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

BOB DYLAN

Beyond Here Lies Nothing Columbia ★★★

"We'll keep on lovin' pretty baby for as long as love will last / Beyond here lies nothin' but the mountains of the past . . ." The first track from Dylan's 46th album Together Through Lifesuggests a total break from the sound of the polished blues of Modern Times, with mariachi horns and accordion prominent.

U2

Magnificent  Mercury★★

“I was born to sing for you” claims Bono, with characteristic humility. “I didn’t have a choice . . .” Sounds like snagging the number 18 slot in The Ticket’s 50 Best Irish Acts Right Now last week (ahead of Chequerboard, behind Cap Pas Cap) has gone to someone’s head!

MORRISSEY

Something is Squeezing My Skull Decca★★★★

On the barnstorming opener from his recent Years of Refusal album, something seems to be chafing Morrissey’s cranium. Perhaps his quiff is on too tight.

HUMANZI

Bass Balls★★★

A first taster of the second album from the once much-hyped Dublin quartet. Shaun and the lads have been based in Germany for a the past couple of years, but the basic formula (think Exterminator-era Primal Scream) has not radically altered since we heard from them last. www.myspace.com/humanzi

DIRECTOR

Sing It Without a Tune Crapshoot Economics★★★

Director's second album I'll Wait for Sound, a follow-up to their platinum-selling debut We Thrive on Big Cities, is released on May 8th. An mini Irish tour begins next Saturday with a date at The Pumphouse, Kilkenny.

JAMES FOX

Say What You Like Plastic Tomato★

“If it’s a crime to be the best that I can be,” sings Welsh crooner James Fox (right), “Then I guess that I’m a guilty man . . .”. Someone pass the sick bag please.