News and Notes: My Bloody Valentine, Traitors via VBS, Mates of State

///Kevin Shields has been working on My Bloody Valentine's TLC makeover. 1988's Isn't Anything and 1991's Loveless are both being cleaned up and remastered for a UK June 16th release date. They are working on a brand new album, but no word on when those songs will be in everyone's hot little hands. [Thanks, Aversion]

///Speaking of the '90's, Saturday night at everyone's favorite dive, The Mutiny, Chicago's VBS will be performing as The Traitors - including ex-Traitors singer Tod Pot. Party like its 1995!

///In celebration of a sunny Friday, check out the full album stream of the pop-gum-sweet Mates of State's new record Re-arrange Us. You can pick up a physical copy on May 20th via Barsuk. [Thanks, Punknews]

News and Notes: City v. Music Promoters (or, contact your alderman...stat!), Lolla Additions

///UPDATE: Channel 11 now has their Chicago Tonight segment regarding the ordinance available on-line. Click here to check out the panel discussion with Jim Derogatis and alderman George Cardenas. Obviously we're biased, but this video would appear to support what's been asserted in print so far about the aldermen seeming "out of touch" with how the scene works. For additional perspective straight from the aldermen's mouth, check out the extensive interviews posted earlier this week over at Time Out Chicago.

///UPDATE: Ordinance has been shelved!! (for the moment)

/// The backlash against the proposed city council ordinance to place more restrictions on music booking is not only growing, but it's started to organize. Check out savechicagoculture.org to get all the details about the ordinance and instructions on how to contact your alderman. Don't delay, the ordinance will be voted on TOMORROW. Also be sure to check back for updates with Jim DeRogatis, who has been an invaluable resource in bringing this issue to light.

///DeVotchKa, Iron & Wine, Saul Williams, Tiny Masters of Today and mid-90s one-hit wonders The Toadies(!?) have been added to the line-up of Lollapalooza, plus about a dozen other bands that I've never even heard of.

News and Notes: RFC Presents...our last?, TOC live reviews, Sonotheque party

///Hey, so we're presenting The Long Blondes at the LSA on the 24th...don't miss this one, it may be one of our last if all this City Council bollocks goes through!

///Check out the Time Out Chicago music blog for fresh reviews of the Cut Copy/Black Kids and Robyn shows this week. Also, congrats to A.J., who was the winner of our Black Kids vinyl contest this week.

///The Empty Bottle, American Apparel and Venus magazine are teaming up tonight for a party at Sonotheque. Not only can you get in for free if you RSVP to Venus, but word on the street is that there will also be scantily clad ladies from American Apparel passing out free swag.

News and Notes: Free downloads a plenty...

///Yesterday Nine Inch Nails released a free download of their entire new album, The Slip. Is Trent on new meds or is he just more prolific these days and feeling generous?

///And speaking of drugs, The Dandy Warhols yesterday announced they'll be self-releasing a new album this summer titled Earth to the Dandy Warhols, with a free download of the first track available now. You can go to the Dandys homepage to sign up, or you can just snag it with no strings attached at Stereogum.

///Keep tabs on the Office website this summer as they'll be releasing a new record in mid-July and will make it available as a free download for an entire month. Plus, vinyl copies are promised "for cheap."

///Actually, you know what...forget all this downloading BS, it's going to be 80 degrees and sunny today! Get your ass outside and go to a real record store!! New releases out today from Elvis Costello, Matmos, Four Tet, Republic Tigers, Last Shadow Puppets and more.   

News and Notes: Bottom Lounge Bust, The Note Put Out Of Its Misery, Benefit at Finch Gallery

///Avant-Chicago reports that the (re)opening of The Bottom Lounge will be delayed...again. As usual, city code issues are to blame. The scheduled Saturday night show with Haywood Yards has been moved to The Note, no word on any plan B for the Urge Overkill show on Friday.

///And speaking of The Note, tonight Tankboy is presenting a farewell concert for the venue as it will soon be closing its doors as a part-time rock venue. The speculation is that the 4am spot will reemerge as another preppy club catering to the gentrified crowd...which is lame, but did anyone genuinely like that place as a music venue? I'm guessing the phrase, "sweet, their show is at The Note!!" was rarely, if ever, heard around these parts. Perhaps it's for the best...   

