Shuffle

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

BEYONCÉ

Halo (Live at the Superdome, New Orleans) ****

What did we learn from the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show? Well, that Beyoncé is probably the most accomplished pop performer of her generation; that she can definitely, definitely sing live; and that she could kill a man with her bare thighs. An illuminating 10 minutes. youtube.com

FALL OUT BOY ft 2CHAINZ

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up) Island **

More of the same pop-punk garbage from Pete Wentz co (with a bonus John Farnham-esque “Oh-o-o-o, whoa-o-o-os” for good measure). Their Save Rock and Roll album may or may not have been recorded to raise funds for rock’n’roll. Personally, I wasn’t aware that rock’n’roll had fallen on hard times. You’d think that having a city built on you would bring in plenty of extra revenue.

GER LANE

Straightforward Love Song Starcounter Records ***

Limerick-born, London-based singer-songwriter Ger Lane pretty much lives up to his side of the bargain on straightforward love song. I say "pretty much" because you have to enter in a code to listen to it on his website ( gerlane.com). And I'm easily confused.

RAY HEFFERNAN AND THE GRAND CANAL BAND

Amy’s Answer **

Dublin singer-songwriter Ray Heffernan recorded this video, based on the legend of Oisín in Tir na nÓg, for Italian TV. Anyone hoping for a Rick Wakeman-esque costume drama on ice, however, will be disappointed. Ray’s new album, New Worn Dress, is due out on March 8th.

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

Only Tomorrow ***

This isn’t an original observation, I know. But it seems that band reunion mania has a little to do with music, and a lot to do with nostalgia for lost youth. Personally, I’m still waiting for Sr Pauline to get my senior infants class back together and teach us the modh coinniollach again for old time’s sake. A seminal moment. mybloody

[ valentine.org ]