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

VILLAGERS

Becoming a Jackal

Domino ****

After last week’s all-female extravaganza, it’s an all-male Shuffle this week. We’re worth it, I think. Becoming a Jackal is Conor O’Brien’s first new recording since he signed with Domino. Those Conor Oberst comparisons aren’t going to go away any time soon, but expectations ahead of the forthcoming album remain very high indeed.

JUSTIN BIEBER FEATURING LUDACRIS

Baby Island ***

This kid has the kind of face that will make girls want to mother him and boys want to beat the crap out of him. But he can certainly pen a catchy tune. Hey Justin, think young love hurts? Just wait till you find out about Santa Claus. That’s the real kick in the teeth, believe me. We’ll save that for the next album, right?

THE DRUMS

Best Friend

Moshi Moshi **

It’s no secret that Brooklyn’s The Drums are infatuated with ’80s British indie music. But there’s a thin line between wearing your influences on your sleeve and tattooing them on your forehead. And with Best Friend, they may have crossed it.

SHANE MACGOWAN & FRIENDS

I Put a Spell on You ***

“They need your help,” reads the sombre message at the end. Whether that refers to the people of Haiti or the stars of the preceding video presentation is unclear. Rock’n’roll survivors Nick Cave, Chrissie Hynde, Mick Jones and Bobby Gillespie all pitch here, with proceeds going to Concern Worldwide. To give the veterans their due, they conjure enough voodoo magic out of the old Screamin’ Jay Hawkins classic to make this one benefit single where pressing play is not an act of charity in and of itself. See concern.net

T-PAIN

Take Your Shirt Off

RCA/Jive *

Idiotic. Shallow. Mammary obsessed. And really, really dumb. Thanks a lot, T-Pain, you’ve set the men’s movement back about 10 years, buddy!