///Also earlier on tonight in Logan Square, there's a silent auction benefit at the Finch Gallery featuring items from local artists and merchants, music by DJ Justin Rathell and free beer. Support the cause and get even more warm fuzzy feelings from the free booze.    

News and Notes: Coachella, Pitchfork Fest, Fireside Bowl Project, Outkast, Amy Winehouse

///Coachella is the big news from over the weekend. BrooklynVegan has some great coverage, but make sure to hit all your favorite sites. Plus, don't forget to check out Prince covering Radiohead and Roger Waters endorsing Obama.

///Speaking of festivals, if you haven't checked out Pitchfork's line-up lately, they have the finalized list available. New additions include The Hold Steady, Caribou, and Sebadoh.

///The Fireside Bowl Project, an effort to artistically remember the rock 'n' roll/bowling haven, officially opens on May 2nd with an opening reception from 5:30pm till 8pm. Check it out at Hokin Center Gallery and Annex, 623 S. Wabash, 1st Floor, Chicago. If you can't make the opening reception go anytime Monday-Thursday: 9am to 7pm or Friday: 9am to 5pm.

///Outkast may be looking at 2009 for a new album. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

///In the continuing fiasco that is Amy Winehouse's life, police have given her an official caution after she allegedly found herself in a bar scuffle. [Thanks, Billboard]

News and Notes: Steven Albini, The Liars, NOMO

Some days Pitchfork has the only worthwhile news, so here are some quick links.

///Chicago's Steve Albini will be recording Scott Weiland's next solo album. I think everyone is surprised by this.

///The Liars will be playing a few off dates while opening for Radiohead. One of those off days is May 13th at Reggie's Rock Club.

///NOMO, who are great, are releasing their third album, Ghost Rock, on June 17th via Ubiquity.

News and Notes: Architecture in Helsinki, Sass Dragons, Superchunk, Bottom Lounge

///Architecture in Helsinki is back after a bit of a break. To let us all know they are truly serious they are getting ready to release a new EP built around a re-recording of their song "Like it or Not." Polyvinyl Records will be releasing the EP digitally May 27th and in stores on July 8th. [Thanks, Pfork]

///The band that some have been heard to say is the best Chicago punk band right now, the Sass Dragons, have a new album out via Let's Pretend Records/Johann's Face Records. See them at Ronny's on May 17th.

///Superchunk is currently half done writing and recording a new album. The band plans to finish the album, but does not have any kind of schedule to help them get it done. When it is eventually released it will be the first release since 2001's Here's to Shutting Up. [Thanks, Aversion]

///After problems with the final city inspection it looks like the new Bottom Lounge will finally get around to hosting their first show since they moved from their Belmont/Sheffield location. The first show will (probably) be Urge Overkill on May 2nd. [Thanks, Theft Liable]

News and Notes: Arcade Fire, Dirty Projectors, ATP, My Bloody Valentine, Beatles Day, Conor Oberst

///Even though Obama lost in Pennsylvania, Arcade Fire will still be playing some free Obama rally show in North Carolina in preparation for the primary on May 6th. If Arcade Fire isn't enough, Superchunk will also be playing at these shows. Tickets are required, but the tickets are free. More info here. [Thanks, Pfork]

///Dirty Projectors have signed with Domino Records for a release in 2009. It also sounds like they are working on a 2nd album for release at about the same time, but it is not clear which label will get to sign their name to and distribute the 2nd record. [Thanks, Spacelab]

///My Bloody Valentine have been working on their curating duties for New York's version of All Tomorrow's Parties, plus planning a tour that will hit 6 to 8 U.S. cities. If you are one of the 3,000 people lucky enough to get tickets (they go on sale the 25th) you'll have the opportunity to see My Bloody Valentine, Built to Spill, Meat Puppets, Thurston Moore, and Tortoise perform some significant albums. Plus Shellac, Low, Mogwai, and many more will be playing some sets as well. [Thanks, BrooklynVegan]

///In my opinion, my favorite new holiday is still Record Store Day, but Beatles Day on July 10th won't be bad either. Liverpool has initiated the holiday in celebration of the 44th anniversary of The Beatles returning from their first American tour. Mop-top wigs and inflatable guitars will be for sale across the city. [Thanks, NME]

