EOIN BUTLER'Sguide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams

ANNA CALVI

Rider to the Sea Domino ****

Another year, another dazzling prospect whose virtuoso accomplishments and prodigious talent seem poised to change the face of music forever. Or Kings of Leon will have her for breakfast. One or the other.

THE STREETS

O.M.G. 679 Recordings **

Mike Skinner’s latest offering finds him perusing a girl’s Facebook page, discovering she’s “in a relationship” and getting all weepy about it. Well, three stars for topicality there, Mike. Minus one for that really appalling hook. Oh, and minus your entire remaining credibility as a recording artist for the shock twist ending. (SPOILER ALERT: The person she’s “in a relationship” with turns out to be him!) Truly, monumentally cheesy.

GROUPLOVE

Colours Warner ***

They're from Manhattan, they're tipped by the NME, they're influenced by the White Stripes and Band of Horses, and they're perfectly fine if you're fond of white- bread indie rock. Just don't – as I did – download this track (legally!) on your sister's computer and save it to her desktop as "Grouplove." Conclusions may be leapt to; strange, unfortunate conclusions. Their debut EP drops February 4th.

SHANE HENNESSEY

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) ***

Ireland's latest Leaving Cert YouTube sensation is Shane Hennessey, whose virtuoso guitar playing has won him the adulation of listeners to The Derek Mooney Show.(In your face, white-rumped sandpiper!) He's no Crystal Swing, mind, but boy can he play guitar.

BRITNEY SPEARS

Hold It Against Me Jive **

According to Ryan Seacrest, who premiered the track on US radio, Britney’s latest comeback single is “hot” and is “going to be sick in the club”. Well, perhaps someone should fetch it a paper bag. The song itself is . . . ponderous. If I said you had a remarkably resilient pop career, Britney, would you etc etc?