When Billy Corgan first announced his intention to resurrect The Smashing Pumpkins, longtime fans crossed out the names of uninvolved former members (except Jimmy Chamberlain) one by one. We knew there would be no James Iha (now in that silly supergroup Tinted Windows) and no D’Arcy Wretzky (right). Only now do we finally hear what’s up with the silvery-haired bassist! D’Arcy randomly called Chicago alt-rock station Q101 to let us know she left the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle behind in favor of passing her days on a horse farm in rural Michigan. Oh, and she loves Silversun Pickups, who don’t at all sound like The Smashing Pumpkins.

Last month, I reported on Courtney Love and her similar intention to resurrect Hole with minimal involvement from former bandmates. Former Hole guitarist and co-conspirator Eric Erlandson took time out from Buddhism and marketing vegan food for a Spin Q&A. When asked about his feelings on Hole’s return, he responded:

We have a contract. She signed a contract with me when we decided to break up the band, which was like 2002 or something, so I really don’t have a comment on it except that I know my part in that band. The way I look at it, there is no Hole without me. [Laughs] To put it blunt. Just on a business level… I’m open to discussions regarding the real Hole, and if she has a solo album together, I think that’s great.

What did Mrs. Cobain have to say about this? Find out after the jump!

Courtney Tweeted in response:

Uh i just hear that a former guitar player is saying i cant use my name for MY band, hes out of his MIND, he may want to check the trademark

Blur confused and panicked fans during their illness-shortened T in The Park set last Sunday when Damon Albarn said, “This is our last gig,” despite earlier reports about the band writing new music. It was the final stop of their reunion tour, at the very least.

Mike Ness (left) told a Russian music blog that Social Distortion will hit the studio either in late ‘09 or early ‘10. The last new record came out in 2004, with 1992’s Somewhere Between Heaven & Hell being the last time Social D fans waited less than four years for a new LP.

Mission of Burma continues their post-reunion output on October 6 with a four-part concept album, The Sound, The Speed, The Light. Matador Records says the LP “explores a set of moods or colors, across the usual dizzying array of lyrical topics, from alcoholism to fleshly concerns.”

Wax, of infamous man-on-fire “California” video fame (see below), will reunite for Riot Fest 2009 in Chicago. Will Wax’s return motivate diehard fan Rivers Cuomo of Weezer to make better music? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Leonard Cohen is tired of hearing “Hallelujah” everywhere.

“I was reading a review of a movie called Watchmen that uses it, and the reviewer said, ‘Can we please have a moratorium on ‘Hallelujah’ in movies and television shows?’ And I kind of feel the same way. I think it’s a good song, but too many people sing it.”

Might I suggest Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds‘ “Hallelujah” instead?

Finally, I’m glad former Faith No More and (very brief) Bad Brains frontman Chuck Mosley re-surfacedfrom obscurity — if only to share with us the title of his solo debut LP: Will Rap Over Hard Rock For Food (out August 11).

Wax “California”

Faith No More “We Care A Lot”

Random news bites from the last several days (excluding anything about Michael Jackson … well, mostly).

Regina Spektor’s new album, far, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 this week and the lovely Russian-born songstress is scheduled to perform on Late Night with Conan O’Brien on Thursday, July 30. Slipping to the No. 2 spot this week are the Jonas Brothers with Vines And Trying Times, which held last week’s No. 1 position. Black Eyed Peas have moved to the top of the charts with The E.N.D. And in case you BEP fans were worried, the title doesn’t foreshadow the band’s immenint break-up, but stands for “The Energy Never Dies.” Clever.

