Karen Harding – Page 2 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – April 26/23 spotlighting songs by @Matoma & @JamesDroll @GreysonChance @Jesse_Clegg @DiamondCafe01 @GRAYTheBandd

I enjoy weeks like this, where there is an abundance of fine music that will carry me over to next week’s Report, however when it comes to whittling choices down for my next chart, that’s an entirely different story. Just call it new music blogger problems 😛 So there are five songs spotlighted in this Report instead of the usual four.

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Among the other features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, which this week runs the gamut through the 1980’s. In case you missed it, you’ll find out what’s #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 and the Fastest Riser on my chart too.

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.

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

MATOMA, JAMES DROLL, “Won’t Follow You Home”

“Won’t Follow You Home” is one of Matoma’s more unconventional and dramatic productions, and I’m absolutely loving it as a new favourite! After releasing several well-received but more pop-oriented tracks in 2021-22, Matoma has come full circle and returned to making the most amazing dance music of his career. It started with “The Power” earlier this year (reaching #3 on the BILLCS Top 30), which was recently followed up with “Deeper” (featuring H. Kenneth). “Home” finds Matoma working with another American vocalist, Nashville-based, Ohio-born James Droll, who has recorded not only solo but with folks like Justin Caruso, Trove, and even a pre-“ABCDEFU” Gayle. And James delivers one of the most unique, memorable vocals I’ve heard this year, acting as a guide to the subject of the song to provide sage advice on how to keep moving forward.

GREYSON CHANCE, “Sex & Other Drugs”

“Sex & Other Drugs” is a new addition to Greyson Chance’s album Palladium in its recently released deluxe edition, which also features another new song “Herringbone”. I can only perceive how writing a song like “Sex & Other Drugs” must have been. It, like other songs in Palladium, are taken from a particularly rough patch in Greyson’s life from which he has moved on. It’s clearly about a relationship whose ultimate dependance boiled down to the need for sex and drugs, and from which it must have been tough to leave and put behind him. Like my favourites on Palladium which have graced the BILLCS Top 30 like “Black Mascara” and “My Dying Spirit” (which both reached #2), “Sex & Other Drugs” overflows with honesty and catharsis, making it both poignant and enthralling.

JESSE CLEGG, “Called To Hear Your Voice”

South African pop singer Jesse Clegg has created a thoughtful and comforting song in “Called to Hear Your Voice” that could only have come about as a result of significant loss. Of course, Jesse is the son of the late and legendary Johnny Clegg, who I was fortunate to see perform three times in concert, but Jesse also lost his wife shortly after his father’s passing. So if you peel away the vibrant melody, “Called to Hear Your Voice” is a song about healing and making sure that you live in the moment with those close to you. But when you put it all together and take the song in broad strokes, “Voice” is an uplifting release that celebrates life and love. Jesse has had several hits in South Africa and the rest of the world needs to discover “Voice”.

DIAMOND CAFE, “Body Weak”

I’ve been writing on and off over the years about Diamond Cafe, otherwise known as British Columbia singer/songwriter/producer Tristan Thompson. His latest release, “Body Weak”, is easily one of his best to date. It fully embraces his Prince/Michael Jackson/George Michael influences that can be heard on just about every one of his songs, but “Body Weak” veers into a danceable, funky, sensual territory that’s quite impressive and positively irresistible. At times it reminds me of some of Teena Marie’s records, with the bass sounds highly reminiscent of Motown’s best work of the early 80’s, with splashes of the Jam & Lewis style that made Janet Jackson’s Control and Rhythm Nation successful. “Body Weak” should not be missed and R&B-friendly radio stations would be wise to find a place for it on their playlists.

