GOMEZ make their U.S. network television debut tomorrow night, November 10th, on "Late Night with Conan O'Brian." The U2 best of 1980-1990 compilation on sale now includes a 2nd disc of notable b-sides from that era. However, only the initial shipments of 1980-1990 include the 2nd disc, so if you're intending to pick up a copy, you ought to do so promptly. (Lord knows they need the cash.) Also, the first disc includes a secret track at the end.

Yo La Tengo are one of the few selected bands to re-record the theme song from the Simpsons television show. Apparently one of the writers is a Yo La Tengo fan and requested they cover the tune. It was recorded last year in October and will finally be broadcasted on the November 15 episode where Homer turns into a hippie like his late mother.

IAN BROWN is singin' those jailhouse blues again, after his appeal from a four-month sentence for threatening behavior on an airplane was denied. His UK tour, scheduled for November, has now been rescheduled for after his release. In the U.S., his long-delayed "Unfinished Monkey Business" album has been pushed back yet again, this time to early 1999. It is doubtful he could tour the U.S. until around April or May of 1999. Meanwhile, OASIS frontman Liam Gallagher had another run-in with "The Man" earlier this week after reportedly smashing up a photographer's camera.

BIS have recorded the theme song for the Cartoon Network's new series, The Powerpuff Girls. Featuring a trio of kindergarten-aged superheroes, the new series combines stylish design, techno background music, and truly demented plotlines. While nominally a children's show, the series includes subtle adult humor as well. The Powerfull Girls debut November 18 on the Cartoon Network. Bis' latest U.S. release, the "Intendo" mini-lp, is available now, and the band is working on a full scale album for 1998, tentatively tiled "Social Dancing".

Not that it's particularly breaking news or anything, but last night, members of our mailing list have discovered the existence of a hidden track on the new BOO RADLEYS album, "Kingsize." Start the CD playing on the first track. Then hold the reverse scan button and, magically, the disc backs up BEYOND the first track, revealing an unheard 1:22 intro to the album. Nifty.

According to the Swedish newspaper "Expressen", BJORK is considering giving up her career after another incident involving a deranged fan. An individual who had apparently been stalking her for four years broke into the home of the singer's mother and left threatening messages on their answering machine. An American fan killed himself after mailing Bjork a letter bomb a few years ago. The bomb was intercepted before it could cause any harm.

Some American news today to tide you over. IVY's second album, "Apartment Life" has just been reissued on Sony's 550 Records label. Some tracks on the rereleased version have been remixed and there was a bit of new recording involved in the project as well. KRISTIN HERSH is releasing her third solo album via the internet only. Entitled "Murder, Misery and then Goodnight", the album is a collection of songs played to her by her parents when she was a child.

SISTER RAY, our favorite UK mail order record store, is once again online. Their exceptional customer service and 7-day delivery to the States continues to astound us. Their new site (currently in development) can be found at http://www.sisterray.co.uk

DEPECHE MODE will be appearing on the David Letterman show on November 2nd.

Just when we thought King Monkey was all tied up in the pokey, IAN BROWN has been freed from jail after only a couple days, pending an appeal. All touring and promotions commitments appear to be pushed back to the New Year.