Shuffle

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

REM

We All Go Back to Where We Belong Warner ***

Hmm . . . If the title is to be believed, then Peter Buck is at home alphabetising his record collection, Michael Stipe is busy penning a book of tofu recipes, Bill Berry is doing whatever people do on ranches, and Mike Mills is behind a bike shed being pummelled for his lunch money. The cosmic ballet continues.

GIRLS NAMES

Black Saturday Slumberland/Tough Love ***

This Belfast duo are so indie, their bloodtype is C86. This Belfast duo are so indie that when their mom sits around the house, she sits around the house and if anyone likes it that’s a bonus. This Belfast duo are so indie etc. etc.

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS

If I Had a Gun Sour Mash Records **

Two people I know, whom I believe to be of sound mind, have suggested that Noel Gallagher's solo stuff is worth giving a listen to. So I'm listening. Again. The first single sounded like a rewrite of The Importance of Being Idle. This sounds like a rewrite of Wonderwall. Noel's aiming a little higher then, at least.

3EPKANO

Not Now Steve Smiling Politely Records ****

Taken from their album Hans the Reluctant Wolf Juggler. That's the same Hans, incidentally, who did dishes in those Mild Green Fairy Liquid ads back in the 1980s. Guy needs some career guidance, stat.

BEYONCÉ

Love on Top Columbia ****

Strange that no one had a bad word to say about Beyoncé before she got pregnant, but now its suddenly open season on the woman. When she isn't faking baby bumps and stealing dance routines from the mouths of starving children, she's paying "homage" here to New Edition's If It Isn't Lovevideo. Which is a bit like stealing, but we won't give her a hard time. After all, she is expecting (allegedly).