Paste Magazine is reporting that Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs (of The Bangles) are working on a second covers album. In 2006, Sweet and Hoffs released “Under the Covers, Vol.1,” a collection of ’60s classics. Sweet also discusses his latest solo outing, “Sunshine Lies,” which was released Aug. 26. For the complete interview, see Paste’s Web site.

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Matthew Sweet

Paste Magazine

“After rampant speculation, Matador Records can confirm the label will be releasing a new studio album from Sonic Youth sometime in 2009. Having fulfilled their contractual obligations to the Universal Music Group, Sonic Youth recently reached an agreement with Matador to release the band’s 16th album of new material in all worldwide territories, save for Japan.

While Sonic Youth’s status as one of the more innovative and influential bands of the past 30 years needs little explanation, the group’s most recent recordings for Geffen — 2006’s ‘Rather Ripped’ being their final for the label — rank amongst the current decade’s best. For Matador, the opportunity to work in partnership with a group who’ve made such an profound impact on our roster/hometown/collective consciousness was one to jump at. Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley will commence recording the new Sonic Youth LP/CD this autumn and we look forward to sharing further details in the very near future.” - Matador Records press release

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Sonic Youth

Matador Records

The Sea and Cake have announced tour dates in support of their eighth full-length studio album, “Car Alarm.” The tour begins in November. For a complete list of stops, check out Thrill Jockey’s Web site. “Car Alarm” will be released Oct. 21.

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The Sea and Cake

Thrill Jockey

XLR8R has a short feature on several notable releases coming this fall from the Brazilian music scene. I checked some of the artists and albums that they recommended, and I have so say it would be worth your time sample a few of the tracks.

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Verge Records

 Zuco 103

 Far Out Recordings

According to Star Pulse Entertainment, Supergrass will be launching a summer tour alongside the Foo Fighters in support of their latest album “Diamond Hoo Ha.” The Britpop act released its sixth studio album on June 10 off their new record label Astralwerks. For tour information, see Supergrass.com.