///In a game of semantics Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst will be releasing a solo album. As many people know Bright Eyes is the brain child of singer/song writer Oberst, in which he recruits many of his friends to play along and help arrange his songs. The solo album also includes a group of friends, this time they are collectively called The Mystic Valley Players. The solo album, recorded in Mexico, will be hitting store shelves August 5th via Merge Records. [Thanks, Aversion]

News and Notes: Cat Power, Mates of State, Yea Big + Kid Static, The Smashing Pumpkins

///Cat Power's Chan Marshall has damaged her vocal chords and has had to cancel a string of dates. It looks like she'll be ready for action early next month. [Thanks, Aversion]

///Mates of State will be releasing their new album, Re-Arrange Us, on May 20th via Barsuk records. They will be going on a short tour in support of the album, including a stop at Lollapalooza.

///Chicago's Yea Big + Kid Static can have their music video in rotation on MTV, but they need votes. Go here to vote and see the video - maybe you can vote them to the top of the 4am rotation!

///The Smashing Pumpkins have hinted at moving away from traditional (i.e. CD's) music formats on any future releases. [Thanks, NME]

News and Notes: Bowie, Neko Case, Byrne & Eno, James McMurtry

///Get ready 2008, David Bowie will be releasing a new album on June 30th. But wait, this isn't a new new album, but rather a live bootleg release from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on October 20th, 1972 - one of the bands earlier state side gigs. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

///Neko Case, at a recent New Pornographers concert in Washington D.C., fell and badly hurt her ankle. After attempting to "play through the pain" she realized that Canada's national health care would be pretty nice. She has since (sadly) quit the tour and will not play with the band on their remaining few dates. Unfortunately this news comes late to those who went to Saturday's show at The Riv. [Thanks, Aversion]

///David Byrne and Brian Eno are finishing up on a record that they collaborated for - the first time since 1981's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. No word on release dates, labels, or tracklists, but it does look like their will be Byrne/Eno tour dates sometime in the future. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

///Singer/Songwriter James McMurtry remembers vinyl, high fidelity, and record stores on Saturday's first official Record Store Day.

News and Notes: Joy Division Zune, Silver Jews, Joan of Arc, Colin Meloy

///While it doesn't seem like Microsoft's Zune is a big hit with the kids, maybe with this new promotion it will be a hit with the older kids - old enough to have gotten into Joy Division. In conjunction with Grant Lee's upcoming Joy Division documentary, the Zune can be purchased with the artwork of the Unknown Pleasures LP. So sad, so digital. [Thanks, Pfork]

///Silver Jews will be releasing a new album, Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea, on June 17th, via Drag City. If you live in Europe you can catch the band on tour, but the real news - for those without the money for a plane ticket - is the cover art (look to your right). [Thanks, Pfork]

///Chicago's Joan of Arc have announced May 20th as the date for the release of their latest effort, Boo! Human. The band will be playing 2 dates in Chicago, and band leader Tim Kinsella is playing one solo show on April 20th. After that they will be touring around the country. [Thanks, Punknews]

///Colin Meloy, of The Decemberists, has some live songs available for your listening pleasure on NPR.

News and Notes: More Record Store Day Fun, Neil Hamburger Listening Party, Jane's Addiction Reunites (again)

///We told you Monday about the Zaireeka! listening party at Permanent Records in honor of Record Store Day on Saturday, and now comes word that Rogue Wave will be joining in the celebration at Reckless on Milwaukee and playing a live acoustic set at 5pm.

///Speaking of records, the one and only Neil Hamburger (aka "America's Funnyman") has a new country record out on Drag City that comes out next Tuesday and there will be a listening party for it this Sunday at the Rainbo at 7pm. Check out his hot new video for the track "Jug Town" here.

///Jane's Addiction is reuniting once again (albeit briefly) next week in Los Angeles for the first ever NME Awards USA. The big news this time around is that original bassist Eric Avery recently agreed to rejoin the band for this one night, making it the first time the original Jane's line-up will have played together since 1991.

News and Notes: Austin City Limits, Wolf Parade, Thax Douglas

///Austin City Limits have announced the line-up for their annual fall festival. You can look forward to M. Ward, Spiritualized, David Byrne, Hot Chip, and many many more. Tickets are available. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

///The first single off of the Wolf Parade we talked about yesterday is called "Call it a Ritual." Spacelab has an mp3 for your enjoyment. An official album title has not been announced.

