EOIN BUTLER's guide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams
JASON SEGEL
Man or Muppet? Disney Music ***
Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords has been nominated for an Oscar in the best original song category for this composition from the new Muppetsmovie. Comprising the interior monologue of a character torn between being a "manly muppet" or a "muppet of a man", it is (needless to say) a work of epic silliness.
SLEIGH BELLS
Comeback Kid Mom + Pop ****
No one marries trash metal guitars and disposable pop melodies quite as effectively as Alexis Krauss and Derek E Miller. Their second album, Reign of Terror,is out on February 12th.
AZEALIA BANKS
Bambi Universal **
Azealia Banks has benefitted from a tonne of hype in her short career to date. However, the gloriously profane 212 aside, she hasn't produced much that delivers on her abundant promise. With vapid dialogue and shambolic production, Bambidoes little to change that impression. An album is due later this year.
BON JOVIVER
You Give Love a Bad Name****
In the past, this column has criticised Justin Vernon for coming across like "the Bee Gees on horse tranquilisers". So this Bon Jovi mash-up by Brooklyn's Miracles of Modern Science could only be a good thing, right? Well, yes. Except they've done Bon Jovi in the style of Bon Iver, rather than vice versa. The New Jersey rockers have never sounded as jaded. youtube.com
NU-CENTZ ft LUPE FIASCO
Had Enough***
Finally, 24-year-old Tallaght rapper Rob Byrne scores a mightily impressive guest verse from Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar Lupe Fiasco. True, he won a radio competition . . . but still.
MARCUS COLLINS
Seven Nation Army Sony**
The former X Factorfinalist's debut album includes covers of Jackie Wilson's Higher and Higher, Janelle Monae's Tightropeand this curious ska-funk take on Jack and Meg's greatest hit. Haters are gonna hate; the rest of us will just snigger derisively.
