News: Bjork, Zombies, Big Boi, Lupe Fiasco

OK Bjork fans, if you weren’t lucky enough to get your hands on Glasto tickets and don’t have the cashflow - or time - to jet around the world to catch her US tour or various European festival appearances then salvation is at hand in the form of a webcast! We know, its not the best substitute - but its still a damn good one. NPR will broadcast her May 5th gig (with Konono No1) live from NYC’s United Palace and will also host it as a pocast free of charge whilst WNCY will re-broadcast the show on their website on May 14th.

British psych-pop legends The Zombies will be reforming – with deceased guitarist Paul Atkinson being replaced by Keith Airey - for a series of shows commemorating the 40th anniversary of their classic LP ‘Odyssey and Oracle’. À la ATP’s Don’t Look Back concert series the band will perform the album in it’s entirety but they will also find time to fit in some other gems from the rest of their back catalogue. More Info.

Lupe Fiasco has unveiled details of his follow up to grammy nominated debut ‘Food and Liquor’. Speaking to Billboard at Coachella Mr. Fiasco reiterated on his desire to rope in Pink Floyd: “Nothing has developed yet. But once the stew gets swirling and people start talking, you never know. I hope it does work out.” We hate to say it, but don't get your hopes up Lupe. He also cryptically mentioned a secret project with “another superstar rapper and someone who is a rapper/producer”. ‘The Cool’ is slated for a Halloween release.

After Andre 3000’s undefeated reign as hip hop’s King of Camp it appears that his own partner in rhyme, Big Boi, is going to be first to challenge the throne. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution Big Boi will be performing with the Atlanta Ballet on April 10-13 next year. It has been described by the ballet company as "an adventuresome, exhilarating evening featuring the world-renowned musical artistry of Big Boi of Outkast as well as artists of Purple Ribbon Entertainment. Daring, progressive, and soulful, these very talented artists perform a stunning collaborative piece, LIVE on stage with Atlanta Ballet's exquisite dancers." Can you imagine Purple Ribbon signee Bubba Sparxxx in a leotard?

Finally, America’s answer to the Mercury Music Prize, the Shortlist Music Prize, has announced its list of nominees. The lists are compiled by a panel of musicians and journalists known as ‘listmakers’. The listmakers this year include Franz Ferdinand (nominating LPs by Belle & Sebastian, Hot Chip, Liars), Sufjan Stevens (Dabrye, Danielson, Matmos) and Snow Patrol (Beirut, Bonnie Prince Billy, Mates of State).