Seattle grunge metal makers Alice in Chains have confirmed the dates of their upcoming world tour, sans lead voice Layne Staley, who, if you recall, faded away into reclusivity before he speedballed to his death in 2002. The tour supports the band’s first new studio release in more than 10 years, Black Gives Way to Blue (in stores September 29). The first single, “A Looking View,” is currently streaming on their MySpace page and definitely has the feel of classic Alice in Chains, complete with the hard-meets-soft harmonies by vocalist/guitarist Jerry Cantrel and Staley replacement, vocalist/guitarist William Duvall. Here’s a statement the band released about the new song: “The song basically speaks to any number of things that keep you balled up inside. A cell of our own making with an unlocked door that we choose to remain in. Focusing our attention inward instead of reaching out to a much larger world. I think this is common to us all. It’s funny how hard we fight to hang on to a bone we can’t pull through a hole in the fence, or how difficult it is to put down the bag of bricks and move on.” Current confirmed U.S. stops include Detroit, DC, Chicago, NYC, Milwaukee, Portland and San Francisco. No telling whether the tour will bring them to Florida.

San Francisco indie rock duo The Dodos (pictured) are set to release their third album, Time To Die, via Frenchkiss on September 15. Produced by Phil Ek (Built to Spill, Fleet Foxes, The Shins), the album is marked by the band’s key instrumental elements — the energetic percussion of Logan Kroeber and the finger-picking acoustic guitar work of frontman Meric Long — with extra texture created by Keaton Snyder on vibraphone. The Dodos will embark hit the road this September and October, making stops in Tallahassee on Tuesday, October 6 at the Club Downunder, and in Atlanta Wednesday, October 7 at The Earl.

American-Australian multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter John Butler has returned with an all-new trio and a forthcoming album featuring the fresh lineup, which includes two Aussie natives: drummer/percusionist Nicky Bomba and bass player Byron Luiters. The John Butler Trio is not coming to a venue anywhere near you, but watch out for the new album. Butler’s a pretty great songsmith.

Jeff Tweedy has always gotten under my skin. As much as I like Wilco’s music, the frontman makes headlines far too often for some asshole maneuver — like when he punched an over-rowdy fans in the face when a simple “Get the fuck off my stage” would’ve sufficed — and he oftentimes comes off as a total dick and says mean things he can’t take back. The latest was the sort of stereotypical ugliness you’d expect towards the hippies of San Francisco. After his son Spencer went shopping in Berkeley and returned dressed head-to-toe in tie-dye, Tweedy reportedly cried, “Look what you’ve done to my son, you dirty hippies!” Then, to his son, he yelled, “Now go take a bath.” What a classy guy!

All right, I know I promised no Michael Jackson news, but I just had to share this little tidbit: Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s far less successful older bro, has followed the path of the rest of the family and made a statement. “”He went too soon. I don’t know how people are going to take this, but I wish it was me.” What I want to know is, when did Jermaine lose his sense of self-worth? Poor guy.

The mid-90’s Britpop feud between Oasis and Blur has become the stuff of legend. Noel Gallagher once famously hoped Blur frontman Damon Albarn would “catch AIDS and die” (he since recanted, blaming drugs for the outburst).  Surprisingly, he’s 100% behind the current Blur reunion: “I’m right into the Blur reunion, ’cause it’ll finish off the Kaiser Chiefs and put them to bed. There’s nothing worse than a shit Blur. And at least the original shit Blur are back to finish off all these other shit Blurs. I’m bang into the Blur reunion.”

From an old reunion to a possible new one: Nine Inch Nails‘ Trent Reznor no longer thinks very highly about former friend and collaborator Marilyn Manson.  Reznor calls Manson “a malicious guy and will step on anybody’s face to succeed and cross any line of decency … Seeing him now, drugs and alcohol now rule his life and he’s become a dopey clown. He used to be the smartest guy in the room.  And as a fan of his talents, I hope he gets his shit together.”

Lots of news on the Flaming Lips, The Cult, STP, Moz, and more after the jump!

While the drama surrounding the official state song of Oklahoma unfolded, Flaming Lips worked on their new double album! It should be out later this summer.

Bad Religion bassist Jay Bentley outlined all the obstacles that prevent writing and recording a new album — Greg Graffin’s scholarly commitments, Brett Gurewitz’s production and label duties — but “the one thing that’s in short supply is time.”

