College-rock fixture-to-be R.E.M. released its landmark debut EP, ‘Chronic Town,’ 28 years ago today, and to commemorate the anniversary, we present alternate versions of three of the record’s five songs: a faster version of ‘Wolves, Lower’; ‘Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)’ with different vocals and no fadeout; and ‘Shaking Through,’ featuring an organ in the mix.

Early-’80s indie-pop outfit Orange Juice this fall will release a comprehensive 6CD/1DVD box set called ‘Coals to Newcastle’ that will include all four of the Scottish band’s albums, a host of singles and B-sides, BBC sessions, live performances and a DVD featuring the rare concert film ‘Dada With Juice.’

The recently reunited Yazoo — or Yaz, as the Vince Clarke/Alison Moyet group was known here in the U.S. — have released a short video trailer for their upcoming ‘Reconnected Live,’ the 20-song document of the duo’s 2008 reunion tour, which arrives Sept. 27 in the U.K.

Shaun Ryder — leader of Factory Records troublemakers Happy Mondays — celebrates his 48th birthday today, and to mark the occasion, here’s a vintage live performance of the band’s biggest hit: ‘Step On,’ their cover of John Kongos’ 1971 single ‘He’s Gonna Step On You Again.’

This week’s new releases include ‘Acoustic & Electric Live,’ a new concert Blu-ray from the Pixies; ’25: The Very Best Of,’ a new 2CD compilation from a-ha; and ‘Fidelity!,’ the debut from Chrissie Hynde’s new project JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys.

Highlights of tonight’s ‘Dark Wave’ on Sirius XM’s classic-alternative outlet 1st Wave include Depeche Mode’s classic ‘Waiting For the Night,’ a rare airing of The Sisters of Mercy’s ‘Driven Like the Snow’ plus Yaz’s ‘Ode to Boy.’