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

MATT CARDLE

Run for Your Life Syco **

It isn't a cover of the ultra- misogynistic track from the Beatles' Rubber Soulalbum. But after a couple of minutes listening to this dross, you'll rather wish it was. Matt Cardle is a former X Factorcontestant, and Run for Your Lifewas penned by Gary Barlow. Straight off the bat those are a couple of major red flags there. But even thus forewarned, this is still astonishingly tepid fare. Speaking of which . . .

COLDPLAY

Paradise Parlophone **

The second single from Coldplay's forthcoming Mylo Xylotoalbum has a rather ambitious chorus, vaguely reminiscent of Beyoncé's Halo. But that aside, this is yet more of the same insipid elevator music this band has flogged so successfully for more than a decade now.

COLD COMFORT

Sweet Light ***

This is the debut single from the Dublin five-piece, who recently toured the country with Whipping Boy. Perhaps surprisingly – given that the singer describes himself as a “poet and shaman” and the bass player used to be in a band called The Shitty Shit Shits – it’s a really decent first effort. youtube.com

JULIAN CASABLANCAS

I Like the Night ***

The Strokes frontman says that this song, penned for an Azzaro perfume ad, was inspired by Take It or Leaves It, the blistering album closer from the band's Is This It?album. Given how lackadaisical most of the band's post-2001 output has been, how long until they resort to playing their classic debut in its entirety live? youtube.com

PAUL MCGRATH

Going Back *****

Okay, so five stars might seem a tad generous for what is essentially a karaoke version of the old Gerry Goffin and Carole King number (with a video, moreover, that looks like it might be someone’s Transition Year project.) But damnit, this is Paul McGrath – I’d give him six stars if I could. youtube.com