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Eoin Butler's guide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams

Eoin Butler's guide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams

JAY-Z KANYE WEST

Otis Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam ****

"Photo shoot fresh, looking like wealth/I'm about to call the paparazzi on myself." Well, humility is never likely to feature on the menu when this pair collaborate. (The track is titled, incidentally, after Otis Redding, whose Try a Little Tendernessis sampled.) Watch the Thronedrops next month.

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PUGWASH

Answers on a Postcard 1969 Records ***

He recently lost five stone, but Thomas Walsh hasn't lost his knack for knocking out melodies that are catchier than bubonic plague. Pugwash's new album, The Olympus Sound, is out next month.

BEASTIE BOYS ft SANTIGOLD

Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win Capitol ****

This was one of the best things on Hot Sauce Committee Part 2.But Spike Jonze's video treatment (a laboured homage to 1960s supermarionation shows such as Thunderbirdsand Joe 90)rather steps on its toes, constantly interrupting without really adding much.

LADY GAGA

The Edge of Glory (Live on The Howard Stern Show) ****

The official video, which includes a cameo by the late Clarence Clemons, is exactly the sort of lavish production you’d expect. But stripped back to her bare essentials – voice, piano, leather dominatrix costume – there’s no denying Gaga’s considerable raw talent. youtube.com

THE PIXIES VS THIN LIZZY

The Boys Are Back in Heaven ***

Notable chiefly for the exquisite melancholy mash-up that genius Phil Retrospector taps into by pairing Phil Lynott’s vocal with Joey Santiago’s guitar. A must listen. youtube.com

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS

The Death of You and Me Sour Mash Records **

The demise of an old band might have tempted other to spread their wings creatively. But Noel Gallagher hasn't just stayed inside his comfort zone – he's parked a Barcalounger there. This is a lazy rewrite of one of Oasis' more forgettable offerings, aptly titled The Importance of Being Idle.

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