///Chicago poet Thax Douglas has announced, via a MySpace bulletin, that he is working on a new book and is also looking forward to a vinyl release as well. The vinyl will consist of the poet reading poems in a laid back style while a person plays a Hammond Organ. The book comes as a follow-up to his book of poetry Tragic Faggot Syndrome published in 2000.

News and Notes: Wolf Parade, Record Store Day, Smoking Popes, Wire, Amy Winehouse, Kaki King

///Wolf Parade have completed recording their next album in the church-to-studio conversion owned by The Arcade Fire. The album is rumored to be an experimental affair, consisting of the best parts of the live jams linked together - far from the sound on their debut. [Thanks, Aversion]

///This Saturday, April 19th, is Record Store Day, so make sure to visit your local record store and buy all those records you've been meaning to buy. The Ukrainian Village's Permanent Records is holding some live in store performances, a Zaireeka listening party, free stuff with every (and any) purchase, and Record Store Day exclusive releases.

///Chicago's The Smoking Popes will be releasing their follow-up to 1997's Destination Failure on June 7th. It's called Stay Down and will be celebrated with a release party at The Metro. New songs are available on their MySpace. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

///The legends, Wire, are ready to release their 11th album, titled Object 47. It is the 47th item in the Wire catalog of releases. Release dates and other information are pending. [Thanks, Pfork]

///Amy Winehouse has reportedly canceled her latest recording session. That means you'll have to wait till 2009 until you can get your hands on more Winehouse. [Thanks, NME]

///Kaki King was kind enough to let NPR record a live performance in Harrisburg, PA while out on her current tour.

News and Notes: The Smiths, Prince, The Mars Volta

///The Smiths' album The Queen is Dead has received its share of praise (and critiques) over the years. Now, on June 10th, Sexy Intellectual, with the help of Music Video Distributors, will be releasing more praise titled The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead: A Classic Album Under Review. The documentary will review the making of the record and the legacy its left behind. Now everyone fire up that last.fm and kick up the album's ratings. [Thanks, Pfork]

///Coachella is coming up quick for those who are heading to the desert festival, but now you can rest assured that the tickets were worth the price. Prince is officially headlining the festival's second night! Sure it's not Radiohead or Wilco, but Prince has played the Super Bowl! [Thanks, Aversion]

///The Mars Volta recently released a new album titled The Bedlam in Goliath, but (maybe) more importantly they will be stopping by Chicago on their huge multi-continental tour with a stop at the Aragon Ballroom on April 20th. Show starts at 7pm and tickets are $32.50 plus fees. [Thanks, PunkNews]

News and Notes: King Khan, Islands, Riot Fest, CHIRP

///King Khan and the Shrines have signed with Vice Records. The 12 piece will be releasing The Supreme Genius of King Khan and the Shrines via their new label on June 17th. The disc is a best-of of sorts and includes songs throughout King Khan's history. [Thanks, PunkNews]

///Islands have announced their new album Arm's Way, which will be released via Anti- on May 20th. If you'd rather (or also) see them live they will be heading by the Logan Square Auditorium on June 2nd. By the way, that is the real cover art. [Thanks, Pfork]

///The Chicago based Riot Fest have announced their dates (no lineups) for 2008's go around. Mark your calendar's for October 10th, 11th, and 12th. A venue has not been announced, but in past years the event as been at the Congress Theater with an old band reunion as the headliner.

///This weekend is the CHIRP Record Fair (formerly WLUW). Admission is $7 or $5 with a flier. Not only do you get the chance to buy records, but various artists will be performing and spinning tunes all day both days. If you would like pre-admission it will set you back $25, but you'll get the jump on the rest of us fools. The event takes place at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk) in Nobel Square.

News and Notes: A Skin, A Night, Alkaline Trio, Bob Dylan, Scout Niblett

///A Skin, A Night is a new movie by director Vincent Moon about The National. The film was recorded during the recording of the band's latest album (The Boxer) and is about the modern experience of making music. The film comes packaged with The Virginia EP and will be made available via Beggars Banquet. Watch the trailer. [Thanks, BrooklynVegan]

///Ex-Chicagoans Alkaline Trio are keeping it real with a new album named Agony and Irony. It will be released July 1st on Warner Brothers. [Thanks, Aversion]

