EOIN BUTLER's guide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams
COLDPLAY
(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!) **
If Chris Martin were a TV show, he’d be Nationwide: inoffensive, worthy, but dull to his very fingertips. Once when Nationwide announced a special programme about Bloody Sunday, I tuned in to discover what boring angle the show could possibly find to take on that unspeakable tragedy. (They reported from a memorial mass.) On this impromptu tribute to the late, great Adam Yauch, Coldplay accomplish a similar feat of reverse alchemy, taking a song that oozes mischief and youthful effervescence, and turning it into an Argos catalogue. It’s a gift.
[ youtube.comOpens in new window ]
CHERYL COLE
Call My NamePolydor ***
What is it with pop starlets and walls? In this Anthony Mandler-directed video, Cheryl Cole appears drawn magnetically toward them: backing into them, caressing them, writhing against them. Her forthcoming album is called A Million Lights. Perhaps they’ll help her locate a door.
JEDWARD
Put the Green Cape On *
The latest and most abysmal Euro 2012 charity single to date comes courtesy of a rogues' gallery of Ireland's more, ahem, acquired tastes: Jedward, Brendan O'Carroll, Louis Walsh, Glenda Gilson, Colm (out of Colm and Jim-Jim) and TV3's Martin King. Presumably Brian McFadden, Richie Kavanagh and the guy from the Harvey Norman radio ads were unavailable. itunes.com
BOBBY WOMACK
The Bravest Man in the UniverseXL ****
On the title track from the soul legend’s first studio album in 12 years, Damon Albarn adopts an approach not dissimilar to that of Rick Rubin on Johnny Cash’s American Recordings: he’s opted for a stripped back sound, letting the venerable but under-appreciated talent take centre stage.
REJJIE SNOW
Snippet ***
No longer known as Lecs Luther, Rejjie Snow is still channelling MF Doom and Tyler the Creator and is still Dublin's most promising young rapper. Soundcloud.com/rejjiesnow
