DepMod and Apple in business love … Depeche Mode are debuting their comeback album Sounds of the Universe with an Apple twist – they’ll be testing out the new iTunes Pass, which allows buyers to receive “extended singles, remixes, videos, and more,” in addition to the regular album. What’s the cost? While the actual album is priced at the regular $9.99, the deluxe iTunes Pass edition will be bumped up to $18.99. However, the perks, which extend until June 16, are never explained in detail, nor does it guarantee any exclusive material. Ha, there is a catch! Sounds of the Universe is expected to be released April 21.
The Beastie Boys and “weird” sound about right … In an interview with Entertainment Weekly last weekend, Beastie Boy rapper Adam Yauch (MCA) described their upcoming album as a “pretty weird record.” Unlike their 2007 record The Mix-Up, their upcoming and eighth release will feature rhymes, among other aspects like “playing” and sampling. The rappers will also be performing at this year’s Bonnaroo festival.
No Doubtamore dates … As promised, No Doubt will be headlining a summer reunion tour, releasing dates that begin May 3 at the Bamboozle Festival and ending August 1 in their native area of Southern California (Irvine). Other acts supporting them throughout the tour include Paramore, Janelle Monae, Bedouin Soundclash, and the Sounds. While fan club pre-sales begin today, tickets will be available to the public on March 7 through Live Nation.
Nappy Boy cancels gig (gulp) … Everyone’s favorite Autotune/Vocoder user, T-Pain, has canceled a South American show due to what his promoter says are “credible death and kidnapping threats.” The performance, which was part of a festival celebrating Guyana’s independence from Great Britain, was called when the singer received unidentified phone and e-mail messages. The threats are currently being investigated by the local authorities of Guyana.
