Following their upcoming dates opening for the reunited Spandau Ballet in Australia, Tears For Fears will return to North America late this summer for a headlining tour of their own, with at least 17 dates announced so far in the Eastern U.S. and Canada — including a pair of free concerts.

The second post-reunion album from Crowded House — dubbed ‘Intriguer’ — will be released this June under the band’s new deal with Universal Music, and will be followed by a lengthy, 28-date tour of North America beginning in July.

Beck and his Record Club crew, featuring members of St. Vincent, Liars and Os Mutantes, cover ‘New Sensation,’ the second track off INXS’ 1987 blockbuster ‘Kick.’ The ad-hoc group gives the hit single a dreamy, acoustic makeover, complete with violin and vocals from St. Vincent’s Annie Clark and Liars’ Angus Andrew.

Record-nerd mecca Amoeba Music this week posted video of skewed singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock’s eight-song, 37-minute in-store performance at the indie chain’s Hollywood megastore, as well as a 10-minute interview segment with the musician.

Classic punk outfit Buzzcocks today announced a 22-date North American tour later this spring that will find the band tearing through its first two albums — ‘Another Music in a Different Kitchen’ and ‘Love Bites’ — in their entirety each night, plus ‘other hits.’

Bad Lieutenant, featuring New Order’s Bernard Sumner, last week issued ‘Twist of Fate,’ the second single off its 2009 debut, ‘Never Cry Another Tear’ — and now have offered up a video for one of the remixes of its first single, ‘Sink or Swim.’

The members of Jane’s Addiction this week effectively confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in rock: namely that former Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan has replaced original member Eric Avery, who earlier this month left the band for the second time.