The Cult will track Love in its entirety on tour this summer. I guess Ian Astbury doesn’t want to be remembered for his Sonic Temple cowboy hat (pictured left).  Unfortunately, no there are dates scheduled remotely near Tampa Bay.

Following the January death of Ron Asheton, Iggy Pop says The Stooges no longer exist. However, guitarist James Williamson has rejoined — meaning the surviving Raw Power lineup is intact — so the band will tour as Iggy & The Stooges … I’m a little confused, too.

Wayne Kramer of MC5 witnessed the failure of the war on drugs first hand as he and many other rockers toured and performed at the Sing Sing prison in New York. Tom Morello, Jerry Cantrell, and Perry Farrell were among those present. Kramer blogged about his experience for Huffington Post.

Scott Weiland confirmed Stone Temple Pilots are writing and recording new material with one-time Rolling Stones producer Don Was. He didn’t elaborate about the ongoing litigation between the band and Atlantic Records and whether or not that will hamstring the release of a new album.

Morrissey announced a B-sides compilation due in October called Swords. (Yes, he still records B-sides.)  Also, he released an amusing statement about his latest happenings complete with Rumsfeldian euphemisms. As Pitchfork observed, tour dates aren’t postponed or rescheduled but “repositioned.” Also, he won’t join Facebook or Twitter because “not enough happens in my life that I would wish to share with others.”

X frontwoman Exene Cervenka (right) was recently diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis. She vows her health problems won’t affect current X touring plans or her solo work. Ironically, X has supported the charity Sweet Relief (founded by an MS sufferer) for over a decade.

Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman of Rancid address and quickly denounce the latest Operation Ivy reunion rumors: “I love what we did back then, but what we do now is to move forward.”

Evan Dando wants a piece of General Motors’ bailout funds. He insists a recent GM ad includes an unauthorized soundalike of The Lemonheads’ “It’s a Shame About Ray.”

Drummer Tre Cool says Green Day is Rock Band bound. “I can’t play the drums on it,” he jokes. “If you were born before 1985 you won’t be able to play the drums.” There are no further details, but my money is on a “track pack” and not a full standalone game.  Green Day are OK, but they’re no Beatles.

The Jesus Lizard revealed full tracklist details for the upcoming reissues of their first four albums.  Head/Pure EP, Goat, Liar, and Down become available on September 22 via Touch and Go in various formats including vinyl.

Oklahoma is cooler than Florida! At least as far as official state rock songs are concerned. Residents declared The Flaming Lips‘ “Do You Realize?” the rock anthem of Oklahoma via an online vote. However, the Oklahoma state House rejected the resolution. Some representatives, inclined against all things cool, protested the vote, citing the band’s profanity and provocative wardrobe. A bandmember once wore a hammer & sickle t-shirt? Say it ain’t so! When all was thought lost, Gov. Brad Henry, part-time rock savior, overruled the legislature via executive order and threw his support behind the people’s choice. Oklahoma is now cool despite the best efforts of certain politicians. As for the Lips (pictured right), they are currently prepping a double album.

Joey Ramone passed away back in 2001, but his family still throws the annual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash to raise money for the Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research. In addition to sets by Fishbone and Supersuckers, this year’s show will feature a listening party of previously unheard Joey Ramone demos and rough mixes.

(Nick Cave’s Gladiator sequel, reissues from R.E.M. and Stone Roses, and more after the jump!)

True story: The Guardian reveals Russell Crowe asked Nick Cave to write a sequel to Gladiator.  But Hollywood would never make a film this ridiculous awesome.

One of Radiohead’s managers admits to advising the band to split prior to In Rainbows, because “two years after leaving EMI Radiohead were still no closer to recording an album.” Thank fuck bands don’t always listen to management.

R.E.M. fans should scoop up the Reckoning deluxe reissue on June 23. The set features re-mastered audio and a full-length concert from 1984 aired on a Chicago radio station; 180g vinyl of both Reckoning and the already available Murmur hit stores the same day.

