According to a post on the band's official website, bassist Bryan Poole (aka Bryan Helium, aka the late b.p. helium) has quit ELFPOWER. Helium has said the split was amicable, but he "just wasn't happy." The announcement on the band's website (written by Helium himself) indicates that Helium will continue to work on a solo record, while immediate plans include a stint playing bass with GREAT LAKES on their forthcoming European tour. Helium is also a former member of OF MONTREAL.

This one's been in the rumor mill for about six months now, but we can officially confirm today that DURAN DURAN are reuniting with ALL original members for a new album and possible tour. Simon, Nick, John, Andy, & Roger (didn't he quit to be a FARMER?) are back - hide your make-up kits!

Our flags are flying at half-mast today, as DOUGLAS ADAMS has unexpectedly died of a heart attack. The 49 year old author was in Los Angeles at the time. It was Adams' books, the famed "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series, that got a good many of us into British culture in the first place. We feel like we've truly lost one of the family today.

And the SUPER FURRY ANIMALS have announced let it slip that none other than PAUL McCARTNEY will be making a guest appearance on their new album, due in May? The Big Mac's contribution? Chewing vegetables rhythmically on one track.

SKUNK ANANSIE have split...

SHAUN RYDER has secretly finished a solo record in Australia, that should be seeing the light of day shortly...

Rhino Records has announced plans to release a 4 disc box set from ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN. The 72 track box promises to include a plentiful amount of unreleased, rare, and live recordings...

Our excitement about the pending re-launch of the site has been temporarily silenced by the passing of JOEY RAMONE. Ramone had been battling lymphoma for some time, and succumbed today in a New York hospital. Though our tastes tend to run towards the pop end of things, there's no denying the impact that The Ramones have had on the world of alternative music. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Instead of a moment of silence, we propose a moment of VERY VERY VERY LOUD NOISE. Gabba Gabba Hey.

Looks like it's official: PIZZICATO 5 are no more. The acclaimed Japanese group is calling it quits after some final concerts and a career-spanning greatest hits album. The break-up had been rumoured for some time, but with the band's reputation as pranksters, nobody knew if it was real or not until a press statement showed up this weekend confirming the split.

Bad news from NME this morning: NEIL CODLING, everyone's favorite magazine-reading keyboardist, has officially left SUEDE. Codling, whose public bout with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has plagued the band for quite some time, has called it quits after suffering a relapse. His permanent replacement in the band will be Alex Lee, formerly of STRANGELOVE. Our best to Neil for a solid and speedy recuperation...