U2 release new album for free via iTunes featuring Lykke Li, Danger Mouse
U2 released new album "Songs of Innocence" in a surprise announcement at the Apple press event this week in Cupertino, Calif. The album, the Irish band's thirteenth, is now available as a free download exclusively through iTunes. Apple CEO Tim Cook called it "the largest album release of all time." The album was produced in part by Danger Mouse, and features guest vocals from Lykke Li.
Apple also announced it would discontinue production of the iPod classic. [via Pitchfork]
David Bowie to release compilation featuring two new songs
In honor of the 50th anniversary of his first recording this year, David Bowie will release a career-spanning compilation entitled "Nothing Has Changed" on Nov. 18. It will feature a brand new single called "Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)," and the limited edition 10" vinyl version will include another new song, "Tis a Pity She’s a Whore."
The announcement seems to fulfill Bowie's recent proclamation: "More music soon." [via Pitchfork]
The Replacements return to NBC after 28-year ban to perform on "Fallon"
Seminal indie rock group The Replacements performed on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" on Monday as part of their current reunion tour. The appearance ended a nearly 30 year ban from NBC after the group performed intoxicated on "Saturday Night Live" in 1986. The episode also featured guest Keith Richards, who the band met backstage.
Watch the band perform "Alex Chilton" on "Fallon" above. [via Salon]
Mercury Prize nominees for 2014 include FKA twigs, Damon Albarn
The Barclaycard Mercury Prize is an annual award given to for "Best British Album" as determined by a panel of musicians, critics, and industry figures. The 2014 nominees have been released, and the list includes FKA twigs for her debut full-length "LP1," Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn for solo effort "Everyday Robots," and indie pop group Bombay Bicycle Club for fourth album "So Long, See You Tomorrow."
The award includes a 20,000 pound cash prize. Previous winners include PJ Harvey, alt-J, and James Blake, who took the prize last year for "Overgrown." [via BBC News]
Jack White debuts new music video, filmed at Denver's Oxford Hotel
Jack White has released a music video for the "Lazaretto" track "Would You Fight for My Love?" Coloradans might recognize the locale: it was filmed in the Cruise Room bar of Denver's Oxford Hotel. The production reportedly took less than 24 total.
Watch the video above.