More reissue goodness: The Stone Roses‘ debut gets 20th anniversary treatment on August 11. Much like the recent Pearl Jam Ten set, there are a variety of choices ranging from just the remastered album to a 3-LP “Collectors Edition” that also features a lemon-shaped USB drive.

Alice In Chains signed a record deal with Virgin/EMI. No, this is not a repeat from 1988. Unless zombie Layne Staley stops them, expect a new album with their new singer (pictured left) this fall.

So Apple will sell explicit Nine Inch Nails albums on iTunes, but they won’t update the NIN Access iPhone app due to objectional material? Trent Reznor called out Apple, and they relented.

Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell tore a calf muscle in Atlanta on Sunday. Thankfully, he was at 100 percent for last Saturday’s show at the Ford Amphitheatre.  Doctors want him to rest, but he’ll keep the tour going as scheduled.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones reunion started with sporadic concerts and picked up steam from there. Shows led to tours, writing songs led to a new 7″, and now the band will hit the studio this summer for their first new full-length since 2002.

If you bought any of the Sonic Youth gear stolen back in ‘99 and return it, maybe you’ll get lifetime guestlist privileges for their concerts … just like this guy.

Scary consequences of the current music business climate: when pressing plants like 33 1/3 go bankrupt, venerable indie labels like Matador come thisclose to losing tons of masters! Thankfully, everything turned out okay.

Ticketholders for the Nine Inch Nails/Jane’s Addiction tour (May 9 at Ford Amp), cross your fingers that Jane’s makes it that far. They’ve been fighting again. Perry Farrell isn’t concerned though. “I’m not going to tell you it’s been all smooches and hugs. But it shouldn’t be because that would be a bore … As long as they can handle it, I can handle it.”

Morrissey (pictured right) gave Coachella concertgoers a moment to remember last weekend. Midway through the set, he said, “I can smell burning flesh, and I hope to God it’s human.” A few minutes later, Moz left the stage! He would return, explaining, “The smell of burning animals is making me sick. I just couldn’t bear it.” The rest of his set concluded without incident. Moz, you may remember, is an outspoken vegetarian. One of The Smiths‘ albums is titled Meat Is Murder, after all.

More stories about Depeche Mode, The Cure, Pixies, Breeders, Pearl Jam, and Smashing Pumpkins after the jump.

Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan wakes up every night at 4:15 A.M., because that’s when he overdosed on coke and smack in 1996. He says, “I look at my watch and know in advance what the time will be. I think somebody wants to remind me that I have a good life — and it’s not for me to decide when it ends.”

The Cure posted live songs from their December MySpace Secret Show on their MySpace page. Also, Coachella organizers cut the power on The Cure during their headlining set because they broke curfew. Coachella people — if you don’t want to run late, don’t schedule bands that regularly play three encores!

As reported by Tampa Calling earlier this week, Pixies will drop the Minotaur boxed set in June. Meanwhile, Kim Deal and her sister/bandmate Kelley talked to Pitchfork about the upcoming Breeders DIY Fate To Fatal EP and the Pixies’ summer gigs in Europe.

Nirvana’s legendary 1992 Reading set will hit DVD in November. Kurt Cobain rolled on-stage via a wheelchair and performed while wearing a hospital robe (pictured left). The disc will feature restored video, 5.1 sound, and bonus material. A bootleg version, not sanctioned by the band or label and without enhanced video and sound, will appear in early May.

Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready says the band completed 14 songs so far and are about halfway done with the new album, which should be out before the end of the year. Also, director Cameron Crowe is working with Pearl Jam on a film about the group.

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan is testing a subscription model for access to exclusive content. $40 gets you twelve weeks worth of e-newsletters with studio diaries, multimedia files, lyrics, etc. Corgan says it’s not about money. “In exchange for a fixed resource base, fans will be let inside in an unprecedented way.”

In other Pumpkins news that I suppose this wasn’t financially motivated either, Pitchfork ‘reports “Billy Corgan finds innovative new ways to embarrass himself.” Leave it to pro wrestling to help him!