Kevin Courtney's guide to singles, downloads and free audiostreams
KATE NASH Foundations ***
It had to happen, didn't it? After Lily Allen's success, a whole bevy of mouthy girls is just waiting in the wings for their chance to give it some lip in a London accent. Kate is one of the best of them, though, and this one about a disintegrating relationship should be the start of a beautiful career.
EOIN COUGHLAN Blue Dock Road Records ***
Limerickman Coughlan grabbed our attention with the single, Cutting Down Laws; this is an altogether gentler affair from the former Nomos frontman, but it's atmospheric enough to feature on the soundtrack for Irish film Speed Dating. Check out the multi-layered video and tracks from his album Blood in Vein on www.myspace/eoincoughlan music.com
SUZANNE VEGA Frank & Ava Blue Note ****
Can it really have been 20 years since Luka? Where does the time go? Sounds like Vega's ear for a simple, effective tune and a compelling storyline hasn't diminished - this song about the tempestuous relationship between Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner is quietly seductive.
THE LAUNDRY SHOP Highs and Lows Vixen Records *****
You'll recognise this short, sharp supertune right away, and not just because it reminds you of classic Pixies. Written by Stephen Robinson, it features on the Discover Ireland ad - expect hordes of tourists to descend on Irish record shops looking for directions to this Dublin trio's gigs.
THE BEATLES It Was 40 Years Ago Today www.thebeatles.com/sgtpepper ***
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the most important album in pop (and to maybe flog a few extra million copies of it), a special advert - I mean website - has been set up featuring a "making of Pepper" vid, a making the cover feature and extracts from the album. Better to check out www.myspace.com/ thebeatles, though, and stream four full tracks.
TAKE THAT I'd Wait for Life Polydor ***
The girls who waited what seemed like a lifetime for Take That to reform have been rewarded for their patience: the new fab four are at their peak, and this angelic ballad is yet another nail in Robbie's career coffin.
