DAVID HOLMES I Heard Wonders Mercury****
"Hollywood" David Holmes certainly hasn't lost his edge. The Belfast DJ may be better known for his film scores, but he still knows how to crank out a tune. Here he channels Jesus & Mary Chain doing a sort of ambient take on Joy Division's Isolation. All in all, weirdly exhilarating.
CHRIS CORNELL FT TIMBALAND Long Gone Interscope*
Rocker Chris Cornell took a gamble in allowing hip-hopper Timbaland to produce his third solo album. It didn't pay off - this song is really dreadful. In fact, I'm going to offer a small cash prize to anyone who makes it past the two- minute mark without nodding off.
HEATHERS What's Your Damage? Hideaway Records***
Before they recently turned 18, Dublin accoustic duo Heathers apparently had to sneak into their own gigs, making them the only young band out there hoping not to get spotted. Leaving Certs fresh under their belts, the sisters embark upon a month-long Irish tour. This track is from their debut album Here , Not There.
MARIAH CAREY I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time Island***
She may be pushing 40, and her music may be, well, pretty godawful if one had to be brutally honest about it. But in these times of environmental meltdown and economic woe, it's reassuring to know that somewhere, beneath a tropical waterfall, Ms Carey is still cavorting around in a gold bikini entreating innocent bystanders to caress her body. Cavort on, you crazy lady.
CONOR OBERST Milk Thistle Merge***
The closing track on Oberst's eponymous new album is an up-tempo ditty about an alcoholic unrepentantly drinking himself to death. The Bright Eyes singer, one supposes, is great fun at parties.
