THE CHARLATANS appear to be nearly ready to start releasing new material. The next single is said to be entitled, "The Blonde Waltz", and a late March or early April release date seems likely. The new album, tentatively titled, "New Start" may be out as soon as this May. Also, ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN are set to release their new album in the U.K. on April 6, preceded by a single called "Rust".

This year's England World Cup song "(How Does It Feel To Be) On Top Of the World" was co-written by Ian McCulloch and Johnny Marr . It is set to be released on June 1st. The track also features all the Spice Girls on backing vocals, as well as contributions by members of Space and Ocean Color Scene . Also scheduled for release is "Three Lions 98" from the Lightning Seeds , a reworking of their prior World Cup theme.