Gorillaz will release best-of compilation
The Damon Albarn-fronted band will be releasing a 15-track compilation of singles, videos and remixes to celebrate the band’s 10th anniversary.
Tentatively titled “The Singles Collection,” the album will arrive Nov. 29 and will be available on CD, DVD, vinyl and a limited-edition 7” box set.
Portishead return to the U.S.
The gloom-rockers from Britain recently returned to the states to headline the Asbury Park, New Jersey festival All Tomorrow’s Parties. The band then played two shows in New York, treating fans to a definite change of sound than the sexy, slow rock that made them popular with 1994’s “Dummy.”
Portishead’s sound has become decidedly more experimental and a bit chaotic, though the group did play a few favorites off their earlier albums.
Smashing Pumpkins embark on new tour with new material
Billy Corgan and Co. recently opened their tour in Los Angeles, playing new tracks from their upcoming album, “Oceania,” as well as older favorites dating back to their early days.
The band left out material from not-so-well-received albums “Machina” and “Zeitgeist,” but
played much material from their debut album “Gish” and the follow-up “Siamese Dream.”
I’m not promising anything, but I would imagine that if one were so inclined, videos of the show could probably be found on YouTube.
Unfortunately the Pumpkins will not be coming to the Northwest.
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks rock a rooftop
Yep, the Portland-based indie-rockers recently played a rooftop show in New York. The set was full of songs from their most recent release, “Mirror Traffic,” as well a few older songs.
To check out some cool video of the gig, head over to pitchfork.com.
Former Weezer bassist dies
Mikey Welsh, a painter and former bassist for the rock band Weezer, died Sunday of unknown causes.
Welsh played on Weezer’s 2001 “Green Album” before leaving the band, citing a nervous breakdown as his reason for departure.
Welsh was found dead in a Chicago hotel room.
Sting turns 60
The former Police frontman and bassist recently celebrated his 60th birthday in New York. Appearing onstage at the sold-out show at New York’s Beacon Theater were Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and many others.
The music spanned Sting’s 25-year career, including his solo work as well as Police hits.
Beastie Boys team up with Converse
The B-Boys will be appearing on limited-edition Converse shoes soon. The shoes will feature never-before-seen images of the group, and are slated to sell for $200.
The photos are from the group’s 1986 tour for “Licensed to Ill.”
Adele cancels U.S. tour
Citing issues involving her vocal chords, Adele has canceled tour dates for the second time this year. The U.S. dates were scheduled to begin Oct. 7 in Atlantic City and wrap up Oct. 21 in Texas.
The singer has been diagnosed with a vocal chord hemorrhage, and has been advised by doctors to take an extended period of rest to fully recuperate.
Tone Loc pleads no contest to domestic violence charge
The “Funky Cold Medina” rapper pleaded no contest to domestic violence and other charges after a fight with his “baby-mama” about three months ago.
The charges include corporal injury to a child’s parent and possession of an assault weapon.
The rapper, whose real name is Anthony Smith, was sentenced to one day in county jail, three years probation, 52 weeks of anger management counseling and 30 days of community service.
Listen to Radiohead’s complete two-disc remix album
Titled TKOL RMS 1234567, the “King of Limbs” remix albums are currently streaming on The Hype Machine. The 19-track collection is scheduled for release on Oct. 11.
The two-disc set includes remixes from electronic acts like Caribou, Modeselektor, the xx’s Jamie xx and SBTRKT.
Michael Jackson was DOA according to ER doctors
In the ongoing trial of Michael Jackson’s physician Dr. Conrad Murray, it was revealed that the doctor never mentioned that he had given the singer Propofol, the anesthetic that eventually killed the singer, and Jackson arrived at the emergency room already deceased.
Murray, 58, is being charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death. The trial begins its third week Monday.
In other Jackson news, his estate released a report that said a new album will be released in November, and will consist of outtakes and alternate versions of his old hits.
New Feist record streaming now
“Metals,” the new album from Feist, is currently streaming over at twentyfourbit.com.
Leslie Feist dropped the first single off the album in July, but now the entire album can be heard for a limited time.
“Metals” was released Oct. 4.
Garbage will release new album in 2012
The alt-rockers have announced they are finishing up work on an as-yet-untitled LP that will be released in the spring of next year.
The album will be their fifth, and the first since 2005’s “Bleed Like Me.”
Listen to three unfinished Hank Williams songs
Head on over to npr.org to hear some unfinished music from the country legend, Hank Williams.
“The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams” was released Oct. 4, with music by other artists set to lost lyrics from the late singer.
Jack White, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams and other artists contributed to the album.
