Norah Jones makes an appearance on the new Talib Kweli record, Eardrum. I'm told Norah graces Talib with her vocal stylings on a track called "Soon the New Day." Other guests on the album include Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, KRS-ONE. I'm also told Norah wisely leaves the rapping to the pros. Eardrum drops August 21st.

Sirius channel "Jam On" will broadcast the last show from former Phish keyboardist Page McConnel's US Tour live this Saturday July 14th at 11 pm EST, with a replay on July 19th @ 7 pm EST. Previous live broadcasts have from Jam on have included Widespread Panic, Ratdog, O.A.R., String Cheese Incident and Earvolution friends Tea Leaf Green. You can get more info here.

Remember when selling out was taboo? Jim Greer sums up the current state of affairs quite nicely with this quote: "Now that Wilco has sold their whole album to Volkswagen and Sonic Youth is doing a Starbucks record, fuck it." Don't worry Jim, I'm sure there's a product you can latch onto out there!

The Dropkick Murphys have a new record coming out. The Meanest of Times is set for a September 18th date and, with some help from Warner Brothers, will be released on the band's own Born & Bred Records label. Spider Stacey of The Pogues and Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners both make guest appearances on the record.

Mp3 Offerings:
Butane Variations (if you like Wilco): Goldie Hawn
Butane Variations: Angels
Gibby Haynes (Butthole Surfers): "Redneck Sex" [Peaches Rmxxx]
Suzanne Vega: Frank and Ava
Alex Dupree & the Trap Door Band (Austin "glam folk"): Las Meridanzas
Bon Iver (Wisconsin neo soul): Skinny Love
The Rondo Brothers (San Fran geek pop): Until We All Fall Down
Diamond Jim (spacey trip folk): Falcon To A Friend
Ladyslipper (Minnesota breakbeat): Chicago

New Jersey and much of America is all a flutter over the news that Bruce Springsteen may be putting out a new record with the E Street Band. Rumor has it they've even already laid down some tracks. They still put on a killer live show so it'd be great if they do come out with new stuff and tour. Come on Bruce...without the Sopranos, Little Steven needs something to keep him busy!