CONTROLRadioUK Picks 5 Songs You May Not Have Heard Of

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.



Unfortunately our original choice of Arlissa with Jonas Blue had to be removed for copyright reasons, but you can still check the song out on Spotify, and for an 11th hour substitution to the 5 Picks? Pretty good choice! Music videos can really take a song to that next level, especially when they completely fit the tone and mood of the song. I was expecting more from the drop, but overall this is a pretty good song. Lyrically and musically it goes somewhere, which should really be the bare minimum. Having never listened to Fifth Harmony, this is the second song I've heard Lauren feature on (Halsey duet was the first) and you can't deny that this woman has a great voice.



This is the second song off 'The Greatest Showman' soundtrack to feature in the 5 Picks. Whilst Kesha's version of 'This Is Me' is a stadium anthem to take the roof off houses, 'Never Enough' is a more subtle song, power coming completely from the vocals. What this gives us is an emotionally packed journey of a completely different variety, and it's absolutely beautiful. The way the music and the vocals just keep going higher and higher as the song reaches its climax is nothing short of outstanding. The song is performed by Loren Allred, who the Internet tells me was once on The Voice. It is extremely difficult for these Music Reality Shows to uncover genuine stars due to so many of these shows existing, and their fabricated nature. But when they do unearth a star? They truly unearth them.



The Vaccines last album came out in 2015, and much like my favorites OneRepublic & Bastille, waiting 3 years for new music is too long a wait. 'I Can't Quit' is one heck of a way to announce your return to music though. It's one of those occasions when words just don't do justice to how good this song is, so I'm not even going to attempt. The only complaint I can possibly have, and it's the same complaint I had where OneRepublic released 'Wherever I go' is the song is too short. Whilst you're making good use of the replay button, don't forget to pre-order 'Combat Sports' which is due to come out at the end of March.



Still mixing a little bit of old with the new, this offering is from the 'Bright' movie soundtrack. While the movie isn't to my taste, this song and music video certainly is. Bastille are very much thankfully one of those bands incapable of making a bad song. You can also look forward to another Bastille feature on the 5 Picks next week.



When your favourite Artists combine, it is always a fabulous time. This song is no exception. There is debate among some fans over which version of this song is the best, but I think they all are in their own unique way.
Allie X and Verite are again rare Artists incapable of producing bad songs and if you haven't listened to either of their albums before, you really are missing out.

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CONTROLRadioUK Picks 5 Songs You May Not Have Heard Of

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.



Welcome to the first 5 picks of 2018, and we're kicking things off with a really lovely ballad from an Artist I never thought would be featured here. 'Havana' was among the top songs of 2017, and deservedly so even if I do prefer the non-rap version. 'Never Be The Same' is a lovely, heartwarming ballad with a video to suit. Honestly I love behind the scenes/tour/personal footage music videos because they are so personal and show a different side to Artists. It works particularly well here and completely fits with the message of the song. The only critic I can offer is that for a ballad, the song is probably a bit too long. No doubting that it's beautiful, but it really didn't need to be 5 and a half minutes long.



I don't think I can say anything about this song outside it's a bop. Like a massive, take the roof off the house, BOP. I expected nothing less though as soon as I clicked play on the video. Combining with Headhunterz, KSHMR brought us 'Dharma' a year ago, which is still one of THE best dance songs I have ever heard. What I love so much about Shiva though is the different genres of music intertwining. It is an absolute delight to listen to. Especially when it drops the beat break halfway through the song, and then goes back up. Absolutely marvelous to listen to.



Due to the holidays, 5 picks went on hiatus so as well as having some fresh tunes here, we also have some left over from last year and this song is so damn good. I have yet to come across a Bea Miller song that I don't like, and I can even tolerate the rap here even if it does do nothing for the song. What I always love is when musicians and producers behind them have a good sense of ear. It would've been quite easy to turn the music here into something that completely over powered Bea's voice, but instead the music takes on its supporting role perfectly and allows Bea Miller to shine. The dark music video does fit with the vibe of the song, but I really wish they'd done more with it.



It is true to say that a great soundtrack can tempt a person to watch an ok-ish movie. Well ok, it might not necessarily be a saying, but it is completely true here. It's no secret that I am a massive fan of Kesha and am delighted that she is finally able to produce new music, and wonderful covers such as this. It is a roaring, arena friendly cover. The only surprise I have is some people's surprise that Kesha can come up with a cover like this.



Excuse me for being so out of the loop that I have no idea who on earth Khalid is. Thanks to this medley and New Years Rockin Eve, I am a bit more clued in and this is a lovely medley. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I clicked play. Bringing together 2 Artists from completely different genres can work and be absolutely beautiful, but it can also be a gigantic mess. Thankfully this is very much absolutely beautiful. The two songs 'Thunder' and 'Young Dumb & Broke' really compliment each other. Neither feels like it's trying to overpower the other, and if I didn't know this was a medley of two different songs, I would've thought it was a simple straight forward collaboration.

