EOIN BUTLER'Sguide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams
ARCADE FIRE
The SuburbsMerge ***
It’s finally here, the long awaited comeback single from . . . The Thrills!? When that laidback Californian intro kicks in, you might be forgiven for thinking so. Then Win Butler’s vocal comes in, and the track morphs into something altogether more beguiling. There lingers, however, the faint suspicion that Arcade Fire have yet to live up to their early promise.
EMINEM
Not AfraidInterscope ***
“Follow me, I’ll get you there!” Christ, humanity must really be screwed if even Slim Shady is offering motivational pep talks. Next the Michelin Man will be offering diet tips. Taken from Eminem’s forthcoming Recovery album, Not Afraid has already debuted at No 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
JUNIP
Rope and SummitMute ****
Ever wondered what David Kitt's Big Romancewould sound like if Ray Manzarek had played on it? Well, wonder no longer, pop pickers! The first offering from José González's new band is surprisingly impressive.
MUMFORD & SONS
Roll Away Your Stone Island***
Laura Marling’s former backing group are a sort of rustic E Street Band. Their frantic onstage demeanour calls to mind an overstaffed regional office in the middle of a surprise visit from headquarters. Everyone is huddled over instruments, huffing and puffing and generally looking as busy as possible. Hotly tipped, but I don’t buy it.
TOM JONES
Burning Hell/What Good Am I?Island ***
"If there ain't no heaven," snarls the Welsh veteran, "Then there ain't no hell." More existential a vibe, I suppose, than you'd expect from the Sex Bombsinger. By the sounds of it, the upcoming Praise & Blamealbum (recorded with Ryan Adams's producer, Ethan Johns) could be Tom's Van Lear Rose. Or his American Recordings.
