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Music News: Rick Rubin announces Star Wars remix album

by Staff

February 08, 2016

Producer Rick Rubin has announced that he's putting together a Star Wars remix album — featuring sound effects and dialogue from the Star Wars movies, melded with original music. The album will feature electronic music artists including Flying LotusRöyskoppKaskade, and more. Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams, who's also a musician, collaborates with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and A-Trak to cut a track called "Jabba Flow." Star Wars Headspace will be released Feb. 19. (Rolling Stone)

From the Dept. of Reunions (and Lack Therof)

20 years after their breakup, Belly have announced that they are reuniting. The band, led by Tanya Donnelly, say they have new music in the works and plan a summer tour that will start in the U.K. with possible North American dates to follow. One big question remaining is which members, exactly, will take part in this reunion. (Rolling Stone)

The Grateful Dead may be done performing under that name, but Dead & Company just keep on going. The group — featuring original Dead members Bob WeirMickey Hart, and Bob Kreutzmann alongside John Mayer — have announced 17 new tour dates for June and July. (Rolling Stone)

It's official: Peter Cetera won't rejoin his former Chicago bandmates for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "I have a life with two beautiful daughters and a solo career," wrote Cetera in an open letter to the event organizers. "Have a great show and please send any individual award I receive to the contact you have for me." (Billboard)

Rainbow brightened

Lemmy Kilmister fans are getting one of their most ardent wishes for a posthumous tribute to the Motörhead frontman: a statue of Kilmister will be erected at the Rainbow Bar & Grill, one of Kilmister's favorite hangouts. Hundreds of fans are chipping in for the crowdfunded statue, which will cost $19,000. (Billboard)

Today's Bey buzz

Everyone's still talking about the Super Bowl 50 halftime show. While "Formation," the new song Beyoncé performed at the show, has won widespread praise, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has sharply criticized the song, which he characterizes as an "attack" on police. Love it or hate it, it looks like "Formation" will appear on a new Beyoncé album. "I've heard it, and it's fantastic," says the star's stylist Ty Hunter.

Meanwhile, Coldplay's Chris Martin tells Rolling Stone that David Bowie wasn't the only one to pass on a Coldplay collab because he found the suggested song not up to snuff — Beyoncé also rejected a song offered by Martin, in her case a number called "Hook Up." The band kept trying, though, and got Beyoncé to join them on their new number "Hymn for the Weekend."

Would he be Sunny Wilbury?

The Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" has been a go-to track on Jenny Lewis's set lists since she first covered the song with Ben GibbardConor Oberst, and M. Ward on her 2006 album Rabbit Fur Coat. On Saturday night at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Lewis and her Rabbit Fur Coat collaborators the Watson Twins were joined by Mr. Relaxation himself, Jimmy Buffet. (Rolling Stone)

Music TV

James Corden's Carpool Karaoke series is officially a phenomenon: the host seems to be able to get just about anyone he wants to hop in the passenger seat. In the latest episode, Sir Elton John gamely dons a boa and goofy glasses to sing along with the TV host. (Rolling Stone)

In a new teaser clip for the forthcoming season of PortlandiaGlenn Danzig helps Fred Armisen — who's playing a goth — dress appropriately for the beach. (Pitchfork)

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