Soundwave: Ryan Adams, Cat Power, Beasties, Beck and Bobby G

Stonehenge might not be the most conventional rock venue but in the mind of Ryan Adams it’s just another arena. The alt country/rock songsmith has announced a gig there as part of the Salisbury International Art Festival on June 5th which also happens to be the release date of new album, “Easy Tiger”.

He’s not the only US indie darling with live plans… Chan “Cat Power” Marshall is bringing her beautifully melancholic songs to European shores this spring, kicking off proceedings in Glasgow on April 25th. She plays the Dirty Three-curated All Tomorrow’s Parties festival (April 27-29) and then a string of dates covering Europe. Dates in full.

Also on the road this spring is Beck making his first Australian appearance in four years as part of the finalised line-up for first antipodean leg of the V festival. Taking place in Sydney and the Gold Coast on March 31st and April 1st respectively, other acts confirmed include: New York Dolls (with their first Australian appearance ever!), Pixies, Pet Shop Boys, 2Many DJs, Jarvis Cocker, Gnarls Barkley and Nouvelle Vague.

The Beastie Boys are hinting at a summer release for their follow-up to 2004’s “To The 5 Boroughs” and plan to debut some new material on live outings in the US and Europe. It’ll hopefully follow hot on the heels of the new Bad Brains LP, which has been produced by senior Beastie, Adam Yauch. Featuring the original line-up, “Build a Nation” drops in late May / early June.

Finally, Bobby Gillespie has offered his drumming services to the newly reformed Jesus and Mary Chain. Gillespie, who quit the group in 1985 to form Primal Scream, has expressed a keen desire to complete the reformed original line up. The band have confirmed they will play LA’s Coachella festival in May. Lets hope the bickering Reid brothers can keep it together long enough to produce a new album.