EOIN BUTLER's guide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams

M.I.A.

Born FreeInterscope ****

This kickass comeback single from M.I.A.'s as yet untitled third album contains a deliciously scuzzy sample from Suicide's Ghost Rider. Not that anyone cares about the track. There was a time when smooching a black Jesus, or engaging in a spot of crotch-grabbing, was all it took for a music video to be deemed "controversial". How high has Lady Gaga's Telephoneraised the bar? Well, Born Freedepicts a 12-year-old being shot in the head at point-blank range. At least it was simulated, I suppose. Because 10 years from now . . . who knows?

THE DIVINE COMEDY

At the Indie DiscoDivine Comedy Records ***

Having picked up a Choice Music Prize, duping us into thinking we understand anything about cricket and rewriting the bloody national anthem, Neil Hannon appears able to do little wrong these days. On this, the lead single from his Bang Goes the Knighthoodalbum, he fondly recalls the halcyon heyday of Pixies, The Roses and The Valentines. Indeed, there's so much shameless nostalgia about, you half expect to spot Ralph Malph and Richie Cunningham pogo-ing towards the moshpit.

PEARL THE PUPPETS

Because I DoUniversal Republic **

“Saw you the other day, you were dreaming but that’s okay.” Finally, a woman who doesn’t object to things done involuntarily in one’s sleep. I bet she’s cool with the whole snoring thing too.

THE HOLD STEADY

Hurricane JRough Trade ***

They've been accused of being Springsteen copyists, but Brooklyn rockers The Hold Steady have promised that their new album ( Heaven Is Whenever) will mark a new departure for the band. Well, the lead single features a protagonist named Jesse, who is "a beautiful girl and a pretty good waitress". So perhaps not that radical a departure after all.

SUPERTONIC SOUND CLUB

Truly Something SpecialRowed Out Records ***

Top-notch work from this Dublin funk-soul collective. Incidentally guys, I’m aware of what that B-side title refers to. Filthy altogether!