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CONTROLRadioUK Picks 5 Songs You May Not Have Heard Of

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.



Now this is a tune I can get behind. Sigrid somewhat exploded onto the scene with 'Don't Kill My Vibe' & 'Plot Twist'. They were both pretty OK songs but didn't blow me away. But 'Strangers'? It's pop perfection. The music goes somewhere, the lyrics are interesting. The only critique I could possibly have is the lyric video held my attention longer than this music video did. It doesn't exactly fit with the message of the song. Which I know. not all music videos do and some Artists can make that work, but it really doesn't here. Music video aside though this song is fantastic and will probably be on the playlist for many New Year parties.



Sometimes Fall Out Boy produce good songs. Sometimes they produce bad songs and sometimes? They produce songs that fall squarely in the middle. 'Hold Me Tight Or Don't' is one of those songs. There are elements here that I like, but the chorus isn't quite strong enough and neither is the music in general. It just doesn't feel like a song that is them. I know I've spoken in the past on the fact Artists music will change over time as they grow and that is completely OK. But in this case it really feels as though this song was made just to fit in with the current Tropical/EDM beat crowd and I'm just not a fan of it. The music video doesn't really do anything for me either. Little Mix during a Brit Awards performance were accused of appropriating culture due to their use of make-up that was reminiscent of Mexico's Dia De Los Muertos aka Day of the Dead. You could say that Fall Out Boy are just as guilty here. Everyone surrounding them is dressed up in various costumes and make-up that comes from many different cultures whilst they're not, and it isn't as though it fits with the message of the song.



This song is absolutely wonderful and I have been waiting to feature it here for weeks. I always love songs that start out one way and then completely explode. Well I also like songs that explode in a softer manner so as to not override the lyrics and 'Grrls' does that perfectly. It reminds me a lot of early 90's songs that ruled the wavelengths and paved the way for other Artists to break through. This song probably won't have that type of impact but it doesn't change how awesome it is. The beat break towards the climax of the song? That 'lalalala' note that beautifully haunts throughout. It's just wonderful.



This is another fantastic song with an extremely thought provoking music video. This unlike 'Grrls' does completely explode in the chorus and it fits the tone of the song marvelously. It's also the first time I've come across MisterWives and I already love them. I really do wish more Artists would be adventurous and mix different genres of music into the same song, obviously in a coherent way, because this is what makes music sound fresh. Not stupid tropical/EDM beats that feel as though they'll never leave us. Taking risks with the music, fantastic lyrics that provide an excellent story and of course a music video that has obviously had a lot of thought put into it. This is very much one of those songs that deserves to blow up.



Just like the previous PNAU song featured here, unless you want a headache I would strongly suggest you just listen to this song instead of attempting to look at the visuals on screen. And this song is fantastic. One that will have you dancing all night. It's fun, it's infectious, the music goes somewhere. It's everything a person could want in a dance song.

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Legends of Tomorrow 3x14 "Amazing Grace" Episode Post

Sneak Peek 2

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Source: SpoilerTV

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Press Release

DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW
“Amazing Grace” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-14, L) (HDTV)

IT’S ALL ABOU THE MUSIC — When the Legends learn that a mysterious tragedy destroyed Memphis in 1954, thus eradicating the birthplace of rock and roll, they embark on their most important mission - to save music. Nate (Nick Zano) is excited to show Amaya why music is important to him and he is surprised it leads to a rock legend as well as the sixth and final totem, the Death Totem. Meanwhile, Zari (Tala Ashe) helps their newest member try to adjust to the team. Caity Lotz, Brandon Routh, Dominc Purcell, Maise Richardson-Sellers and Keiynan Lonsdale also stars. David Geddes directed the episode written by Matthew Maala & Tyrone B. Carter (#314). Original airdate 3/12/2018.

Source: The CW

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CONTROLRadioUK Reviews: Ten Years

After ten years, Aly & AJ are back with a banger of an EP in ‘Ten Years’.

Taking such a long break from any industry can always be considered dangerous, but with Aly & AJ it feels right. They, like their fanbase, have grown a lot in the last ten years and their music reflects that. It’s a completely different direction to the music they’ve previously released and very much refreshing. Nothing in it feels manufactured, or done to keep up with the times, like so many Artists are guilty of.

‘Take Me’ was very much the correct choice in lead single. I absolutely adore the chorus and never stop dancing when it comes on shuffle. Musically it has a bit more power in it than the rest of the EP, and is a song that will get stuck in your head fast.

The rest of CONTROLRadioUK HQ disagrees with me, but I really like ‘I Know’. It’s a little softer than ‘Take Me’ which I’m actually glad about. Its still got that 80’s synth pop sound, but it’s done in a way that makes it feel current. Just like ‘Take Me’, the chorus will probably be stuck in your head for a while.

‘The Distance’ is another great song, probably my second favorite of the EP. It’s a really nice ballad, with the lyrics telling a story many can emphasize with. ‘Promises’ is without a doubt my favorite. Reminds me very much of Allie X, and it’s such a laid back song you could enjoy on a long car ride on a windy road, but crucially it’s laid back without feeling lazy.