///Bob Dylan has won an honorary Pulitzer Prize. Usually when going to music in some form the prize goes to a classical composition of some sort. Dylan's "win" may be a sign that rock 'n' roll has broken through the glass ceiling of the Pulitzer Prize. [Consequence of Sound]

///Scout Niblett is heading out on tour with a stop at Chicago's Subterranean on April 21st. Currently The Pawners Society is opening. [Thanks, Pfork]

News and Notes: Lolla for Realz, Young Knives, Neva Dinova

/// All those Lolla-rumors we kept feeding you are officially a part of the lineup. Radiohead, Wilco, NIN, and Rage Against the Machine are headlining the fest. Stephan Malkmus, Cat Power, Battles, and many more will play the multitude of "opening" time slots.

///Young Knives recorded their latest single, "Turn Tail," directly to vinyl. The band recorded an acoustic version of the song at London's Westbourne Studios in one take directly to a vinyl record. This hasn't been done for a few decades. [Thanks, NME]

///Neva Dinova have recorded a new record, in a warehouse no less, for Saddle Creek. The record is called You May Already Be Dreaming and will be available on vinyl, CD, and digitally on April 8th. Check out the band live on May 1st at Schubas with Ladyhawk.[Thanks, Pfork]

DeRo strikes again! More Lollapalooza lineup leaked

In the ongoing media tussle between Perry Farrell and Jim DeRogatis, the one dubbed Pepe LePew strikes back by leaking 90 bands on the Lollapalooza lineup before Lolla Mastermind can make his official announcement tomorrow morning, making the score Pepe LePew - 2, Perry - 1.

See the leaked names after the jump!

News and Notes: Lollapalooza Lineup Leaked (again), MySpace Seeks World Domination (musically, at least)

///Officially the Lollapalooza lineup will be announced on Monday (the 7th), but luckily we live in the city of Rezko and Capone. What I'm talking about is our complete lack of shame in committing white collar crimes - like leaking the "official" lineup for Lollapalooza. Jim DeRogatis of the Sun Times did the reporting work we dream of and confirmed all the major acts through industry sources. His headlining list included Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine (reunited), The Raconteurs and hometown heroes Wilco and Kanye West...plus Gnarls Barkley, the Black Keys, Broken Social Scene, G. Love & Special Sauce, Blues Traveler, Mates of State, Bloc Party, Cat Power, Stephen Malkmus, Girl Talk, Kid Sister, Office, the Cool Kids, Battles, the Go! Team,  Jamie Lidell and Grizzly Bear.

///Yesterday it was announced that MySpace, with the blessings of Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner Music Groups (who needs the Pope?), have officially announced a joint venture called Myspace Music. While this name may sound familiar, the new twist aims to take a bite out of iTunes online music profits. From the sounds of it the new Myspace Music will still feature free content (i.e. streaming songs, downloads, ringtones, and concert schedules), but will also let you purchase merchandise, concert tickets, and mp3s. Features will be rolled out over the coming weeks and months. If you're really really really bored today, click on to the full post to hear some rampant BS from CEO's of the corporate music world. The quotes were pulled directly the insanely long press release we received, which we swear must have been one of the longest press ramblings ever created.

News and Notes: Festivals and Tour Dates, Chicago Hip-Hop, Drunken Nickelback

///Summer is just around the corner and that means summer festivals. While some are definitely better than others Chicago sure does have a slew to choose from. [Thanks, TLTP]

///Prolific Oak Park natives, The Fiery Furnaces, have announced some new tour dates including a stop by Chicago's Lakeshore Theater on April 19th. It's all ages and tickets are $20. [Thanks, BrooklynVegan]

///Cursive is braving the cold north once winter finishes tapering off. This means tour dates and that means a show at Subterranean on June 27th. In the meantime check out Tim Kasher's contribution to online lit magazine Take the Handle. [Thanks, Pfork]

///Because we can't get enough of Radiohead, and they keep giving it to us, it sounds like Grizzly Bear will be heading out with Radiohead on the second half of the North American tour. So if Radiohead isn't playing Lollapalooza you'll get to see them in Chicago with Grizzly Bear. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

///Check out the new Chicago based hip-hop website, Oskar-Bravo.

