No doubt about it, this week belonged to newly-minted President-Elect Barack Obama. But that doesn’t mean the music world lay dormant: Fall Out Boy, Smashing Pumpkins, and the Decemberists all kicked off their respective U.S. tours, while the Killers treated fans to new tracks in London. Meanwhile, several artists — including Amy Winehouse and Yeah Yeah Yeahs — unveiled plans for records in 2009.
Below, check out these stories plus the week’s best MP3s, reviews, and more.
Highlights
- Fall Out Boy Off-Key at Tour Opener
The rusty pop-punk quartet struggle with their warm-up set at an intimate Boston club. READ>> - The Killers Debut New Songs in London
The Las Vegas foursome mix their hits with five tunes off their upcoming album, Day & Age. Read our review. READ>> - Smashing Pumpkins Kick Off 20th Anniversary Tour
The reunited alt-rock legends skip fan faves and dedicate a song to “MILF” Sarah Palin at Cleveland tour opener. READ>> - The Decemberists Debut New Tunes at Tour Opener
With supporting act Loch Lomond in tow, Colin Meloy and Co. kick off their U.S. jaunt in New York City. READ>> - Amy Winehouse Records New Songs
The troubled nightingale’s follow-up to Back to Black is coming along — and apparently the demos are great! Click here for details. READ>> - Yeah Yeah Yeahs: “New Album Very Different”
See what Karen O and crew have to say about their next release — and find out when to expect it. READ>> - Next Arctic Monkeys Album Coming Soon!
The Brit-pop wunderkinds are almost finished with their third record. Click here for details! READ>> - New Bruce Springsteen Album!
The rock’n’roll legend is reportedly working on the follow-up to Magic. Click here for details! >>READ
Editor’s Blog
- Lost in the ‘Twilight’ Zone
Edward may be a marble god of a vampire, but, geesh, can’t somebody write him a decent pickup line? By SPIN’s Phoebe Reilly. READ>> - The Sorry State of Reunions
GN’R, Smashing Pumpkins, the Jackson Five, and Led Zeppelin are four major offenders, says SPIN’s Abigail Everdell. READ>> - SPIN.com’s Presidential Playlists!
Get ready America! SPIN’s Ellen Carpenter picks the best songs for an Obama — or McCain — inauguration. READ>>
Audio/Video
- Paramore Premiere ‘Twilight’ SongVideo!
Click here to watch “Decode,” the pop-punk band’s contribution to the Twilight soundtrack. READ>> - Watch Smashing Pumpkins Play Unreleased Song
In the studio: Billy Corgan and band perform the eight-minute, acoustic “99 Floors.” READ>> - Stream Leona Naess’ Stirring Duet with Ryan Adams
Hear the once-engaged couple revisit long lost chemistry on “Leave Your Boyfriends.” READ>> - New Video: Kings of Leon, “Use Somebody”
The Southern kin show the melancholy side of touring in this clip for the latest single from Only By the Night. READ>>
Reviews
- Little Joy, Little Joy (Rough Trade) READ>>
- Q-Tip, The Renaissance (Universal Motown) READ>>
- Dragonette, Galore (I Surender) READ>>
- Wild Beasts, Limbo, Panto (Domino) READ>>/a>
PLUS: The best of last week.