Ten years into their current reunion, The Specials have announced they’ll release a new album titled Encore next year, the band’s first collection of original material in two decades and its first recordings with original lead singer Terry Hall since the 1981 single “Ghost Town.” Full details, including tracklist, right here.
Goth-rock legends Alien Sex Fiend return next month with Possessed, their first new studio album in eight years and one that will have diehards snatching up both the CD and double-LP editions, as each carries specific mixes exclusive to that format. Full details and tracklist right here.
Last month we brought you early word of a giant 9-disc R.E.M. boxed set filled with BBC recordings, and while it’s still not officially announced — though it seems we’re close to that happening — we can now offer full details and a complete tracklist for the package. Full details right here.
The three albums released by 4AD Records collective This Mortal Coil — led by label founder Ivo Watts-Russell, and featuring contributions from members of the Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Throwing Muses, Pixies and more — will be reissued next month in deluxe CD and LP editions. Full details right here.
With Marc Almond reuniting with Dave Ball to commemorate Soft Cell’s 40th anniversary with one final farewell concert next month, the duo also have produced some new music go to along with the occasion: two new songs, in fact, that will be included on a new singles collection. Hear one of them right here.
The Cocteau Twins’ latter-period work — spanning the years 1993 to 1996 — will be compiled this fall on a new four-disc, 53-track box set that will include the dreampop icons’ final two albums plus two discs’ worth of B-sides, EP tracks, live radio sessions and rarities. Check out the full tracklist right here.
Less than a month after being forced to cut a tour short to recover from cancer treatment, Elvis Costello has announced his next studio album with his long-running combo The Imposters (ie, most of The Attractions) and debuted two of the songs that will appear on that record. Check out the songs here.
Q&A: Daniel Ash on Love and Rockets’ reunion, his new band — and figuring out how to play “So Alive” 
Q&A: Chris Frantz talks Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club and new book ‘Remain in Love’ 
Q&A: Steve Wynn on The Dream Syndicate’s first new album in nearly 30 years 
Q&A: Bauhaus’ David J on his ‘accidental’ concept album ‘Not Long For This World’ 
Q&A: Peter Murphy on ‘Ninth,’ Bauhaus’ break-up, reuniting Dalis Car 
Q&A: Joey Santiago on Pixies’ ‘Doolittle’ tour, possible ‘Surfer Rosa’ shows, new album talk 
Q&A: Prefab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon on new album, changing the world with music 
Q&A: Peter Hook talks ‘Unknown Pleasures’ tour, re-recording Joy Division 