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News Roundup: Jay-Z, Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, Freebass

Jay-Z to head Apple record label? Smashing Pumpkins drop EP, Beck's Odelay receives deluxe treatment, and Liam Gallagher hits Freebass.

Def Jam may not fork over the cash for Hova, but it appears Mr. Steve Jobs' pocket book is a little deeper; According to a report by The Boy Genius, Jay-Z is entering into a deal with Apple to head the computer company's first record label. World domination: check. An Apple spokesperson declined comment on the rumors. [Via thedailyswarm.com]

On the heels of dropping their reunion LP, Zeitgeist, Smashing Pumpkins have unveiled American Gothic, a new EP available now in the U.S. exclusively via iTunes. The four-song set was recorded between the alt-rock god's tours, and dispatches "The Rose March," an older, Pete Townshend-approved Billy Corgan track. [Via Pitchfork]

Like Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, and many other influential musicians before him, Beck's landmark 1996 LP Odelay will be deluxe-ified and reissued Jan. 29 as a two-disc set with 19 new tracks -- unreleased material from the album's original sessions, remixes, and B-sides -- including a Spanish language mariachi rendition of "Jackass," entitled "Burro." ¡Enhorabuena! [Via Pitchfork]

Liam Gallagher, historically fond of substance insuffilation, will experiment with a new method of consumption, and take the stage in Manchester with Freebass, a collective of low-enders including former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke, New Order's Peter Hook, and Primal Scream's Mani. More news sure to come -- Peter Hook loves to blog! [Via The Sun]