The songs may all have a similar sound to them, but none of them feel repetitive. Each offers something unique, and it feels great to have them back.

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'My Cure' By James Parkin

Written By James Parkin

My name is James Parkin. I’m a singer/songwriter/guitarist aged 42 and live in Basingstoke, originally from Southampton.

Its a cold Thursday evening but life is good...this time last year I was lying in Intensive Care, with leeches on my face.
I've come a long way in 1 year.

2 weeks ago I was interviewed by the BBC about my work with Cancer Research UK. Today I hit 43,000 followers on Facebook. This coming weekend I'm being filmed by ITV at the Facial Palsy UK Charity AGM talking about my experience with Cancer, Facial Palsy and performing songs about that experience from my debut Album of original songs called 'My Cure'.

I’ve been singing since I was 8 and playing guitar since I was 15. I released two albums of cover versions in 2011 and 2015 respectively and in January 2016 I promised myself I would write one song per month and make my first original album by the end of the year. However two weeks later I was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive cancer of the parotid gland.

Unfortunately, the tumour had wrapped itself around my nerves, so when the surgeons removed the tumour, they also had to sever my facial nerves on the right side of my face leaving me paralysed on that side of my face.

Next came radiotherapy, which caused a complete loss of taste buds, not to mention wearing a horrible mask that pinned me to the table whilst they blasted me with radiation for 10 minutes a day for a couple of months.

I couldn’t smile. I missed not being able to smile more than anything. People smile at me all the time – I just grimace back at them. I wanted to be able to smile at my daughter on the outside, not just on the inside. They took a nerve from my thigh and put it into my face, complete with its own blood supply from my groin. That operation took 14 hours. It didn’t work first time round and I haemorrhaged, so the nurses applied leeches to my face to try and control the blood flow for a couple of days. That didn’t work so they re-did the operation which was also not without its complications meaning I was then in intensive care for about a week - much of that time 'asleep'.

As if things couldn't get any worse, when I woke up Donald Trump was President!

After about 10 days I was able to go home. I had a massive lump of fat on the side of my face keeping the nerve warm. I looked like the elephant man. I cried when I saw it. Cried harder than I’ve ever cried. I then had a platinum chain put into my eyelid to help me close it and a sling put under my eye to help keep it the same height as my other eye. I’ve had quite a bit of Botox. But so far, nothing has made much difference (except I have lots of scars). Still no movement. Still no smile.

Throughout this time I kept writing songs. Some of the songs came to me in my dreams. I’d wake up at stupid o clock in the morning with a melody and/or some lyrics in my head. I’d be convinced for a few minutes the song was already invented, but they never were – so I would record the melody or lyrics on my phone and then head back to sleep. Some songs were directly about what I was going through with the operation (a song called ‘My Cure’). This song is being used by Cancer Research UK as part of their upcoming 'Stand Up to Cancer'campaign.

Another song was about psychological depression (‘A later not to miss’) but taking note from the Beatles 'Help', I recorded it as an uptempo number to hide the misery that lay within. I was in a relationship which was rocky prior to and during the above, so quite a few love stories about falling in love, being in love, breaking up.

I also wrote a lullaby for my young daughter (named 'Lullabye'). Three of the songs were co-written at a song writing retreat with Scandinavian girls. They are very pretty (the songs and the girls). With their involvement, it made sense to record the album in Ascot and Malmo in Sweden in June, July of 2017.

I released the album in August 2017. For me, Cancer and facial palsy was not the end of a dream – My songs start in my dreams and I think my musical dream is nearer its beginning than its end. That journey continues and I'm playing live at least once a week and starting to write more songs.

'My Cure' may not have actually been My Cure, but it was damn good therapy and it helped me vocalise the positive spirit and mindfullness that helped me get out of that hospital bed, hold my head up high, stand on my own two feet and sing louder and with more heart than I'd ever sung before.

Read more and/or contact me at http://jamesparkinmusic.com or http://facebook.com/jamesparkinmusic

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CONTROLRadioUK Reviews: Blindsided

Written By DRead Pirates



Blindsided is the second single by Sharon West. Her first outing being the subliminally catchy "Breathe", which i really liked, i must confess.

Blindsided continues where Breathe left off. It has that country feel about it, wonderful lyrics and a melody to die for. Like it's predecessor, "Blindsided" is a beautiful song full of hooks dancing all over the place, with a bathing in sunshine groove about it. Helped even more, by a stellar production.

Sharon West is a very talented songwriter and one to look out for. She has the gift for well thought out lyrics, and hypnotic melodies that leave you in no doubt that she's here to stay.

Blindsided is infused with a good feel vocal and has a moreish production value.

Sharon West has not blindsided me in the least. Listening to her latest effort, I've seen the light, and oh, doesn't that light look good.

CONTROLRadioUK Note: Sharon West is an Artist who has recently joined our ever growing playlist.

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