///And finally, for that bartender who wouldn't stop playing '90's rock the other night, the Nickelback singer has been found guilty of drunk driving in Canada. Police stopped the singer; in a Lamborghini; going 160km/h (about 100mph); in Surrey, Canada in June 2007. [Thanks, NME]

News and Notes: Neil Young, Weezer, Stephen Malkmus, Oxford Collapse

///Neil Young and his band are preparing a new release, Toast, as part of their archives series. The songs were recorded all the way back in 2000 at San Fransisco's Toast studios with the help of producer John Hanlon. Look for some bluesy and jazz-tinged songs, but don't be surprised by a few all out rockers. [Thanks, NME]

///Weezer is sticking to the self-titled route with their upcoming sixth album, but this time the album will feature the color red. While the title hasn't been officially confirmed a June 17th release date has been. Rick Rubin did the producing. [Thanks, Pfork]

///Need a Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks fix? Give NPR's stream of their concert at Washington D.C.'s 9:30 Club a listen and see if that doesn't help.

///The Oxford Collapse are getting hyped to release their new 7in via Flameshovel. It is limited to 500 copies, including 100 on orange vinyl. Pre-orders start today, find it in stores if you can on May 13th.

News and Notes: Death Cab, Pitchfork.tv, Ladytron, Radiohead remix, Make Believe

///Death Cab for Cutie has announced several new tour dates including a stop by Chicago's Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion on June 3rd. Tickets go on sale April 19th. Rogue Wave will open. [Thanks, BrooklynVegan]

///Pitchfork's online independent music TV, Pitchfork.tv, hits the airwaves (internetwaves?) April 7th. You say, "Sure that sounds cool, but I can't surf the net like I channel surf." Well, don't worry, the PFork has launched the schedule early, so you can plan ahead for your viewing pleasure.

///Ladytron is working on putting the finishing touches on their new album Velocifero, which is due out June 3rd via Nettwerk Records. See them live June 17th at The Vic. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

///Radiohead has announced a new re-mix site. Essentially you can download the component parts of the current single, "Nude", add your own beats, and upload that sucker. You can listen to the remixes on the remix site. [Thanks, NME]

///Chicago's Make Believe's new record, Going to the Bone Church, will be released on April 29th via Flameshovel. There is a limited pressing of 1000 on 180-gram vinyl, with the first 450 pressed on bone white vinyl. Pre-order started yesterday, which includes a poster. Stream a song on the Flameshovel MySpace.

News and Notes: Emo-Attack, Amy Winehouse, Mos Def

///News reports indicate that emo kids have been the targets of assault in several Mexican cities. It has been suggested that this is due to a government conspiracy, animosity of punks towards emo kids, or a homophobic reaction to the (generally) gay friendly emo scene. Regardless, assaulting people is not the answer to cultural divide - even if that divide is whiny music. [Thanks, Punknews]

///Mos Def will be playing Chuck Berry in an upcoming film called Cadillac Records. The film is about the rise and fall of Chess Records. Beyonce and Cedric the Entertainer are also playing roles in the film. [Thanks, Billboard]

///Amy Winehouse has been working on a new album. Her friends who have heard it describe the songs as dark and a lot of them are on the topic of death. [Thanks, NME]

News and Notes: Pitchfork Bulks Up Line-Up, R.E.M. Love/Hate, Casiotone, Bird Reveals Songwriting Secrets

///This past week most of the buzz has been about the rumors swirling around the Lolla line-up, but Pitchfork strikes back today with the addition of some confirmed heavyweights to their line-up. Mission of Burma has been added to the ATP Friday album feature, and Dinosaur Jr., Ghostface and Raekwon (performing together), and Jarvis Cocker are the big guns added to the rest of the weekend. I probably would've added an (!) to the Jarvis listing anyway since he's a big favorite around the RFC offices, but the Fork also points out that this will be his first Midwest appearance in more than 12 years! 

///Over at the Sun-Times, Jim Derogatis is conflicted once again about his love for R.E.M. Interesting blog post here of Dero backpeddling about recently calling their previous album (Around the Sun) a bore, even though he called it their best record since the 90's when it was released in 2004. Kudos for Dero for admitting and addressing the inconsistency, but it is kind of funny to hear him try to justify his love for a universally-panned album. Then again, I still defend Up occasionally, so I can kind of relate.

///Chicago's Casiotone for the Painfully Alone will be hitting the road with Clue to Kalo in order to see the country. The tour will be stopping by Chicago on April 22nd for an all ages show at the Beat Kitchen.

