Duncan Sheik will reinterpret a dozen ’80s alternative and synthpop classics this June with the release of ‘Covers 80s,’ which will include new takes on old favorites by The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, Love and Rockets, The Smiths and more.

Following his smash turn guesting with Crystal Castles last year, Robert Smith of The Cure tries his hand at electronic music again, this time lending his distinctive vocals to Northern Ireland dance act The Japanese Popstars for their track ‘Take Forever.’ Hear a teaser here.

David Bowie next month will release a new live album recorded at his 50th birthday celebration in New York City in 1997, a 25-song set featuring guest appearances by The Cure’s Robert Smith, Lou Reed, Sonic Youth and the Pixies’ Frank Black.

Our latest roundup of stuff includes a stream of the NME’s seminal C86 cassette, plus a swanky photo gallery featuring Dave Gahan, Nick Cave, Bryan Ferry and more; some live video by The Church; and a look back at The Cure circa 1991.

Further evidence that Robert Smith may be revving up for an active 2011: The son of bassist Simon Gallup posted on Facebook that he was in the studio with The Cure last week, news that lit up fan sites and forums over the weekend.

Hey, what do you know: Turns out exactly two years have passed since Slicing Up Eyeballs: The Legacy of ’80s College Rock launched, and here we are — 1,276 posts and 1.7 million pageviews later — still chugging along.