SHUFFLE: EOIN BUTLER's guide to singles, downloads and free audiostreams
EMINEM
Beautiful Interscope ***
In deference to Shuffle’s fragile sensitivities, someone has sent us the “clean” version of Eminem’s new single. “Don’t let them say you’re not beautiful,” coos the rapper. “They can all get _____/ Just stay true to you.” Which begs the question, what can they all get? Lunch? Rollerblades? I need closure here, damnit!
THIS IS HOW IT ENDS
We Don’t Dial 911 ****
"We are the masters of our domain," claim this Dublin post-rock three piece. That is, as the saying goes, a little more information than we need. We Don't Dial 911owes a rather massive debt to Rock Action-era Mogwai, but is recommended nonetheless. www.myspace.com/thisishowitendsdublin
ARCTIC MONKEYS
Crying Lightning Domino ***
Arctic Monkey's third album, Humbug, was recorded at the wonderfully named Rancho de la Luna in Joshua Tree, California. The meatier sound in evidence can probably be explained by Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme on production duties. Alex Turner's new girly hairstyle, meanwhile, hints at the influence of My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields, circa Loveless.
THE KILLS
Willow Weep for Me ****
From the recent Frank Sinatra tribute album, His Way, Our Way, Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart offer this surprisingly stripped- back version of the song from Frank's Only for the Lonelyalbum (which, incidentally, was voted Greatest Stoner Album of All Time by Qmagazine.) www.itunes.com
MADONNA
Celebration Warner ***
“Let’s get the party started” is Madonna’s somewhat unoriginal suggestion on this single from a forthcoming greatest hits compilation. Wouldn’t it be a novel idea if, just once, someone did a song about winding down a party. You know, “Let’s get this party finished/ Everyone get their coats/Let’s empty out the ashtrays/ And if anyone recognises that girl sleeping in the flower bed could they maybe call her a taxi.” And so on.
