Kevin Courtney's guide to singles, downloads and free audiostreams
IAN BROWN Sister Rose ***
Religious imagery abounds in this redemption rap, from Brown's current album, The World Is Yours. The orchestral arrangements and lurching groove give this one pinpoint accuracy.
BONDE DO ROLE Marina Gasolina Domino ***
"Meet me after school and I'll beat you like gorilla." Here's another playful chant from the biggest, baddest baile funksters in the playground. Check out the Bonde's on-tour health tips at www.xlr8r.com/tv/32
THE RADIO The Other Side of Life Reekus ****
Steve M and his merry men and women continue to pile on the charm with another mellifluous tune from Charm Offensive. This string-driven song is just what discerning pop-pickers want and need. Get free songs from their last album, Kindness, on www.the radio.ie/listen.htm
THE CHARLATANS You Cross My Path www.xfm.co.uk ***
Nothing beats a good insult song, and this one finds Tim Burgess in vitriolic mode as he berates the object of his hatred: "I'll get you! I'll get you!" Musically, it's so-so; lyrically, it's got the killer instinct. You can get this as a free download from XFm.
OWEN BRADY The Been a Lot Better EP SonyBMG ***
In the summer, this Irish singer was waiting for the sun just like the rest of us. Now he's got SAD, but you wouln't know it from the sunny, loungy, jazz-lite tones of his new EP, which blends Air, Steely Dan and Al Jarreau with consummate skill. The EP features The Falling Out of Love Song and Leaving the Lights On.
LEE MEAD Gonna Make You a Star Fascination/Polydor *
One of the most annoying features of this year has been the fascination with naff musical Joseph & His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Mead, as everyone and their cat seems to know, was the winner of horrible TV series Any Dream Will Do. Why cover David Essex? Well, Essex was in Evita, another Lloyd Weber musical, so maybe this is Lee letting us know his next plan.
