Diamondback Online - The University of Maryland's Independent Daily Student Newspaper

most definitely HOT:

"I'm Glad" by The Black Keys

The Black Keys must have some free time as the duo preps for its upcoming tour - the band's version of Captain Beefheart's "I'm Glad" was recorded last Thursday at guitarist/singer Dan Auerbach's studio. It went up on MySpace for free Friday and is available until May 9. The slow-burning, dirty blues song returns the duo to its gritty pre-Attack & Release sound, but is an extension of the pair's already stellar 2008.

"Discipline" by Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails has a pretty solid formula down by now, so it makes sense that Trent Reznor's latest single, "Discipline," would fit the mold. The song features all the typical Reznor touches - an industrial beat, guttural vocals and frustrated, pained lyrics with a subtle middle finger to authority. Hopefully, "Discipline" is indicative of the rest of The Slip, the second free album NIN has offered up in two months. Download this one; we're sure Trent would appreciate it.

most definitely COLD:

"No Matter What" by T.I.

Apparently, house arrest has also managed to confine T.I.'s creativity. The Atlanta rapper released "No Matter What" as a prelude to his newest album, Paper Trail. Even without judging "No Matter What" as a single, which it is not, it's tough to find much redemption here. Nothing but retreds and uninspired lyricism from a rapper with the potential for so much more.

"Violet Hill" by Coldplay

Coldplay offered up its first single for free this past week from the forthcoming album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. "Violet Hill" starts, as all Coldplay songs do, with a slow, building piano. But curiously enough, the guitars kick in, and my, oh my, it seems the boys have developed something of an edge. Sitting Brian Eno behind the boards has clearly upped Coldplay's game - just how much, we will have to wait and see.

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