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Kevin Courtney 's guide to singles, downloads and free audiostreams

Kevin Courtney's guide to singles, downloads and free audiostreams

BLOOD RED SHOES You Bring Me Down V2 ***

BRS are two people, Steven Ansell and Laura-Mary Carter. The indie duo don't believe in coming off like rock stars, and they don't recognise the whole "fan" and "band" divide, so don't go all ga-ga on the Brighton beau and belle when they play Dublin's Hub tonight, OK?

PILOTLIGHT Headstart pilotlightmusic.com **

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Never mind organised crime - when is the Government going to do something to help all the sad, heartbroken lead singers moping around Dublin's major live venues? It's becoming an epidemic.

This Dublin band's music has been described as "intensely emotional" and "heart-wrenching" but, underneath the pain, I think I hear a cry for help.

SAVING J Valentine savingj.com **

Who is J and why does he need saving? No idea, but this Kilkenny band seem to be in little need of rescue, with an ever-growing following to keep them afloat.

This REM-lite tune comes just a couple of weeks before Valentine's day, so don't forget to pick up a card and flowers on your way back from the record shop.

HAM SANDWICH Keepsake Route 109 **

You might think the name's a bit naff, but it's fiendishly clever: every time you order a ham sangwich at your local deli, you'll think of this Kells band. This, their fifth single, is another nice, inoffensive tune featuring the "dovetail" vocals of Niamh and Podge. Never mind the ham - where's the beef?

MORRISSEY That's How People Grow Up **

"I was wasting my time trying to fall in love." Sounds like the rumours about Moz finally finding love have been greatly exaggerated. As usual, Morrissey faces heartbreak with a cynical turn of phrase and a disdainful turn of his nose, but how much longer can he keep up this King Lear the Clown act?