It was announced that Gang Starr cofounder Guru is now in stable condition. The 43-year-old artist was in a coma for three weeks following a massive heart attack. [Consequence of Sound]

In the wake of recent critical attacks and a handful of canceled shows during the band’s last tour, Jack White spoke out in defense of White Stripes partner Meg White’s abilities as a drummer. [NY Post]

Sigur Rós’s Jónsi Birgisson performed a bare-bones version of MGMT’s “Time to Pretend” for BBC Radio-1. It’s enough to make you cry. [Stereogum]

Todd P’s MtyMx music festival has been riddled with transportation difficulties, border control disputes and band cancellations. Todd P had high hopes for the premiere three-day event, though only 1,000 people have been estimated in attendance. [Village Voice]

Wolf Parade has just wrapped recording on its as-yet-untitled third album, which is due for release on June 29 on Sub Pop. [Twenty Four Bit]

Fans of NYC-TV’s popular music program, New York Noise, have started a website, Facebook group and petition, targeting the government-run station and Mayor Bloomberg in an attempt to revive the show. New York Noise was pulled recently when budget cuts forced the station to suspend production. [Bring Back NY Noise!]

In a recent interview, Gwar member Oderus Urungus compared Brooklyn Vegan to Fox News, and expressed his resentment of John Mayer’s media-friendly genitalia. [Brooklyn Vegan]

San Francisco indie-darlings Girls have plans to release new material this summer, including one track inspired by the recent Miss Teen South Carolina, “Caitlin Upton.” [Consequence of Sound]

BBC News reports that hip-hop mogul Diddy has plans to bid on UK soccer team Crystal Palace. Last year “Palace had ten points deducted after going into administration.” Yeah, no clue what that means. [BBC News]

Jakob Dylan’s upcoming album, Women and Country, features his recent collaborative work with Neko Case and Kelly Hogan. Dylan and Case will play tracks off the new release at Town Hall on April 21. [Consequence of Sound]

Jack White and Jay-Z have reportedly finished recording a song, though there is no word on how or when the track will be available. [Pitchfork]

Singer-songwriter Alex Chilton passed away yesterday at the age of 59. The cause of death has not been confirmed, though sources believe it was due to a heart attack. [Pitchfork]

Class is now in session: Polyphonic Spree guitarist Cory Helms is  offering one-on-one lessons on the band’s official blog. [Stereogum]

Though originally scheduled to play five SXSW shows, in addition to a New York show at Pianos on March 27, the band Nebula announced that it has broken up. No word yet on who will take its place at the shows. [Brooklyn Vegan]

Modest Mouse plans to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its major-label debut LP, The Moon & Antarctica, with a remastered vinyl edition. The rerelease will be available on this year’s Record Store Day, April 17. [Pitchfork]

M.I.A., pictured, may find pleasure in provoking Twitter audiences with elusive promises of a third release, but at least her fans can take heart in plenty of face time this summer: The artist has announced plans to tour the U.S. in July, including a show at an as-yet-unannounced New York venue on July 24. [Consequence of Sound]

Executives at MTV denied allegations by CNN that the music network banned Lady Gaga and Beyoncé’s video for “Telephone.” [Gawker]

MGMT member Andrew Van Wyngarden revealed that “Lady Dada’s Nightmare,” off the upcoming Congratulations, is actually about the band’s desire to get all freaky-like with Lady Gaga. [MTV News]

She & Him’s second album, Volume Two, is now streaming for free at NPR. [NPR]

Following the recent release of the single, “Skinny Little Bitch,” Hole has added a second show at Terminal 5 on April 28. [Ticketmaster]

Charlotte Gainsbourg will embark on ten city tour of the U.S. this spring. This will be the French artist’s first North American tour and includes an April 25 show at Webster Hall. [Pitchfork]

DMX was reportedly arrested for having violated the terms of his probation. The troubled rapper’s people have since reached out to Celebrity Rehab host Dr. Drew Pinksy for support. [Consequence of Sound]

Due to an “unforeseen family matter,” the Allman Brothers Band has canceled its five New York shows originally scheduled for March 22–27. Refunds are available at Ticketmaster. [Brooklyn Vegan]

It’s been three years since its last release, but Hot Hot Heat will premiere its new album, Future Breeds, on June 1 on Danger Bird Records. [Consequence of Sound]

Echo & the Bunnymen’s upcoming tour will include a May 1 show at Irving Plaza. [Paste]

