Power-pop legends Cheap Trick (pictured) are celebrating their 35th year together with the release of the cleverly titled The Latest, currently available exclusively through the band’s website. (It hits retail in mid-July.) The quartet starts a 40-city tour with Def Leppard June 23 in Camden, N.J. … Also celebrating an anniversary (25 years) are self-proclaimed Scumdogs Of The Universe, Gwar. Lust In Space (Metal Blade) offends sensibilities everywhere August 18 … Slightly more refined Mazzy Star chanteuse Hope Sandoval returns with Through The Devil Softly (Nettwerk) on September 1. The record was co-written by My Bloody Valentine co-founder Colm O’Ciosoig … Portland, Ore.’s Quasi’s debut LP for Kill Rock Stars, currently untitled, sees the light of day October 27. It’s the trio’s first record since 2006’s When The Going Gets Dark … On October 6, France’s Air floats its latest effort, Love 2 (EMI), the follow-up to 2007’s Pocket Symphony. “Do The Joy” will be available digitally July 7, with the formal single release of “Sing Sang Sung” happening August 25 … Speaking of follow-ups, June 30 sees Oh, For The Getting And Not Letting Go, the new effort from Jim Fairchild (formerly of Grandaddy and Modest Mouse) under the All Smiles moniker. The band’s previous record was 2007’s Ten Readings Of A Warning. A simultaneously recorded EP, Fall Never Fell, awaits a release date. Download “Our Final Roles As Birds” … Further speaking of follow-ups, Jay Reatard’s Watch Me Fall (Matador) drops August 18. Though Reatard has released new material since, the LP is the proper successor to 2006’s Blood Visions. Download “It Ain’t Gonna Save Me” … Singer/songwriter Simon Joyner’s 12th record, Out Into The Snow (Team Love), is slated for September 15. His band for this outing features Alex McManus (Lambchop, Bright Eyes) and Michael Krassner (Boxhead Ensemble). Download “Roll On” … Sting seems to like snow, so much so that his upcoming record, If On A Winter’s Night… (due October 27 on Deutsche Grammophon), is dedicated to his favorite season. Says the King Of Pain: “Our ancestors celebrated the paradox of light at the heart of the darkness, and the consequent miracle of rebirth and the regeneration of the seasons.” This shit writes itself.
