The Japanese Popstars next week will release a 12-inch with remixes of ‘Take Forever,’ the track they recorded with Robert Smith on vocals — and thanks to the fine folks over at Astralwerks, one Slicing Up Eyeballs reader can win that plus a signed copy of the group’s remix 12-inch with an exclusive Depeche Mode mix.
This week’s new releases include Jane’s Addiction’s new studio album (‘The Great Escape Artist’), the U.S. release of The Smiths’ ‘Complete’ box set, R.E.M.’s ‘We All Go Back To Where We Belong’ digital single, The Japanese Popstars’ remix EP of the Robert Smith-assisted ‘Take Forever’ and reissues form Pop Will Eat Itself and The Proclaimers.
The last couple years have seen Robert Smith of The Cure in mad collaboration mode, and one of those tracks — 65daysofstatic’s ‘Come To Me’ — resurfaced this week when Pitchfork posted it as a free download to promote the upcoming, and belated, U.S. release of that band’s 2010 album ‘We Were Exploding Anyway.’
Robert Smith’s not happy with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, slamming the organization online for not mentioning his just-nominated band’s current drummer in its bio of the group, writing, ‘Jason Cooper is The Cure’s drummer — and it sickens me that he doesn’t get a name check… bah!’
This week’s headlines on Slicing Up Eyeballs included news of a new Kate Bush album, tour dates from X and Dinosaur Jr, new music from Simple Minds, INXS and The Waterboys, and a very cool contest for fans of The Smiths.
Next month, The Japanese Popstars will release a digital “remix bundle” of their single ‘Take Forever’ — featuring Robert Smith of The Cure on lead vocals — featuring four different mixes of the song, including a slowed-down, dream-like contribution from Smith himself
The Cure headlined the U.K.’s Bestival tonight, delivering a 32-song set filled with hits and a few lesser-aired tracks — including the first performance of ‘The Caterpillar’ in 20 years — with a lineup that included the return of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell, who says he’s back in the band for the third time.
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 