Hot Chip has added a performance at Central Park SummerStage to its U.S. tour. Tickets for the August 4 show will be available tonight at 11pm via AmEx and venue presales, and on Friday at noon to the general public. [Brooklyn Vegan]

Deertick frontman John McCauley, Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith and Delta Spirit frontman Matt Vasquez have teamed up to form MG&V, with its debut performance scheduled for March 19 at this year’s SXSW. [Consequence of Sound]

A British high court has ordered EMI to cease the distribution of Pink Floyd singles and provide compensation for any unlawful sales prior to the ruling. [The Guardian]

In addition to the April 12 release of the single “Olympians,” Fuck Buttons has announced a lengthy tour, which will include a May 21 show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. [Brooklyn Vegan]

In keeping with the “vampires equal major box-office dollars” business model, Rob Stefaniuk’s upcoming film, Suck, centers on a struggling rock band with a fetish for blood and features performances by Iggy Pop, Moby and Alice Cooper. [Consequence of Sound]

The Notorious B.I.G., arguably gangster rap’s brightest star during the ’90s, died 13 years ago today, when he was just 24 years old. [Spin]

Brooklyn’s MGMT put out a new track from its upcoming album, Congratulations. It’s called “Flash Delirium,” and it’s weird! [MGMT]

The White Stripes’ live documentary, Under Great Northern Lights, comes out next week, and TONY’s got some passes to give away! Go here to register. [White Stripes Giveaway]

Stars will put out their fifth LP out June 22. It’s called The Five Ghosts. [Pitchfork]

The White Stripes’ soundtrack to their upcoming tour documentary, Under Great Northern Lights, is now streaming at NPR. The film comes out March 16. [NPR]

Sparklehorse frontman Mark Linkous committed suicide over the weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 47. [NY Times]

Well, it appears that Lil Wayne is finally headed to jail, after delays brought on by dental surgery and a courthouse fire last week. His sentence lasts a year, but he’ll likely be out in eight months on good behavior. [MTV News]

Band of Horses announced that its forthcoming album, Infinite Arms, will be released on May 18. [Pitchfork]

Willie Nelson and the Family are set perform at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, July 28, along with the Levon Helm Band. Tickets will be available for presale Friday, March 5, at 10am and for general purchase Friday, March 12, at noon. [Brooklyn Vegan]

Kelly Clarkson will perform at this year’s Lilith Fair. She joins a lineup that includes Ke$ha, Emmylou Harris, Tegan and Sara, and La Roux. It’s gonna get weird! [MTV News]

Amnesty International announced the release of music journalist Behrang Tonekaboni today in Iran. While details of the writer’s January arrest remain unknown, representatives for the human-rights organization have pointed to the ongoing protests against the government as the cause. [The Guardian]

Proving once more what a real jerkface he is, Billy Corgan aligned himself with the “best artists in the world” in a recent Rolling Stone interview. He also had a thing or two to say about Jessica Simpson. [Consequence of Sound]

May 18 will mark the release of LCD Soundsystem’s third album. The as-yet-untitled record arrives in time for the band’s next U.S. tour, which includes a set at this year’s Coachella festival. [Brooklyn Vegan]

MC Guru, pictured, of Gang Starr issued a statement today to AllHipHop.com, about his recovery from a heart attack that took place over the weekend. [AllHipHop.com]

According to MTV News, Lil Wayne’s oft-postponed sentencing hearing will now take place on Monday in New York. First it was dental surgery, next was a courthouse fire—what wackiness will ensue Monday? Our guess is locusts. [MTV News]

According to his label, rapper J-Kwon, of the 2004 megahit “Tipsy,” has gone missing. The St. Louis native recorded the song when he was just 17. [MTV News]

Jane’s Addiction bassist Eric Avery has left the band. [Rolling Stone]

Lil Wayne’s sentencing has been postponed again, because–we swear we’re not making this up–the courthouse caught on fire. Dental surgery, courthouse fires, endless delays; behold the real NeverEnding Story. But no weird flying dogs in this one…yet. [NY Times]

Titus Andronicus’s new record, The Monitor, is now streaming at the band’s MySpace page. Read our interview with the band here. [Titus Andronicus]

NYC newbies the Morning Benders’ Big Echo comes out next week, but you can preview the album now on its website. [The Morning Benders]

Blues-rockers the Black Keys announced the impending release of their LP Brothers, due May 18. [The Black Keys]

Gang Starr MC Guru, pictured, has slipped into a coma after suffering a heart attack over the weekend. Our thoughts go out to him. [Spin]

The new Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach, is available to stream on The Guardian’s website. [The Guardian]

