[Updated: 6:33 P.M.]
NEWS:
- SMASHING PUMPKINS Launch Tour in Cleveland
In the first of 15 dates with his new band, Billy Corgan reprises his arena-sized sound. [SPIN]
- AMY WINEHOUSE Joins MARK RONSON Onstage in London
The crooner sings her cover of the Zutons’ “Valerie,” but forgets the lyrics to the first verse. [NME]
- WILCO Leaves Nonesuch, May Start Own Label
The Chicago outfit ends their contract with longtime label and may release their next record on their own. [Paste]
- OF MONTREAL and JANELLE MONAE to Tour Together
The two theatrical Georgia natives take their new albums on the road this fall. [SPIN]
- SHAKIRA to Headline World Cup Closing Ceremony
World Cup officials promise a “youthful” and “technologically advanced” show from the Colombian pop star. [Billboard]
- DANGER MOUSE Remembers Recording ‘Dark Night’ with SPARKLEHORSE‘s MARK LINKOUS
“Working with Mark wasn’t always easy,” said the producer. “To be honest, it’s difficult for me to talk about….” [Guardian]
- LADY GAGA Wows at Triumphant Homecoming Show at Madison Square Garden
“Every second you watch me on this stage,” she told the crowd, “remember, I was once sitting where you are.” [MTV]
- BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE, TEGAN & SARA, OWEN PALLET Make POLARIS PRIZE Short List
Besnard Lakes, Caribou, and more also nominated for Canada’s prize for best full-length album. [NME]
- CONOR OBERST‘s Band DESAPARECIDOS Reunite for Immigration Benefit Gig
Oberst will also perform with Bright Eyes on July 31 in Omaha to protest a new law targeting illegal immigrants. [Omaha]
- TRENT REZNOR and His Wife MARIQUEEN MAANDIG Expecting First Baby
“It’s like here’s a brand-new life and you’re in charge of it, now go!” said Maandig. [Women’s Wear Daily]
- THE TING TINGS Finish Recording Second Album In Berlin
“It’s very different to the first one. It’s still us and it’s still pop. It’s just huge,” singer Katie White said of the duo’s new LP. [BBC Newsbeat]
- RIHANNA and KE$HA Kick-Off Wild Summer Tour
Two of pop music’s feistiest females get the party started in Vancouver, BC. [SPIN]
- THE STROKES‘ New Album Due in March
Frontman Julian Casablancas says the New York rockers are “almost halfway” finished with the LP. [SPIN]
MP3s & VIDEOS:
- LISTEN: MAVIS STAPLE, JEFF TWEEDY Collabo
Hear the Tweedy-penned title track off the soul legend’s new record, You Are Not Alone. [Pitchfork]
- LISTEN: TVOTR Side-Project MAXIMUM BALLOON
Hear “If You Return,” an electro-pop jam from Dave Sitek’s solo project, featuring Little Dragon on vocals. [SPIN]
- WATCH: Gritty New Clip from GASLIGHT ANTHEM
New Jersey rockers release NYC-themed clip for “American Slang,” the title track from their breakout album. [SPIN]
- LISTEN: More Music from PETE WENTZ‘s New Project
Fall Out Boy bassist releases second taste of Black Cards, a new female-fronted group. [SPIN]
- LISTEN: M.I.A.‘s New Album Streaming Online
Hear 11 of 12 tracks from the much-anticipated MAYA now! [SPIN]
- WATCH: LIL WAYNE Ashes Blunt in Grammy Statue
What happens inside Weezy’s luxury Miami condo at 5 A.M.? Click here to find out. [SPIN]
- LISTEN: SMASHING PUMPKINS Release New Song
Hear “Freak,” a poppy single from Billy Corgan and Co. [SPIN]
- LISTEN: New OF MONTREAL Track
“Hydra Fancies” is a bouncy song from the Athens, GA, group’s new LP False Priest, out Sept. 14. [Some Kind of Awesome]
- LISTEN: LIZ PHAIR‘s Weird New Single
Exile in Guyville singer unexpectedly releases new album with rap-esque lead track. Hear it now. [SPIN]