GRAYTheBand, “All Done”

A new name to get to know on the Canadian music scene is Edmonton’s Gray Ford, who leads an alternative neo-soul R&B collective called GRAYTheBand. I use “collective” because its band members are a cast of rotating artists who fit into Gray’s vision. “All Done” is the title track from a forthcoming album, and it’s an introduction to GRAYTheBand that packs a wallop and which you will find yourself listening to over and over. While its arrangement and melody recall a piano and percussion-led R&B ballad that you’d envision hearing at a jazz club, the song and the vocal offer a juxtaposition. “All Done” is about closing the door on a difficult chapter in one’s life. And while Gray’s vocal instills the emotion and uncertainty about closing that door, it also, through sheer dynamics and power, elicits hope, particularly through the surprising finale. “All Done” is a must for alternative and college radio stations, and for fans of songs that aren’t always easy to listen to, but offer many rewards in the end.

FEATURING

MARTIN JENSEN, KAREN HARDING, “Worship You”

“Worship You” features the intriguing pairing of Danish producer Martin Jensen – known throughout Europe for his 2017 smash “Solo Dance”, and for working with other artists like Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, and James Arthur – and the reigning British queen of house music, Karen Harding. The results are nothing short of splendid featuring one of Karen’s most compelling vocals. The hook will remind you – probably deliberately – of Acraze’s “Do It To It”. But all in all “Worship You” is spiffy deep house that deserves play at clubs and dance music radio through the spring and summer months.

M. BYRD, “Only A Feeling”

German singer/songwriter M. Byrd consistently produces high quality music, which is culminating in the release of his Nettwerk Records album The Seed this coming June. “Only A Feeling” finds him in fine voice singing authentic lyrics set to a brisk melody. He clearly has a loyal following as he’s embarking on a European tour which will see him perform in the UK, France, and Amsterdam, among others, this year. Top notch songs like “Only A Feeling” need to attract the rest of the world, and I think a bigger promotion and social media campaign on behalf of team M. Byrd needs to happen so that perhaps he can perform outside of Europe and tap into other audiences in future.

MARLOW, “Over”

Essex, England rock quintet Marlow return with the encouraging and uplifting “Over”. Led by the mellifluous voice of Freddie Marlow, “Over” is about wanting something so badly – a relationship, or something else entirely – that you’re hoping the other person doesn’t let go or stop wanting as much as you. The lyrics want you to make the right decision for yourself and stand by it, but at the same time the protagonist doesn’t want “you to fall through my hands again”. The instrumentation is crisp, focusing on drums and bright synths to maintain the melody, which signal resilience and positivity when faced with a difficult decision. “Over” is culled from the upcoming EP Home, and we’ll be hearing a lot more of Marlow throughout the year.

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.

From her upcoming album Heavy Lifting, it’s Amanda Marshall with “I Hope She Cheats”, previously a Big Daddy pick of the week!

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

French electronic pop group Phoenix with American vocalist Clairo on “After Midnight”

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.

Charlie Puth teams up with Dan + Shay for “That’s Not The Way This Works”

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Enchanté” by Lewis Thompson featuring Clementine Douglas

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

JIMIN’s gorgeous and emotional “Like Crazy” (English version) (22-5)

#BILLCSTop30 #660 – February 27/23

Martin Garrix above, and Afrojack below, from recent sets at Omnia in Las Vegas.

As I mentioned in earlier blog posts, I was in Las Vegas for an extra long weekend, where I caught both Martin Garrix and Afrojack in concert. As I don’t attend festivals, it’s unlikely I would see them in a big club setting anywhere else, so I wore myself out by experiencing the Vegas nightlife again. Equally energetic sets, Martin Garrix focused on his popular releases which caused many singalongs in the crowd, while Afrojack’s set was more of an all out party, and he even tried to share a bottled beverage by pouring a shot or so into the mouths of some audience members near the front. I wish Martin had spoken to the crowd more, but I got to hear a lot of my favourites by him including the early “Animals” and “Tremor”. And both artists are in my Top 10 this week.

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.

And so Martin Garrix and JVKE hold on to #1 for a second appearance with “Hero”, which I didn’t hear in his Vegas set though it could have been played after I left at 3 a.m. JVKE is coming to my city in August, and I managed to snag a decently-priced resale ticket. “Golden Hour”, a former BILLCS Top 30 #1 which departed the chart this week, reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and we’ll be hearing a lot more from JVKE in the months to come.