///Yesterday Andrew Bird kicked off a new on-line feature in the New York Times called "Measure for Measure." The column will address "how to write a song and other mysteries" and will also feature commentary from Rosanne Cash, Suzanne Vega and behind-the-scenes writer/arranger/producer Darrell Brown.

More Lolla-Rumors

It wouldn't be Spring without the continuing swirl of Lolla-rumors around the blogosphere. Not only are Radiohead and NIN rumored to play, but Wilco, a reunited STP, and Rage Against the Machine can also join that list.

It seems that Wilco is excited about some cool exciting gigs coming up in August and STP has an announcement due the same day as the big Lolla announcement. Coincidence? Who knows. Hell, maybe the Smashing Pumpkins will play their first "hometown" gig since their re-transformation, but probably not until September.

News and Notes: Death Cab Artwork, Thom Yorke Remix, M.I.A.

///Death Cab for Cutie reveals ugly-as-hell artwork for their upcoming album, Narrow Stairs'. It's 12 songs long, due out on May 13th, and will be released on Atlantic. [Thanks, Aversion]

///Thom Yorke has remixed a song for the John Mathias and Nick Ryans' remix album Cortical Songs. This is a classical album that will see the light of day come May. [Thanks, NME]

///M.I.A. will be heading on tour after a Coachella appearance. She'll be heading through Chicago with a gig at the Aragon on May 9th. [Thanks, BrooklynVegan]

News and Notes: Smashing Pumpkins, Bad Brains, Atlas Sound, Sybris

///Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins are bringing a suit against Virgin Records, because the label used the Pumpkins in a promotion with Amazon and Pepsi without the bands knowledge.

///Bad Brains are planning a box-set for their latest album Build a Nation. The set contains four 7in's - including one picture disc - and a poster. It will run you about $29. [Thanks, PunkNews]

///4AD has picked up Bradford Cox's Atlas Sound project from Kranky Records. 4AD plans to re-release Let the Blind Lead, make it available outside the U.S., and add a second disc of material. Look for it on May 5th. [Thanks, Spacelab]

///For this week only you can preview the latest record from local band Sybris. Due out on June 3 via Absolutely Kosher, the label is currently streaming their latest effort, Into The Trees, in its entirety on their website.

Lolla Tix Now On Sale

So, the good news is that early bird Lolla tix are finally on sale and (though not "official") Radiohead will most likely finally be making their return to Grant Park as the headliner...

The bad news is that the early bird special isn't much of a deal...right now you'll just save about 30 bucks if you order a 3-day pass. That's the only option available now, with prices going up to $190 when the early birds sell out and then up to $205 when the advance tix sell out.

News and Notes: Gnarls Barkley, Prince, Rilo Kiley, Justice afterparty

///Gnarls Barkley unexpectedly pushed up their release date of their latest record to yesterday. So head over to your local record store and start spinning that Odd Couple. [Thanks, NME]

///Prince will be heading out to Coachella. No word on what day he'll actually be performing, but you were going for the whole thing anyways, right? [Thanks, BrooklynVegan]

///Rilo Kiley will be embarking on a national tour in mid-April. They plan to stop by Chicago and The Riv on May 24th. [Thanks, Filter]

///Speaking of The Riv, going to the Justice show tomorrow night? You can keep the French dance party going until 2am as Sonotheque will be hosting the official afterparty with DJs Gutter Butter (Ben Fasman & Logan Bay), John Herndon (Tortoise), Sirhan and even the Justice boys themselves.

News and Notes: RIP Mikey Dread, Diddy Denies, The Raconteurs, Radiohead Video

///Mikey Dread, best known for his work with The Clash, died on Saturday from a brain tumor. He is survived by a wife and six children. [Thanks, NME]

///The LA Times recently printed a story about Tupac's murder, which implicated hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs in the crime. Diddy denies the story and calls it "beyond ridiculous."

///The Raconteurs finished recording their new album the first week of March and will be releasing Consolers of the Lonely on March 25th. [Thanks, Billboard]

///Radiohead is holding a contest for all of you wanna be music video directors out there. You get to pick the song, make the video, and hopefully win some prizes. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

News and Notes: ABBA, Liars with Radiohead, Keith Richards on Winehouse, Justice

/// ABBA's ex-session-drummer, Ola Brunkert, was found dead by a neighbor on March 16th after he apparently fell fr