IZOMBIE “Brainless in Seattle, Part 1”— (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET) (TV-14, DLV) (HDTV)
LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING, PART 1 — Love is in the air after Liv (Rose McIver) eats the brains of a hopeless romantic, and she can’t stop herself from meddling in Clive’s (Malcolm Goodwin) relationship. Major (Robert Buckley) and Liv continue to try to work through their differences. Meanwhile, Blaine (David Anders) is approached with an interesting offer. Rahul Kohli, Aly Michalka and Robert Knepper also star. Michael Wale directed the episode written by Heather V. Regnier (#403). Original airdate 3/12/2018.
This is supposed to be a review of the Deluxe Album. However given the difference is 3 new songs & a bunch of remixes? If I didn't turn this into a review of Steps overall comeback, it'd be the shortest review in history.
My music consumption these days comes via a Spotify subscription which gives me access to millions of albums & songs for a relatively small price. Fans purchasing these albums as physical releases on the other hand are having to pay the full whack, and I'm sorry, but there's no value for money here.
When Artists announce an album release it usually comes in two forms - Standard & Deluxe. Paying an extra fiver for 5+ original songs is worth it. 3 new songs, remixes and a Christmas song isn't.
Of the new offerings, 'September Sun' is the only stand-out. It's extremely similar in sound to 'Paradise Lost', which interestingly enough has never been sung live by Steps. I don't buy the hype that it's a magnificent song, but I think it's a better live offering than the likes of 'It's The Way You Make Me Feel'.
'Beautiful Battlefield' from the title should've been an epic number, akin possible to Jordin Sparks'Battlefield'. What we actually get is a ballad which goes absolutely nowhere.
'Fool For You' joins 'It's The Way You Make Me Feel' in being one of the worst songs Steps have ever done. Again, it feels as though the song wants to go somewhere but it holds back. It's extremely disappointing & tends to sum up my overall feelings of Steps comeback.
The stand-out songs from the 20 year celebration have to be opener 'Scared of the Dark', 'Happy' & their cover of 'I Will Love Again' is a favorite of CONTROLRadioUK HQ.
Thankfully 'You Make Me Whole' wasn't chosen as a single. Chorus aside it's terrible. The music doesn't fit Steps, the lyrics are generic & fitting Lee & H's backing vocals onto the verses between Claire & Lisa singing feels tacked on.
As soon as I heard the teaser for 'Neon Blue' I knew it would be chosen as the 3rd single. It's an OK enough song & the video certainly had more budget than 'Scared of the Dark', but that chorus should be an absolute banger. Whilst Lisa was in the past a great dancer, she's extremely weak vocally and with her leading the chorus, instead of the music going up into Euphoria, it has to be weakened so you can make out her whisper.
'Glitter & Gold' is an OK song but that's literally it. There's nothing about it to stand out and it sounds like every other song you've heard. 'Space Between Us' is a surprisingly good album track I still occasionally listen to. 'Firefly' led by Faye and Lisa, had potential to be fantastic. The dip leading to the chorus promises so much and I was waiting for that bang to come and blow me away. That never happened.
'Story of a Heart' is absolutely fantastic and one of the best covers Steps have ever done. Not surprising since Claire and Faye led songs are my second favorite duo.
Unfortunately I can't review the album and not mention 'Dancing with a Broken Heart'.
It's absolutely horrific. Some may call listening to the original to the original Delta Goodrem version ahead of the Radio 2 premiere a mistake, given the fact I fell head first for it & in comparison? Steps version is flat. Sometimes songs are just meant to be sung by a solo Artist compared to a band, and this is one of them. Delta's original was released in 2012 which was only 5 years ago, and the sound is still extremely current for where music is at now.
There was absolutely no need to mix up the production in an attempt to sound fresh. It already is and ironically enough, the mixing results in an extremely dated sound that no-one can save. The music video is supposed to be the sequel to 'Deeper Shade of Blue', which feels like an insult. The music video is extremely busy, and considering Steps are known for their dance routines? Leaving that duty solely to the backing dancers is lazy.
Given how popularity their reunion has proven, one gets the feeling the Steps reunion may last longer than the 20th Anniversary celebrations. As much as they may be mocked by the music industry it's impossible to deny there is still a market for them. I just wish they'd deliver better music.
Foo Fighters Attempt To Come Out Fighting Written By DRead Pirates
Like a phoenix, Foo Fighters rose from the ashes of Nirvana. Like a bad dream that just goes on and on, we have the bands ninth album Concrete and Gold. Did you ever get the feeling Foo Fighters should have quit while they were ahead? i do.
Concrete and Gold even has Paul McCartney playing drums on "Sunday Rain" a song that sounds like Pink Floyd meets the Eagles. Justin Timberlake does backing vocals on "Make It Right" now this song reminds me of Motorhead with Chris Cornell's voice.The riff in "Make It Right" is so Aerosmith-esque, they could even pass as a tribute band.