Francis and the Lights have announced tour dates with Drake and K-OS, starting in April. Check out their Live at TONY performance here and check out the Volume’s chat with them here. [Francis and the Lights]

Pavement has kicked off its reunion tour, starting with last night’s show in New Zealand. [Pitchfork]

Tickets are now available for an additional Vampire Weekend show at Rockefeller Center on September 16. One suspects that Jake Gyllenhaal has already got his squared away. [Brooklyn Vegan]

Johnny Depp, Nick Cave and Chrissie Hynde are the latest to collaborate on a Haiti-recovery project: The motley crew teamed up to cover Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’s “I Put a Spell on You.” Despite the unusual song choice, the track is appropriately addictive and available for download now. [Consequence of Sound]

DOOM made good on his word and actually played his own show last night. The artist still managed to anger audience members when he bolted after thirty minutes. [Brooklyn Vegan]

Sublime with Rome, which features original Sublime members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, has announced several tour dates this coming spring. The newly formed group was at the center of controversy recently when it was sued by family members of deceased frontman Bradley Nowell. [Consequence of Sound]

The snow has put a handful of tonight’s shows on hold, including Donald Fagen and Levon Helm at the Wellmont Theater and the OMNI Ensemble at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Thankfully, we have just the topical mixtape to keep you entertained. Clusterflake 2010!

Thom Yorke announced his latest project and other band today. The aptly named Atoms for Peace will kick off its W.A.S.T.E. tour in April, with tickets available for purchase via Dead Air Space this coming Tuesday. Atoms for Peace features an all-star lineup, including Joey Waronker, Mauro Refosco and some dude named Flea.
[At Ease Web]

The universal balance has once again been restored: Pickles are better than Nickelback. [The Guardian]

David Byrne has had one hell of a year. When he wasn’t collaborating with Dirty Projectors, he was on tour promoting Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. The album, a combined effort by Byrne and Brian Eno, is now the topic of an upcoming documentary, Ride, Rise, Roar. The film will have its premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival. [Pitchfork]

Following this week’s release of Snoop Dogg and Kid Cudi’s “That Tree,” a cappella and instrumental versions of the single are now available for download at Mad Decent. [Mad Decent]

Neon Indian has signed to Mountain Dew’s Green Label Sound, joining a roster that includes Amazing Baby, Matt and Kim, and Chromeo. [Pitchfork]

Proving once more who’s boss, Bruce Springsteen has defended fans and the FTC’s extensive allegations against Ticketmaster. The ticketing agent will now be required to pay “upward of a million dollars” for misleading consumers on their website. [Billboard]

Sir Elton John respects Jesus Christ for his efforts as a visionary intellectual and empathetic gay man. And wouldn’t you know it? The Christian right is angry. [The Guardian]

Turns out Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot isn’t dead after all. Proving once more why you shouldn’t believe everything you read…especially on Twitter. [New York Times]

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have announced a lengthy US tour this spring, including a two-night stint at the legendary Apollo Theater. The tour comes just in time for the release of their fourth album, I Learned the Hard Way. [Consequence of Sound]

Never-before-seen images of the Beatles have been unearthed after being locked away in a bank vault for 30 years. The images range from light and silly (Paul pinching a bit of chub) to downright eerie (a corpselike John lying motionless on the ground). [Daily Mail UK]

The elusive Broken Bells will release its first album on March 9. Made up of Shins frontman James Mercer and Danger Mouse (a.k.a. Brian Burton), the group will join Spoon, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and the Walkmen as a part of NPR’s SXSW showcase.  [Pitchfork]

Harmonix representatives released a statement today denying all reports of a forthcoming Jimi Hendrix edition of Rock Band. Rumors regarding the stand-alone game developed following a recent interview with the deceased artist’s sister. [Kotaku]

The Rapture is back in the studio after a four-year hiatus. The band assures fans that its next album will be “100 times better than the iPad.” [Pitchfork]

Bang on a Can All-Stars will include three original pieces from Dirty Projectors member David Longstreth on its set list at the People’s Commissioning Fund Concert on February 24. [Pitchfork]

Lady Gaga and Lily Allen took top honors last night at the Brit Awards. Geri Halliwell also accepted the award for Best Performance of the Last 30 Years for the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe,” while a disgruntled Liam Gallagher cast Oasis’ award for Best Group into the crowd. Nice to know some things never change. [The Guardian]

