EOIN BUTLER's guide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams
GIRLS
I Will Always Love You ***
When news of Whitney Houston's death broke last weekend, Christopher Owens paid this spontaneous live tribute. It's a workmanlike effort, but one rather suspects that his "Sing it with me, folks!" is code for "Oh crap, there's not a chance in hell I'm going to hit the high notes, am I?" youtube.com
JEDWARD
Waterline Universal *
Jedward! In the Eurovision! Again! The Grimes twins' continuing appeal is rather a mystery to me at this point. But I do look forward to the inevitable Louis Theroux documentary 20 years hence, when the guys are paunchy, wear Jedward toupees and hate each other's guts. Now thatI am eagerly awaiting.
DEXYS
Now **
"Oh, I know that I've been crazy. That can't be denied," admits Kevin Rowland, whose unfortunately titled My Beautyalbum must be a candidate for the worst record ever made. (Google it!) The band formerly known as Dexys Midnight Runners have debuted this track from One Day I Will Soar,their first studio album since 1985's Don't Stand Me Down. youtube.com
EARL SWEATSHIRT
Home ****
Earl is free! Fresh from a rumoured spell of detention in a Samoan reform school, the 17-year-old Odd Future acolyte is back in the US and making music. On this evidence, he hasn't lost his edge. youtube.com
JACK WHITE ft RUBY AMANFU
Love Interruption XL Recordings ****
Jack White's debut solo single is a gentle acoustic ballad featuring what sounds (to these ears at least) like a decidedly un-roc'n'roll recorder solo. His Blunderbussalbum is due April 24th.
M.I.A.
Bad Girls Interscope ****
"Live fast, die young/bad girls do it well." After giving middle America the finger at the Super Bowl, M.I.A. returns with probably the most commercial thing she's done since Paper Planes. Talk about mixed signals!
