Guns N' Roses in talks about releasing new album again
Guns N' Roses is in talks to finally release their album "Chinese Democracy," which has been in the works for almost ten years. The effort was last scheduled for release in March 2007. Meanwhile, guitarist Robin Finck has left the band to return to Nine Inch Nails, and will be touring with that band this summer.

New Stereolab album titled Chemical Chords
Stereolab have revealed details of their new studio album. The new effort will be titled “Chemical Chords,” and is the band's first since 2004's “Margerine Eclipse.” The new set is set for an August 18 releae date in Europe and one day later in the US. The album features 13 tracks as well as string and brass arrangements from former band member Sean O'Hagan.

Yaz reunion tour extended
Yaz’s Reconnected tour schedule has grown significantly due to popular demand. It is now set to start on May 26 in Copenhagen and then proceed to Europe, the UK and US with some possible additional dates to come. Yaz (known as Yazoo outside the US) had a brief recording career, spawning just two albums, "Upstairs At Eric's" and "You And Me Both," and generated a hit singles "Only You," “Situation,” "Don't Go" and “The Other Side Of Love.” Next month "In Your Room," a four-disc collection of remasters, remixes, B-sides, a DVD and the band's two studio albums, will be released.

Jay-Z to feature on Mariah Carey and Usher tracks
Jermaine Dupri has made the most of recording time with Jay-Z, having him doing guest vocals for both an Usher track and a Mariah Carey remix. The Mariah Carey remix is an upbeat reworking of "Bye Bye," the second single from her latest album “E=MC2.” Meanwhile, Jay-Z also worked on a new track from Usher that was produced by Dupri. The track will be titled "The Best Thing" and is included on Usher's upcoming new album “Here I Stand” that is set for a May 27 release date.

New Ne-Yo album set for June
Ne-Yo’s new album will be titled "Year Of The Gentleman." It will be the singer’s third effort that he wanted to be something a little different from the first and second regarding its sound. The album is due on June 24. First single off the album is the Stargate-produced track "Closer."

RZA forms new group with System Of A Down’s Shavo Odadjian, Kinetic 9 and Reverend William Burke
Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA has formed a new band with System Of A Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, Kinetic 9 and Chicago rapper Reverend William Burke. The band will be called Achozen and has just finished recording a self-titled debut album that is set to be released this summer. While RZA, Burke and Kinetic do most of the vocals and lyrics, George Clinton, Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante, Killah Priest and Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA also feature on the album. First single off the album is "Deuces." Meanwhile, RZA is also returning to his Bobby Digital alter ego for the album "Digi Snax," which is due on July 1. That album's first single is "You Can't Stop Me now" featuring Inspectah Deck.

Billy Joel to re-release The Stranger album
Billy Joel's "The Stranger" 30th anniversary will be celebrated with two special edition releases this summer. Due July 8, the album will be available as a two-CD set and a two-CD/single-DVD package. Both versions include the previously unreleased concert disc "Live at Carnegie Hall 1977." The DVD on the three-disc set includes promo videos and a 60-minute 1978 appearance on the BBC's "The Old Grey Whistle Test." Joel’s album "The Stranger" won Grammys for record of the year and song of the year for the single "Just the Way You Are". It also featured the hits "Only The Good Die Young," "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" and "She's Always A Woman."

New John Mellencamp album and musical
John Mellencamp will do a summer tour in support of his upcoming new album "Life, Death, Love And Freedom," wich is out on July 15. Mellencamp previewed songs from his new effort while on tour last year. Meanwhile, the Mellencamp/Stephen King musical "Ghost Brothers Of Darkland County" will open in April 2009 at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre. John Mellencamp wrote the score, while King wrote the script for the musical.