The new Cat Power album just arrived - or at least a stream of it arrived onto my computer - so that's playing as I write this morning. Sounds pretty good, with a remarkable version of "New York New York" to kick things off, but I'll blog about it properly in the next few days.

'Breed' also to appear in an advert, film and computer game

'Funplex' is being released in February, their first album since 1992

A couple of weeks ago or so, I used the online appearance of a new Wu-Tang Clan tune to complain – from a dilettante-ish position, I admit – that 2007 has been a thin year for hip-hop. It now looks like the Wu album may have been put on hold for a while, though apparently there is the substantial compensation of a new Ghostface Killah album instead.

Tom Smith and co set for Ally Pally in March

Planet Rock secure exclusive rights to six 'new releases'

The Kooks also latest to help out Mencap next month

'Distortion' is Stephin Merritt's first new material in four years

The band also announce new Australian dates

The multi Grammy winning artist introduced Dolly Parton to the world