Although it has fierce competition above it, “Wish On An Eyelash, Pt. 2” by Australia’s Mallrat and The Chainsmokers glided up the chart 9-3. I’m not sure why more people haven’t latched on to this gorgeous and thoughtful feel good release. It’s The Chainsmokers’ 8th trip to my Top 5.

Although it’s one of the oldest songs on the chart, Zac Poor’s “Ghost Boy” still inches up a notch to another new peak, 5-4.

“Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)” by Armand Van Helden and Karen Harding climbs 7-5, becoming both artists’ 3rd Top 5 on my chart and Armand’s first since 2005’s #1 “My My My”.

It’s convenient timing due to his Vegas show that Afrojack acquires his biggest release on my chart to date as “Lose You”, with British vocalist James Arthur, soars 15-7. Judging from some recent social media posts, it appears that Afrojack and Martin Garrix may have a collaboration in the works, so we’ll see if that unfolds anytime soon.

Also nestling into the Top 10 this week are Benedict Cork’s poignant “Dream Of You” (12-9, above), which becomes his third song to reach my Top 10, and Timmy Trumpet & Tungevaag’s “La Danse”(below), which rises 13-10.

Toronto-based producer Famba is headed for the Top 10 in two weeks with his techno house track “No Sleep” (above), with Glasgow KI$$, which climbs 17-12. You can also check out Famba’s latest release, “Estar conmigo”, below.

“The Only One” by Cerrone and Mercer with vocalist Brendan Reilly, makes its presence better known on the chart by leaping 21-13. This one is a dance floor filler, so club DJ’s should get on it!

The Fastest Riser on the chart is a pop and dance delight by Canada’s Frank Walker with UK vocalist Ella Henderson, “I Go Dancing”, which vaults 29-17.

The Highest Debut of five on this chart is a surefire dance hit that could cross over to Top 40 called “Enchanté” by British producer Lewis Thompson and vocalist/songwriter Clementine Douglas. It’s Clementine’s third appearance on the chart following her work with Sonny Fodero on “Angel” (#4, 2021) and her unbilled appearance on Matoma’s “The Power” (#3), which just departed the chart. Lewis previously appeared on the chart in 2019 as one half of Just Kiddin with Cedric Gervais on “Good Things” (#2).

Kx5 get their first appearance on the chart with “Sacrifice” at #23 in collaboration with Sofi Tukker. Kaskade appeared on the chart in 2010 with his remix of Crystal Method’s “Come Back Clean” (#5), while Deadmau5 was on the chart two years ago with “Bridged By A Lightwave” (#15) with Kiesza. It’s Sofi Tukker’s 5th appearance on the chart following 2021’s #2 “Mon Cheri” with Amadou & Mariam.

At #27 is the chart debut for L.A. indie alt.pop artist Party Nails and Austin producer/vocalist Boy Sim with the pop-punk flavours of “Like U”.

Returning to the chart for the first time since 2018 is enigmatic Philadelphia alt.pop/soul duo N i G H T S, emerging from the shadows at last, with “Boyband” at #28. The song has actually been rebooted from its 2018 original release thanks to an intriguing new black and white video, above. It’s the third appearance on the chart for the duo, both of whose previous entries have reached the Top 5.

And bowing on the chart at #29 is Toronto duo Boy Aries with the hypnotic “Drive”. Boy Aries consists of singer Jordan Radics and producer/instrumentalist Turbo Bobbi. Jordan was previously part of the indie band BLAJK, which charted two songs on the BILLCS Top 30 including the #6 “Lethal” in 2017.

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.

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my new “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s amazing “Top 40 Timeline” oldies show.

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, and my “Retro Pick of the Week” plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” at 4pm EST.

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.

FM 108

You can also listen to my “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” on this station at 6pm EST. The segment is also broadcast on UK National Radio at Noon EST.

