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

KANYE WEST FT JOHN LEGEND

Blame GameDef Jam/ Roc-a-Fella *****

The rapper is at his quixotic best on this eight-minute opus, built around a haunting Aphex Twin sample. The polished soulfulness of John Legend's vocal gives way, rather unexpectedly, to a hilariously profane skit in which comedian Chris Rock extols West's sexual prowess. Blame Game, off his much-praised fifth album, is West's darkest, most beautiful and twisted moment.

SUFJAN STEVENS

Too MuchAstmatic Kitty

When he debuted this track live on US television, in day-glo fly costume, Stevens appeared to be consciously cultivating an “eccentric genius” image (a pretty crowded field this week, considering the competition). But this video treatment by Deborah Johnson is a better introduction, showcasing not just Sufjan’s newfound electronic influences, but also the same swirling harmonies and discordant instrumentation that characterised much of his best work in the past.

SONNY THE SANDWICHES

Throw My Ashes from This Pier When I DieEndless Nest ***

“Throw my ashes from this pier,” sings Sonny Smith. “I never was as happy as I am here with you.” Yep, as people who loiter on piers tend to go, Sonny seems like quite the romantic.

THE MIGHTY STEF

We Want BloodFirstborn Recordings ****

With exquisite timing, The Mighty Stef’s new single happens to be a bloodthirsty excoriation of dishonest, self-serving politicians. Forget the charts – this should be our new national anthem! Stef’s latest album, TMS and the Baptists, is released today.

THE UNRULY TRINITY

Ireland Is... ***

"Ireland is a copper who looks like Brendan Gleeson in Into The West," reckons Clondalkin beat poet Colm Keegan. If you can stomach even more national naval-gazing after the week just past, Keegan will be joining Pony Club's Mark Cullen and ex-Sack man Simon Quigney for the launch of the Ireland Is...EP at Dublin's Odessa Club on Tuesday night.