Heart finishing work on new album and children's book
A new album as well as a children's book are on Heart's release agenda for this year. Guitarist Nancy Wilson has said that she and sister Ann have been recording the past few months with producer Ben Mink and are working on Heart's first album of new material since 5 years. Around eight songs are ready and another three basic tracks were recorded so far. Heart is also planning for a release of a children’s storybook inspired by its 1978 album "Dog & Butterfly" which will come with a CD that includes new versions of the title song and "Dreamboat Annie." Ann did the writing for the book and both sisters also made the initial drawings of the dog and the butterfly.

Stone Roses to rerelease old material
Five singles by Stone Roses are set to be reissued this summer in conjunction with the 20th anniversary reissue of their self-titled debut album. One single a week will be released from July 6 on and will be issued on seven-inch vinyl and in several download formats. Each release will come backed with untitled, previously-unreleased recordings by the Manchester legends. A collectable box will be released alongside first single “Elephant Stone” featuring space for the remaining singles plus art prints by guitarist John Squire. Two special editions of The Stone Roses' 1989 debut album, a collector's and legacy edition, are set for release on August 10.

Offspring preparing for new album
The Offspring is lookking at old material for their next album. Guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman has said that frontman Dexter Holland recently sat down with producer Bob Rock, who produced 2008's "Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace," to start working on its follow-up.Some songs that were left off the last album as well as songs that were left off previous albums “Splinter” and “Conspiracy Of One” are now again taken into consideration. According to Wasserman, the The Offspring is aiming to release a new album next year.

Air to release new album Love 2 in October
French electronic act Air will release their fifth studio album entitled "Love 2" on October 6. The twelve song album was produced by the group themselves. Two singles will precede the new effort: on July 7 opening track "Do The Joy" will be out, followed by "Sing Sang Sung" on August 25. On "Love 2" a wide mix of sounds and arrangements can be heard, ranging from more jazzy grooves to warm and sensual instrumentals.

David Lynch songs to be released
Movie director David Lynch has that he will be releasing a collection of seven songs he wrote and produced in 1994. The effort will be titled “Fox Bat Strategy: A Tribute To Dave Jaurequi” and is released as a tribute to musician Jaurequi, who passed away in 2006. The album will out on June 30.

Sting announces new effort for this fall
Sting has announced that his next album "If On a Winter's Night..." will be inspired by the winter season which is his favorite time of year. The album will feature two original compositions as well as traditional songs, carols and lullabies from the British Isles. The album is set for a October 27 release date. For the album Sting will cover Herbie Hancock's Grammy-winning "Gershwin's World."

New Order changes into Bad Lieutenant
In a statement, New Order-founder Peter Hook has said that Bernard Sumner will not be continuing with the band now Hook has left. Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris have formed a new band called Bad Lieutenant. Bad Lieutenant was the name of the band Sumner and Morris were using during the split with Hook but it will now remain to be their band name. They will be joined by ex-Blur member Alex James. Bad Lieutenant is now recording their debut album which is expected to surface later this year.

Uncle Kracker to release new album Happy Hour
Uncle Kracker will release his new album "Happy Hour" on September 15 . "Smile" will be the first single from the 12-song set. "Happy Hour" was produced mostly by Rob Cavallo, with one track produced by Kid Rock and another by S*A*M & Sluggo. Uncle Kracker enjoyed his greatest success with his 2002 remake of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away."

New Mariah Carey album set for August
Mariah Carey will release her 12th studio album on August 25. As reported previously, it will be titled "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel" and debut single "Obsessed" is out now. Island/Def Jam head Antonio "L.A." Reid is the executive producer on the album, while Tricky Stewart and The-Dream produced the majority of the tracks.

Michael Jackson dies
Michael Jackson has died June 25 after reportedly being found unconscious in his home. Paramedics rushed the 50-year-old artist to UCLA Medical Center, where he was declared dead. Jackson was in Los Angeles rehearsing for a 50-date run of concerts at London's O2 Arena that was to begin July 13.