If i had to choose a standout track from the album it would have to be "The Sky Is A Neighborhood" a metal anthem if ever I heard one. Can't get this one out of my head if I'm being honest.
Another contender for best track on Concrete and Gold is 'T-Shirt', though at 1:32, it's far too short to take the crown, however, David Grohl's voice on this has depth and feeling, making the song sound almost divine.
Concrete and Gold really does have some golden moments on it and you get the feeling David Grohl can always save the day. But I also have this feeling the Foo Fighters real golden moments have been and gone. Like a good dream turned sour, it's now time to wake up and face reality.
Here at CONTROLRadioUK we're always on the look-out for music be it for the playlist, or just because we think the tracks are pretty neat so check out our picks below.
OK I have no idea what this video is trying to say. Is her boyfriend or husband abusive? Has he cheated? Has she just randomly decided to pack her things and start over fresh? What on earth does the ending mean? Considering music videos are supposed to sell the song to the audience, it's not very good when they leave you confused. Fortunately the song in itself is simple enough, even if it could do more with itself. The lyrics could be stronger along with the music, which seems like it wants to go somewhere but holds back. I'm guessing that's just what happens when Country music dips into the Pop stream. Lady Antebbelum are a good enough band, but there is a reason I don't come across their music very often.
I don't get to feature her music here nearly enough as I'd like to, but I do like BANKS. Some of her songs can be quite deep, others pure fluff, but she always knows what she's doing with herself and that makes her music just that bit more powerful. Once again we have a song tackling relationship issues, this time with a lover who has left but for a reason. She's still rooting for him to come back and for the realtionship to have a happy ending. Whether coming back would be good or bad is down to our own interpretation, which I really love about music. Deliver a story with the lyrics, but leave the ending to your listeners.
No your eyes are not deceiving you. This is indeed a HAIM song being featured in the 5 Picks, and without me having to be coerced. Yes, we've actually found a HAIM song that I like. Honestly I never thought this day would come. This song is pure fluff with a nice fluffy video to accompany it. Pure, unadulterated fun and I love it. This song has been stuck in my head all week and after multiple listens I don't hate it yet, which is always a good sign. There is a minute sample at the beginning of the song but I don't even care. That's how much fun this is! I know I've probably used that word one too many a time here, but it's true.
I've featured Phoebe Ryan in these picks a lot. I have no idea where exactly this woman came from, but she makes great music. This song again features a minor sample, although unlike HAIM, the sample runs throughout the song here giving it a nice 60's vibe. Again covering the subject of heartbreak (Let's be honest it's a genre that makes up 99.99% of music and I'm not sure what that says about us as humans), this time dealing with the aftermath of a break-up and having no idea why its happened. It's again really honest storytelling, and something that a lot of people will be able to resonate with.
I feel like this might be the most positive 5 Picks I've ever written, because I don't have any major complaints with any of the songs this week. And even more of a miracle? I actually love this song. That's right! The person who complains that Rachel Platten songs don't go anywhere & she needs to explore a new genre of music to avoid being a one genre wonder, completely loves this song! OK the music could be a bit strong, but I only say that because the Producer in me really loves the beat and would love to get hold of this song as an instrumental. But this song is great. The lyrics are strong and create a coherent narative. The music goes somewhere, and I could happily listen to this song on repeat without getting bored.
The Killers have a long awaited new album out called Wonderful Wonderful. It's been five years. What took you so long guys?
'Hot Fuss', their debut album, was beautifully crafted in nearly every aspect. Wonderful Wonderful is the band's best album for what seems like an aeon, and far better than Battle Born ever could have been in retrospect.
There are still overtones of 80's and early Indie type rock, harking back to 'Sam's Town', the Killers second studio album. All is not lost, however, as Wonderful Wonderful has a heady mix of all their previous sounds rolled into one, or at least it sounds that way on an initial listen. Once you begin to delve deeper into the songs a sort of epiphany begins to crystallize.
'The Man', hits you where it hurts, a well constructed dance-rock number that sets you up for a musical journey that really pulls no punches. 'Run For Cover', hits you harder still, an inspirational song full of vigour. The Killers even make time for a quite stunning ballad, 'Have All The Songs Been Written', emotive in every sense.
That song, not so much hits you in the solar plexus, it more like poleaxes you. Job done i think. The album has quality running through much of it, with the exception of 'Some Kind Of Love', that really sucks, bereft of real emotion. That song is the journey man of the album.
The Killers have nice things going on with this record, there are just a few let downs that ultimately get in the way and stop it from being truly magnificent. Wonderful Wonderful, is really wonderful in parts.
Here at CONTROLRadioUK we're always on the look-out for music be it for the playlist, or just because we think the tracks are pretty neat so check out our picks below.