Vampire Weekend’s “Giving Up the Gun” will have its video premiere tomorrow on Spinner.  The video features the athletic talents of Lil Jon, Jake Gyllenhaal, RZA and a Jonas brother. Seriously. [Pitchfork]

Lil Wayne, pictured, will report to prison today, having turned himself in to New York authorities on felony gun-possession charges. Last night, Wayne broadcast a farewell message to fans on Ustream where he rhapsodized over the Saints’ Super Bowl victory, sex, his complexion, his hair and Drake. So nothing new for those familiar with his mixtapes. Update: The sentence has been moved to March 2 for–get this–dental surgery. Incredible. [MTV News]

Bonnaroo’s lineup is being gradually revealed over on its MySpace page. So far, Jay-Z, the Flaming Lips, the National and many, many others have confirmed their appearances at this year’s festival. [Bonnaroo]

Brooklyn’s MGMT has announced the release date and track list of its second full-length, Congratulations. Look for the psych-rock duo’s next sonic venture (with tracks inspired by surfing, Brian Eno and Lady Gaga!) April 13. [Spin]

NYC promoter extraordinaire Todd P has announced the lineup for his inaugural MtyMx independent music festival, held in Monterrey, Mexico, March 20–22, featuring 75 bands over a three-day span. A pass for the entire weekend is only $30, and for those attending SXSW, there will be a thrice-daily shuttle available for festivalhopping. If that’s not enough, it’s held in a historic drive-in movie theater on the side of a mountain. Freaky times await! [Todd P]

Another Joanna Newsom track has emerged on the Net. It’s called “Kingfisher,” and it’s streamable on the Drag City website. Also, the full track list for Have One on Me has been announced. Two hours of Joanna means two hours of whimsy. And we’re all about whimsy. [Pitchfork]

In anticipation of the February 16 sold-out Plastic Ono Band show at BAM, Yoko Ono has announced a special “dress rehearsal” show on February 15. Will the special guests from the big concert be on hand? (Some…but not all.) [BAM]

Michael Jackson’s personal physician, Conrad Murray, was charged with manslaughter today in Los Angeles for giving the musician a powerful sedative that significantly contributed to his death. [New York Times]

A White Stripes–themed ballet performance that first appeared in England in 2006 has now resurfaced in Canada. Called Chroma, it is part of the National Ballet of Canada’s upcoming season schedule. Between this and the forthcoming White Stripes documentary Under Great White Northern Lights (shot in Canada), the duo’s dominance of our northern neighbors’ rock scene carries on unabated. [Pitchfork]

While one supergroup knocked out a couple of great rock songs on stage at 30 Rock, another band (the Fred Armisen–fronted Crisis of Confomity) stole the spotlight in the weekend’s most nostalgically rebellious performance by faded rockers. Sorry, the Who. [NBC]

Memphis’s Commercial Appeal reported the results of rocker Jay Reatard’s autopsy. Though homicide was once a rumor, “cocaine toxicity” appears to be the cause. [Stereogum]

British producer Tim Goldsworthy is out at DFA Records and has returned to the U.K., signifying a crack in the label’s brain trust of Goldsworthy, James Murphy and Jonathan Galkin. [The Daily Swarm]

Arcade Fire, which rarely lends its songs to even the most artistic projects, has licensed “Wake Up” to be used in a Super Bowl ad. The wrinkle? 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Partners in Health’s Stand for Haiti relief fund. [Arcade Fire]

Paul Simon has been added as a headliner for this summer’s Bonnaroo lineup, alongside the Flaming Lips. If only the most famous living Beatle would come out and justify the swirling rumors, we may have quite the festival this summer in Tennessee. Speak, Macca! [Live Daily]

Beach House adds another NYC date, July 27, as a part of the Celebrate Brooklyn series in Prospect Park. If you were worried that last week’s Bell House date and June’s Radio City date simply weren’t enough Beach House in NYC, worry no more. On sale Thursday, February 4, at noon. [Brooklyn Vegan]

The Hold Steady’s keyboard player Franz Nicolay (pictured) will no longer be a part of the band. [Spinner]

A 3-D version of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” minimovie will air on Sunday, January 31, during the Grammy Awards ceremony. Get your 3-D lenses at Target or Staples! [ABC News]

Download Sub Pop’s 25-track sampler here, featuring new and old classics from the label. [Nylon]

Cool Coco Sumner (Sting’s offspring) and Robyn appear in this Diplo remix of “Ceasar.” The DJ is also fronting the production for the Scandinavian songstress’s next album. [Fader]

The New Pornographers’ fifth full-length album, Together, is coming out May 4. [Matador Records]