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Another Coachella festival is upon us and the official lineup will be announced on Tuesday but that doesn't stop anyone from posting reports of who's expected to be there. Several acts have already been confirmed including: Underworld, Bestie Boys, White Stripes, Groove Armada, Polyphonic Spree, Cat Power, Fischerspooner, Johnny Marr, and a lot more. Tickets will go onsale February 22nd and the event is scheduled for April 26-27 in Indio, CA.

Hey Kids! It's been a long time in the making and we've gone through a few hiccups this morning, but... our present to you for Valentine's Day.... FLIRT!. It's a totally downloadable (and legal) compilation with 25 of our favorite musicians singing their hearts out for your Valentine's Surprise. Enjoy!

Well, Valentine's Day DID bring one bit of bad news: Bis are to split, following some farewell shows and a final single. A brief message on the band's website tells the usual tale of a band that's run its course, that wants to diversify, and whose members hope to all remain in music. While kind of a bummer, you've got to respect that they stayed together THIS long, as most critics predicted they wouldn't make it past one album.

April 29 the US will get a new record from Martin Gore (Depeche Mode) on Mute/Reprise. The new album, Counterfeit is the second in Martin's series of cover albums (the first being released in 1989). This album will feature re- worked tunes by Iggy Pop, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, David Essex, Lou Reed, John Lennon and more.

"Without some of the artists I've covered here, I wouldn't be writing the way I do. They have all affected me at some point, especially when I was younger." Martin goes on to say that he has created this album from a fan's perspective because he has a deep personal connection to all of the songs he's covered.

Broadcast have gotten their act together again. Following a string of UK shows they are finally going to release some new material. The EP entitled Pendulum features 6 tracks and is expected to be released on May 5 on Warp Records in the UK. In the meantime the band has scheduled some US tour dates that can be found on our tour page. Yippee!!

JJ72 wants to send you to Turkey! The website for JJ72 is running a contest to give away airfare, accomodations and two tickets to an upcoming show in Istanbul, Turkey to coincide with the release of their new single 'Always and Forever'. You can enter at their website between now and 7 pm (GMT) Saturday by entering the first line from the song 'Dog' (featured on the new single). Winners will ne notified next week and you must be over 18 and in possession of a valid passport. Good luck!

Despite rumors here and elsewhere Nick McCabe has not been named the new guitarist for Blur. In an official announcement from the Blur camp, Simon Tong (read the "other" guitarist in The Verve and member of The Shining) has become the hottest guitar player south of Manchester. Um... well ... err... you'll still be hearing Graham on the new album (due out early summer) but Simon will now have to wallow in the corner during the live version of the Albarn show instead of Graham. ;-)

Mark Gardener (ex-Ride, ex-Animalhouse) is about to embark on a solo career. He's currently recording material at a studio in West London that delves into his travels and experiences over the past few years. It's been rumored for awhile now that a few lucky Americans might be fortunate enough to hear some of this new solo material first hand when Mark comes over here for a tour. While dates won't be announced until next week, we can assure you that he is indeed planning an acoustic tour where he will be playing both old Ride material and his new solo songs. Expect a few instore appearances, a few radio shows and perhaps a festival date.

Ride's unofficial website Ticket To Ride is asking for your questions for an upcoming interview with Mark. You can email them directly to Piero Piutti and please, no more questions about if Ride will be reforming. ;-)

Debsey Wykes and Paul Kelly (the couple collectively known as Birdie) just released a collection of b-sides and rarities on the German label Apricot Records. It will be available on cd or limited-edition, hand-numbered, colored vinyl. According to Apricot it's "it's a collection of warm and tender moments - songs you can put on in the middle of the night, a soundtrack for stepping outside to watch the stars."

Lovely...

You can get your copy at www.apricot-records.de.

Canadian Spinmeister Kid Koala has gone from being animated in the Gorillaz to drawing on his own. Kid Koala (aka Eric San) has created an original graphic novel titled 'Nufonia Must Fall' about the life and times of a "lonely office girl" and an "out-of-work robot". Being credited as "a silent paperback film" the novel apparently has few words and is intended to be read whilst playing the accompanying cd. The trailer is available on www.kidkoala.com.