#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.

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

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

Addictive Energy

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.

#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.

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

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Addictive Energy

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

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

2013

PARACHUTE Matthew Koma
YEAH YEAH Willy Moon
1998 Matthew Koma
PLAY THE GIRL Tao Hypah
TIME BOMB (WALK AWAY) Chris Wallace

2008

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

2003

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

#BILLCSTop30 #656 – January 2/23

2022 saw me strip back my blog posts to a maximum of twice a week, and the start of 2023 brings us one of those weeks with the arrival of a new personal chart. It has helped me immensely with properly preparing for the weekly BILLCS New Music Report, which will return on Wednesday. I’ve also been pleased with the reaction to my year end Top 100 and the accompanying online radio program which was broadcast four times on three different online stations. While the start of a new year doesn’t generally kick off with surprises, the influx of new tunes onto the chart is steady as I don’t allow songs to stay on the chart for more than 10 appearances (20 weeks) unless they are in an upward movement, which has only happened once and not now for almost 12 years.

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

Conan Gray’s “Yours” finished out 2022 as my #7 song of the year, and gets a third appearance at the top to begin the new year.

It looks like a battle for #1 is brewing in the Top 5. JVKE’s pop-waltz “Golden Hour” (above) inches up 3-2, while Darin’s fresh and funky “Satisfaction” (also above) climbs 6-3, with “The Power” by Matoma (7-4, below) right behind it, which also becomes Matoma’s personal best on this chart. Or will another song further down the chart steal it away from them? Stay tuned in two weeks!

The only new entry to the Top 10 is Years & Years take on Crystal Waters’ “100% Pure Love”, which rises 13-9. It’s Olly Alexander’s 11th trip to my Top 10, after having three Top 10’s finish in my 2022 Top 100 (at #19, #49, and #57 respectively).

There’s lots of movement on the chart, with four songs moving up six spots or more. “Worst Day” (above) by Illenium and MAX continues to show what a magical collaboration this is, as it rises 19-13. The Fastest Riser is the hypnotic “Black Mascara” (also above) by Greyson Chance, up 25-16, indicating another promising run on the chart after having two Top 10’s last year, including #2 “My Dying Spirit” which slides to #8. Armand Van Helden and Karen Harding’s revival of “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)” (below) wastes no time in moving up 26-18, and Lena Leon’s #1 dance radio hit “Spiral” (also below) climbs 27-20.

With singer/songwriter JVKE eyeing #1 in two weeks, it’s timely to see him on the chart again, this time rather unexpectedly with Martin Garrix on the anthem “Hero”, which bows at #22, giving both artists two songs on the chart this week. It’s also Martin’s 12th entry on this chart.

At #24 is the debut entry from Australian singer/songwriter Mallrat who has teamed up with The Chainsmokers to give us another song that goes down easily next to The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” and other gentle pop/dance releases. The thoughtful song is “Wish On An Eyelash, Pt. 2”, which bows at #24. It’s The Chainsmokers’ 13th appearance on my chart.

English singer/songwriter Benedict Cork returns to the chart with the haunting and melodic “Dream Of You” at #27. It’s his third time on my chart, and both of his previous entries reached the Top 5.

Returning to the chart with his second entry and his flair for ballads, Benson Boone puts his wonderful wordsmithing skills to use in “Before You” at #28. His first entry of course was last year’s “In The Stars”, which reached #2 and was my #21 song of 2022.

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

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Addictive Energy (returning on Saturday January 7)

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.

#BILLCSTop30 #655 – December 19/22

This edition of the new chart is my last one for 2022. The next edition will kick off 2023 on January 2, 2022. I’ll have one more edition of the BILLCS New Music Report in two days, but the report will not publish next week as I will be preparing my Top 100 of 2022. I expect to count down the list on Twitter in three parts starting Thursday December 29. The full list will be published on December 31, and that evening an online radio broadcast of my Top 30 of 2022 will happen first on Radio GTA and then on Mix88.ca. So there’s lots more coming to put a wrap on an interesting year in music!

