Rolling Stone has published a feature with Colin Meloy of The Decemberists, regarding the band's forthcoming album, Hazards of Love. Meloy confesses people will probably call the new record a "rock opera." [www.rollingstone.com]
Following news of the January 27th release of Noble Beast, Andrew Bird has announced US tour dates throughout January and February in support. All the dates and details are at andrewbird.net.
Jane's Addiction will play another impromptu renuion gig at the El Cid in Los Angeles tomorrow night, Thursday, November 20th. [www.nme.com]
Back in September, Thursday announced they signed a deal with Epitaph. The band have now announced the release of a new album, Common Existence, on February 17th, 2009. Spin.com has studio footage and an interview with frontman Geoff Rickly. [spin.com]
Beck announced today he will be working with Charlotte Gainsbourg on her follow up to 2006's 5:55. [www.spin.com]
Happy In Galoshes from Scott Weiland is streaming in its entirety over on MySpace. The album is out on November 25th. [stereogum.com]
Nine Inch Nails have offered Ilan Rubin from Lostprophets the drum throne beginning in early 2009. Josh Freese previously announced his departure from the Nine Inch Nails touring band, following the group's current tour. [www.roadrunnerrecords.com]
Ben Lee will return on on February 10th, 2009 with his seventh full-length, The Rebirth of Venus, produced by Brad Wood. Part of the proceeds from the album will go to FINCA's Village Banking program, which funds women entrepreneurs in the lowest-income areas. More details can be found at New West Records.
The Thermals have left Sub Pop for the fairer waters of Kill Rock Stars. The group will release their fourth album, Now We Can See, on April 7th. Read more about the new KRS deal from Hutch Harris over on Pitchfork. [www.pitchforkmedia.com]
Paul McCartney has announced plans to release "Carnival of Light," a lost track from The Beatles. The 14-minute, improvised song was recorded in 1967 for an electronic music festival. [news.bbc.co.uk]
Nonesuch will release Keep It Hid, the solo debut from Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, on Feburary 10th, 2009. [nonesuch.com]
It's heavily rumored that The Roots will retire from touring in March 2009 to become Jimmy Fallon's house band. Fallon will take over the late night slot from Conan O’Brien. Blog posts and YouTube videos have been mysteriously disappearing left and right, we'll see how this story pans out. [nahright.com]
Bruce Springsteen will release his new album, Working on a Dream, on January 27th. The set will include "The Wrestler," which was written for Darren Aronofsky's forthcoming film of the same name. [www.billboard.com]
Bon Iver will release Blood Bank, a new four-song EP, on January 20th. Justin Vernon and crew will also make a David Letterman appearance on December 11th. [blog.myspace.com]
Foo Fighters will appear on the November 26th episode of Top Chef. The contestants will make Thanksgiving dinner for the band at a tour stop in Rochester, NY. [hollywoodinsider.ew.com]
Bonnie "Prince" Billy will follow up 2008's Lie Down In The Light with Beware on March 17th via Drag City. Reportedly, it's Oldham's "most ambitious" album to date. [tinymixtapes.com]
Handsome Furs will return on February 3rd March 10th with Face Control via Sub Pop. The album was recorded by Arlen Thompson at Mount Zoomer (you know, from that other band).
[www.pitchforkmedia.com]
In the ongoing saga that is the Led Zeppelin reunion, Jimmy Page's management has released word that the new incarnation of the band will not tour under the name Led Zeppelin without Robert Plant. Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge (aka Creed minus Scott Stapp) is at the top of a short list to fill the slot. [www.rollingstone.com]
Mitch Mitchell was reportedly found dead in a Portland, Oregon hotel yesterday morning. Mitchell was the last remaining member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. [www.rollingstone.com]
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez has released Old Money through Stones Throw. The release is described as a "10-track collection of concise rock compositions." Download it digitally now or wait for the physical release on January 27th. [www.stonesthrow.com]
