EOIN BUTLER's guide to downloads, singles and free audiostreams
BEYONCÉ
1+1Columbia ****
Schmaltzy lyrics, vocal histrionics that would make Christina Aguilera blush, and one of the most OTT guitar solos this side of Parisienne Walkways. . . It would take an exceptional talent to bring all of those unpromising ingredients together and produce anything other than utter dross. Needless to say, Beyoncé Knowles is just that. A guilty pleasure, but a pleasure nonetheless.
FRANK TURNER
EulogyXtra Mile Recordings ***
“Not everyone can grow up to be an astronaut,” muses Frank Turner. “Not everyone is born to be a king.” The former Million Dead frontman, of course, has experienced inequality. Only one of his former classmates at Eton (Prince William) was born to be a king. The rest have been forced to endure the hardship of investment banking and Conservative party high office. Tough old station, chaps.
COLDPLAY
Every Teardrop is a WaterfallParlophone **
Every teardrop is a waterfall. Every hiccup is a nuclear explosion, and every fart a tropical storm. Risible stuff from four of the most tepid souls in the business.
THE LARKFIELD FOUR
Down by the Riverside ***
Finally, a-cappella enthusiasts The Larkfield Four don’t exactly shirk the “barbershop quartet” label. This quirky video, directed by actor Hugh O’Connor, was shot in the Waldorf Barbershop in Dublin city centre. youtube.com
NICOLA ROBERTS
Beat of My DrumAM ****
A Nicola Roberts solo record? No, I can barely contain my excitement either. But after the crushing disappointment of Mickey Graham's Meet Me Halfwayalbum, well, I'm scared to get burned again. Turns out I'm in for a pleasant surprise this time. Produced by Diplo, Beat of My Drumis rather (shockingly) good.