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

For the final chart of the year, “Yours” by Conan Gray is locked in at #1 for a second appearance at the top. But also, where will the song finish on my year end list next week?

Both “Golden Hour” by JVKE (above) and “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez (also above) have been bookends making a deliberate pace up the chart. “Golden Hour” however moves 6-3, and “Until I Found You” inches up 5-4, which will also allow them to finish off well on my year end list. JVKE also has a new song which you shouldn’t miss. It was a surprise for me to f,ind out that “Hero” was recorded with Martin Garrix and it’s definitely turning into a new favourite. Check it out below with its cool animated video.

Charlie Puth’s short but thoughtful “Charlie Be Quiet” moves up 8-5 and becomes his third Top 5 song on this chart. The other two were “Attention” (#1) and “We Don’t Talk Anymore” (with Selena Gomez, #5).

The top of the chart is heavy with action as Darin’s “Satisfaction” (above) climbs 14-6 and is the Fastest Riser on the chart for a second chart in a row. His other entry, “What’s The Point” (below), jumps 25-20.

“The Power” is looking to become Matoma’s personal best on the chart. The rollicking sports anthem moves up 10-7, one position behind the peak of his 2016 release “False Alarm” with Becky Hill.

I’ve really had a sweet spot all year for ballads or softer songs recorded by new male singers. You can add Toronto’s Shawn Molko to that list as his lovely “I Will Wait” climbs 11-8.

Continuing to rev up the dance charts is “Lionheart (Fearless)” by Joel Corry and Tom Grennan which rises 13-9.

Toronto duo Crash Adams get their first Top 10 placement on the chart with “Give Me A Kiss”, which jumps 12-10.

Zac Poor’s poignant bop “Ghost Boy” kicks into high gear and moves up 22-16.

The Highest Debut on the chart belongs to Greyson Chance with “Black Mascara” at #25, another stunning track from his Palladium album. His beautiful performance of the song from his December 1 show in Toronto sticks in my memory and compelled me to revisit it, now one of my favourites from the album. As his song “Athena” departs the chart this week after peaking at #6, Greyson continues to have to songs on the chart as “My Dying Spirit” holds at #2.

At #26 is the unanticipated collaboration of dance music legend Armand Van Helden and British house music queen Karen Harding. The song is “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)”, an Armand release from 2016 built around the refrain of Ph.D.’s 1981 Top 5 UK hit “I Won’t Let You Down”, which has been revamped to include original lyrics and vocals from Karen. Even better, the song keeps the late Jim Diamond’s vocal intact in the chorus. It’s an upbeat song made into something euphoric thanks to the talented team. While “Wings” is Armand’s first appearance under his own name on this chart since 2007 (since he’s also a member of Duck Sauce), it’s also his sixth entry, which includes two #1’s, the house classic and UK #1 “U Don’t Know Me” (with Duane Harden, 1999) and “My My My” (2005). “My My My” in fact is an early example of a dance producer building a new song around an old one, which in that case was Gary Wright’s “Comin’ Apart”. Karen has also worked on other tracks like this, for example ALTÉGO’s “I Wanna Know”, which I wrote about recently, is a similarly styled reboot of CHIC’s “Soup For One”. “Wings” is Karen’s 7th entry on the chart.

The last new entry at #27 is the dance music radio firecracker “Spiral” by NYC’s Lena Leon at #27. This song has quickly moved up into the Top 10 of the national dance music radio charts. It’s well-deserved, with an excellent vocal driving a unique house music release. It’s Lena’s second entry on the chart, her first being earlier this year with Mahalo and Milkwish on “Careless” (#3).

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

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Addictive Energy (currently on hiatus until January)

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!

#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

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

#BILLCSTop30 #634 – February 28/22

The shortest month in the year has come and gone as quickly as ever, but it’s jammed packed with new music, some of which I hope to feature in the coming two weeks. In the meantime, there’s no shortage of activity on the new chart which features four unique new entries!

