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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]
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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]
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Sad news: The Decemberists‘ Jenny 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]
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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]
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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]
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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]