Shuffle

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

THE VACCINES

Teenage Icon Columbia***

“I’m no teenage icon,” sings Justin Young. “I’m no Frankie Avalon.” Now, I’m no Warren G Harding myself, but Frankie Avalon does seem a rather bizarre name to pop into Justin’s head at that precise lyrical juncture. The album is called The Vaccines Come of Age. You know, a bit like Patrick Dempsey did in the hit 1987 teen comedy Can’t Buy Me Love?

BAT FOR LASHES

Laura EMI****

Pianos, horns and tonnes of lavish sympathy for someone named Laura: Natasha Khan’s new single is certainly a keeper. Her third studio album, The Haunted Man, is due in October.

NO MONSTER CLUB

La La Land Popical Island****

The latest offering from the Popical Island stable showcases all that’s good about the Irish indie label – it’s fun, catchy and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Oh, and if Ged Murphy’s hilarious video (depicting a dog named Chance cruising the streets of Dublin) doesn’t put a smile on your face today, nothing will.

CHRIS BROWN

Don't Wake Me Up RCA*

“Don’t wake me up,” pleads singer, rapper, philanthropist and out and out humanitarian Chris Brown on the latest single from his Fortune album. Er, does that mean the same thing as “Do Not Resuscitate”? And, if so, can we have it in writing?

KING DUDE

You Can Break My Heart Dias****

It sounds like someone’s drunk uncle trying to sing Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah or Nick Cave’s The Ship Song at five in the morning. But in a good way. (Odd fact: singer TJ Cowgill runs a clothing brand that Kanye West is

a fan of.

On this evidence, you’d never have guessed!)