ASHES TO ASHES, the current BBC TV series set in the 80s, will release a soundtrack album on March 17th featuring a selection of tracks featured in the series including DAVID BOWIE's title track. See NEWS for the full tracklisting which includes music from VISAGE, DURAN DURAN, THE HUMAN LEAGUE and ULTRAVOX.

YAZOO have announced six US shows on their forthcoming reunion tour. The shows will take place in July and the duo have also added more dates - in Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham and Bristol - to the UK leg of the tour. See GIGS for the full set of dates.

THE CURE have added two new shows to their upcoming US tour with the announcement of a San Jose show in May and a second New York concert in June. See GIGS for all the band's dates.

ABC, BELINDA CARLISLE and the HUMAN LEAGUE are planning a joint tour of the USA to take place in the summer supported by a number of other acts thought to include A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS and NAKED EYES although plans are currently only at a very early stage.

THE PASSIONS' classic single 'I'm In Love With A German Film Star' has been covered by PET SHOP BOYS featuring Sam Taylor-Wood on vocals. The single will be available via the duo's official website and will be released on CD and 7" vinyl.

SIMPLE MINDS have announced UK arena shows in November and December. See GIGS for all the dates.

PAULA ABDUL looks set to boost her forthcoming new album with a selection of remixed versions of her best known hits. The currently untitled new album, her first since 1995, is expected to be released later this year.

JOY DIVISION will be the subject of a 'best of' retrospective due for release on March 24th. The release will feature 2CDs, one containing fourteen of the band's best known tracks and a second featuring live tracks, John Peel sessions and an archive interview with IAN CURTIS and STEPHEN MORRIS. See NEWS for the full album tracklisting.

THE SPECIALS are to be the subject of a CD/DVD retrospective package 'The Best Of The Specials' which will be released on March 31st. The double disc set will feature a 20 track CD and a 16 track DVD.

CYNDI LAUPER, THE B-52s, JOAN JETT and THE INDIGO GIRLS will all appear on the bill of the 24-date 'True Colors' tour which will start on May 31st. See GIGS for all the dates.

KILLING JOKE are to reform for a new album and tour this year with dates already scheduled in Japan, Europe and the USA, see GIGS for all the details.

THE B-52s will play a short US tour to support the release of their forthcoming 'Funplex' album. The band will play thirteen club shows, starting on April 23rd. See GIGS for all the dates

PET SHOP BOYS are tentatively looking at early 2009 for the release of their next studio album. The duo are currently working on new material, with a number of songs already finished, as well as ideas for a ballet project at London's Sadlers Wells theatre.