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R.E.M. Classic Reissue, M. Ward Solo LP + More

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  • R.E.M. will reissue their classic album Lifes Rich Pageant on July 2 on CD and limited-edition 180-gram vinyl. The set will come packaged with a 19-track bonus disc of unreleased songs dubbed “The Athens Demos,” which were recorded in 1986. [Slicing Up Eyeballs]

  • M. Ward will put She & Him and Monsters of Folk on hold in order to work on solo material. The singer-songwriter says he’ll cut a new album in his Portland, OR, home, although he hasn’t announced definitive plans for its release. “I have a giant backlog of songs that…I really haven’t had time to revisit or improve upon,” he said. “It’s time to start finishing those songs.” [HitFix]

  • Sad news: The DecemberistsJenny Conlee has been diagnosed with breast cancer, but her chances of beating the disease are said to be good. “Jenny caught it early,” frontman Colin Meloy said in a statement. “And while the prognosis is very, very good for a full recovery, tackling the disease will mean some intensive treatment for our Jenny as well as a lot of important recovery time.” Conlee will most likely sit out the band’s upcoming tour dates in May and June. [The Decemberists]

  • Beyoncé and Bruno Mars have reportedly recorded a collaboration for Jay-Z and Kanye West‘s forthcoming Watch the Throne album. The pair will appear on a track titled “Lift Off.” [Digital Spy]

  • My Morning Jacket will team up with director Todd Haynes (I’m Not There) for a live-stream concert broadcast set to air on May 31. The show is part of American Express’ Unstaged series, which previously produced an Arcade Fire concert directed by Terry Gilliam. [Spinner]

  • Jimmy Fallon will do a week-long tribute Bob Marley on his show next week. The event will feature musical performances of Marley’s songs by Chris Cornell, Jakob Dylan, Ziggy Marley, and others. [Billboard]