9 seconds into this song I was intrigued. By the time the chorus came along I was hooked. After multiple listens, that statement is true. This video has some beautiful scenery along with acting from Charlotte Cardin. The lyrics are so raw in the brutality of their truthfullness. I've spoken a lot about brave Artists covering subjects in songs that other Artists, for various reasons don't. Be it accepting a relationship is over and being completely ok with that, mental health. Now we have an Artist tackling the role of being a mistress. It's not something a lot of people would dare to do. Mistresses and affairs are a part of societies dirty dozen. Who wants to listen to a song with a person speaking of the pain and tribulations, of being a mistress to her boyfriends main girl? Quite honestly, I do. Having come across this song rather accidentally, I've listened to some more of Charlotte Cardin's songs, and 1) This woman's got a hell of a voice and 2) She's a great writer. The fact she's only 22 and capable of writing such mature material is nothing short of outstanding. Charlotte Cardin is a Canadian Pop/Electro/Jazz singer-songwriter.
Did I choose this song because it sounds similar to Fall Out Boys early work? Yes, but it doesn't make the song any less brilliant. Songs that combine genres of music are always going to be music to my ears, especially when those genres are Rock and Electro Rock. Most Artists these days prefer to step into Rock/Pop territory, which is all nice in theory. Except after a certain point every song sounds the same. 'Starlight'? Very much not sounding like any other song I've heard recently. The lyrics aren't the deepest you'll ever come across, but they're still meaningful enough that you can have a proper rock out to this song. Oh and the lyric video is very pretty for someone who loves stargazing. Written By Wolves are a band from New Zealand.
OK I chose this song because 'Wonder' seems like an interesting enough film, and I do like music videos for movies that incorporate actual footage from the movie. But this is a half decent song in its own right. Yes it has that EDM beat I've written about way too much, saddling its way through the chorus. That aside though the song has enough about it to be a plesant listen, which is really the bare requirement. Bea Miller is an American Singer/Songwriter/Actress.
You can say what you like about P!nk, but the woman knows how to write good music. She's helped here by Jack Antonoff, who when he's not off making music that I really wish would actually go somewhere with Bleachers, is a really good Producer/Songwriter. Not quite on Ryan Tedder's level just yet, but he's getting there. 'What About Us' left me extremely dissapointed and wondering what direction 'Beautiful Trauma' would be taking after P!nks 5 year break. The title track here is a vast improvement on that and reignites my hopes for the album. It's the perfect blend of Electro/Pop/Rock. The lyrics are good enough even if not quite as in depth as some of P!nks previous work. The music knows when to go up, but not too much that it completely overpowers P!nk and the message of the song. She'll never ben everyones cup of tea for reasons that I can both agree and disagree with, but this is an enjoyable effort.
I think I was a rare person who wasn't blown away by 'Shut Up And Dance' all the way back in 2014. Still though 'Talking Is Hard' was routed to my playlist for at least 6 months before I got bored, and its been in retirement ever since. For a type of 'comeback' song 'One Foot' is good enough. Its got a great chorus that will probably be stuck in your head for a few weeks. The music keeps your ears hooked and the music video is ok, though it doesn't have a story or really fit with the song. It feels to an extent a bit 'same old' but with 'What If Nothing' out next month (November 10th to be exact) Walk The Moon have enough time to release a single or two and wow. Walk The Moon are an American Rock band.
After some thirty years, three former members of the band Bucks Fizz, now named The Fizz for legal reasons, along with a new member called Bobby McVay are on the comeback trail. With their new single and album about to hit the charts. Is all as it might seem?
Bobby Gee from the original Bucks Fizz line up is no longer on speaking terms with his old singing buddies. Bobby kept going with the Bucks Fizz name, performing in cabaret and cruise liners with his wife Heidi Gee, while Mike, Cheryl and Jay decided to call time on the band and carve out solo careers.
In the meantime Bobby's wife Heidi, managed to secure the trade mark for Bucks Fizz, effectively stopping the other three former members from ever using that name again. Hostilities broke out and here we are in good old 2017.
The Fizz along with a handful of songs written by the legendary songwriter and producer Mike Stock, are currently doing the radio and TV circuit promoting 'Dancing In The Rain', their new single.
It seems to be getting good feedback on Twitter. The song could have been written for Kylie Minogue, maybe it was. Mike Stock wrote all of Kylie's early hit songs. The melodic structures sound familiar, almost too familiar, a hark back to the late 80's early 90's in flavour.
One could be mistaken to think The Fizz sound is out of step with the current auto tuned obsessed vocals, rap and robotic rhythms that permeates the current musical landscape. Still, as a homage to yesteryear, 'Dancing In The Rain', is not too bad if you like that sort of thing.
It remains to be seen how well The Fizz will do. Nostalgia, however, might save the day.
I just can't help but feel The Fizz lacks a little sparkle. Or it might well be the orange juice in Bucks Fizz, has long since run dry.