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

I’m excited for what Swedish pop/rock band Louis Pax will bring us in 2022, as the 80’s inspired “Bad Things” continues in a second appearance at #1! This quartet with a diverse set of influences and the amazing lead vocals of Oscar Reingsdahl did a Q&A on Instagram last week and offered up an acoustic version of their recent single “Spanish Rain”. You can check out the new lyric video for that song below, with a follow up single expected soon!

Right now “Bad Things” is keeping #1 away from Darren Hayes’ “Let’s Try Being In Love” – a pretty hard thing to do – which moves up 3-2. The singer is currently in his native Australia and was a judge this weekend at their EuroVision entry contest.

The Weeknd’s 80’s soaked “Less Than Zero” from the Dawn FM is one to watch as it climbs 7-3. Somewhat surprisingly, it becomes The Weeknd’s second highest entry on my chart, next to 2016’s #1 “Starboy” with the now re-formed Daft Punk.

“High” is a song that invades my head and stays there for a long time whenever I play it. So, accordingly, The Chainsmokers have the Fastest Riser for the second chart in a row, soaring 16-6. Up next for the guys amid touring is the follow-up single “iPad”.

Martin Garrix gets his first Top 10 on my chart since 2018’s “High On Life” with “Won’t Let You Go” (14-9), in collaboration with Russia’s Matisse & Sadko, and vocalist John Martin, who obtains his second Top 10 a little over 9 years after Swedish House Mafia’s #1 “Don’t You Worry Child”.

Rounding out the Top 10 is UK queen of house Karen Harding, whose “Sweet Vibrations” climbs 12-10, becoming her 6th Top 10 entry since the end of 2020.

“Don’t Wake Me Up” by Jonas Blue and Why Don’t We climbs 19-13 and has designs on the Top 10 next week.

Years and Years has the rare feat of having three songs on the chart right now. While “Sweet Talker” peaked at #2 on the last chart, the title track (above) from the album Night Call climbs 20-15. And Olly Alexander’s voice has never sounded better, full of poise and control, than on the album track “Reflection”, which is only available on the deluxe versions of Night Call. “Reflection” (below) arrives on the chart at #26.

“The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky” (above) may be an inauspicious release for Frankmusik, but it’s turning out to be one of my favourite songs by him, as it climbs 24-16. He is currently re-recording his 2009 album Complete Me, and you can check out the first tastes of this new work “In Step Completed” and “Better Off As 2 Completed” below.

“Careless” by Mahalo and Milkwish featuring the recognizable voice of Lena Leon climbs 25-18, and is certainly one of the best and most infectious deep house tracks on release right now.

We definitely weren’t ready for Odesza’s first release in four years (aside from their Bronson collaboration). I guess “Loyal” (which reached #1 on this chart in 2018) was a jumping off point for dabbling in early R&B and fusing it with the duo’s progressive sounds. So they took Bettye LaVette’s 1965 R&B hit “Let Me Down Easy”, in full collaboration with the now-76 year old singer, and created the new epic “The Last Goodbye”, which arrives on the chart at #23. This one must be listened to multiple times to be appreciated. The depth of production and reverence for its source is extremely impressive, and by my ears, Grammy Award-worthy.

Next up at #27 is “Cold Shoulder”, the debut chart entry from mystery American dance producers Electric Polar Bears with UK singer/songwriter Katie Sky. This one has it all – top notch production, a distinct vocal, and engaging songwriting. The EPB’s are known for their entertaining live sets, and of course they wear polar bear disguises on their heads.

The fourth debut at #28 is chart-returnee Jully Black with “No Relation”. It’s the striking Canadian talent’s first chart entry since 2015’s “Fever” (#8). It’s also Jully’s 8th chart entry, and they go back to 1999’s “Rally’n” (#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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

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. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm 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! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free, proudly brought to you by Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge in Georgetown, Ontario!

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the Week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA .

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:15 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.

