you by Lyon, France native and producer Tony Romera. As a big bonus, he’s utilized the slick voice of veteran R&B and jazz singer Billy Valentine, who you know not only from being one half of the Valentine Brothers (they recorded the original version of Simply Red’s “Money$ Too Tight (To Mention)”), but also the familiar voice of so many cover versions that graced TV’s “Sons of Anarchy”. Together, and as they should, they will keep your body moving in some shape or form in “Tonight’s The Night”.

ASHWYN and NATALIE, “Pink Skies”

India-born, USA-based multi-talent Ashwyn returns with a new EP called Skar, which features “Pink Skies”, a crisp and dreamy new pop track. Vocalist Natalie gives “Pink Skies” a really personal sound amid an imaginative setting, with lots of layered harmonies. Adding in some dazzling guitar magic from Ashwyn makes “Pink Skies” that much more memorable. The Skar EP also features Ashwyn’s single from last year, “Feelings of Yesterday”, which is also worth revisiting for its intriguing arrangement and impressive guitar work.

SIERRA BLAX and CHRISTOPHER WATSON, “Control”

If you enjoy your R&B/pop on the mellow side, the music of Sierra Blax on her new EP BRB…I’m Daydreaming is tailored for you. The L.A.-based, Kaua’i born singer/songwriter has a gentle tone which is given an uncomplicated mix to accentuate the authentic rawness in “Control”. The song seems to portray a couple who are totally into each other but want to wrestle away control from the other, at least in the romance department. It’s a duet with Tampa, Florida singer Christopher Watson, who adds a complimentary graceful turn and makes “Control” go down quite easily.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“The Power” by long-time favourite, Matoma

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Nightshift” covered by Bruce Springsteen from his album of soul covers, Only The Strong Survive

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“Nothing I Won’t Do” by NYC dance producer David Solomon and vocalist TMW

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

This week it’s all about the 1970’s, and perhaps unintentionally, 1975:

Barry Manilow – Mandy
Minnie Riperton – Lovin’ You
John Denver – Thank God I’m A Country Boy
Bee Gees – Jive Talkin’
KC & The Sunshine Band – That’s The Way (I Like It)

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2017

  1. Need Your Heart – Latchmere
  2. Perfect – Mahalo featuring Cat Lewis
  3. Show Me – Loud Luxury featuring Nikki’s Wives
  4. No Love In Brooklyn – Nick Peters & Frank Pierce featuring Scott Vega
  5. Flags – Shoffy featuring Yuna

2012

  1. Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
  2. Music Makes You Lose Control – Carlos Nóbrega
  3. Spectrum – Zedd featuring Matthew Koma
  4. Parachute – Matthew Koma
  5. Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding

2007

  1. Me, Myself & I – Darren Hayes
  2. Apologize – Timbaland featuring One Republic
  3. Love Is Gone – David Guetta featuring Chris Willis
  4. Don’t Stop The Music – Rihanna
  5. The Fear You Won’t Fall – Joshua Radin

2002

  1. James Dean (I Wanna Know) – Daniel Bedingfield
  2. Spin – Lifehouse
  3. Serve The Ego (Gabriel & Dresden club remix) – Jewel
  4. Like I Love You – Justin Timberlake
  5. Shine (Tracy Young radio mix) – Cyndi Lauper