#BILLCSTop30 #631 – January 17/22

This post kicks off the 24th anniversary of the BILLCS Top 30! After posting my chart on message boards, chat threads, and comments on websites back in 1997, I decided to formalize the chart as a bi-weekly Top 10 in January 1998, and it evolved into a Top 30 later that year. I started posting it on the old Geocities web service (which got bought by Yahoo), and then I started my own message board, Charts Central. That message board became M4B Charts Central in 2003. I started writing the BILLCS Music Blog in 2009, so my chart had a more permanent home.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

It ended 2021 on the national dance radio charts at #1, and it’s starting 2022 on top of my chart – I’m talking about “Unbreakable” (above) by L.A. dance producers TELYKast with Nashville singer/songwriter Sam Gray. TELYKast are already taking this to another level, remixing none other than Jennifer Lopez on her latest single “On My Way (Marry Me)”, which you can check out below.

“Play It Cool” by Menrva and Island Banks took its time from initially charting at #30, and the catchy R&B/dance song has made it all the way to #2.

Bay area producer Jay Bird gets his second Top 5 on this chart with “Float” (above) in collaboration with fellow producers TWSTD ZOO and vocalist Harley Bird. Jay also released a follow up single “Promises”, which you can check out below.

“Sweet Talker” (above) by Years & Years and Galantis is one to watch as it climbs 9-6 while we await the new Years & Years album Night Call, the first Y&Y album that is an Olly Alexander release. Another bright preview from the album is available for you below called “Sooner Or Later”.

Michael Medrano’s so infectious “i don’t wanna talk about love” (above) is the first of two songs to land in the Top 10, moving up 13-9, while “River” (below) by The Knocks and Parson James follows suit, up 14-10. It’s the 7th trip to the Top 10 for The Knocks.

I think that if a major label picked up “Cold To Me” by Louis La Roche and Darren Hayes, it would be a huge hit! It’s got a familiar melody and is lifted by the presence of Darren, whose first release it is in many years. “Cold To Me” is from Louis’ album We’re Not So Different and climbs 19-13.

The Fastest Riser on the chart zips up 24-14 by Swedish pop/rock band Louis Pax with “Bad Things”. It’s one of the most infectious songs out there with a commanding vocal by Oscar and all sorts of 80’s vibes, including saxophone. Keep your eyes and ears on this one!

Also moving up the chart briskly are “Sweet Vibrations” (above) by Karen Harding (26-18) and “Pulling Me Down” (below), the latest from Emirati producers Revelries (29-20), two more to watch in the coming weeks.

The first two debuts, including the Highest Debut, are brought to you from the totally splendid Dawn FM album by The Weeknd. My fellow Scarborough, Ontario native – we’re actually from the same area of the city, though I had moved from the area by the time he was born – timed his release perfectly, with a winning, absorbing concept, along with several tunes that will keep him on the charts again for the rest of the year and into 2023! “Less Than Zero” (above) is my favourite and it bows at #22, while the zesty single “Sacrifice” (below) arrives at #27. They become his 9th and 10th entries on this chart.

Another artist getting his 10th entry on the chart is Dutch producer Martin Garrix, who has been jumping back and forth happily with a variety of dance music styles on his recent releases. He appeared last year on the chart with “Pressure” (featuring Tove Lo, #13), and is back this time with Russian producers Matisse & Sadko and Swedish singer John Martin – the voice of Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child” (#1, 2012) – with “Won’t Let You Go”, which bows at #25. It’s a sensational, commanding single that you won’t be able to get out of your head, and it doubles as a powerful song to play at festivals.

The fourth debut belongs to another chart returnee, the 12th entry for California rockers Lifehouse with “Cut and Run” from their recent EP Goodbye Kanan at #29. “Hanging By A Moment” is now a pop classic and was my #1 song of 2001. I was fortunate to see the band when they played my city back in 2017, and it was a great set that showed how many truly great songs they have amassed in a 20+ year career. The band now releases its music independently, so be sure to check this one out.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm 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.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the Week on the “3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:15 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.